As I stood, waiting in a line that went around the building at Wal-Mart this morning with their new reduced hours, limited quantities and security guard, I marveled at how quickly things can change. I know that this is temporary, yet the wake-up call is startling. I was heartened when meeting with our OSR Correlation Council last week, seeing and hearing the resolve the council members had in continuing the preparation of every needful thing.

I love the people involved with OSR. In the face of adversity, they continue moving forward, with a clear purpose and path, while others choose to just wait and worry. These self-determined people are meeting challenges head-on. Distractions are set aside. Strategies for making the transition to a self-reliant homestead are being implemented. These strategies deal with the slowing of the economy, the stock market drop, resources being limited and more.

While dealing with all of the above, these amazing people that are gathering together under OSR are reaching out and helping family, friends, and others in need. These families are gathering together getting ready for the next step in preparing every needful thing. Others are down-sizing, reviewing what they need and what they can contribute to the project or to others that may need a particular item.

Young and old alike are coming together with a resolve that mirrors what was in the hearts and faces of the pioneers that had little with which to carve out a future for their posterity and yet they did it. We, like them, see the opportunity before us. Yes, there is much work to do, challenges to be met, and obstacles to be overcome, but looking beyond these things we see a place of refuge from the storms yet to descend upon the world.

I make the following challenge: Do not be deceived in thinking that there is not enough time. Do not be distracted with the fear, panic and false rhetoric that others are immersed in. Do not despair because things and conditions do not meet previous expectations. Instead, walk with a righteous desire, determination, and diligence in becoming a light and example to others by rising above these trials to create a safe haven for family and friends. Together we can make the transition from dependency to self-reliance.

God speed,
Philip J. Gleason
Director

HOW TO MAKE YOGURT + CREAM CHEESE

Can I really make my own yogurt?

What exactly would I need?

How long will it take?

Is it very hard or complicated?

You've got questions, and we've got answers! So, come join us!

*Please note that after you register, you will receive an email invitation with a website link and info with instructions on how to view the live webinar.

Here's what we've got going on!

Want to learn how to achieve greater self-reliance in our 250-family modern homesteading community? Then check out our Intro Meetings where we discuss what you can do, and where to start!

Would you like a personal tour of the site of a 250-family homestead community being built on the Utah OSR Land Co-op's 1,245-acre Riverbed Ranch in Juab County, Utah? Then join us for our Munch & Mingle Tour! We'll show you what we're doing now, and what we have planned for the future!

For more details and information about each of our events, click the button to visit our Events Page.

Join us this June for our very first tree planting event!
 
There are several projects happening at the Riverbed Ranch involving planting trees and shrubs to begin regenerating the soil and providing forage for bees in areas around the Welcome Center, the 40 acre Special Projects Center (The Academy Campus, Rescue Home, Therapy Barn, etc.), and eventually the future Green Belt/Waterway. Initial planting projects will begin where water is already available to keep plants alive, and many plants and cuttings are already being gathered to get this started!
 
In mid-June, 2020, we will be inviting OSR shareholders AND the interested public to come to the Riverbed Ranch for a 1-day mass tree planting event. The primary goal of this 1-day event is to plant 2,020 trees and shrubs in one day, and of course, the secondary goals include socializing and gathering public interest in regenerative agriculture and the mission of the Academy of Self-Reliance and Utah Land Co-Op!
 
Crowdfunding and Advertising campaigns are launching soon to gather funds and participants. There is additional help needed, of course! Below is one specific role we are looking to fill, but of course this 1-day event will only be accomplished with many helping hands.

Please contact Sarah Vezzani at loftium4@gmail.com if you are interested in filling the below role or would like to help in other ways.
 
POINT PERSON NEEDED FOR DAY-OF FESTIVITIES:

Responsibilities include planning and coordinating the people-related logistics of the day: checking participants in, distributing water bottles and T-shirts, directing families to different stations (rest areas with snacks, bathrooms, baby changing/feeding area), ensuring everyone has necessary equipment (and training if needed!) to help out, organizing activities for younger children, and entertainment (can simply be music playing - we have a volunteer for supplying the sound system)

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Have you heard? We're building a ropes course!

The Academy OSR Ropes Course will offer a unique series of team-building exercises that will have a variety of activities and programs that will challenge you, your friends, family, coworkers, and teammates to master challenges and conquer fears.

This state-of-the-art facility incorporates a continuous belay system that provides for maximum safety as participants learn and internalize concepts such as:

• problem-solving   • leadership skills   • communication   • self-confidence

. . . and so much more! We truly believe this will bless the lives of the young, and the not-so-young. 

Are you on social media? Then let's connect!

We'd love to have you join our Facebook Group, where we post about upcoming events and meetings where you and your friends can learn more about what we're doing! It's a great and easy way to help spread the word!

We are in the process of providing a discount for solar-energy equipment.  We have selected Sol-Ark as a supplier.

To increase our discounts, we are needing to combine our purchases.  We can get improved discounts if we place an order for 10 or more units.  And at 20 or more units, we receive an even larger discount.

If you are thinking of purchasing solar-energy equipment, whether for your new home, existing home, friend’s home, camping, etc…, please fill out our online questionnaire so that we can combine our orders and get big savings.

This is not a commitment to purchase at this time.  We are only getting a list of potential buyers.