Rodney Wilson

In our era of tech-driven disconnect, in-person community is essential, no matter what form it takes. For some, community is based around common interests and beliefs, while others center activities. Still others find a metaphorical connective tissue in the literal connective tissue at the heart of meat raffle events in the Queen City. That’s right, meat raffles. Put minuscule funds (usually a dollar) in the pot, spin the wheel, get some meat if you win.

Foraging is an ancient means of obtaining wild-growing food from our natural environs, though it’s a skill set most of us lack since grocery stores and restaurants do all the work for us now. Still, foraging can be a fun way to engage with nature and learn about her bounties. Also, bonus, it’s free food. If you’re interested in giving foraging a go, it’s important to study up before popping a bushberry in your mouth.

It’s said that, if every U.S. resident composted organic waste, the environmental impact would be like removing 7.8 million cars from the roads. That’s because fruit and vegetable scraps and green yard waste decomposing in a landfill produce a lot of methane, a nasty greenhouse gas. Much better to turn that waste into productive, useful fertilizer. Numerous countertop devices can dry and grind up organic kitchen waste, though they’re often pricey and don’t produce “true” compost.