Love your Library Community Video Project!

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LoveYourLibrary-2Welcome to the Love your Library community video project! Below is an introductory video appealing to the movie star in you to answer one question:
“If your local library could be anything, what would you like it to be?”
This weekend we’re kicking off a volunteer and visioning campaign for our dearest East Penns Valley Library and we need your help! Stop in to the Handmade Holiday Market on Friday from 5-9 or Saturday from 10-4 and visit the Love Your Library Video Booth.
Check back to this page to check out more opportunities to record your testimonial.
We can’t wait to hear what you have to say!

 

 

Introducing the Love Your Library Project

Millheim Fiber Festival Returns Oct. 29, 2016!

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Millheim Fiber Festival Banner 2016 jpgJoin us for the annual Millheim Fiber Festival! This year’s show features exhibitors & crafters, live sheep, spinning demos, felting demos, knitting circles and more.

This Year’s Vendors include:
Underhill Farm Artisan Yarns, Holidaysburg
Vintage Scrap & Stitch, Huntington
Main Street Yarn, Rebersburg
Bald Eagle Alpaca Ranch, Julian
Lazy-O Ranch, Spring Mills
Tamarack Farms, Spring Mills
Aisling Yarns,
Mulberry Hill Farm (NEW!)

This year, we hope to appeal to beginning and seasoned fiber artists by hosting vendors that range from raw materials to finished craft products.

Vendors are also invited to host mini demonstrations or workshops.

Schedule of Events TBA!

For more information, contact Erin at ecovents@gmail.com.

Creekside Concerts at the Millheim Pool

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Creekside Concerts 2016 poster jpg

Millheim, PA, Summer 2016— EcoVents presents “Creekside Concerts,” a series of three live jazz shows at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Park in Millheim, PA.  These concerts are free to the public and are a benefit the Millheim Pool through generous local sponsorships.

EcoVents owner and event planner Erin McCracken envisioned this concert series years ago.  “My family lives close to the Millheim Pool at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Park.  As we take jogs through the grounds and as our kids play on the playground, I’ve always imagined it being a great place for an outdoor concert.  EcoVents is excited to realize this vision of hosting a free concert series that appeals to families and members across our community.’

Sponsorships from local businesses and organizations such as Hosterman & Stover Hardware Store, Burkholder’s Country Market, Millheim Small Engine, Creative Design and Printing, WSOV Sounds of the Valley, Penns Valley Veterinary Clinic, and Kuppel’s Auto Center.

“This is truly a community-supported event, and we are grateful to our local businesses for making these concerts possible.”  The concert is free to the public, but donations are always welcome and there will be a hat passed at each show to raise funds for the bands and the pool.

Creekside Concerts happen throughout the summer and include;

June 24, 6-8pm  Arthur Goldstein
July 22, 6-8pm  The Rick Hirsch 4
September 9, 6-8pm  The Jay Vonada Trio

Bring your lawn chair or a blanket to enjoy this outdoor show, which backs up to the lovely Elk Creek. Come hungry and buy food from the Lions Club Food Truck, profits from which will go toward the Millheim Pool as well.

The Millheim Pool was built by volunteers in 1970 to provide the families of Penns Valley a safe place to go for summer recreation. The pool is the home of the Penns Valley Penguins Swim Team and the location for many summer programs and the 7th Annual Millheim Pool Sprint Triathlon.

Soldier’s and Sailor’s Memorial Park is located just off Park Road in Millheim, PA.  From the intersection of Routes 45 and 445 (aka North Street) in downtown Millheim, head EAST on Route 45 until you cross the bridge. Park Road is the first LEFT after the bridge. Follow Park Road until you see the park entrance on your left.

Weekly Meals/Soups/Breads Delivered to Your Door!

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We’re excited to announce that beginning January 26, EcoVents and the Bremen Town Ballroom will be offering a weekly subscription to weekly vegetarian entrees, soups and breads delivered by Groundworks CSA.

To reserve your weekly meal, bread, and/or soup, please email Nell at GroundWork CSA:  nell@groundworkfarms.com.

Vegetarian Entrees!
Let EcoVents help make your life easier (and possibly healthier) this winter with my fresh, homemade meals.  Sign up now to receive a complete vegetarian (meat-ready) entree (2 servings) each week.  Your subscription will feature a variety of local versions of ethnic and regional dishes including curries, stir fries, pasta dishes, and more! Get your meal delivered to your door ready to reheat (easy instructions included).  It’s convenient, healthy, and reasonably priced.

