Mother Earth News, Rafting, and Colleges!

Even though there weren't any student volunteers around in September, we kept busy. Farm buildings and tools went through a deep clean,  roofs needed to be finished, and adventures were to be had. The staff learned more about sustainable building and living at the Mother Earth News Fair in Pennsylvania before heading to Bethlehem Farm to work a few days while learning about roof harnesses. We also went on our annual rafting trip down the lower Gauley.
Soon after we returned home, a group of students from Mt Aloysius College joined us for a long weekend retreat. Some students worked at Vicky and Allen's putting in new linoleum in their front room, and others stayed at home working around the Farm.
In mid-October we hosted our usual groups from Notre Dame, the University of St. Francis, Phi Delta Theta from Creighton, and Aquinas College. New skills were acquired by all as we put on a few tin roofs, new siding, closed down our gardens, and cut up a few fallen trees.

Check out all the pictures below:

Sherri's Completed Roof

Vicky's New Linoleum

A New Red Roof for Bill and Ruth

Gene's Green Tin Roof

New Roof and Siding at Debi's 

New Tin in West Union

Pat's New Siding

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas . . .

Hello friends!

As you probably know, we have many Christmas traditions here at the farm.  Each December we take a break from home repair and focus on sharing the joy of the holiday season with our Doddridge county community.  We visit all of the families that we have worked with over the course of the year and bring them gifts and cookies.  Also, we send a thank you cookie package to all the wonderful businesses that work with us.  It all culminates with a big party for the children of the area on December 8th.  We have music, games, face painting, crafts, and Santa has a toy and at least one new book for every child.

            The only way that we can do this is through the help and generosity of others. For those of you who came here this year, maybe you want to sponsor a family that you worked with. Maybe your family wants to sponsor a family.  Maybe your church or youth group wants to sponsor a family.  Maybe you want to pool some money with your work crew.  If you do decide to sponsor someone you could set aside time to pray for them throughout the holiday season.  If you haven’t been to the farm in a while you can donate to the general Christmas fund or donate new books and educational games.  Anything that you are able to do is appreciated. We generally spend $15/person. If you do wish to sponsor a family let us know before Thanksgiving so we can plan accordingly. You can let us know by calling or emailing the Farm or send us a private Facebook message. Lastly, if you want to send or email any Christmas cards or messages we would love to pass them on. Merry Christmas!

Peace and love,

Nazareth Farm