Kelly Sauber and Deanna Schwartz of Fifth Element Spirits(formerly the Dancing Tree Distillery) have plans underway to open a cider house in the old West End Tavern building. Renovations are in progress and Kelly and Deanna have begun the installation of fermenters and tanks. 

The West End Cider House will feature wine, cider, and mead fermented on site by Kelly, as well as offering a selection of craft beer and craft small-batch distilled spirits. The focus will be on Ohio made products, however some craft brews and spirits will be offered from a wider perimeter including products created on this side of the Mississippi River. Dedication to local products is incorporated into most aspects of the business; Kelly features the flavors of the region in his distilling and fermentation process by utilizing the wide array of local fruits and grains available in South East Ohio. Fifth Element Spirits has developed a reputation for high-quality, uniquely local products such as Pawpaw Brandy and Spicebush Gin.

Topics will include using social media to run promotions and competitions on various platforms including Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. If you find social media to be an up-hill struggle but wish to harness its free marketing potential, this workshop may be for you! Pre-registration is encouraged as space for the event is limited. 

February 22nd, 3:00- 5:00

CFI will host their annual Seed Exchange bringing enthusiastic seed savers together to swap, buy, or sell heirloom seeds. 

For more information about CFI events visit their Facebook Page or click here to visit their website.

 

ACEnet is excited to welcome The Athens Village as our newest tenant. Their new office is located in ACEnet's Building B. 

 

The Athens Village is a grass-root, nonprofit organization founded by seniors for the purpose of giving Athens County residents, age 60 and over, the confidence and practical means to live their lives to the fullest in their own homes. Members receive information through monthly newsletters, e-notices, and The Athens Village website.

 

Annual membership dues are $400 for an individual or $700 for a two person household. Member benefits include free annual home assessments, home maintenance assistance, and access to a wide range of services including: referrals to paid services, member-to-member volunteer services, and educational and social activities.

 

The Athens Village social events include monthly brown bag lunches, during which members meet to socialize and listen to presenters speak on a wide range of topics of interest ranging from living concerns and health care topics, to bird watching, gardening, volunteering and genealogy. Members also meet for small group "coffees" to discuss specialized topics which have peaked peak members' interests.

 

If you would like to learn more about The Athens Village contact Director Patty Mercer who can be reached by phone at 740-447-0500, by email at theathensvillage@gmail.com, or stop by office 13 at ACEnet's Building B.

 

If you haven't already heard, The Nelsonville Emporium has joined Facebook! "Like" their page to see photos from around the shop and to hear about special promotions and business hours. 

 

The Nelsonville Emporium carries work from over 80 local artisans and craftsmen including pottery made on site by owner and potter Jennifer L'Heureux. The range of merchandise includes jewelry, paintings, soaps, glass work, pottery, yard art, yarn, and more.   

ACEnet's Director of Programs Leslie Schaller will be presenting during the 35th annual OEFFA (Ohio Ecological Food and Farm) conference in Granville, Ohio this February 15th-16th. 

Leslie will lead a workshop titled, "No More Just Pennies on the Dollar! How Planning and New Market Opportunities Can Strengthen your Farm Business." The workshop will cover the basics of market assessment, financial management, and customer base development. The session will also include an interactive component in which attendees are encouraged to share their experiences and challenges and participate in work group activities to prepare for integrating new business strategies by spring 2014. 

Leslie will also hold an informal networking meeting for food hub stakeholders including all those involved in food hub development, regional branding, and collaborative distribution, or individuals just getting started in thinking through these models in their community.

The conference has a wonderful line-up of presenters to pique interest across the food and farm community. To learn more visit http://www.oeffa.org/conference2014.php. Early bird registration ends January 31st and spaces are expected to fill up fast. Click here for registration!