Here’s a sampling of meals that you might get each week:
Veggie Enchiladas w. Salsa Verde
Sesame Broccoli & Tofu Stir fry
Portobello Mushroom Stroganoff
Sweet Potato-Lentil Shepherds Pie
Pasta Primavera
Poblano Mushroom Cheese Empanadas with Spanish Rice
Bulgar Tomato Burgers with Sweet Potato Fries
Polenta w. Italian Marinated Mushrooms and Marinara
Red Thai Curry w. Veggies, Tofu & Rice
Mushroom & Kale Lasagna w. Burrata Cheese

Price: $12 per meal (2 servings) for 10 weeks.

Soup
CSA members will be treated to a new variety  of healthy, hearty, and flavorful soups all winter long.  Each week features a new vegetarian option such as French Lentil,  Minestrone, Sweet Potato Chowder, Tortilla Soup, Quinoa, Spinach & Feta, and much more.

Price:  $7 per quart for 10 weeks.

Bread
Bread maker Joshua McCracken prepares bread, rolls, and pastries at the Bremen Town Ballroom in downtown Millheim, and has built quite a reputation for fine, delicious breads that use the best, most natural ingredients.

Expect a new variety each week, among them Country White, Honey Wheat, Oat Bread, Seedy Multigrain, White with Sesame Seeds, and more.

Price:  $4.00 per loaf for 13 or 22 weeks

Gather Together! An Outdoor Dining Adventure Friday Nov. 6!

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Join Chefs Meghan McCracken (Salt + Honey/Nomad Food Truck) and Erin Condo McCracken (Bremen Town Ballroom & EcoVents) for a family style feast inspired by the flavors of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Cuisine.




 

Here’s the menu so far (check back as this will be updated):
Cocktail

Starters
MediterraneanOlives and Cheeses
Chicken & Veggie Kebabs
Wild Rice Dolmas
Figs marinated in Port Sauce
Baba Ganouj
Flat bread

Dinner
Cucumber Salad with Yogurt Mint Dressing/Sauce (red onion)
Tabouleh Salad with Ginger Tahini Sauce
Root Vegetable Tagine
Balkan Moussaka (Vegetarian)
Herbed Leg of Lamb with Mint Gremolata

Cocktail and Dessert to be announced soon…

Cost: $45 per person

Mystery Location will be revealed on Nov. 6 at noon.

Please RSVP to ecovents@gmail.com by Nov. 1.

Millheim Fiber Festival, Oct. 24 Bremen Town Ballroom

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Join us for the Second Annual Millheim Fiber Festival! This year’s show features exhibitors & crafters, live sheep, spinning demos, felting demos, knitting circles and more.

Fiber Festival Postcard copy jpg

This Year’s Vendors include (so far):
Bald Eagle Alpaca Ranch
Unplanned Peacock Studio
Vintage Scraps & Skeins
Underhill Farms
Flying Fibers
Gurdy Run Mills
Main Street Yarn
Tamarack Farms
Aisling Yarns

Vendor Spaces are still available and cost $50 for indoor spaces (10′ wide, 7′ deep, chairs included) and $40 for outdoor spaces (no tent included).

The time is now! Get your materials to make that wonderful hand-made holiday gift, or get your already made gift here!

Please email Erin at EcoVents ecovents@gmail.com with any questions/concerns you might have!

We look forward to making our first year an amazing event!

 

Timber Frame Workshop in Millheim! Oct 17 & Oct 24

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Join us for this great workshop in October!  Josh McCracken hosts a Timber Frame Building Workshop in Millheim, PA held on 2 successive weekends this fall. The workshop involves the hands-on construction of a small pavilion utilizing traditional woodworking methods.  We will explore a variety of construction skills using both hand tools and modern power tools. All skill levels are welcome, all that is required is a good attitude and perhaps your favorite chisel.
Oct. 17 – 18: Laying out and cutting the frame (Sunday optional)
Oct. 24 – 25: Assembling and raising the frame (Sunday optional)
Worksite:  UpTexas Chapel 117 North St.  Millheim

$50 per weekend, refreshments/lunch on Sat. only.  Sun. is an optional work day.

Please rsvp as soon as possible to ecovents@gmail.com if you are interested in participating.

Spring is here and Summer is Coming!

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Around here we’re all shaking off the blues and the blahs of winter.  We kept it cozy in the Ballroom, but we’re ready to push the snow aside and welcome the warmer weather.

