the
fallspring project Guidelines to a project for the environment, the food system and the community at Mariapolis Luminosa
an introduction to fallspring After a period of contact with the responsibles of Luminosa and the YCNA we understood that the cittadella is interested in the ideas we had. We saw that the community and locale could offer us many advantages in making those ideas become a reality. We have developed this plan in a way that hopes to match our aspirations with the reality of Luminosa. As we begun to discover the dynamic of the Mariapolis, we understood our project could work in cooperation with it. We developed the following plan in hopes that both parties might work together in a mutually beneficial way. We understand that we are at the beginning of a process. We know the detailed methodologies of how to move ahead are still to be discovered together.
the project Fallspring’s goal is to create a center for agriculture, dialogue and food that offers working and learning opportunities through onsite farm facilities and an immersive food experience. It acts as a place of encounter for the local and global community. We have seen that what society needs is a deeper dialogue and understanding surrounding our relationship with nature. We hope to build a culture that focuses on the value of meaningful relationships in that respect. We believe that with this project we can help generate:
Happy individuals!
Abundancy of good food for all!
Agro-productive forests!
Unity in diversity!
Deeper connection with ourselves, the environment and our neighbor!
who are we? We come from a generation that recognizes the threat our production systems have created to our common home and to ourselves. We believe the way in which we relate with one another and with the environment is key to reversing this threat and creating a better future.
Michael Grueter Bachelor's degree from the Culinary Institute of America. Has experience in fine dining restaurants in New york, Boston and San Diego and in sustainable agriculture
Henrique Berni Brazilian, Graduated Architect and Urbanist at the São Paulo University. Has worked with social architecture in Venezuela, design and graphic design, carpentry and also at a bakery.
context The project will respond to the needs of society today seen through the lens of our connection to nature. It addresses the lack of good practice, creative and dynamic group problem solving which are necessary for human development, peace, and sustainability. We feel that there is a need for: Information, good practices and creativity in the integration between woman/man and nature in respect to local and global challenges.
Places where natural processes are visible
Spaces where the interaction between society and nature are not in conflict
A personal interest in the relationship between woman/man and nature
Integration between nature and the human person
Respect/love for nature as an integral part of human life
A education that highlights an identity for man and for society within the natural system
Prepared structure and human resourses to offer training and education on issues related to the environment that also provide proximity to nature
When we develop a superficial relationship with nature it causes us to misunderstand our identity/role within the bio-system, both individually and as a society. Not finding a role within the system we no longer feel responsible for it. We then tend to exploit, rather than live in harmony with it. This failing relationship eventually leads to a scarcity of resources, as the plant geneticist and farmer Ernst Gotsch says: «Every ancient civilization became extint for the same reason: resourses depletion»¹ «Competition leads to scarcity, which leads to war that leads to death. Cooperation leads to abundance that leads to peace that leads to life»²
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why luminosa? Mariapolis Luminosa is a little city located in Hyde Park, New York set in the surroundings of the Hudson Valley, a region thriving with sustainable agriculture. For its inauguration, in 1986, Focolare founder Chiara Lubich wished that it «could be a model of a new humanity where unity has become a reality». Today at Luminosa, a community of families, youth and adults of different cultures and beliefs host a variety of gatherings, seminars, and cultural events while seeking to live in an environment of mutual love and respect. All these characteristics show us that Luminosa is fertile ground for promoting dialogue, working for the biosystem and creating community.
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living city press team building course mariapolis center dining hall
chapel ave art center conference center
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stakeholders and main resources agriculture in Hudson Valley
participative community
inosa m lu kitchen
volunteers consummers
farmer’s market
visitors
youth school agriculture
families focolaries
biodiversity regeneration future headquarters off-site relevant institutions and business
This is a multi-stakeholder project that involves an intricate web of connections and relationships with both the internal Luminosa community and the external local community. The project will take place within luminosa, however, we recognize the possibility of creating a headquarters outside the mariapolis in the future in order to better serve the community.
internal We hope to discover new ways to integrate the internal community of Luminosa. The YCNA could provide oppoortunity for the youth to work alongside Luminosa kitchen staff and volunteers.
external We will strive to build working relationships with local farmers, businesses and consumers in the region. Those relationships might include, purchasing and selling produce, collaborating with their initiatives and networking.
