Congrats to our Naturally Awesome Raffle Winners!

Thanks to everyone who participated in this year's ‪#‎naturallyawesome‬ Forecastle Foundation Raffle! Your donation is helping us rebuild the world's natural awesome!

Congrats to 2015 winners:
Aren Gelfond
Ashley Brumback
Bill Scorzari
Billy Yarosh
Bo Roberts
Brandon Shafie
Catie Wilson
Chad Klimack
Cindy Grissom
Corey Nester
Don Burch
George McCauley
George Rue
Jessica Thompson
Julia Arnold
Kara Hinkley
Mary Heckel
Michael Stewart
Pat Hendricks
Patrick Whinnery
Robert Kahne
Stan Chauvin
Whitney Mirts

Kroger Community Rewards!

August is the annual re-enrollment month for Kroger Community Rewards® and that means if you're already signed up with the Forecastle Foundation you must re-enroll, if not then no worries because we're here to help!

It's an easy process and only takes a few minutes.  To get started (or to re-enroll), sign up with your Kroger Plus Card here, and select the Forecastle Foundation, Inc. as the organization you wish to support. Once you're enrolled, you'll help us keep the world naturally awesome every time you shop!

Need additional support? You can call 1-800-KROGERS, Option #3 for assistance

Naturally Awesome Forecastle Raffle!

Good news for anyone who loves winning awesome prizes and supporting the Forecastle Foundation, we've extended ticket sales for our Naturally Awesome Forecastle Foundation Raffle and tickets are STILL AVAILABLE for only $5!

Only 2,500 tickets will be sold and with each ticket purchased you're entered to win any prize listed below. You can buy as many raffle tickets as you'd like, and if you purchase more than one ticket it's possible that you'll win more than one prize! 

All prizes will be awarded and the drawing will take place on August 4th.  Winners will be notified via email, phone, certified mail and announced on the Forecastle Foundation Facebook Page.

To purchase, email holly@forecastlefoundation.org with your name, phone number, email and address with the desired amount of tickets.

All raffle proceeds benefit The Forecastle Foundation, Inc. (Charitable Gaming Exemption #EXE0001724)

Tapping of the Kegs - July 10, 11, 15

The “Close Call Kolsch” is a Beer Camp #140 collaboration beer between the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company and The Forecastle Foundation. It's a slightly hoppy but highly-sessionable Kolsch crafted from German Pilsner Malt and Hefeweizen Yeast, coupled with Amarillo and Nelson hops from Washington and New Zealand. The name “Close Call” was given after Forecastle Captain JK McKnight accidentally poured two barrels of hops into the kettle too soon, resulting in a slightly more hoppy varietal. Although the current batch features the corrected recipe, the experience inspired Beer Campers to give it the title “Close Call Kolsch.” ABV 4.7%.

The Close Call Kolsch will be available at this year's Forecastle Festival in the Kentucky Landing area, which pays homage to local breweries, food trucks, and craft vendors.

But if you're like us and you just can't wait until then to try it, don't worry.  We're giving you the chance to support the Forecastle Foundation with three "Tapping of the Kegs" events leading up to the festival. Each day's event will run from 6-9pm and Sierra Nevada will be giving away a free limited -edition Sierra Nevada / Forecastle Foundation co-branded pint glass, while supplies last!

July 10th (6-9pm) at Mellow Mushroom 
(Highlands - 1023 Bardstown Rd.) & 
(St. Matthews - 3920 Shelbyville Rd.)

July 11th (6-9pm) at Valumarket 
(Highlands Branch - 1250 Bardstown Rd)

July 15th (69pm) at Liquor Barn 
(Springhurst Branch - 4301 Towne Center)

Additionally, being the naturally awesome people they are, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company will be donating a portion of each "Close Call Kolsch" sold back to The Forecastle Foundation!

Those funds will go towards numerous environmental and conservation projects both locally and globally. Including current projects underway in Eastern Kentucky (Pine Mountain Corridor), Central Kentucky (Green River), Brazil (Fundacion Agroecologica) and Indonesia (The Coral Triangle).

So make sure you stop by and help us tap the kegs, as well as come see us at the festival and raise a pint to show your support of protecting the world’s natural awesome! 

Forecastle Festival to run on 100 percent pollution-free energy

If you're like us and you enjoy naturally awesome news, then you'll love this.  

