Memphis Democrat August 9, 2000

There's been so many comings and goings that I can't keep track of who is on the farm these days. But I'm glad to report that members Jess, Jacob, Timothy Jean and Kalen have all returned home. We are only missing Alline who should return home soon. Everyone was refreshed from their vacations but we're so glad they're home. We also had a new intern arrive: Tamar from Massachusetts with her dog Maya, who will be helping with construction. However, many of our interns are leaving to start jobs or school again. We will miss every one and are thankful for all they added to our life here.

Even though nearly every one is home, lots of folks look different. There was a slew of haircuts in the last week or so. Maybe its the heat?

Kurt is really making progress on his building. He invited Chad from Sandhill Farm to come over with his rock climbing gear so they could safely install the last part of his roof. Chad barely seemed to think it was work, because he had so much fun scaling the roof with her gear on. The bales will be going up in Kurt's walls any day now.

There have been lots of events this week that have made life feel kind of like a vacation at home. We visited postmaster Mary Walker and her husband Roger for a party, complete with volleyball, live music, good food and good company. Then the next night a carload of folks went up to Fairfield, IA to see a slideshow and talk put on by a couple from New Zealand. They practice a form of farming and land management called permaculture.

Before the interns left, we had to make sure to get in some good educational content, so members hosted a series of talks on solar energy, biodiesel and building your own home. Then to top it all off, friend of the community Allette Brooks, of CA, performed a concert of folk music in Fairfield, IA. A bunch of folks from Sandhill and Dancing Rabbit went up to see her.

We've been enjoying the opportunity to get to know our neighbors. We've seen Michael and Brenda Roe working hard hauling all their stuff to their place in Rutledge because they sold their house in Peoria. We look forward to seeing Brenda around Scotland County a lot more. We got to meet Lucille Triplett of Memphis and Beth Montgomery of Arbela when they came by for a Saturday tour. And we are starting to get excited to the Rutledge Fall Festival in September. Lindsey from Sandhill went to a planning meeting and is in charge of scheduling the musical acts. We are going to participate. Won't you? Give her a call at Sandhill if you'd like to play.

We welcome folks to come by for a tour Saturdays at 1pm, but please call first at 883-5511.

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