School of Country Wisdom
What is the School of Country Wisdom?
A "School Without Walls," the School of Country Wisdom is a new
program that offers courses highlighting the country living skills practiced
daily in Upstate New York’s Schoharie County – from growing great tomatoes and
cooking with herbs to crazy quilting and basket weaving. Courses are designed to
help people reconnect with the land by turning Schoharie County’s
600-square-miles of working landscapes into a learning center for all who visit.
School of Country Wisdom courses are based on skills and traditions that
have been passed down through generations. .
How did the idea for the School of Country Wisdom come about?
In 2003, The Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce’s Agri-Business Committee
sought a way to develop synergy between the county’s two biggest industries:
agriculture and tourism. The concept has been broadened since then to include
cultural/heritage opportunities. Visitors coming to Schoharie County may enroll
for two-hour to two-day classes in agricultural and cultural/heritage, as well
as behind-the-scenes farm tours.
Why establish the School of Country Wisdom in Schoharie County?
With agriculture its leading industry, Schoharie County has "street
credibility" in agriculture and country living. Through its solid foundation of
more than 500 farms of varying specialties, traditional country living skills
are maintained and continually evolve. The goal is to establish Schoharie County
as the all-inclusive, premier source for high-value agricultural experiences to
all who wish to visit.
How will the School of Country Wisdom be funded?
The Chamber received a $77,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional
Commission (ARC) to launch the program in 2005.
Who is involved?
Local experts from the Chamber of Commerce, Cornell Cooperative Extension
and Schoharie County Planning and Development are spearheading the efforts.
School of Country Wisdom partners also include: SUNY Cobleskill, Schoharie
County Farm Bureau, Schoharie Valley Association and Storey Publications in
North Adams, MA.
What is the role of Storey Publishing?
Storey Publishing will allow the Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce to use
the name Country Wisdom and content from its Country Wisdom Series
for use as presentation materials for the hands-on learning experiences.
Is more information available about courses, etc.?
New courses are added frequently. For the most up-to-date information about the
School of Country Wisdom, please visit
www.schoolofcountrywisdom.com
or contact the Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-41-VISIT.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Kathy Condon * Condon Communications
PH: 518-436-1103 * E-MAIL:
kcondon@netheaven.com
2005
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A "School Without Walls," the School of Country Wisdom offers courses highlighting country living skills – from
growing great tomatoes and cooking with herbs to crazy quilting and basket weaving.