It takes tens of thousands of kWh of electricity to make Forecastle Festival run each year, and this year, a new partnership will ensure the festival’s carbon footprint is smaller than ever.

The Festival will now run on 100 percent pollution-free electricity through a partnership with national Clean Energy provider Arcadia Power. New this year, Forecastle Festival will ensure that for every kWh of electricity used, a kWh is produced and put on the grid by a pollution-free, renewable source - like wind or solar.

“Forecastle Festival was built on the premise of environmental responsibility and for years we’ve worked to be as sustainable as possible through conservation, recycling, composting and the use biodiesel fuel,” said Forecastle Founder and Captain, JK McKnight. “The partnership is a huge leap forward, positioning us as one of the most sustainable, ecologically-focused events in the nation.”

As an Arcadia Power Clean Energy Partner, Forecastle Festival now meets the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Green Power Partnership requirements, joining national environmental thought leaders like Google and Whole Foods.

Forecastle brings the first major national festival partnership for Arcadia power’s offset program and is the first festival in the state to offset its energy usage with wind power. 

“We love working with organizations that share the same values, and Forecastle Festival sets an example for everyone of how easy and affordable it is to choose clean energy,” said Arcadia Power co-founder, Kiran Bhatraju.

The Forecastle Festival has, since 2004, aimed to offer equal parts music, art and environmental activism. In addition to efforts on-site to reduce carbon emissions and limit landfill waste, the event contributes $1 from every ticket sold to the Forecastle Foundation, an affiliated 501(c)(3) non-profit with land-level conservation projects in Kentucky, Brazil and Indonesia.

The annual festival will be held July 17-19, 2015 at Louisville’s Waterfront Park. Weekend passes and daily tickets are still available at forecastlefest.com and all Ticketmaster outlets.

About AC Entertainment:

AC Entertainment is recognized as one of the foremost independent promoters in the United States. Founded in 1991 by Ashley Capps, the company books, markets and presents over 1,000 events per year. In addition to the Forecastle Festival, AC Entertainment is the force behind internationally renowned events including Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival® and Big Ears. For more information on AC Entertainment, visit ACEntertainment.com.

About Arcadia Power:

Arcadia Power is the first nationwide Clean Energy option. By partnering with wind and solar projects, Arcadia Power provides homes and businesses with 100 percent pollution free energy via local utilities. Members support their values through their monthly energy bills, decreasing demand for fossil fuels and helping to grow American green jobs and power. Arcadia Power parters with sustainability-minded companies and organizations to combat climate change and secure a better future for our planet. For more information, visit arcadiapower.com

Chalk Talk with Jared Wilkinson

1. Introduce yo’self! Who you are, what you do, and why you do it.

I am Jared Wilkinson of Duck Duck Beet Farm & CSK,  Louisville's first Community Supported Kitchen! We offer a Prepared Meal CSA with a flexible week to week commitment. The menu is created weekly based on whats growing in the garden and meat that is antibiotic/hormone free. We farm using all natural practices and are committed to planting only non GMO seeds. I created this business to provide my community with healthy, affordable and local food all the while supporting Kentucky's hard working farmers!! This business also allows me to live a lifestyle that makes a difference for the Earths Natural Awesomeness.

2. What are you doing locally that helps to preserve the earth’s natural awesome? What are small ways that anyone can help?

I am growing food on 1 acre that is free of all pesticides, chemicals & GMO seeds. I replenish the land using cover crops, making compost and crop rotation. I have a backyard chicken flock that supply myself and friends with nutrient dense eggs and the land with natural fertilizer. People in our community can help on a daily basis by tending to backyard or community gardens. Every single food purchase you make does make a difference, remember that!  Make sure to visit your local farmers market every weekend to support your farmers. Be part of building a healthy food community.

3. What other projects are you involved in?

I am a Partner Grower at Foxhollow Farm helping to create a thriving Biodynamic Farm Community.  Under the guidance of Matt Sargent from Roots Underwood I am learning to raise hogs with a Work Share Hog Program he has created, make sure to check them out: www.rootsunderwood.com 

Also under the guidance of Julian Barnowske I am learning to raise honeybees! SAVE THE BEES!!!!! You can find us every Saturday at the St. Matthews Farmers Market 8-12.

Heine Brothers’ Breaks “Grounds” On New Partnership with Forecastle Foundation

Kentucky Dream coffee blend will be available area Heine Bros. locations and Whole Foods Markets

Together with the Forecastle Foundation and Whole Foods Market Louisville, Heine Brothers’ Coffee broke “grounds” today on a new partnership to help protect threatened areas across the state.

