Myra Melford and Ben Goldberg held a concert at the Sanctuary for Independent Media from 7pm-9pm on November 16, 2014. Pianists Myra Melford and clarinetist Ben Goldberg create music that is pleasing, superlative, and experimental. Avid jazz fans from the Capital District attended the concert to see the duo perform. Myra and Ben treated …
The week of October 14th the Sanctuary was preparing for a visitor! Amy Franceschini, a founding member of future farmers, came to Troy to give a talk on the work of the Futurefarmers collective and lead a two-day ancient grains workshop, Futurefarmers Artist Demonstration Garden, to sow heritage grains, discuss the need for seed exchanges, and create Agrarian-Activist Scarecrows.
On November 12th, Kathy High and Intern Sierra Sukay went to the Sanctuary to meet with Oliver Kellhammer and assist him in collecting soil samples from the L-lot. Oliver, in conjunction with the Sanctuary, started bioremediations efforts in the L-lot this summer. In the back portion of the L-lot where the soil suffers from high lead concentration, was separated into three sections. One section has been covered with mulch and a fungi called mycelium, which has been used to reduce the amount of lead and other pollutants in the soil in sites around the world. Buckwheat was planted in the second section. Buckwheat is a very efficient tool for bioremediation because it grows quickly while “sucking” up the lead in the soil and storing it in the plants tissue. The third section is a control; it contains a collection of weeds “native” to Troy.
Like most human-beings, I have always felt quite connected to water. Besides that it reflects light in a pretty way, we need it for survival: our bodies are about 65% water, and we cannot live long without it, only approximately 3 to 5 days. I am conscious of my use of water while doing dishes, while showering, and I wait until the ground is very dry and no rain in sight before watering the garden. However, I became even more aware of our country’s water concerns when driving across the country this summer of 2014.
I first met TJ in September of this year. He was shy at first, but I heard great things about him. TJ is from North Troy and goes to one of the local middle schools. Branda told me TJ is an amazing filmer and fast learner. He helped filmed events including Peacestock, Story Harvest, and …
Last night I had the honor of attending the preview flim screening of “Yes Men are Revolting!”. The event started with a dinner for attendees prepared by Mike Bonanno and volunteers. Mike and his volunteers served people while wearing red, white, and orange jump suits. Each suit represented a different role.
…
I went to the Sanctuary for Independent Media last Wednesday to help out with the hoop house. People told me they needed assistance with pouring cement. I thought to myself, “This should be fun, I’ve never worked with cement before.” I did not know what to expect.
Students from Rensselaer Polytechnic Insitutes service …
