Yesterday was Memorial Day, an unofficial step into summer . . . also a time to remember, to celebrate dedicated lives, to gather for parades and picnics. In our 2010-lifestyle of increasing demands on our time, of threats to our domestic economy, of devastation to our national coastal water and wetlands culture, and of offers of more big-box stores [available on line so no need not leave home] and of an opportunity to acquire yet greater recycling bins, shall we consider beyond the box?

Do we remember Victory gardens, War Bonds, recycled materials, and that rationing paid for battles as they were fought? Do recall that the Civil Conservation Core employed folks who built amazing parks, fostered time-cherished art and literature, and ensured some hope for the future? Do we realize that some wealthy folks donated much to provide space for our recreation areas, schools, and libraries? Do we know that free public schools and libraries provide a zest and creative zeal our future leaders? When did we invest in credit to charge the future generations for our ways?

Our Ardmore celebrates a centennial this year. Shall we recall that our Ardmore was built over farmland and pure underground streams? It’s been reported that developers of this community racked the rich productive soil off to sell it gaining great financial returns. Homes built on red clay lots must have been renew, enriched, and planted to become beauty we now enjoy! Water continues to be our most important resource. Let’s take time to consider how our habits, time-saving ways, and distribution of waste shall affect the next 100 years.

Oh, I am supposed to be talking about environmental concerns . . . I’ll list some opportunities to consider in hopes of sustaining and enriching our environment, our culture, and lessons for our youth. Community gardens are growing and sharing again. Impervious surfaces are breaking down to allow rainwater natural purification on the way to the streams, the river, and to our drinking water. [see December 13th, 2009 environment post]. Sewer drains are marked to remind folks these too cycle. Notice that the county and city green ways may have more plantings which do not command a team of “Mowers ‘n’ Blowers” expelling gas fumes into the air. [For my part, I cannot understand how paid landscapers are permitted to blow yard waste into our streets eventually into our waterways.] Water continues to be our most important resource. Let’s take time to consider how our habits, time-saving ways, and distribution of waste shall affect the next 100 years.

In our Ardmore

Cafe Roche Farmer’s Market -Saturdays from 8am-1pm. We may be small but this group of farmers is very diverse in what they grow and raise on their sustainable farms.

Yellow Wolf Farm raises grass-fed lamb, poultry, pork, rabbit and goat. They also offer eggs from free range hens and goat milk soaps and lotions. Being dog lovers, we also bake all natural dog treats using our goat milk, meat and eggs and we sell naturally raised meat for pet diets.

Crosscreek Farm brings delicious pastured pork including Italian Sausage and Bratwurst made with lean meat and no MSG, nitrates or nitrites. Crosscreek also sells butter as well as goat and cow’s milk cheeses.

Carolina Dirt Farmers are some of the nicest guys that you will meet and they grow beautiful herbs, garlic and produce. Currently they are offering a fresh lettuce mix, garlic scapes, herbs and plants for transplanting. [from ardmorelistserve ]

N.C.: May 23-29 is Hurricane Preparedness Week

Families should have an emergency plan and emergency supply kits ready to go at all times. The kit should contain enough non-perishable food and a gallon of water per person per day to last three to seven days. The kit should also include the following essentials:

• Copies of insurance papers and identification sealed in a watertight plastic bag
• First-aid kit
• Weather radio and batteries
• Supply of prescription medicines
• Bedding
• Change of clothes
• Hygiene items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and deodorant
• Cash or checkbook
• Pet supplies including food, water, leashes, bedding, muzzle and vaccination records

Citizens also are encouraged to review and update their homeowners’ insurance policies now to make sure they include coverage for accidental damage and natural disasters and, if necessary, flood insurance.

[condensed from http://www.governor.state.nc.us/NewsItems/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?newsItemID=1138 ]