Kentucky Dream, a fair-trade, 100 percent organic Nicaraguan coffee blend and merchandise line benefitting the Forecastle Foundation, is now available at all 13 area Heine Brothers’ Coffee locations throughout the Louisville area, as well as Whole Foods Market in Louisville.

Funding from the partnership will benefit the Forecastle Foundation’s Kentucky-based conservation. Working with Kentucky Natural Lands Trust (KNLT), funding will benefit the Pine Mountain project, the largest landscape level conservation project ever undertaken in the state. The area serves as a migration path and refuge for hundreds of species, some of which are found nowhere else in the world.

“Heine Brothers' Coffee has been committed to making a positive impact on our community, state and planet for more than 20 years,” said Mike Mays, co-founder and president, Heine Bros. “Kentucky Dream is an opportunity for our customers to partner with us to support the important work of the Forecastle Foundation right here in Kentucky.”

From each bag of Kentucky Dream, $5 goes directly to the Forecastle Foundation to support Kentucky environmental projects. Custom Kentucky Dream mugs are also available for $20; $2 from each mug will be contributed to Forecastle Foundation. Plans to expand the merchandise line are in the works.  Heine Brothers’ goal is to raise $10,000 for the Forecastle Foundation in the first year of this partnership and to grow in the years to come.

Kentucky Dream will also help the Nature Conservancy’s work to protect the Kentucky Green River’s 9,230 square-foot watershed, one of Kentucky’s crucial waterways that gives life to more species of plants and animals than any other Ohio River tributary – especially in an unhindered 100-mile stretch that flows from the Green River Reservoir Dam and through Mammoth Cave National Park. 

“By combining a unique blend of Heine Brothers’ fair-trade, organic product with Whole Foods eco-minded retail network, we will be able to provide consistent financial support and awareness for the most critical ecological hot spots in our state,” said JK McKnight, Forecastle Festival and Foundation Founder. “These organizations share our vision, and together, we can sustain our naturally awesome planet.”

Heine Brothers' Coffee has a long history of supporting the Forecastle Festival, serving as both a sponsor and vendor since 2006.

“Through our long partnership with the Forecastle Festival, Heine Brothers' learned about the work of the Forecastle Foundation to protect Pine Mountain with Kentucky Natural Lands Trust and the Green River with the Nature Conservancy,” said Mays. “It was an easy decision to decide to use Kentucky Dreams to partner with the Forecastle Foundation to raise awareness and the critical funding needed to protect these important parts of Kentucky's natural environment.”

"We are extremely proud of this partnership with Heine Brothers’ Coffee and the Forecastle Foundation. This is a rare opportunity to help protect endangered and majestic wild lands of Kentucky,” said Tim Roethgen, Whole Foods Market – Louisville. “Whole Foods Market’s business is intimately tied to both our neighbors and the larger global community we serve, so we’re excited to partner with the organizations that are doing significant work right here at home.”

The Forecastle Foundation is the non-profit environmental activism arm of the Forecastle Festival, which is held annually at Louisville’s Waterfront Park. The Foundation works year round to benefit conservation work in highly-threatened, biological hot spots. Since its inception in 2011, The Forecastle Foundation has contributed nearly $100,000 to education and conservation efforts in Kentucky and beyond.

Heine Brothers’ also currently sells Mountain Dream in collaboration with Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, helping to fund their work to foster political, economic and social systems that are fair to all Kentuckians.

About Heine Brothers’

Heine Brothers’ is a 100 percent fair trade and organic coffee roaster. HB opened their first shop in October 1994 in the Highlands neighborhood of Louisville, Kentucky, and now have 13 shops and a mobile Airstream espresso bar, all in the Greater Louisville area. From the beginning, Heine Brothers’ has been committed to operating responsibly and sustainably – donating to numerous community groups, recycling, being founding members of the world’s first fair-trade coffee buying cooperative, buying locally, and even roasting on the world’s most environmentally-friendly coffee roaster. Heine Brothers’ is committed to continuing to deliver remarkable coffee shop experiences while staying true to our vision of making a difference in Louisville. For more information about Heine Bros., please visit http://heinebroscoffee.com/

For more information about The Forecastle Foundation, visit www.forecastlefoundation.org

Whole Foods 5% Day to benefit the Kentucky Natural Lands Trust

On June 24, Whole Foods Market Louisville (4944 Shelbyville Rd, Louisville, Kentucky 40207) will be hosting a special fundraising day of grilling, local vendors and farmers all while giving 5% of their store stores to benefit the Kentucky Natural Lands Trust!