And believe it or not, it’s time to think about Summer 2015!  As you make your plans, we hope you’ll include EcoVents and the Bremen Town Ballroom.

Really Reasonable Rates.  Really!
Would you like to host an event at the Bremen Town Ballroom?  With beautiful hardwood floors, tin ceiling tiles, grand velvet curtains, exposed brick walls, and a skylight, the ballroom is an ideal space for your birthday party, board meeting, card club, workshop, trade show or whatever you need.  Renting the ballroom for a half day costs between $50 & $75.  Often, we have the chairs and tables you need right on site.

Great Menus for Any Occasion    
Are you having a big old fancy wedding with French Cuisine?  Traditional Spanish Foods?  Or are you having a Southern Comfort, Down Home party with Brisket or Pulled Pork Sandwiches?   From the most casual to the most formal event, we are here to help you create your own custom menu.

Swiss Chard, Pear, and Gruyere Tart

Swiss Chard, Pear, and Gruyere Tart

Burritos in the Summer!
As the Millheim Farmers Market prepares to move outside, so will the Bremen Town Ballroom!  We are getting our Burrito Camper ready and plan to serve the best burritos around featuring our famous Red Salsa, Chimichurri Sauce, Lime-Cilantro Sour Cream, and more.  On select Fridays, we serve our burritos on our front sidewalk in downtown Millheim!  It’s going to be a great summer for burritos!

Groundworks CSA Bread Shares
Josh McCracken, head baker AKA “The Man” was asked to make his most awesome bread as part of Groundworks CSA Bread Shares.  It’s not too late to order your summer share of bread and/or veggies.  Contact Nell Hanssen at nell_hanssen@hotmail.com.

Upcoming Events
The Bremen Town Ballroom is a live music venue, a classroom, a playroom, a meeting space, a fine dining establishment, and a host to trade shows and farmers market. We are excited to host events for the second time and to also bring you new events that bring us all together.

Danny B. Performs at Harold Taddy's Variety Showcase

Danny B. Performs at Harold Taddy’s Variety Showcase

These are just a few events happening soon at the Bremen Town Ballroom.  Be sure to check out our website www.brementownballroom.com for up-to-date info!
April 17:  Millheim Community Prom
May 1:  Cinco De Mayo:  A Cooperative Dinner Experience with Dave Metty
May 15:  Chef Mark & Meghan Dinner
May 16:  Marah & Stax of Trax Present the Millheim Record Bazaar V. 2
May 29 & 30:  Millheim Mayfly Festival —Burritos, Harold Taddy’s Variety Show, Arts & Crafts Show
June 13:  Kevin Sims’ Percussion Experience
June 20:  Herbal Workshop with Jennifer Tucker
August 7 & 8:  Pennsylvania Certified Organic FarmFest
August 9:  PASA Bike Fresh Bike Local
August:  Squeeze Fest 2015:  An Accordion Celebration

Featured Event

Awesome Dudes Dave Metty and Josh McCracken

Awesome Dudes Dave Metty and Josh McCracken

On May 1, the Bremen Town Ballroom and Filmmaker Dave Metty will host the first ever Cooperative Dinner to celebrate Cinco De Mayo.  The menu will feature traditional and flavorful Mexican Fare, but the evening offers more than a sit-down meal.

Everyone who comes to dinner is invited to participate in the creating of the meal and the event itself.  Help make tortillas.  Chop some veggies.  De-stem some cilantro.  Make your own salsa.

Local awesome dude Dave Metty will be leading the charge, sharing some of his favorite recipes and ensuring we make an unforgettable food experience.

We plan to create more of these meals in the community and if you’d like to lead a dinner, let us know!

We’ll see you at the Ballroom or around town!

Fabulous February Full of Fun at the Bremen Town Ballroom!

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It’s a Fabulous February at the Bremen Town Ballroom.  With a month full of celebrations, feasts, local food, politics, and workshops, there’s something for everyone.  We hope you’ll join us in Millheim for something good!

Dance!
Friday Feb. 6, from 8-Midnight.
It’s cold outside and we promise to get you hot and keep you moving as we kick off the shortest DJ Ross of Love Dance Feb 6 2015 jpgmonth of the year with a straight-up dance party, featuring guest DJ Ross of Love from Philadelphia.  Ross of Love has an extensive collection of popular and obscure dance music and will be sure to keep you moving and get you warmed up. Dance away the winter blues in our beautiful dance hall.  Costs $5, BYOB.

