An old-fashioned timber frame barn raising at Stone Hill Farm near Canton, was the result of many helping hands this past Spring. The fear was accomplished using wooden pegs in the hewn timber framework and raised one "bent." or structural component, at a time using ropes and lots of people power.

CANTON -- The monthly Simple Living Skill-sharing Picnic resumes this Saturday in the St. Lawrence River Valley region after a Summer break. The event is a Local Living Venture (LLV) gathering for those interested in the "simple life" and is held on the third Saturday of most months.

Anyone who is serious or curious about growing and preserving food and fiber, efficient use of wood stoves, clean home-grown energy sources, "green" building techniques or general homesteading skills are welcome to attend this community-building event

The Aug. 20 event is from noon to 2 p.m. at the Akins' Family Stone Hill Farm, 91 Cassidy Rd., Hermon, near Canton.

This month features a demonstration and the raffling off of a Rocket Summer Cook Stove that was built in an LLV workshop as well as the shared mealtime and networking. Beverages and seating are provided. Directions are available by leaving a message at 347-4223. It is free and open to the public.