Since forming in 1995 the Kentucky Natural Lands Trust has protected over 7,000 acres of wildlands, and assisted in the protection of over 25,000 additional acres through their partnerships.

Lands that KNLT has helped protect include Blanton Forest Nature Preserve, Archer Benge State Nature Preserve, and E. Lucy Braun State Park Nature Preserve. Their Pine Mountain Wildlands Corridor project aims to protect the 125-mile ridgeline in south eastern Kentucky and represents the largest conservation effort in Kentucky history.

KNLT is also one of the Forecastle Foundation's partner organizations. In September 2014, the foundation donated $14,000 towards the Pine Mountain Project.  The donation ensures the protection of 28 acres of the corridor.

So time that grocery trip up just right and plan to head to Whole Foods Market Louisville (4944 Shelbyville Rd, Louisville, Kentucky 40207) so that you too can help us rebuild the world's natural awesomeness!

Learn more about the work of KNLT at www.knlt.org
earn more about the KNLT & Forecastle Foundation partnership at www.forecastlefoundation.org/knlt

---

Did you know that there are two other very simple ways you can help us rebuild the world's natural awesome when you shop? Yup, that's right. When you shop at Kroger or on Amazon.com you're a few easy steps away from giving back to the Forecastle Foundation!

It's easy when you enroll in Kroger Community Rewards®! To get started, sign up with your Kroger Plus Card here, and select the Forecastle Foundation, Inc. as the organization you wish to support.  Once you're enrolled, you'll help us in our efforts every time you shop and use your plus card!

Amazon Smile is a simple way to support the foundation every time you shop on Amazon.com.  Instead, visit Amazon Smile, where you'll find the exact same prices, selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that a portion of the purchase price is donated to the Forecastle Foundation!

To shop at Amazon Smile, simply visit smile.amazon.com, you'll need to select the Forecastle Foundation Inc. as your charitable organization before you begin.  Amazon Smile will remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make will result in a donation!

The Nature Conservancy

The Forecastle Foundation is excited to announce our newest partnership with The Nature Conservancy's Kentucky Chapter. The Foundation will assist in funding three projects; protecting the Green River’s Watershed and Central Appalachian Mountain Chain, as well as reef-life in the Coral Triangle. 

Founded in 1951, the Conservancy is the world's leading conservation organization. They work to establish local groups that can protect land and water in order to help create a world where diversity of life thrives. Through their dedicated efforts to protect nature, The Conservancy has more than 600 scientists located in all 50 US states and in more than 35 countries, which allows them to make an impact both globally and locally. 

“The partnership with The Nature Conservancy represents a long-term vision and priority to protect and improve the land, waterways, wildlife and people on our great planet,” said JK McKnight, Founder of the Forecastle Foundation.  “TNC shares this vision of a healthy planet, rich with diversity to sustain us all, and we believe this alliance will impact the world in a multitude of naturally awesome ways.” 

The Conservancy takes on tough issues facing conservation today – from climate change to coral reefs, to energy development in a growing world – to make a collaborative and lasting impact on the environment.

“The Nature Conservancy is thrilled to partner with the Forecastle Foundation to advance awareness and understanding of our work,” says David Phemister, State Director for The Nature Conservancy’s Kentucky Chapter.  “They have demonstrated a keen interest in supporting conservation both here in Kentucky and around the globe. Their energy and enthusiasm is inspiring, and we welcome the chance to tell our story to a young, diverse audience eager to engage and take direct action to improve their neighborhoods, hometowns, and places much farther afield.”

Funding from the Forecastle Foundation will benefit three projects: 

---

Green River near Mammoth Cave

Name: Kentucky's Green River Watershed

Location: Central Kentucky, including the upper Green River watershed, major tributaries (nolin, Rough, and Barren rivers and Pond Creek), wetlands complexes in the lower Green River, and Mammoth Cave National Park. 

Tell Me More: This river is one of Kentucky’s crucial waterways and gives life to more species of plants and animals than any other Ohio River tributary – especially in an unhindered 100-mile stretch that flows from the Green River Reservoir Dam and through Mammoth Cave National Park.

