- C
- S
- D
Kaboodle
Let me introduce Kit n'Kaboodle
He is that adorable Beagle/Poodle Mix, right tight to Les. This is where he can always be found! Whether in the woods or out, Kaboodle is trained to warn of impending exhaustion. He helps when Les becomes disoriented, leading him to safety, and then, alerts me and others that he had become confused and needs assistance. He is trained to alert people when there is a sudden change in Les's blood pressure. In other words, besides being an integral part of our family...he is a trusted and valued companion.
He is present whether it is in the woods or, unfortunately, as the above photo shows less pleasurable times.
Kaboodle with Les in Guatemala, earlier this year collecting Chicken of the Woods Mushrooms. We shared this find with the participants at our seminars on "Vermont and Central American Mushrooms Similarities and Differences, Habitat, Fruiting and Uses" and "Ethical Wild Collecting: When, Where and How to Locate" at the Universidad de San Carolos de Guatemala (USAC) in Guatemala City.
On the Horns of a dilemma, first the horns
Les Hook and I have been honored to be selected to be U.S. Delegates for Slow Food USA at Terra Madre and Salone del Gusto 2016 in Turin, Italy. As delegates we will be representing the community of Wild Food Gatherers. WIthout hesitation, we accepted. How could we not when the theme is "Loving the Earth!"? In our capacity, we have been asked to share our story at the Slow Food USA booth and will assist at the Slow Food Turtle Island Exhibition booth.
Our involvement with Slow Food dates back to 2005, when we were approached to give a presentation on "Wildcrafting, What It Is & Our Part" as part of a Slow Fund fundraiser at Nora's Restaurant-- America's First Certified Organic Restaurant. At the same time, we were participating in the Smithsonian's 39th Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C. for Food Culture USA for our innovation and, the 100th Anniversary of the Forest Service, Culture, and Community for our promotion of NonTimber Forest Products and activism.
From our first introduction to Slow Food, we have
been involved in some form or fashion...local, state, national and international.
At Terra Madre 2006, we were invited to participate in the Earth Workshop - Wild Resources: The Canary Project ; a study we developed and implemented in 2003 on the Moisture Levels of Wild Plants & Mushrooms of VT. That year, we were included as one of the "24 Faces of Terra Madre."
Now , the dilemma
Terra Madre 2008; we were invited to attend in the capacity of Mentors. At the very last minute, we were unable to attend...Kaboodle's traveling papers had not been prepared properly by the Vet. Now it seems lightening has struck again! This time in the form of regulations by some airlines flying within the EU.
Upon hearing of our selection, members of our family, very generously, offered their air travel miles. We promptly turned the air miles over to our travel agent who has, over the past several years, handled various national and international trips for the three of us, Les, Kaboodle and myself. As a matter of routine, before we fly anywhere, I always check directly with the airlines to confirm seating, transfers and relief arrangements for Kadoodle. What I discovered has cost us hours of frustration, worry and concern that we will be unable to attend Terra Madre, again.
The airlines all follow the ADA (American Disabilities Act) until we land in Europe, then Kaboodle is not recognized as a service dog on the affiliated airlines and would have to travel by cargo...NOT HAPPENING!
The problem is many of the EU domestic carriers do not recognize the American ADA rules and do not allow service dogs, including seeing eye dogs. It is an unofficial way of refusing service to the handicapped and disabled. Someone with deeper pockets than ours really should do something!
We were finally able to locate an airline that flies directly into Rome, short flight times and, on to Turin. Best part, they are Kaboodle and service dog friendly. Now, we just need to come up with the necessary funds to make all of this happen in less than 30 days and hope the prices don't rise.
Otherwise, we're walking to Terra Madre!
How the funds will be used
With the fares rising almost daily, we will be lucky to be able to purchase the tickets with the airline that we want. Shortest flight and best service for Kaboodle.
If not, we will take the cheapest, shortest flight directly into Rome and manage by rail from there.
Purpose of this campaign
We, finally faced that we alone, are not able to overcome this unforeseen difficulty and expense. So, it is to you, our friends, associates and fellow earth travelers that we turn to for help!
Writing this appeal is probably one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do since we teach self reliance and being prepared for all eventuality.
Kitaniga!
