Smokey House Board announces a suspension of youth programming
The Smokey House Board announced the suspension of its youth programs at the end of 2010 to provide time to engage in a deep re-evaluation of the organization’s services and sustainability. This decision was made in response to changing fiscal circumstances brought on by the recession and state funding priorities. The board is looking to engage experts in the areas of agriculture and education/social services to inform the strategic planning process, and will also be looking to bring on new board members to make the planning process more robust and to lend assistance in the execution of a new plan. They anticipate the process will likely take the better part of 2011 and 2012. “The Board of Directors of Smokey House Center are unwavering in their commitment to reshape the organization’s vision such that it supports conservation, agriculture and education in a financially sustainable way for years to come,” said Board President Paul Beaulieu. A letter about this action was sent to the broad community of Smokey House Center supporters. The entire letter can be found here.
In the meantime, we have retained some portions of our website in their previous form, for the descriptions of our history and programs offer a compelling tale of broad success in serving our community. Please check back periodically for updates on the Board’s work as they create a new model of service for Smokey House Center.
During this period of transition, John M. Whalen will be administering all Smokey House affairs. He can be reached at shc@smokeyhouse.org
January 20th, 2011
Smokey House has just completed work on a comprehensive toolkit to help others create programs based upon the work-based learning which has defined Smokey House for 36 years. This curriculum workbook was funded by a federal grant secured by Vermont’s Senator Bernie Sanders. We sincerely hope that the insights contained herein will inspire others to replicate, in their own way, the supportive work and learning environment which was in place at Smokey House for nearly four decades. The document in its entirety can be found here.
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January 6th, 2011
Two Dog Farm is a new privately run farm operating on leased land at Smokey House Center. We have a commitment to land stewardship and producing quality products. Our long term goal is to work in collaboration with Smokey House Center to further its educational goals. Purchase of our products supports our farmers as well as a percentage of gross sales going to Smokey House Center. We will be managing and producing some of the products you have come to love from Smokey House: real Vermont Maple Syrup, grass fed beef, pasture raised pork, organic vegetables and blueberries. Visit us …
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January 5th, 2011
Smokey House Center will not be looking for Interns or WWOOFers this year, but Two Dog Farm at Smokey House Center will be. See our website www.twodogfarmvt.com for more information.
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December 21st, 2010
The Field Studies Program is excited to announce their intership for the spring semester. This is an excellent opportunity for a young educator to learn and teach along with the Field Studies Staff in our citizen science based school program. Please see the attached document Educational Internship job description 2011 for information and details on applying.
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December 15th, 2010
This spring while the snow is still on the ground, students from Poultney High School will once again venture forth into the snow to learn animal tracking and forestry skills and to participate in national studies that track bird populations and seasonal changes. Entering into its 17th year in the Poultney community, the Field Studies Program at Smokey House Center will be operating this year with administrative support from The Tutorial Center (http://tutoringvermont.org), a generous anonymous gift, and the approval of the Smokey House Center Board of Directors.
The Field Studies Program, which was suspended earlier in the year,…
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