Cultivating Community with Re:Source Cleveland

03/19/24 • 38 min

In this episode, we welcome returning guests Patrick Kearns with Re:Source Cleveland (formerly Refugee Response) and Michael Bartunek with Ohio City Farm to update us on the exciting developments at Ohio City Farm and with its operator, Re:Source Cleveland. Rachel Ramos, who manages CSA sales for the farm, also joins us to tell us about the diverse array of fresh produce available in the 2024 CSA program and the new tiered pricing structure.
We first spoke with Patrick and Michael in episode 3 two years ago. Since then, The Refugee Response has relocated, rebranded, expanded, and begun a major new initiative at Ohio City Farm: the Roundstone Pavilion. Groundbreaking for the 4,000-square-foot building will take place this year. This next-level investment will bring food to the community year-round by housing a commercial kitchen, a wash and pack station, workers' facilities, a retail hall, and more.
Last year, Refugee Response rebranded to Re:Source Cleveland, honoring the organization's past 14 years of providing resources to resettled families and supporting them in becoming engaged, self-sufficient, and contributing community members. The farm is central to that mission, growing local food, community connections, and providing meaningful employement. These developments enhance other investments in the area, like the West Side market and the new Metropark taking shape just below the farm along the Cuyahoga River at Irishtown Bend.
Join us as our guests update you on what's happening on the farm, in the neighborhood, and at our community table.

Guests
Patrick Kearns: Executive Director, Re:Source Cleveland
Michael Bartunek: Senior Farm Manager, Ohio City Farm
Rachel Ramos: Farm Sales and Marketing Coordinator, Ohio City Farm
Resources
About Re:Source Cleveland rebranding
Ohio City 2024 CSA
Support Ohio City Farm
Support Re:Source Cleveland
About the Roundstone Pavilion

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Previous Episode

Eco Meet CLE: Weaving a Sustainable and Local Textile Economy

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In this episode, we bring you the conversation from Eco Meet CLE, a Cleveland sustainability event on February 20 featuring local innovators reinventing northeast Ohio textile production. Rather than today's exploitive and resource-intensive system, we can grow a regional, circular system that fosters economic integrity, ecological stewardship, and connection to people and place. Listen and hear from those working towards this goal - Jess Boeke, the co-founder of Rust Belt Fibershed, a non-profit developing a bioregional textile community; Aidan Meany, a designer and the owner of Found Surface, a Cleveland clothing manufacturer that prioritizes sustainability and is setting a new standard for ethical fashion; Kat Novak, the Associate Director of the TechStyleLAB and the Faculty in the School of Fashion at Kent State University; and
Kelly Powers, a farmer and the owner of Powers Acres, a 50-acre certified organic farm in Medina, Ohio, and the future owner and operator of a fiber mill in northeast Ohio. Together, they are creating a fashion ecosystem that rivals the farm-to-table food revolution, only this time, it's with the garments we wear. It's a blueprint for a world where designers, farmers, and consumers all play a part in crafting an industry that respects our planet and community.
Guests:
Jess Boeke - Co-Founder, Rust Belt Fibershed
Aidan Meany - Founder, Found Surface
Kat Novak- Associate Director, Kent State University School of Fashion
Kelly Powers - Farmer and Shepherd, Powers Acres

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Next Episode

Earth Month in Action with the Cleveland Heights Green Team

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In this episode, we celebrate Earth Month and the power of local environmental action with the Cleveland Heights Green Team, its co-founder Catalina Wagers, and volunteer Suzanne Zilber. The Cleveland Heights Green Team was founded in 2021 and is very active, with over 300 volunteers. They have a full calendar of events planned for Earth Month, and during the rest of the year, they are busy organizing green space clean-ups, recycling drives, plastics reduction campaigns, eco fairs, and more.
Getting involved with a green team is a great way to channel your environmental concerns into fun and impactful actions. It's also a great way to meet like-minded people in your community. Join us as we hear how this green team was founded, how to get involved with other green teams in Cuyahoga County or start one of your own, and ways to celebrate Earth Month throughout the Land. Check the links below for calendars of events and other helpful information.
Guests:
Catalina Wagers, Co-Founder, Cleveland Heights Green Team
Suzanne Zilber, Member, Cleveland Heights Green Team
Resources:
CH Green Team Website
About the Cleveland Heights Green Team
Earth Month in the Heights - Calendar
Cleveland Heights Green Team Events - ways to get involved
Sustainable Cleveland Earth Month
Other green teams in Cuyahoga County - get involved with your local green team
Laurel School Youth Climate Summit (April 14th)

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ECO SPEAKS CLE - Cultivating Community with Re:Source Cleveland

Transcript

Diane Bickett00:00:04.788

You're listening to EcoSpeak CLE , where the EcoCurious explore the unique and thriving environmental community here in Northeast Ohio . My name is Diane Pickett and my producer is Greg Rotuno . Together , we bring you inspiring stories from local sustainability leaders and invite you to connect , learn and live with our community and planet in mind .

Greg Rotuno00