Who we are
Les is a true Vermont native and raised in the vanishing mountain tradition and, I am of Osage heritage and was raised on a horse ranch in Wyoming. Much of our lives have been spent teaching and advocating for the woods and all the other beings. We promote the use of wild edibles and medicinals while conducting and collecting research on the various plants forms (native and immigrant) occurring in the wild, encouraging and educating the public to the benefits derived from their usage, and helping to preserve the plants’ natural habitat, thus ensuring a continuing supply for generations to come.
With approximately eighty years of wildcrafting knowledge and working experience with forest resources in the Northeast, South and Rocky Mountains, and as long-time gatherers, we feel it is incumbent upon us to be available, in what ever manner, to teach, lecture and inform the coming generations whether at the Smithsonian, Terra Madre conference in Italy, IWEMM-7 in Guatemala, or Vermont's various educational institutions. We have been featured in numerous books and articles, including the New York Times Magazine, the New York Times, New York Magazine, Village Voice, FoodArts Magazine, Green Living Journal , Yankee Magazine, Vermont Life, and others. Featured guests on VPR - Vermont Edition; VPT - RFD and Outdoor Journal; and NPR - The Splendid Table and Weekend Edition Saturday.
Publications - Ours:
The Coming of Spring, Nova Kim, The Green Living Journal, Randolph, VT. Spring 2013
Edible Traditions, Asparagus, Nova Kim, edibleGreen Mountains, South Burlington, VT. Spring 2009.
Place-Based Foods at Risk in New England and the Maritime Provinces, Reclaiming Wild Collecting Traditions and Tribal Memories, Nova M. Kim, RAFT – Slow Foods USA, Brooklyn, NY, 2009.
The Wild Edible Resource Guide : Our Outdoor Pantry and Warehouse, Nova Kim and Les Hook, Wild Gourmet Food, Albany, VT, 2007.
Mushroom Identification Aid/Spore Print Card, Nova Kim and Les Hook, VT Native Plants, Herbs, Mushrooms, Fairlee, VT. 2003
Indian Herbalogy, Collection Parts and Techniques for over 176 Local Herbs, Nova M. Kim and Leslie D. Hook , VT Native, Glover, VT 1996
Field Trip and Lecture Handouts, 28 - 48 page four color, prepared and written for each function, Nova Kim, 1995 to date
A fair assessment of who we are and what we do.
Mushroom gatherers say wild is the original organic
The Boston Globe › 2013/10/15 › story
Wildfood Gatherers Guild
Wild food traditions have sustained human habitation well before the first Europeans settlers arrived in the Green Mountain State. Food traditions such as fiddleheads and wild leeks have livened up spring diets since. Today, Vermont wild food gatherers supply their families, friends, village markets, and chef-owned restaurants with approximately 150 different wild edible plants ranging from greens, roots, nuts, barks, berries and, last but not least, wild mushrooms. Often these are foods and tastes that have disappeared from the mainstream diet. Wild food gatherers keep them alive in their communities and introduce new folks to them through their work with local chefs and CSAs. This is food biodiversity at its most fundamental, making sure that our original foods are recognized and honored. These are foods that cannot be hurried and cannot be produced on demand. They come when Mother Nature offers them. Learning to recognize and enjoy them in their season adds important nutrients to our diets while helping everyone understand the importance of protecting their habitat for future generations.
In 2006, upon our return from Terra Madre 2006, we joined with Executive Chef Tom Bivins of the New England Culinary Institute (NECI) as founding Board Members of the Wild Food Gatherers Guild & Cooperative, a non-profit. "The purpose of the guild is to provide activities that will promote and sustain the collection of wild foods as a craft and livelihood and develop a voice and a collective market presence for wild foods and wild food gatherers everywhere. All are welcome...chefs, purveyors, collectors, and anyone interested in the ethical use and collection of our wild relatives."
Articles, Audio Interviews, Videos
For more information on us please feel free to listen, watch and check out the following:
Wild Food Gatherers Guild is the Guild's site.
Wild Gourmet Food our business website.
In The Kitchen With Bronwyn provides a good description of one of our events and a treasured photograph of us with Julia Child and Judith Jones.
One of the best and most comprehensive radio interviews we have ever done.
Wildcrafters, Nova Kim and Les Hook by Angel Larcom, WLTN Mix 96.7
Where's the Tree Eater? with Nova Kim + Les Hook | Episode 5; Making Friends with Ryan Miller, Vermont PBS, 2013
Wild Crafters from Edge Reps; Gentl & Hyers. Short sweet and to the point.