---

Arnavon Islands

Name: Coral Triangle Initiative

Location: Asia-Pacific region, specifically in Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines.

Tell Me More: Outside of Kentucky, the Conservancy works to protect the largest living structures on the planet – coral reefs.  The Coral Triangle project is just one of many initiatives which aims to conserve reef life. These reefs are among the greatest storehouses of biodiversity on Earth, and unfortunately one of the most threatened marine systems. Scientists estimate that without immediate action, up to 70 percent of coral reefs could be lost 2050.

---

Bear Rock Preserves 

Name: Central Appalachian Mountain Chain

Location: Eastern United States, specifically Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania.

Tell Me More: The Appalachian mountain chain carves through the Eastern United States like a backbone. The heart of these celebrated highlands – the Central Appalachians – provide globally significant landscapes that are home to more than 200 rare plants and animals, ample recreation opportunities, safe drinking water for 22 million people and clean air for millions more. The Conservancy works to protect this unique, intact landscape that connects wildlife corridors extending through Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, 
West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania.

---

The Forecastle Foundation currently supports Kentucky Natural Lands Trust, funding the purchase of land in the Pine Mountain project, the largest landscape level conservation project ever undertaken in the state. The area that serves as a migration path and refuge for hundreds of species, some of which are found nowhere else in the world.  In a striking illustration of the interconnectedness of life on earth, the project in Kentucky is linked to the Foundation’s second project in Parana, Brazil, by the migration of several neotropical species. The collaborative project between the Forecastle Foundation and the Guayaki Foundation will help ensure restoration, preservation and long-term stewardship of 3,000 acres of South American Atlantic rainforest. 

The Forecastle Foundation is the non-profit environmental activism arm of the Forecastle Festival, which is held annually at Louisville’s Waterfront Park.  The Foundation works year round to benefit conservation work in highly-threatened, biological hot spots. Since its inception in 2011, The Forecastle Foundation has contributed nearly $100,000 to education and conservation efforts in Kentucky and beyond.

Be sure to check out the Foundation's Activation Area at this year's Festival, which takes place July 17-19, tickets can be purchased here and $1 from each ticket sold goes directly back to the Foundation and it's efforts.

Close Call Kolsch

The Forecastle Foundation is excited to be a part of the Kentucky Landing this year!

This area at the Forecastle Festival pays homage to our great state by featuring craft breweries, food trucks, and craft vendors all local to the Bluegrass.  Additionally, a select group of non-profit organizations will be on-hand selling Kentucky-made goods, or in our case... a brand new beer!

The “Close Call Kolsch” is a Beer Camp #140 collaboration beer between the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company and The Forecastle Foundation.

It's a slightly hoppy but highly-sessionable Kolsch crafted from German Pilsner Malt and Hefeweizen Yeast, coupled with Amarillo and Nelson hops from Washington and New Zealand. The name “Close Call” was given after Forecastle Captain JK McKnight accidentally poured two barrels of hops into the kettle too soon, resulting in a slightly more hoppy varietal. Although the current batch features the corrected recipe, the experience inspired Beer Campers to give it the title “Close Call Kolsch.” ABV 4.7%.

Being the naturally awesome people they are, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company will be donating a portion of each "Close Call Kolsch" sold at the Festival to The Forecastle Foundation!

Those funds will go towards numerous environmental and conservation projects both locally and globally. Including current projects underway in Eastern Kentucky (Pine Mountain Corridor), Central Kentucky (Green River), Brazil (Fundacion Agroecologica) and Indonesia (The Coral Triangle).

So make sure you stop by and see us at the festival and raise a pint to show your support of protecting the world’s natural awesome! 

Buy a Ticket, Support the Foundation!

Did you know that with the purchase of a 2015 Forecastle Festival ticket you are helping us rebuild the world's natural awesome?

That's because $1 from every ticket sold benefits The Forecastle Foundation! 

Click Here to Purchase your Forecastle Festival ticket today!

Chalk Talk with Kirk Kandle

I’m CARe FREE

1.     Introduce yo’self! Who you are, what you do, and why you do it.

I’m Kirk Kandle, a longtime newspaper writer who changed careers nearly 10 years ago. I jumped into writing about health and well-being. I guess the wellness message rubbed off on me. Imagine that!  The things I’ve discovered just make me feel exceptionally good – about myself, about our potential, and about our future. I enjoy passing it on.

