Cob: [Fwd: Dates are changed]

[Keith Breuker]

Hello Listers,

Though I have been inactive on the list for a while, I have not been
idle.  During the summer of 1999 we completed our earthen plastered SB
house and I facilitated two workshops at Ndibendaagwaz an Eco-Learning
Center near Traverse City, Michigan.  Pictures of these and other
activities of 1999 are posted on the Center's web site at: 
<www.www3/cybercities.com/m/mills22/frames.html> .

It seems that some servers don't access this site, mine included. 
Anyway more information is available there.  Plans are to get a domain
as soon as funds allow.  I'll let you know.  

The Eco-Learning Center is in the process of becoming a 501(c)3
non-profit.  

The mission is to preserve a sustainable oasis as a demonstration
project and learning center for ordinary people exploring solutions to
the tasks of creating a land-based culture.

Please feel free to contact me or Jayne Walker (contact info below) with
questions or comments.

Following is a partial schedule of upcomming seminars.

> Partial Workshop Schedule
> Summer 2000
> 
> Strawbale Construction: an Overview            June 9th-11th
> 
> Workshop attendees will participate in several key phases of the
> building process.
> There are two projects under construction that are at different levels
> of completion, a tool shed and a greenhouse. Everyone will build with
> bales, learn to mix and apply "cob" finishes to the bale walls, and
> experiment with finishes, compare foundations, and flooring options.
> Resources provided. providing experience in foundations, finishes,
> floor, and mudding.     Keith Breuker, Strawbale
> homebuilder                     $135/person
>
 Building Sustainable Community                                June
23rd-25th
> Participants will work together in guided activities from which the
> concepts of community will emerge.  As a result the group will define
> for itself what is means to be Sustainable.
> Steve Niezgoda, 21 year community member at Skywoods Cosynegal and
> co-presenter at The Farm (Tennessee) and Earthhaven (North
> Carolina).                            $135/person
> 
> Living with Solar Energy                                                  July 1st
> This is a hands-on introduction to integrating a hybrid system of wind
> and solar energy into your life. Participants will: analyze energy
> requirements; construct a small solar/wind system; figure its capacities
> during summer vs. winter usage; monitor battery voltage level, reading
> amp hours, learn how to trouble shoot loss of power; discuss varying
> system sizes.  Resource information will be available.
> Chris Grobbel, Assistant Professor Environmental Studies,
>                         MSUE NW Regional Land Use Agent.
> John Heiss, owner Northwoods Energy
> Alternatives                                      $54/person
> 
> 
> The Strawbale Camp
> July 16th -21st
> This is a comprehensive workshop that will provide participants with
> enough time to complete a small art project, explore finish work on the
> tool shed, and experiment with the mud formula for coating the
> greenhouse interior as a moisture resistant surface.  Participants will
> develop a good sense of the time requirements for completing an owner
> build project, and will receive a current resource guide to materials
> and products.
> Keith Breuker, Strawbale workshop facilitator and homebuilder
> $324/person
> 
> The Cob Oven                                                            August 4th-5th
> Using clay, sand and straw, participants will shape a working oven for
> baking bread.  The oven has the potential for being a sculptured work of
> art.  Resource information provided.
> Keith Breuker, Strawbale workshop facilitator and homebuilder
> $135/person
> 
> The Fundamentals of Permaculture                                        August 18-26th
> For participants wanting an overview, this workshop will provide a
> thumbnail sketch of the principles in the first three days, then the
> course will develop the information necessary for those who wish to
> accomplish certification.  This program follows a prescribed format and
> will be enriched with hands on experience.
> Jillian
> Hovey
> $650/person
> 
> 
> "Castings from Thousands"                                               August 26th
> How earth worms can recycle trash into treasure.  Participants will
> assemble and take home a "worm bin", learning how to maintain and
> harvest compost.
> Randy Smith, Grand Traverse County Resource Recovery Coordinator
> $65/Person
> 
> 
> ***************************************************
> "The illiterate of the 21st century will not be
>   those who cannot read and write,
>   but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn"
> 
> Jayne Leatherman Walker
> Ndibendaagwaz, an Eco-Learning Center
> 10277 E. Bingham Road
> Traverse City, MI 49684-9551
> email: walke106 at pilot.msu.edu