Let me introduce Kit n'Kaboodle
He is that adorable Beagle/Poodle Mix, right tight to Les. This is where he can always be found! Whether in the woods or out, Kaboodle is trained to warn of impending exhaustion. He helps when Les becomes disoriented, leading him to safety, and then, alerts me and others that he had become confused and needs assistance. He is trained to alert people when there is a sudden change in Les's blood pressure. In other words, besides being an integral part of our family...he is a trusted and valued companion.
He is present whether it is in the woods or, unfortunately, as the above photo shows less pleasurable times.
Kaboodle with Les in Guatemala, earlier this year collecting Chicken of the Woods Mushrooms. We shared this find with the participants at our seminars on "Vermont and Central American Mushrooms Similarities and Differences, Habitat, Fruiting and Uses" and "Ethical Wild Collecting: When, Where and How to Locate" at the Universidad de San Carolos de Guatemala (USAC) in Guatemala City.
On the Horns of a dilemma, first the horns
Les Hook and I have been honored to be selected to be U.S. Delegates for Slow Food USA at Terra Madre and Salone del Gusto 2016 in Turin, Italy. As delegates we will be representing the community of Wild Food Gatherers. WIthout hesitation, we accepted. How could we not when the theme is "Loving the Earth!"? In our capacity, we have been asked to share our story at the Slow Food USA booth and will assist at the Slow Food Turtle Island Exhibition booth.
Our involvement with Slow Food dates back to 2005, when we were approached to give a presentation on "Wildcrafting, What It Is & Our Part" as part of a Slow Fund fundraiser at Nora's Restaurant-- America's First Certified Organic Restaurant. At the same time, we were participating in the Smithsonian's 39th Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C. for Food Culture USA for our innovation and, the 100th Anniversary of the Forest Service, Culture, and Community for our promotion of NonTimber Forest Products and activism.
From our first introduction to Slow Food, we have
been involved in some form or fashion...local, state, national and international.
At Terra Madre 2006, we were invited to participate in the Earth Workshop - Wild Resources: The Canary Project ; a study we developed and implemented in 2003 on the Moisture Levels of Wild Plants & Mushrooms of VT. That year, we were included as one of the "24 Faces of Terra Madre."
Now , the dilemma
Terra Madre 2008; we were invited to attend in the capacity of Mentors. At the very last minute, we were unable to attend...Kaboodle's traveling papers had not been prepared properly by the Vet. Now it seems lightening has struck again! This time in the form of regulations by some airlines flying within the EU.
Upon hearing of our selection, members of our family, very generously, offered their air travel miles. We promptly turned the air miles over to our travel agent who has, over the past several years, handled various national and international trips for the three of us, Les, Kaboodle and myself. As a matter of routine, before we fly anywhere, I always check directly with the airlines to confirm seating, transfers and relief arrangements for Kadoodle. What I discovered has cost us hours of frustration, worry and concern that we will be unable to attend Terra Madre, again.
The airlines all follow the ADA (American Disabilities Act) until we land in Europe, then Kaboodle is not recognized as a service dog on the affiliated airlines and would have to travel by cargo...NOT HAPPENING!
The problem is many of the EU domestic carriers do not recognize the American ADA rules and do not allow service dogs, including seeing eye dogs. It is an unofficial way of refusing service to the handicapped and disabled. Someone with deeper pockets than ours really should do something!
We were finally able to locate an airline that flies directly into Rome, short flight times and, on to Turin. Best part, they are Kaboodle and service dog friendly. Now, we just need to come up with the necessary funds to make all of this happen in less than 30 days and hope the prices don't rise.
Otherwise, we're walking to Terra Madre!
How the funds will be used
With the fares rising almost daily, we will be lucky to be able to purchase the tickets with the airline that we want. Shortest flight and best service for Kaboodle.
If not, we will take the cheapest, shortest flight directly into Rome and manage by rail from there.
Purpose of this campaign
We, finally faced that we alone, are not able to overcome this unforeseen difficulty and expense. So, it is to you, our friends, associates and fellow earth travelers that we turn to for help!
Writing this appeal is probably one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do since we teach self reliance and being prepared for all eventuality.
Kitaniga!
