Think Local First

Sustainably Sadie

Think Local First

So we practice the mantra:  Restraint.  Hopefully not denying ourselves to the point of breaking-- then breaking the bank to fill that hole that Consumer Culture has helped to create.  It’s just like our health:  if we want to be healthy we must eat healthy.  Eat our fruits and vegetables; avoid foods high in fat and sugar.  But let yourself indulge once in a while so that eating healthy doesn’t seem like a punishment.  Everything in moderation. 

When you do venture out to shop, Think Local First.  Shopping in the big city does not always save you money.  I’m am always pleased to see that The Health Emporium (Sheridan) prices are usually spot on with other health food store prices if not lower. 

The Greater Ruby Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture (GRVCCA) is going beef up its Buy Local focus.  The GRVCCA Buy Local program objectives include 1) encouraging local businesses to support each other and 2) re-educate our community as to the benefits of shopping locally.  Our Buy Local resources include an 1879 Madisonian article stressing the importance of shopping locally and a Sheridan Forum article from 1912 encouraging local citizens to shop locally instead of buying “cats in bags” from catalogs.  

Over 125 years later and not much has changed for us in Southwestern Montana.  Our local businesses and services still need the support of the local community.  Summer is nice for a small boost from tourists but the “locals are our bread and butter” – meaning, the support from the locals keeps food on the table, keeps my little coffee shop and other small businesses open. 

Your opinions and thoughts matter.  The GRVCCA is still in need of a President-Elect.  Share your thoughts and ideas.   Check out the GRVCCA website:  www.rubyvalleychamber.com and *Like* the Greater Ruby Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture on Facebook.  The chamber’s email address is go2grvcca@rubyvalleychamber.com.  Comment on the the Buy Local blog is www.rubyvalleybuylocal.com.  Check out the blog that corresponds to these articles at www.sustainablysadie.blogspot.com or email me at sustainablysadie@hotmail.com.  Take a minute (or an hour) and do a quick internet search on “Buy Local.”  Check out other Buy Local programs then let us know what you think would be effective for our community.  Thanks for contributing!  Thanks for reading!

Twin Bits

   This Sunday, July 1, 2012, Mass at Notre Dame, Twin Bridges, will be at 9 a.m. and at St. Teresa's, Whitehall, at 11:15 a.m. Please note the reason for the change.

    On Friday, June 29th, 17 Permanent Deacons will be ordained by Bishop George Leo Thomas at the Cathedral in Helena. One of the Deacons, Bernie McCarthy, who resides in Whitehall, will serve at St. Teresa's Parish and Notre Dame Mission. The Parish has planned a congratulatory reception for Deacon Bernie and his family at St. Teresa's after the 11:15 Mass.  Members from Notre Dame are encouraged to attend the 11:15 Mass and celebration in Whitehall. If you need a ride from Twin Bridges, you may contact Paula Gilman, 684-5636.

Coree Martin has stepped down as Twin Bridges Farmer’s Market “Market Master.”  The Farmer’s Market will continue into September with the help of local volunteers.  The Hutterites will return Saturday July 7^th and, for the rest of the summer, will be at every TB Farmer’s Market.    The Twin Bridges Farmer’s Market is held every Saturday 9 am to Noon. 

 Jackson’s Garden in Sheridan has a new VISTA summer associate who is coordinating activities at the Garden including Volunteer work days, the Kids’ Club program and the Thursday night Farmer’s Market.  Volunteer work days are Tuesdays and Saturdays, 8 am to 1 pm.  Thursday Farmer’s Market is 5 pm to 7 pm at the Main Street Park, corner of Main Street and Mill.  Jackson's Garden is sponsoring a summer Kid's Club, a youth led organization open to all kids of the Ruby Valley, ages 6 to 12 years old.  The Kid's Club will plant, tend and harvest vegetables from their own plot as well as experience preparing and tasting healthy foods.  Art projects and having fun at the Garden are also planned. 
The Kid's Club will meet the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month from 10am to 12pm at the Garden.  July 11 is the date of next Kids’ Club.  Snacks will be served and parents are encouraged to attend. Please contact Janet Marsh at 842-5888 for more information or Check out Jackson’s Garden website, https://sites.google.com/site/jacksonsgardeninc/home and *Like* them on Facebook. 

Sheridan Festival & Car Show is Saturday July 28 and Sunday July 29.  Activities include BBQ, art show, great music and more!

Floating Flotillas and Fish Fantasies in Twin Bridges is Saturday July 28.  Activities include 3 on 3 basketball tournament, River Parade, Kids Games, BBQ and more! 

River’s Edge Gallery hours are 10 am to 5 pm, Tuesday thru Saturday. 

Plastic Recycling at the TB Landfill first Saturday of the month—July 7^th is the next date to bring your Number 1 and Number 2 (look on the bottom of the container, the tiny number inside the recycling symbol) up to the landfill. 

The next GRVCCA chamber meeting is noon, Tuesday July 3^rd at the TB branch of RVNB.  The GRVCCA chamber does not meet in August.  

I’m here to help promote Ruby Valley events and spread community information.  Post comments at www.sustainablysadie.blogspot.com, email sustainablysadie@hotmail.com, call 406-531-1422 and send snail mail to P.O. Box 491, TB  59754.  Thanks for reading and sharing, Sarah Miller.