4. INSECT NEWS INFESTS IPODS
EAST LANSING, Mich. -- During the time it takes to walk across the Michigan State University (MSU) campus, anyone can learn about the importance of honeybees, the emergence of bed bugs or the nutritious benefits of eating insects, all by listening to their iPods.
The InsectaPod Cast is a monthly podcast about people, insects and the environment designed for digital media listeners. The podcast and its online home, www.insectapodcast.com, were created by Anna Fiedler, MSU entomology graduate student, and Jacob McCarthy, an editor in the MSU Department of Animal Science. Fiedler writes and records the podcasts, and McCarthy lends his technical expertise to producing and posting the monthly 10-minute segments.
"Typically, people think of insects as pests," Fiedler said. "My goal is to help people understand insects and spiders in a different way. We want to encourage listeners to see how insects connect with people and the environment."
The InsectaPod Cast launched in July, and a new edition is released at the beginning of each month, Fiedler said. She said it is the first entomology podcast produced in the informative, entertaining National Public Radio style.
"There are other podcasts about insects, but they tend to feature a mock interview or audio that sounds like a classroom lecture," Fiedler said. "We are choosing unique, multifaceted topics with an entertainment aspect that is different and fun."
September's episode features a peculiar pet with many legs.
All podcasts can be downloaded at the InsectaPod Cast Web site, www.insectapodcast.com, where visitors will also find links related to each topic and transcripts of each podcast.
"Anyone with a computer and an Internet connection can listen to the podcasts on any type of player or directly from their computer," McCarthy said. "We tried to make it easy for everyone to access the information."
Fiedler also gives listeners the opportunity to network with other podcast listeners by posting links to the InsectaPod Cast Web site on Facebook, listed under her name, Anna Fiedler, and in a MySpace account devoted to the podcast at www.myspace.com/insectapodcast.
The project is funded by the Ray and Bernice Hutsen Memorial Entomology Endowment. The MSU Department of Entomology, an academic unit of both the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the College of Natural Science, has a 100-year history of excellence in research, teaching and extension.
5. Position: Director of Communications at The Rodale Institute
This position provides an opportunity for someone to work with farmers and consumers and to expand local food markets in mid-Michigan.
General Description: The City Market Operations Supervisor shall be responsible for the management, coordination and supervision of the day-to-day activities of the Lansing City Market; the set-up/janitorial and general maintenance of the facility and its' events, and to insure that the services of the City Market are provided in an efficient, effective, and timely manner.
Basic Duties:
* Responsible for the opening and closing of the facility during operating hours. Ensure that the facility is correctly protected against improper conducting of market business.
* Develop, implement and oversee an effective preventive maintenance/custodial program; ensure department compliance and maintenance of equipment/systems database.
* Assist "Friends of The Market" in planning, coordinating, and implementation of grassroots marketing efforts and special events held at the market. May be asked to participate in and provide support for special events sponsored by LEPFA at other external locations as needed.
Minimum Education/Experience:
1. Graduation from an accredited four- year college or university with a degree in public administration, business administration or related field. Management experience in the operations fields may be substituted at the rate of two (2) years experience for each year of college.
2. Exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills including the ability to motivate others.
3. Must have a thorough knowledge of computer systems.
4. Ability to demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills in the English language.
Application: Applications will be accepted until September 21, 2007 at 5:00 p.m.
Lansing Center- 2nd floor Administration Office
Attn: Operations Manager
333 East Michigan Ave.
Lansing MI 48933
Job Openings in Sustainable/Organic food
6. Position: Director of Communications at The Rodale Institute
Description
Reporting to the CEO, the Director of Communications will manage all communications activities, including press, online strategies and publications. In addition, the director will serve as part of the senior management team that helps develop strategic direction and marketing.
Responsibilities and Duties
* Oversee and develop responsive and versatile communications, marketing and representation materials as well as services including website, online marketing tools, brochures, and the annual report.
* Oversee all media strategies and contacts, including preparation of talking points for interviews and identifying key target audiences.
* Oversee all aspects of the website, and all other online strategies.
* Collaborate with development efforts to better position The Rodale Institute (TRI) among potential donors.
* Develop and manage brand identity, including name, tag line and graphics, assuring consistency throughout the organization.
* Prepare or edit speeches, articles, testimony and other communications pieces for the CEO, and review of same for other senior managers, as requested by the CEO. This would include preparing op-eds and other editorial products to position TRI as a center of excellence and leadership in its field.
* Advise the CEO and senior staff on communications and other issues as appropriate.
