Well, finally getting around to saying thanks to everyone who helped out with the planning and came out for the Acts of Kindness Weekend at the Rahma Clinic and the Edible Forest Snack Garden project.  We had a great turnout of at least 30 people, including press from the Post-Standard and the Southside Stand, plus a visit from Howie Hawkins (Green Party Candidate for 4th District Common Council).
We completed about half of the work area in sheet mulch, built and installed a raised bed with help and locust wood from Alex Hyland of Ithaca, and installed the sign that Zay lettered.  We had an Intro to Permaculture presentation from Steve Gabriel, and a great lunch of stuffed grape leaves, pita and hummus, and corn bread with tomatoes.
I have posted pictures in the Alchemical Gallery at http://www.alchemicalnursery.org/photo-gallery/rahma-forest-snack-garden/acts-of-kindness-weekend-work-party-september-10-2011.html  In the meantime, we will be looking at holding another workday near the end of October, I am going to tentatively suggest October 22 as that weekend corresponds with National Food Day on October 24.  We will finish sheet mulching and install the second raised bed, and also plant any trees or shrubs we are able to acquire by that time.  I'lll contact everyone again after this busy weekend and try to get us together for a meeting in between now and the next work day.
If you're looking for anything to do this weekend, try Block Blitz by Home Head Quarters being held on the 700 block of Otisco St.  717 Otisco (the future home of the Alchemical Nursery) is on the docket ass a work site, come help out with cleanup, exterior siding prep, foundation painting, and landscaping at this future permaculture demonstration site on the westside.  http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=139434566122625  - (Please ignore the poorly chosen throw away water bottle graphic on the flier that HHQ chose to include, there will be free tap water at 717 for refilling your reusable water bottle brought to the event).
Or find Alchemical at the 20th Anniversary of the Westcott St Cultural Fair this Sunday.  We will be hosting an exciting clothing swap with a mountain of clothes spilling out into the street party!  http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=245803882127995
Best ~Frank

p.s. We will still need more cardboard for our next  work day.  Please start saving and collecting once again, hey, you only live once, embrace the cardboard fever!  It's also time to start thinking about putting together an online fundraising campaign (I think we should consider the IndieGoGo site) for the Forest Garden as part of the Community Permaculture Design Open project.  Are you someone who can help out with getting this set-up?  If so, contact me ASAP.  Cheers !