SB: Natural building gathering in Wisconsin

["Chuck & Linda" <clearned@bminet.com>]

Hello Natural Builders everywhere, below is a letter we just sent out to
Wisconsin listserves.
It is about a Natural Building event sponsored by our Helping Hands group.
Perhaps some of you folk who have much to share would consider a trip to
Wisconsin to be a part of this gala event. We would be honored to have you,
so read on and spread the word.

Hello Good Folk,

Linda and I have been thinking that we would like to change the format of
monthly "Helping Hands" meetings at the WilMar Center in the winter to a one
day learning and networking event held in March. From the beginning we have
wanted to emphasize hands on learning and helping each other with projects.
Our group  has now evolved to a point where there are hands on learning/work
projects happening that we all can plug into on a monthly basis.
Opportunities to network and learn by doing will continue to grow. We are
aware of several projects that will be happening this year as well as many
other dreams in the making.  We think a focussed annual event  with
presentations, discussion, sharing, networking etc would provide an
effective means for expanding and nurturing the community of people
interested in natural building. It is also possible that another outcome of
a larger annual event could be the formation of sub-groups focussed on
special areas of interest.  A sub-group that we would like to see form is
one for tradespeople and those interested in making all or some of their
livelihoods in the field of Natural Building. We would like to see a means
created for these people to get to know each other, to stay in touch and  to
support each others efforts' in skill, business, marketing and project
development.

We would like your  help to make this a quality experience for all - those
who are completely new to the ideas of natural building  as well as those
with a wide variety of knowledge and experience.  The length and content
will partially be determined by those who respond to us with suggestions
and/or offerings to present  workshops or lead discussions.  If you have an
idea please share it with us.  We would like to have people share their
projects, designs and learning.  We are not seeking to duplicate the
excellent workshops held at MREA but rather to provide an event which is
more focussed on nurturing the understanding, skills, connections and
environment needed for Natural Building to flourish in our area.  We want to
see  lower impact construction methods - those that require less processing
and embodied energy, that emphasize local and recycled materials, take off.
Some of these methods have been used for hundreds of years in Europe and
elsewhere.  Let's make them a "happening thing" right around us.

Possible Topics:
Your home or structure highlighted
Techniques related to: Foundations, frames and roofs, securing bales
Cold climate designs
Stabilized earthen and lime renders
Floor options
Resource sharing
Detailing for moisture
Insurance issues
Building Codes
Interior wall systems such as Cob and strawclay, wattle and daub, woodchip,
papercrete
Electrical and plumbing detailing
Natural Building in the city
Tradespeople - how to connect and support each other
Your ideas?

We would love to have a number of you out of  area Natural Building
missionaries make an appearance at this gala event.  You know who you are.
You light up with excitement while you are reading this. Perhaps we can find
a way  to share in some of your travel expenses. Perhaps we could arrange
lodging for you here with our local natural building enthusiasts. Got any
relatives or friends in the area that you have been ignoring?

Other Considerations:
We want this event to be very affordable.  We may have some expenses related
to facility rental, material costs and  presenter's expenses.  Suggestions?
Location of the event: Where should this be held? Linda and I have felt that
a space for gatherings should  ideally  be inspiring with lots of light,
preferably beauty and comfort. At present we are a little short on natural
buildings with several meeting rooms in this area.  Should we stick with the
WilMar Center if possible?  Your suggestions regarding this are welcomed.
We are thinking that an event like this will likely attract a larger group
of people than our meetings in the past, perhaps 50-100 people.
Date - Any dates in March you know of that we should avoid for some reason.
Our first thought for a date is Saturday March 23.  What are your thoughts
about this date? (If you know of significant conflicts with this date such
GW Bush coming to town and speaking on the importance of fighting corporate
welfare and promoting permaculture throughout the country please let us know
right away.)
Format - We are tentatively thinking of the following:  Morning Workshops,
Late morning networking session leading into Lunch, Afternoon workshops
Music and dancing?  Should we end the event with this type of activity? Is
there someone who would like to offer up a band/musical group or has ideas
on this?

Helping Hander's this could be a great opportunity but it will depend on
people pulling together. We would appreciate it if you would think of ways
you could help and give us your ideas and suggestions as soon as possible.
Spread the word!  We will be sharing these ideas with Sustain Dane, the new
permaculture group and the straw bale list serve and asking for their
feedback as well.  The sooner we can get feedback and make our initial plans
the sooner we can begin to publicize this event.

Take care,  Look forward to hearing from you!
Chuck Learned and Linda Farmer
197 Henry St
Mount Horeb, WI 53572
608 4377244




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---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.273 / Virus Database: 143 - Release Date: 8/16/01


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