Spaghetti Dinner to Benefit the East Penns Valley Library
Saturday Feb. 14 4pm-7pm
The Bremen Town Ballroom is proud to host this long-standing community event for the first time.  Volunteers will take over the kitchen to cook lots of Spaghetti with a variety of vegetarian and meat sauces.

This dinner raises funds for the East Penns Valley Library, the heart of our community.
Cost: $10 Adults, $5 Children  BYOB

Luscious:  A Dinner in Four Courses
Friday Feb. 20, 6:30pm
You’re in for a real treat!  Intrepid Food Explorers Chef Mark Johnson and Meghan McCracken present Luscious, an indulgent fine-dining experience at the Bremen Town Ballroom.0186_Luscious_11x17_150131 jpg

This is a one-time, one-of-a-kind experience for your senses. The menu features rich foods, signature cocktails, and vegetarian options.

Entrees include:  Roasted Pork Belly & Rabbit with Black Kale Pierogies and Napa Cabbage with a Riesling Jus;  Seared Caper-Brined Trout with Lemon and Smoked Paprika Winter Succotash; and Crispy Falafel with Pumpkin and Bean Ragout, Shaved Sunchoke and Toasted Coriander Yogurt.
Yummy Desserts include:  Plum Port Crostada with Warm Vanilla Bean Drizzle; Dark Chocolate Mousse Tart; and Brown Butter Ice Cream with Maple Brittle.

Tickets are $55 a person.  Seating is limited and reservations required by Feb. 15 at meghanbmccracken@gmail.com.

Medicinal Tea Workshop:  Herbs to Support Digestive Health with Jennifer Tucker
Saturday, Feb. 21, 2-5pm

Digestion is a key to overall health and herbs have long been used in the form of medicinal teas to improve digestion.  Local Herbalist Jennifer Tucker will teach participants which herbs to have at home and how to use them to aid digestion.

All workshop participants will create their own personal herbal tea combination to take home.  Jennifer will also provide useful handouts with instructions on how to prepare infusions and decoctions.

Space is limited to 15 participants and pre-registration by Feb. 16 at ecovents@gmail.com is required.  Cost $30.

Local Candidate Petition Drive with Michael Pipe
Wed. Feb. 25, 6-8pm
Help local candidates get on the May 15 Primary Election Ballot!  Your favorite would-be candidates need your signature to run in the Primary Election.  County Commissioner Michael Pipe is hosting this event and inviting all local and regional potential candidates from all parties to meet voters in our community.

Voter registration is also available.  Light refreshments and baked goods will be served.  This event is free.

Harold Taddy’s Variety Showcase  Friday, Feb. 27, 8pm.
Harold Taddy brings a unique cast of musical, dance, and spoken word performers to the Bremen Town Ballroom on Friday, February 27th!

Laura Boswell will be performing a set entirely centered around her classical guitar stylings. Danny Brumbaugh will be presenting his one man rockabilly band, The Psychic Beat! Taddy himself will give an intimate improvisational performance as well.Taddy_Bremen_Final

In addition to musical performances, Alyson Kate, Peter Buckland, and Jason Crane will all be performing individual spoken word pieces interspersed throughout the evening.

Special guest Gypsy Lou (Hannah Inglesby) will also be on hand, providing a once in a lifetime opportunity. She’ll be set up with a table and a typewriter, writing and reciting spontaneous poems inspired by the audience.

Last but not least, Choreabellum Belly Dance will take stage and offer a beautiful dance performance, complete with authentic costume and music.

This is a one-of-a-kind evening not to be missed!
Cost $10, BYOB

Millheim Farmers Market at the Bremen Town Ballroom
Every Saturday, 10am-1pm
Regular Vendors include Stone Meadow Farm, Tamarack Farms, MacNeal Orchards, Gemelli’s, Mountainside Homestead, Garden Secrets, Brazillian Munchies.  The market features weekly guest vendors.
It’s hard to describe what a social event this weekly market is.  The Bremen Town Ballroom offers a very welcoming atmosphere where families and community members can hang out by the wood stove while kids and babies play with toys on the floor.  There is hot coffee, and the kitchen serves brunch that features weekly specials.  We have a Sandwich of the Week served on Josh’s homemade rolls.  The menu also features Wafffles, Frittatas, Roasted Rosemary Potatoes, Skillet Pizzas, and more.