2.     What are you doing locally that helps to preserve the earth’s natural awesome? What are small ways that anyone can help?

I started My Car-Free Experiment on 9/9/09. I discovered that most of what robs us – and our planet -- of our natural awesome is easy to fix without high tech solutions, government programs, special funding, or anyone’s permission.  

I wondered. What if a main solution to our health and environmental challenges were as simple as leaving your car keys at home whenever possible? What if the cure is simply to use human power to get around, while fueling our human engines with real food?  I’ve found it works for me.

I can’t resist advocating as often as I can for active transportation, but not for the reasons you may think. I love cars. I just love a good, long walk more.  I’ve been using local transit since 1978. It’s great for rainy days; I can take my folding bike on the bus.  And riding my bicycle to work -- especially in a light rain – re-connects me with my inner child like nothing else.

It’s all about making choices that work for you. I choose to live where I’m close enough to just about everything I need so I can get there under my own power, or by transit. My office, coffee shops, markets, hardware, restaurants, pubs, barbers, entertainment venues, and more are all nearby. What kind of life can you have when you’re not in a place within reach of what you need without relying on a car to get you there?

As a result of this thinking, I save as much as $11,000 a year in car expenses, while keeping more than 14 tons of carbon out of the air we breathe. When I need a car, I have TARC and Uber on my Trip Planner iPhone app and friends who know I’m always good for a gas fill-up in return for a ride. 

3.     What other projects are you involved in?

I’m on the board of my co-owners association at George Rogers Clark Condominiums, a 1905 elementary school turned into 35 unique homes with indoor bicycle parking and very limited off-street car parking. I’m exploring every way possible to make this historic landmark more sustainable. We have an expanded recycling program. We’re shifting to low-energy LED lighting. Most recently, I started looking into passive solar and geothermal possibilities and the potential for Energy Star certification.

I write a blog, pedalaround.blogspot.com, about my car-free experience. Progress on a book about my 2010 solo bicycle journey 4,600 miles across the U.S. is on a slower roll than I’d like.  I do “Lunch and Learn” sessions that show and tell employee groups how active transportation can fatten their wallets, skinny their waistlines, keep the air clean and make communities stronger. I’m a “spokes-person” for human powered transportation. When I meet others who are using a bicycle to get around I give them a bracelet made from a single bike spoke.

Grace. Peace. Bicycle Grease.

Remember, every lane is a bike lane. Share the road.

Pedalaround

..........__o

..........\<,

.......( )/ ( )

Enjoy the ride home.

Rock The Earth, Win Cool Stuff

Rock the Earth is a national nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to protecting and defending our natural resources through partnerships with the music industry and the worldwide environmental community to ensure a sustainable and healthy planet for all.

You can support this mission and score your Forecastle Festival passes by bidding on the Forecastle GA Package for Two which includes (2) three (3)-day passes.

Click here to bid on this great prize package and more!

A little friendly competition...

The Forecastle Foundation will be holding a friendly competition between veteran members to see who can recruit the most NEW members.  Whomever has the most new members drop their name when they join, has a chance to win a sweet FORECASTLE BOURBON GIFT BASKET! This basket comes complete with Kentucky Bourbon and super cool Forecastle stuff from our “swag vault”. 

Your personal renewal counts as one new member toward the prize. All newly recruited members count as one point, regardless of which level they join. The contest deadline is 5/22/2015 at 5:00 PM. Contest winners will be announced the following Friday (May 29th).

Here's how it works.

1. Tell your friends to go online at www.forecastlefoundation.org/getinvolved to sign up as a brand new member.
2. Then, make sure they mention your name in the "Notes" section when joining online. 

Voila! It's that easy.

Good luck, Foundation Members - Let's see what you can do!

90 Days to Forecastle

Calling all beer heads and Forecastle Fans! Come get mellow with us 90 days before The Forecastle Festival!

On April 21, join The Forecastle Foundation and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company head brewer, Steve Dressler, and head of the barrel aging department, James Connery, will be onsite at Mellow Mushroom Highlands - Louisville (1023 Bardstown Road) for the rollout of a unique selection of barrel-aged products and to drop some crafty knowledge on everyone!

15% of sales that evening will benefIt The Forecastle Foundation, so make sure to tell your server you're there to support us!