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organizational structure The project approach has three major branches, each one is interwoven with the other creating a single unique experience based on work and formation.
agriculture Creating an agricultural plan for Luminosa that includes, finding the proper land to start planting and studying necessary agricultural techniques and the local environment. We will connect these activities with the food branch.
food Developing a plan for the food service facilities of Luminosa. This includes finding ways to improve the food service and food quality, upgrade kitchen equipment, and work in conjunction with the current calendar.
dialogue Creating spaces for dialogue through a program of workshops and seminars with the contribution of the other branches. We will collect all possible material that might be useful for future formation from these activities. Each branch will be connected to the other offering an experience of work and formation in their own unique environment for the youth of YCNA.
work
formation
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food
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The first branch of the project capitalizes on the capacity for food to bring people together, and act as a point of departure for conversation and education on issues surrounding the food system. We hope to offer a banquet event space that provides a quality dining experience focusing on local ingredients and natural foods. In addition, the kitchen will provide an experience of working and learning for members of the YCNA who will gain hands-on skills in leadership and food service. We hope to show the youth that food is more than what sustains us, it is what unites us in a uniquely human way...
Adapt kitchen structure, and develop systems for budget and menu development. Integrating the youth school and train staff. Be able to fill yearly event schedule.
«In the rush to industrialize farming, we’ve lost the understanding, implicit since the beginning of agriculture, that food is a process, a web of relationships, not an individual ingredient or commodity». Dan Barber, chef The Third Plate: Field Notes on the Future of Food
Begin sourcing the majority of food from local farmers Integrate our farm production into the menu. Refine performance and purchase new equipment.
food
business plan
The development of the Hudson Valley and New York City have increased the demand for event space which an eclectic feel in a natural setting offering a complete package of food, lodging and event space. Our services will benefit those who visit with a “one stop shop” experience which is both beautiful and convenient to reach. It offers foodservice and lodging in a safe and secluded environment.
market analysis From 2010 to 2014 the Hudson Valley added 32,000 new residents. Close to New York City, and yet in the countryside the area is a hot bed for tourism with both locals and visitors from the city increasingly looking to local establishments for quality dining and banquet event services. We hope to reach, business owners, retreat seekers and local school and college groups through advertising online and word of mouth. We look forward to reaching a substantial percent of the market within our local area. We would be well suited to grow our share in the market by updating, renovating and growing our establishment into its full potential.
similar business models nearby The Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Tarrytown NY A center for food and agriculture offering farm to table fine dining and banquet event services as well as training young farmers on a large farm property that uses sustainable methods. Glynwood Institute, Cold Spring NY A farmer education laboratory, and event venue. This location is also devoted to incubating new agricultural businesses and enriching the hudson valley food system. The Omega Institute, Rhinebeck NY The Omega Institute is a a well known spiritual retreat center and routinely hosts world class speakers. It offers healthy dining, lodging, event space and recreational activities all year round.
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pricing Menu development will be the mainstay of our pricing regime. Proper menu development and execution allows us to be creative and offer quality food service while maintaining a framework for pricing and purchasing that keeps cost down. We will maintain competitive pricing relative to the local marketplace while striving to keep prices accessible for all. Our margins will be minimal at first, but will continue to increase with growth and recognition.
advertising and promotion Our advertising strategy will rely on social media, website and word of mouth to reach our customer base. Additional promotions may include brochures and attending events related to the industry in the Hudson Valley.
strategy We will use industry knowledge and project management strategies to clearly define goals and priorities for the startup of the operation. This will include a simple and gradual implementation of our concept into the current rhythm/structure of Mariapolis Luminosa. Phase 1 2019 Menu development, renovation, purchasing of new equipment and setting up standard operating procedures. We will continue to run typical events while integrating the YCNA. We will develop a strategy to connect the agricultural and dialogue components with the kitchen. Training of staff. Apply for Liquor license. Phase 2 2020 Planning of larger events and increase in event frequency. Secure necessary licenses. Begin full time schedule of events while monitoring our progress for improvement. Establish solid link with the dialogue workshops and farm/garden. Receive liquor license. Phase 3 2021 Continue events while looking to grow by offering the range of services that the we can provide. We will continue menu development and planning, expanding farm design, workshops and events and seeking more outside investment. Training and evaluation of progress.