* Oversee the production of all video, audio and multimedia efforts in coordination with program staff.
* Manage outside consultants.
Skills and Experience
* Strategic thinker with the ability to analyze complicated issues and act on tight deadlines.
* Bachelor's degree.
* 5-7 years of public relations or media experience.
* Knowledge of government affairs.
* Management experience.
* Experience in writing speeches, statements and talking points under tight deadlines.
* Knowledge of new media, including familiarity with online strategies, website design, software development and video/audio production.
* Experience in the business end of publishing, including budgeting, design, layout, printing, marketing and distribution - both online and offline.
We offer a competitive salary with an excellent benefit package. Send résumé, cover letter and salary requirements to:
Human Resources
The Rodale Institute
611 Siegfriedale Road
Kutztown, PA 19530
or email: [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>
or fax: 610-683-1431
7. Blandford Nature Center & Mixed Greens are looking to fill several AmeriCorps*VISTA positions.
See the position descriptions below for more information. Deadline is this Friday, so please submit your resume and cover letter as soon as possible to [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> if interested. Please pass on to anyone you know who may be interested.
Thanks!
Emily A. Martin
Marketing and Development Coordinator
Blandford Nature Center & Mixed Greens
1715 Hillburn NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
P.616.735.6240x16 F.616.735.6255
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***Marketing and Fund Development.
Working closely with the Marketing and Development Coordinator, this VISTA member will focus on fundraising, event planning, marketing, and related administrative tasks, with the focus on building Mixed Greens' financial and organizational capacity. S/he will concentrate on planning fundraising events, representing the organization at community festivals and events, grant research and writing, grant management, donor research, creation of marketing materials (newsletter, annual report, etc), and other fundraising. S/he must be extremely well organized, computer savvy, customer-oriented and preferably have experience in event planning, fundraising or campaign work, and/or other areas of marketing.
***Youth Farm Stand Coordinator.
This VISTA member will work directly with the new Youth Farm Team at the Blandford Nature Center to facilitate the development of a Youth Farm Stand Project. This work will include building community partnerships, leading and empowering diverse high school youth in program development, coordinating service work on a nature center and beginning farm, and engaging students in social justice training. S/he will work directly with diverse youth, Blandford Farm Coordinator, Nature Center Staff, local high schools, non-profits engaged in food security work, and low-income populations in Grand Rapids. S/he should have a strong interest in sustainable agriculture and the environment, experience working with urban youth, and a passion for challenging young leaders and connecting them to their food.
TO APPLY:
For questions or complete job descriptions, contact Jennifer Getting Jameslyn, Program Manager, [log in to unmask]
For consideration, please submit your resume plus a 1 page cover letter by September 14, 2007. Email (as attachments) to [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> . Snail mail: Jennifer Getting Jameslyn, Mixed Greens, 1715 Hillburn NW, Grand Rapids MI, 49504. No faxes or calls please. In your cover letter, please specify which position or positions you wish to be considered for. After receiving materials, applicants may be asked to complete additional application materials and be available for interviewing.
Mixed Greens hires through AmeriCorps*VISTA. VISTA members serve full-time, for one year, with varying work schedules. VISTA members receive a monthly living stipend of $833, medical insurance, child care assistance, and an end of term educational ($4725) or cash ($1200) award. Educational award is only available to those who complete their term, unless extenuating circumstances exist. VISTA members are not allowed to be in school or have other employment during their term of service. VISTA members may be eligible for Food Stamps or other forms of public assistance.
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8. The Urban Forager
Saturday September 22 - 9am
Introduction to Plants & Their Uses
Learn to identify native & invasive species, how to properly collect
plants and their parts and how to can, preserve, and prepare
plants for future use with food, medicine and crafts.
Saturday September 29 - 9am
Wayside Gourmet: Preparing & Eating Wild Edible
We will hike and learn about edible wild plants in the area, collect
those in season, come back and cook them up for a gourmet feast!
Saturday October 13 - 9am
Rustic Cures for Urban Dwellers: Medicinal Uses of Plants
Learn about how to cure poison ivy, treat a bug bite, and other
natural cures in this hands-on class. We will learn to properly make
teas, decoctions, tinctures, and other ways of administering medicine.
Saturday October 20 - 9am
Crafting Nature's Bounty: Everyday Plants for Everyday Things
We will use some of the plants we have been collecting to make
useful things out of what nature offers. Tools, hygiene products
and rope are just a few of the things we will be making.
