The Revival is Here!

Last year’s economic slump lead LLF members to take it upon themselves to create an event, a spectacle of sorts to generate attention to the closing of so many of our local businesses.  Businesses we had just gotten to know and love and businesses that were already an established part of our lives.  Our Second Line, mock protestors, choir and pastor created a raucous event and saved the souls of many who were swayed by the bright lights of the big box store.

While we typically try to remain fairly subtle in our messaging, at least so far as keeping the message positive, the Revival is a time to preach the message of LOCAL in a way that reminds me of attending tent revivals as a child.  There was nothing subtle about what the visiting minister had to say and a call to action was necessary or there would be dire circumstances.

This Thursday the Medicine Man will be parading into town with his quick fix elixirs and sure fire remedies for our economy.  These quick fixes are sure to create jobs, boost economic activity and leave our town like ANYWHERE  USA, you’ve been there before, strip malls, businesses and fast food strips that creep up and take over and once they have devastated the local independent businesses eventually crawl out of town at night leaving behind a ghost town.  Now I’m not saying that this will happen to Charleston, but imagine the work involved in repairing the damage. We’ve all seen the devastation of a one night stand economy, LLF is working to build the relationship economy!

The Revival is a time to remember that we all have choices, and we encourage you to choose with your dollars, your time, your heart and in doing so choose the Lowcountry!

Join us October 6th at 6:00 for the parade down Upper King and Medicine Man show at the Music Farm.

Just in Time for Spring- Gardening and Sustainable Agriculture Classes!

Register Now for an upcoming Green Classes for anyone interested in home gardening or sustainable farming! Trident Technical College's Continuing Education's Green Courses' Sustainable Agriculture Program have created this class series through a partnership with Lowcountry Local First. We are working together to reach more folks! Graduates from these classes will have the skills to run sustainable rural/urban farms, teach in school gardens, create community gardens, victory gardens, create new local food biz, and work in food justice here in the Lowcountry.

Our classes are designed for anyone interested in; growing gardens, large or small, marketing their produce or just sharing it with friends, growing for their family, their child’s school, or their community. If you are looking for a new career in the growing agricultural industry, or just looking for a productive new hobby, our classes are for you!

The course will be held just 25 miles down the road, at Trident Tech's St Paul's Parish Site in Hollywood, SC on Hwy 162.

Instructor’s Name: Buster Herrington
Course Info (Title): Tractors
Class fee: $79.00
Location: St Paul's Parish Site, classroom 104
Date: Saturday, March 26th, 9am -1pm
Class description: Parts, operation, safety and maintenance

Instructor’s Name: Jenny Bloom
Course Info (Title): Market Gardens
Class fee: $169.00
Location: St Paul's Parish Site, Classroom 104
Date: Monday, April 4,11,18, 25 from 6:30-8:30pm
Class description: Growing and Marketing from a Small Scale Farming Perspective

Instructor’s Name: Kari Whitley
Course Info (Title): Intro to Sustainable Agriculture
Class fee: $259.00
Location: St Paul's Parish Site, Classroom 104
Date: Thursdays, April 7- June 2, 6:00-8:30
Class description: The Basics for Growing Food Locally

Instructor’s Name: Roger Francis
Course Info (Title): Local Soils and Soil Amendments
Class fee: $169.00
Location: St Paul's Parish Site, Classroom 104
Date: Thursdays, June 2, 9, 16, 23 form 6:30-8:30
Class description: Learn about our local soils and how best to amend them to maximize your gardens yield

Instructor’s Name: Jenny Bloom
Course Info (Title): Composting
Class fee: $79.00
Location: St Paul's Parish Site, Classroom 104
Date: Monday, June 6 and June 13th from 6:30-8:30pm
Class description: Composting in piles, worm boxes and the best ways to incorporate compost into your garden.

Instructor’s Name: Danielle Spies

Course Info (Title): Propagation

Location: Savory Herbs Farm, Johns Island

Date: Saturdays, September 10^th and 17^th, 9:00am- 1:00pm
Class description: Seeding, soils, and cuttings; the basics of propagation for any size grower

Sustainable Agriculture Program Coordinator: Catherine McGuinn

Contact information: cmcguinn@bellsouth.net

An expert taken from, Who are the new farmers? By John Ikerd: http://web.missouri.edu/~ikerdj/papers/SFT-New%20Farmers%20-%20USDA%20Census.htm

A link to all of John Ikerd’s papers: http://web.missouri.edu/~ikerdj/papers/

CALLING ALL LOCAL FOOD INNOVATORS!

Announcing the Official Call for Entries for the Food Innovators Award, established by Lowcountry Local First and the BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival, serves to recognize the achievements of a local visionary in the food community whose professional efforts are making the Lowcountry a better place to live, work and eat. Through their work, these innovators help cultivate a greater appreciation for our land and local food culture.

The winner of the Food Innovators Award will receive $3000.00 to put towards their professional endeavors. The winner will be selected by a panel of local chefs, including Jeremiah Bacon, Sean Brock, Craig Deihl, Mike Lata, Frank Lee, and Michelle Weaver, all of whom were selected as recipients of the 2010 Ultimate Critics Award. The Top three applicants will be featured at the Lowcountry Local First tent during the BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival (March 3-6, 2011) and will be asked to sample their products. All finalists will be notified by February 15, 2011 and the winner will be announced at the Opening Ceremonies of the Festival on Friday, March 4, 2011.

Access a full Application Here (pdf)!

Applicant Requirements:

- Food Innovator must live and work in the Tri-County area.

-Food Innovator must use or produce a majority of locally-sourced ingredients, products or services.

- Applications must be received by February 1, 2011.

-If applicable, samples, photos or portfolios of your product or service are encouraged and may be requested for finalists. Send to LLF address below.

Remit application to:

By mail: Lowcountry Local First, 1345 Avenue G #AA, North Charleston, SC 29405

By e-mail: kate@lowcountrylocalfirst.org

Questions: (843) 740-5444