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financial management Start-up costs include 5,300 dollars of initial funding for the purchasing of kitchen and dining room equipment as well as a small kitchen renovation. Start-up cost will be low with few major renovations needed and will contribute to a quick return on investment with minimal risk. Cash flow should increase at a steady, but constant rate as we begin to book more events. Operating budget can be roughly estimated from the current Luminosa kitchen and event budget/cost figures.
2019 start up costs
Business Licenses
1,000
Renovate the wall dividing service area from kitchen area
1000
Ceiling retractable food heating lamps + Service cost
2000
Commercial flat top scraper
40
1 Chinois and 1 china cap strainer
60
food mill
200
Advertising, Stationery (Business Cards, printing)
500
Flatware (for 20 ppl)
500
Total
5,300 Dollars
agriculture
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The agricultural component will include a farm set up at Luminosa using new techniques which will help grow a biodiverse and abundant food landscape throughout the little city. It will provide food for the kitchen to cook with, and act as a classroom and working space for the youth school and the inhabitants of the mariapolis. It will turn Luminosa into a living example of a more sustainable future creating an atmosphere that helps those who enter the Mariapolis prepare themselves to think about new ways to view nature, relationships and society. We will create this project with the vision and spirit of Syntropic agriculture, a new agroforestry technique being developed by agricultural pioneers in Latin America and Europe.
Find land and begin planning for development and construction. Implement construction plan Begin planting first food species Monitor and increase production, begin working with kitchen
what is syntropic agriculture? «The concept of Syntropic Agriculture, the concept of syntropy it’s the concept of life, it’s the way life itself works. Since it started, 3.5 - 4 billion years ago, whererver life is present, it creates a positive balance in energy and in complexity. In other words, syn + tropos combined (tendency towards convergence). It starts from simplicity, concentrating energy and turning things into more complex forms. What I call Syntropic Agriculture, it’s a way of farming that works with these life’s principles, it’s an agriculture that respects the principles of life in which all intraspecies and interspecies relationships are based on unconditional love and cooperation. All species are equipped to communicate with everyone else, and every individual of each generation of each species emerges to fulfill its tasks moved by inner pleasure and all of them forming a single macro-organism. So, it’s not a recipe of how to farm in a given place. It’s a way of thinking, philosophically, and principles that when translated into practice leads us to Syntropic Farming. It doesnt matter where: in the tropics or in the sub-desert or in arid places, or in the Mediterranean, cold temperate climates... It doesn’t matter. In all places, the principles are the same.» Ernst Gotsch
Hold first working lectures and formative experiences with syntropic agriculture
agriculture
planning
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This step will require a host of elements including start-up purchases and material construction as well as the support and collaboration of the community. Planning and costing have been based on an initial land availability of 1 Acre. The upstart of the project requires the following: 1- Land suitable for agriculture 2- Equipment:
A hoop house/ high tunnel that can be purchased as a do-it-yourself construction kit.
2,000
A tractor tiller piece needed for preparing the soil.
1,000
Fencing material, adequate for protection against typical pests.
2,000
Tools involved in agriculture such as hoes and shovels as well as small hand tools, gloves, line, harvesting knives, collection bins
500
Water and washing equipment, hoses and irrigation lines for water access and vegetable washing equipment.
600
Seeding and planting equipment, organic material such as fertilizer, mulch and soil and tools associated with seeding, seeds.