Below is the list of barrel aged brew that will be available:

· Barrel Aged Narwhal – Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels 12.9% abv
· Trip in the Woods Ovila Quad – Ale aged in Madeira Barrels 11.5% abv
· Trip in the Woods Tawny Narwhal – Ale aged in Tawny Port Barrels 11.4% abv
· 2014 Barrel Aged Bigfoot – Barleywine aged in Whiskey Barrels 11.9% abc

We'll also have a tasty surprise in store for all who stop by!

Nickels for Non-Profits

Bring your own reusable bag to Whole Foods Market (4944 Shelbyville Road Louisville, KY 40207) from April 3 through June 30 and Whole Foods will donate 5 cents per bag to The Forecastle Foundation!

Simply tell your checkout clerk you want your donation to support The Forecastle Foundation and that's all it takes to support our mission to Rebuild the World's Natural Awesome!

Chalk Talk with Summer Auerbach

1. Introduce yo'self! Who you are, what you do, and why you do it.

I am Summer Auerbach, Second Generation Owner of Rainbow Blossom Natural Food Markets.  We are a small, family-owned chain of Natural Food Stores that has been in business since 1977.   

2. What are you doing locally that helps to preserve the earth's natural awesome? What are small ways that anyone can help?

I eat as consciously as I can.  I buy organically grown food that has not been genetically modified, and I love supporting our local farmers who are farming sustainably. Pesticides and chemical run off is bad for our soil, water, and the natural ecosystem. When I consume meat, I choose pastured raised meats because it minimizes the environmental impact and requires significantly less water to produce.  We all eat 3 times a day, so food is a really easy (and fun) way to help out the environment, and your body. 

3. What other projects are you currently involved in?

I am the Board President for LIBA (keep Louisville weird +Buy Local First,) as well as for Slow Food Bluegrass. LIBA is an Alliance of 718 locally owned business, who promotes the importance of buying locally.  Local businesses are not only vital to preserving the unique character of our city and play a huge role in quality of life; they also reinvest money back into our local economy at 4 times the rate of the national chains. (http://www.keeplouisvilleweird.com/WhyBuyLocal for a complete study and more Stats.)

Through our work, we’ve been able to measure our success by participating in national surveys, which have shown year after year that independent businesses in Louisville have consistently grown at a higher rate than the same types of independent businesses that are located in cities that don’t have a “Buy Local” Campaign. 

Slow Food Bluegrass is an organization that is part of an International movement devoted to savoring and protecting the heritage and biodiversity of food, agriculture and the rich culture of the table.  As the new chapter president, we are planning a series of educational potlucks.   Our last event was an artisan bread baking demo at Wiltshire Bakery and a Soup Swap, where everyone brings a pot of soup and “breaks bread” together.  At the end, everyone took home other people’s soups in Tupperware containers that we brought.  We’re working on a whole series like this, and it is very exciting to be a part of it.  

Chalk Talk with Teresa Willis

Chalk Talk is a new series the Forecastle Foundation has started to learn more about what other community members are doing to help rebuild the world's natural awesome.

Our first Chalk Talk of the year is with Teresa Willis, a writer, performer and the Director of Louisville’s Slant Culture Theatre Festival. She’s also a Pilates instructor and a playwright. When she’s not writing, acting, directing or Pilates-ing, she works hard to preserve the natural awesome in her community. We met with Teresa for some delicious caffeinated beverages at VINT Coffee to talk about it.

Teresa’s idea of rebuilding the earth’s natural awesome starts at home. An avid supporter of local farming, she makes it a habit to get all of her fruits and vegetables from local farmer’s markets. Not only is it important for her to know where her food comes from, but she also wants to make sure to support and help sustain those farms that are so essential to a healthier future. One thing about stocking up on fruits and vegetables that can become a bad habit for a person as busy as Teresa is food waste.

Food waste makes you feel bad. It’s also bad for the environment, as it produces methane gas when it decays in landfills. She avoids this by always having reusable green produce bags on hand. These little miracles are made from low density-polyethylene that is coated with a fine layer of natural clay containing high levels of a mineral proven to absorb ethylene gas. They also contain a natural mineral called oya, which can preserve food up to 3 – 10 times longer. This means less waste, and less energy and resources used to produce, package and transport food – all of these add to greenhouse gas production. So, essentially, Teresa is saving the world - one ripe veggie at a time.

Want in on the veggie preservation? Pick some up at Rainbow Blossom Natural Markets today!