dear friends,

it's been a while since you have heard from us! We have hunkering down this winter, trying to get some projects done, and haven't been hosting any events. We do have a few things planned, a few in planning stages, and info to share about other events in the area.

Feb 17-20: National Catholic Worker Farm Gathering in Platteville, WI (carpool with Alice!) Details coming in another email.

March 26: Mustard Seed Annual Spring Fun-raising Extravaganza. Sunday 4:30-6:30. Supper, Craft sale, Swap*, Kids activities, and more. Location: Wesley hall (basement) Collegiate United Methodist Church in Ames.

TBA - Spirituality of Dorothy Day

May 5-8: Catholic Worker Faith and Resistance Retreat in Chicago

Also, our event committee could use a few more enthusiastic members, so get in touch with us if you are interested in helping with any of these events or future roundtable discussions, potlucks, concerts, etc.

This sunday, feb 12: farm team meeting - come to this meeting if you would like to get more involved in the planning and running of the farm and hang out with fun people. contact alice for more info (this email or 515-460-1467)

**SWAP - what is a swap? Bring anything (useful, nice, in decent shape, etc) to give away, take anything you need. Things like clothing, kitchenware, tools, craft supplies... It's a gift economy rummage sale. It's good to plan ahead for a swap - to take time over the next month to clean out stuff you aren't using and save it up for the big event. afterwards, we will take all leftovers to appropriate clothing pantries, shelters, and lastly, thrift stores. By the way, the farm can take less nice fabric for making rugs - like torn or stained sheets or table cloths that are too damaged to give away.

that's all for now!
peace,
alice mcgary