Deb Fall, Accounting Clerk

How do you give thanks to the universe for all the many gifts it has given you throughout your life?

Have you planted a tree or grown native plants to feed the bees? Without bees, our planet would cease to exist. Bees are vital to us in many ways. They aid in food production, maintain biodiversity, and help stabilize our climate. They also support other insects, birds, and mammals by pollinating trees and wildflowers and we must never forget the gift of honey they provide for us. Thank you, bees!

 Another way to give thanks to Mother Nature is to consider a compost pile. Try utilizing kitchen scraps and yard waste to create compost to enrich your soil naturally. Remember, compost is not a replacement for your soil, but rather acts as a natural fertilizer to nurture your soil and plants.

Planting a tree is my favorite way to thank the universe. A tree gives many years of shade, improves air quality, and slows stormwater runoff. A tree provides protection and homes to many species of wildlife, while also providing food for wildlife and humans.

Did you know that trees can also lower anxiety and depression? Trees can boost your mental health by taking a walk among them. They can definitely help lead to a healthier you!

Oh, the gift of nature's beauty. There is nothing more satisfying than a beautiful sunset over the blue ocean or the color of the trees on a brisk October day.

 Nature gives us an unbelievable landscape every day. Views we have never seen before and will never see again. They only pass by once, don’t miss them. It may be the way the wind blows the plants across the wheat field or the groundhog pups popping up out of their den as we travel by, that is the gift the universe has given you for the moment. Big or small, these are all gifts from the universe, and we must respect and cherish them.

As you sit down for the holidays with your family and friends, remember the gifts you have received from nature placed upon your table and do your best to repay nature. Keeping the plants, trees, and animals healthy also keeps us alive and healthy.

 “The earth is what we all have in common.” – Wendell Berry

Happy Holidays!

Sophie Nieport, Bear’s Mill Manager        

During the last week of September, I had the privilege of attending the annual National SPOOM Conference in West Plains, Missouri. What is SPOOM? It stands for the Society for the Preservation of Old Mills. It is an international organization dedicated to promoting interest in old mills and other Americana now quickly passing from the present scene. SPOOM was formed as a non-profit in 1972. Since then, it has grown to 670 members spanning over 7 different countries. There are even a few that have been members since the inception in 1972! It is quite the eclectic group who are mill owners, mill operators, individuals who just like old mills, museums, libraries, historical societies, preservation groups, restoration architects, county & state park districts, even Colonial Williamsburg is a member of SPOOM!

Once a year, SPOOMers gather together for an annual conference to tour as many mills as possible in just a few short days. This year, we gathered in West Plains Missouri in the heart of the Ozarks. I have never been to this part of the country and it was well worth the trip!  The Ozarks are full of bountiful and beautiful natural springs. Near many of these springs you will find an old mill still standing strong. Many mills were constructed near these water sources in order to harness that hydro-power. The water is not just abundant, but most of the time has a ‘Caribbean Blue’ color to it. We visited Alley Spring Mill on a cloudy/rainy day. The mill is fed by a natural spring that produces 81 million gallons of water a day! Expecting to be disappointed with the weather, I found that the light blue water stole the attention from the Mill, and became the focal point against the surrounding gloom.

Topaz Mill is privately owned by a great couple whose family has owned the mill since 1957. They were just as excited to have SPOOMers at their mill as we were to be there. The owner/miller did not get the chance to learn much about the grinding process before his uncle passed on, so he had many questions for the SPOOM members! As I watched the questions and answers flow between owner and visitor, I soaked in not just a lot of knowledge, but also their feelings of excitement and mutual respect.

SPOOM memberships are open to anyone who shares the interests and purposes of SPOOM. For more information, visit www.spoom.org. With a membership, you receive a quarterly copy of the Old Mill News magazine, access to an interactive mill location map of the United States, access to online forums and sales, and discounts on Conference fees.   

During our trip around Missouri, I met people passionate about old mills and their preservation. The information learned, connections, and friendships made were immensely valuable to this ‘newbie’ in the old milling world. I feel fortunate to have been a part of the experience, and look forward to attending more SPOOM conferences in the future.