300
Tool shed, for meeting planning and storing of equipment and materials
600
Total
7,000 Dollars
+ Food branch budget
5,300 Dollars
Grand total
12,300 Dollars
dialogue
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We will create a space for constructive dialogue on issues surrounding the food system and environment between all types of people. It will also be a project planning starting point for those interested in coming together to build a better world. We will host workshops, seminars, field trips, lessons, discussions and other events that focus on addressing a diverse array of issues. We will bring people together with food amidst an agricultural landscape that inspires thinking on how to construct relationships that foster a culture of unity, cooperation, and mutual respect. The president of the Focolare movement addressed a question regarding the political division in 2012 in New York. This quote, which was part of her response and describes what good dialogue means for us:
«I think that it is precisely the spirituality of unity that drives us, which forces us, despite the respect and clarity of our position, to clearly state our specific position, but forces us not to oppose one or the other part, but to put ourselves in the middle between the two positions and extend the hand, one on the right and one on the left, just to contribute to the mutual understanding of these positions, and also to be able to bring to light the positive that there is surely, both from one part than the other » Maria Voce, Emmaus
First meetings with the youth, and with the community to find out expectations and resources Prepare activities and lessons and test them Develop a formative program and host first gatherings Invite specialists and groups of differing beliefs and experiences to dialogue
dialogue
planning
To carry out the activities related to this branch we intend to use, in the up-start phase, resources and facilities from Luminosa, for example audio-visual equipment, computers, tables, rooms, auditorium, open spaces, etc.
strategy Phase 1
2019
In this phase we will leverage our existing focolare community and contacts to host seminars. We can network with local colleges and other institutions, for example the C.I.A to discuss issues related to food systems. We will begin to send out invites to attend fundraising events to increase the number of interested parties. Phase 2
2020
Leading out of the pilot phase of the project we will incorporate more groups from outside the focolare internal network seeking to build connections and make a name for ourselves as a place for dialogue and intercultural exchange. We will run workshops/lectures/seminars/meetings on a frequent basis.
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action plan 2019
Adapt kitchen structure, and develop systems for budget and menu development.
First meetings with the youth, and with the community to find out expectations and resources
Find land and begin planning for development and construction.
Implement construction plan Integrating the youth school and train staff. Be able to fill yearly event schedule.
Begin planting first food species
Prepare activities and lessons and test them
Begin sourcing the majority of food from local farmers
Monitor and increase production, begin working with kitchen
Develop a formative program and host first gatherings
Integrate our farm production into the menu.
Hold first working lectures and formative experiences with syntropic agriculture
Invite specialists and groups of differing beliefs and experiences to dialogue
Refine performance and purchase other needed equipment.
2021
outlook The idea is to initiate a 2 year pilot journey in which we hope to accomplish our predetermined goals with all possible financial help. However, this includes an outlook towards generating our own fundraising and financial sustainability through agricultural production, food service and events. During and after the pilot period, we’ll make an evaluation of the benefits and drawbacks in each branch, and throughout our entire working structure. In this way we will be able to adapt new plans to move the project forward. These evaluations will help us have a clearer idea of what to do in the following years. We intend Fallspring to grow in and outside Mariapolis Luminosa. We will also be able to understand which parts of the project can be replicated in other Focolare little cities or other contexts in order to create environmental and cultural impact globally. Here we have listed a few of our other aspirations: To make the mariapolis more accessible to the local community by exploring options for the construction of a outlet to Crum Elbow Rd. To construct a headquarters outside the mariapolis that can serve the community. That the project grows to generate living wages for those involved. To integrate more agricultural space at and/or off the mariapolis for the project. To find a space in which we can live during the pilot period of the project To have some kind of concrete social engagement with the local community to help those in need. That the food service and events offer an ever more professional, fine and natural food experience that Fallspring will be recognized for.
supporters
mariapolis luminosa
references Photography: Mariapolis Luminosa Archive Quotes: 1
Life in syntropy - https://vimeo.com/146953911
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https://lifeinsyntropy.org/en/maturana-gotsch-davila/
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https://www.focolare.org/usa/about-us/little-cities/
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The Third Plate: Field Notes on the Future of Food - https://www.thethirdplate.com/
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Ernst Sintropia - https://vimeo.com/297559905
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Emmaus meets some academics of Fordham University, New York, may 5 of 2011
contacts Michael Grueter- grueter3@gmail.com +1 845 366-8660 Henrique Berni- hberni25@gmail.com +55 16 981189362
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