March 2025 Newsletter
2025 March Newsletter
As a Cittaslow village NaramataSlow agrees to adopt the following principles fostering economic, social and environmental sustainability:
Encourage and celebrate diversity rather than standardization.
Support and promote local culture and local traditions.
Work for a more sustainable environment.
She Won't Come in from the Fields
On February 26, Dale Colleen Hamilton performed to a packed audience in the Naramata Church Hall with her one-woman show on regenerative farming and climate solutions. A sixth-generation farmer from Southern Ontario, Ms. Hamilton brings deep-rooted experience and expertise to the conversation, backed by her Master’s in Environmental Studies.
The performance was followed by a lively and thought-provoking discussion, where audience members explored challenges and innovative solutions in sustainable food production and food security. Together, they explored ways to harmonize different approaches for the benefit of farmers, consumers, and the planet.
To learn more about why agricultural soil health is so important, check out the Canadian Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry document entitled "Critical Ground: Why Soil is Essential to Canada's Economic, Environmental, Human, and Social Health"
Naramata
Featured in
Healing Humanity Magazine
An article about Naramata was featured in the inaugural issue of Healing Humanity Magazine. Local freelance writer Roslyn Buchanan highlights how Naramatians take meaningful action to strengthen their community, from the Harvest Dinner to Dark Skies to saving Centre Beach.
To read the article, click on Healing Humanity Magazine, and find the "Love Letter to Naramata" on page 25. It'll make you proud!
Dark Sky Naramata
Total Lunar Eclipse Coming to North America in March 2025
A total lunar eclipse, also known as a "blood moon," will take place on the night of March 13-14, 2025. This will be the only total lunar eclipse of the year for North America, where the moon will appear red during totality.
The eclipse will be visible across North and South America, with great viewing conditions in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The entire event will last about six hours, but the most exciting part—totality—will last around 65 minutes.
Clear skies will give you the best view. Check the weather forecast and find a spot with minimal cloud cover. For a closer look, use binoculars, a telescope, or visit a local observatory. Totality, when the moon turns red, will happen at Pacific Time (PDT): 11:26 p.m. (March 13) – 12:32 a.m. (March 14). Mark your calendar and get ready for a stunning sight in the night sky!
FYI: Recently, Dark Sky Naramata provided a presentation to the RDOS District E Representative regarding the importance of implementing a bylaw to decrease outdoor lighting. To view this presentation and learn more about local efforts to preserve our night time skies, please click here or visit darkskynaramata.com
Naramata aspires to become the first Certified International Dark Sky Community in British Columbia.
Join Us for a Heartwarming
Souper Supper!
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
5:00 to 6:30 PM
Church Hall
There’s nothing like a steaming bowl of soup to bring people together, and that’s exactly what Souper Suppers are all about—community, connection, and a whole lot of #NaramataLove!
This month, the NaramataSlow team is serving up delicious homemade soup, and we’d love for you to join us. Bring your family, bring a game, and most importantly, bring your appetite! Everyone is welcome—no need to cook on a chilly winter night when you can share a meal with friends old and new.
Want to get involved? We’d love your help! Reach out to us at naramataslow@gmail.com for more info. See you there!
Okanagan Seed Savers
The goal of the Okanagan Seed Savers is to support seed saving, seed knowledge, and seed security in the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys.
The choice for the 2025 Community Grow Out is the Astronomy Domine Corn, bred by Alan Bishop in Southern Indiana. It is not a true-breeding ‘variety’ but is considered a ‘landrace’ with looser genetics giving it the flexibility to adapt specific locations. This is what helps make it surprisingly robust, adaptable and easy to grow in our northern climate.
100 participant seed packages were available for participants to grow this unique corn for fresh eating and for saving some of the seeds to enjoy year after year. Then participants report on their growing experience.
For more information on Seed Saving, check out Okanagan Seed Savers.
Calendar of Events
March 1: Seedy Saturday, 10-4, Okanagan College, Penticton
March 8-9: Penticton Home & Garden Show, PTCC
March 14-16: Western Mixed Curling Championship, Penticton Curling Rink
March 15: Trifecta Ensemble Concert, Cleland Theatre
March 15: Charity Drag Bingo: Evening at the Grand Ole Opry,
Penticton Seniors Centre
March 19: Penticton Art Gallery Film Series, Landmark Cinema
March 21-30 : Ignite the Arts Festival, various venues
March 28-30: La Orotava, Isle of Tenerife (ES),
Cittaslow International Coordinating Committee
Read the full newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/d901feb967c9/march-newsletter-lunar-eclipse-souper-suppers-more