Who we are
Les is a true Vermont native and raised in the vanishing mountain tradition and, I am of Osage heritage and was raised on a horse ranch in Wyoming. Much of our lives have been spent teaching and advocating for the woods and all the other beings. We promote the use of wild edibles and medicinals while conducting and collecting research on the various plants forms (native and immigrant) occurring in the wild, encouraging and educating the public to the benefits derived from their usage, and helping to preserve the plants’ natural habitat, thus ensuring a continuing supply for generations to come.
With approximately eighty years of wildcrafting knowledge and working experience with forest resources in the Northeast, South and Rocky Mountains, and as long-time gatherers, we feel it is incumbent upon us to be available, in what ever manner, to teach, lecture and inform the coming generations whether at the Smithsonian, Terra Madre conference in Italy, IWEMM-7 in Guatemala, or Vermont's various educational institutions. We have been featured in numerous books and articles, including the New York Times Magazine, the New York Times, New York Magazine, Village Voice, FoodArts Magazine, Green Living Journal , Yankee Magazine, Vermont Life, and others. Featured guests on VPR - Vermont Edition; VPT - RFD and Outdoor Journal; and NPR - The Splendid Table and Weekend Edition Saturday.
Publications - Ours:
The Coming of Spring, Nova Kim, The Green Living Journal, Randolph, VT. Spring 2013
Edible Traditions, Asparagus, Nova Kim, edibleGreen Mountains, South Burlington, VT. Spring 2009.
Place-Based Foods at Risk in New England and the Maritime Provinces, Reclaiming Wild Collecting Traditions and Tribal Memories, Nova M. Kim, RAFT – Slow Foods USA, Brooklyn, NY, 2009.
The Wild Edible Resource Guide : Our Outdoor Pantry and Warehouse, Nova Kim and Les Hook, Wild Gourmet Food, Albany, VT, 2007.
Mushroom Identification Aid/Spore Print Card, Nova Kim and Les Hook, VT Native Plants, Herbs, Mushrooms, Fairlee, VT. 2003
Indian Herbalogy, Collection Parts and Techniques for over 176 Local Herbs, Nova M. Kim and Leslie D. Hook , VT Native, Glover, VT 1996
Field Trip and Lecture Handouts, 28 - 48 page four color, prepared and written for each function, Nova Kim, 1995 to date
A fair assessment of who we are and what we do.
Mushroom gatherers say wild is the original organic
The Boston Globe › 2013/10/15 › story
Wildfood Gatherers Guild
Wild food traditions have sustained human habitation well before the first Europeans settlers arrived in the Green Mountain State. Food traditions such as fiddleheads and wild leeks have livened up spring diets since. Today, Vermont wild food gatherers supply their families, friends, village markets, and chef-owned restaurants with approximately 150 different wild edible plants ranging from greens, roots, nuts, barks, berries and, last but not least, wild mushrooms. Often these are foods and tastes that have disappeared from the mainstream diet. Wild food gatherers keep them alive in their communities and introduce new folks to them through their work with local chefs and CSAs. This is food biodiversity at its most fundamental, making sure that our original foods are recognized and honored. These are foods that cannot be hurried and cannot be produced on demand. They come when Mother Nature offers them. Learning to recognize and enjoy them in their season adds important nutrients to our diets while helping everyone understand the importance of protecting their habitat for future generations.
In 2006, upon our return from Terra Madre 2006, we joined with Executive Chef Tom Bivins of the New England Culinary Institute (NECI) as founding Board Members of the Wild Food Gatherers Guild & Cooperative, a non-profit. "The purpose of the guild is to provide activities that will promote and sustain the collection of wild foods as a craft and livelihood and develop a voice and a collective market presence for wild foods and wild food gatherers everywhere. All are welcome...chefs, purveyors, collectors, and anyone interested in the ethical use and collection of our wild relatives."
Articles, Audio Interviews, Videos
For more information on us please feel free to listen, watch and check out the following:
Wild Food Gatherers Guild is the Guild's site.
Wild Gourmet Food our business website.
In The Kitchen With Bronwyn provides a good description of one of our events and a treasured photograph of us with Julia Child and Judith Jones.
One of the best and most comprehensive radio interviews we have ever done.
Wildcrafters, Nova Kim and Les Hook by Angel Larcom, WLTN Mix 96.7
Where's the Tree Eater? with Nova Kim + Les Hook | Episode 5; Making Friends with Ryan Miller, Vermont PBS, 2013
Wild Crafters from Edge Reps; Gentl & Hyers. Short sweet and to the point.