$75 for the five series workshop or $20 per class.
Open to ages 16 and up. Please register by
September 10 by calling Mike B. at 616.735.6240x14.
Each class will last 2-3 hours.
9. EAT LOCAL, KALAMAZOO!" is a celebration and exploration of local foods (September 23 - 28)
What are some events taking place during Eat Local, Kalamazoo ?
Sunday, September 23, 1 PM - 3 PM ~ Southwest Michigan Community Harvest Fest at Tillers International
Journalist Alisa Smith and her partner, writer J.B. Mackinnon, co-authors of Plenty: One Man, One Woman, and a Raucous Year of Eating Locally, will give the keynote at the festival, sharing their experiences with eating local foods for an entire year and the wide reaching impact of local foods. Smith and MacKinnon will make additional appearances at Kalamazoo College (Monday, September 24) and the Kalamazoo Public Library (Tuesday, September 25).
Other events include a panel discussion on the economic impact of shopping locally and using local resources to address community needs, and a presentation on local foods throughout the world. Find more information and the schedule at: www.eatlocalkalamazoo.org <http://www.eatlocalkalamazoo.org/>
Eat Local Challenge
Throughout the month of September, we challenge you to eat local foods throughout September. Set a goal on how to incorporate more local foods into your diet and we will give you tips on where to find local foods in the area! Go to www.eatlocalkalamazoo.org for more info!
HELP! You can support Eat Local, Kalamazoo! in a number of ways: any financial contribution (large or small) would be appreciated, we can use volunteers to help with our reception on Saturday, September 22, you can spread the word about Eat Local, Kalamazoo! AND you can attend the events!! Please go to www.eatlocalkalamazoo.org or contact Seema at [log in to unmask] for more information and to find out how you can be involved with Eat Local, Kalamazoo!
More about the 2007 SW MICHIGAN COMMUNITY HARVEST FEST
This year's fest promises to be the very best one yet with a larger than ever group of exhibitors and farmers, a visit from authors Alisa Smith and J.B. Mackinnon, and the music of Joe Reilly and Dununya and a so much more! I personally love the hay rides and the heritage farming demonstrations put on by the Tillers International staff, volunteers and interns. This years Harvest Fest is Sunday, September 23, from 11:30am-6:30pm. It is $10 per car- or vanload, and it not something you'll want to miss. For more information please visit http://www.swmiharvestfest.org <http://www.swmiharvestfest.org/> . Or view the Cable Access show "The Hispanic Perspective" with David Juarez interviewing myself and fellow organizer Lori Evesque: http://www.archive.org/details/THPSWMIHarvestFest08-09-07.mpg <http://www.archive.org/details/THPSWMIHarvestFest08-09-07.mpg>
THREE RIVERS FOOD GROUP
Our friends down in Three Rivers is really getting things started. They are featured in the local newspaper with a regular column, they have created a local food guide for the area, and they are doing monthly programs. If you are interested in learning more, feel free to contact Karla Kauffman at [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> .
FAIR FOOD MATTERS EVOLUTIONS...
Fair Food Matters has been active in Kalamazoo creating and managing programs and partnerships to bring knowledge, support and know-how about local food and farming to the community for the past 6 years. We have many things going on and only one paid staff person. The momentum is great, as is the response from the community. At this point we are ready to further invest in our community by seeking funds to hire an executive director. For the moment, though, board member Scott Weber has taken on the duties of a volunteer interim executive director. He can be contacted with questions or comments at [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> .
Lucy Bland volunteers a lot of her time managing both the Community Kitchen and the Future Chefs projects. She can be contacted at [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> . Our Growing Matters Garden manager, Heather Crull, can be contacted at [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> . Other board members can be contacted via our web site: www.fairfoodmatters.org <http://www.fairfoodmatters.org/>
If you or someone you know would like to invest in the evolution of this amazing and vibrant organization, please contact Scott or myself ([log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> ), and we'd be happy to help! Thank you to all of the fine folks throughout the community that continue to ensure the success of Fair Food Matters.
FIND NEWS AND UP-TO-DATE INFO AT www.fairfoodmatters.org <http://www.fairfoodmatters.org/>
Vicki Morrone
Organic Vegetable and Crop Outreach Specialist
Michigan State University
C.S. Mott Sustainable Food Systems
303 Natural Resources Bldg.
East Lansing, MI 48824
517-353-3542
517-282-3557 (cell)
517-353-3834 (fax)
For information on organic agriuclture produciton please visit: http://www.MichiganOrganic.msu.edu/
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