Friday, July 25, 2008
GreenDrinks London on 'A Channel Morning'
Tune in to A Channel Morning on Tuesday, July 29th (8:15am) as Rose & I share information about GreenDrinks London, The City Farming Project, and our partnership in the gardening club.
Meadowlily Meeting - July 29th
“Smart Centres” has proposed developing a parcel of land on property next to Meadowlily Woods (east of Highbury between Commissioners and the Thames River). Meadowlily Woods has been designated in the Official Plan for London as an “Environmentally Significant Area” (ESA). Many London residents do not believe that right next to an ESA is appropriate site to locate Wal-Mart, with all its customer and goods traffic, noise and light pollution, and waste.
The Thames River has been the focus of considerable debate in London recently, particularly with the feature coverage received in the London Free Press. The Thames River is designated as a “Canadian Heritage River System” (CHRS), and building a “ big box” development so close to the south bank of the Thames does not seem in keeping with the CHRS mandate “to ensure long-term management and conservation of their natural, cultural and recreational values”. The Environment and Ecology Planning Advisory Committee is concerned about the area, as is Reforest London.
In addition to valid environmental concerns, there is also concern about how this development will affect the quality of life and the property values for residents of London. Will you be expected to subsidize this development with property tax hikes? On July 16th the London Free Press reported that developers are paying less than half the actual cost to submit development applications—the citizens of London are paying the rest through their tax bills. Do you really want to pay for another Wal-Mart out of your pocket? How many local businesses, many of them family operations with roots in the community, will be forced out of business by such a “big box” development?
IT’S TIME TO LEARN MORE AND VOICE YOUR THOUGHTS!
COMMUNITY TOWNHALL MEETING
When: Tuesday July 29th, at 7pm
Where: Summerside Community Church at 1447 Commissioners Rd.
Why: to have a community discussion about this possible development.
Who: You, your neighbours and other concerned residents. Irene Mathyssen (MP, London-Fanshawe) and Peter Tabuns (MPP Toronto-Danforth, Ontario NDP Environment Critic) will be on hand to discuss the issues, as well as Gina Barber from London City Council and a guest from the Guelph City Council (The City of Guelph opposed a Wal-Mart development for many years. Although the development was finally approved, but the experience has not been a positive one and a recent “expansion” request by Wal-Mart was denied.).
Contact: Michele Girash at mgirash@yahoo.ca for more information.
Online Petition: http://www.meadowlilywoods.ca/
Facebook: search Meadowlily Woods
The Thames River has been the focus of considerable debate in London recently, particularly with the feature coverage received in the London Free Press. The Thames River is designated as a “Canadian Heritage River System” (CHRS), and building a “ big box” development so close to the south bank of the Thames does not seem in keeping with the CHRS mandate “to ensure long-term management and conservation of their natural, cultural and recreational values”. The Environment and Ecology Planning Advisory Committee is concerned about the area, as is Reforest London.
In addition to valid environmental concerns, there is also concern about how this development will affect the quality of life and the property values for residents of London. Will you be expected to subsidize this development with property tax hikes? On July 16th the London Free Press reported that developers are paying less than half the actual cost to submit development applications—the citizens of London are paying the rest through their tax bills. Do you really want to pay for another Wal-Mart out of your pocket? How many local businesses, many of them family operations with roots in the community, will be forced out of business by such a “big box” development?
IT’S TIME TO LEARN MORE AND VOICE YOUR THOUGHTS!
COMMUNITY TOWNHALL MEETING
When: Tuesday July 29th, at 7pm
Where: Summerside Community Church at 1447 Commissioners Rd.
Why: to have a community discussion about this possible development.
Who: You, your neighbours and other concerned residents. Irene Mathyssen (MP, London-Fanshawe) and Peter Tabuns (MPP Toronto-Danforth, Ontario NDP Environment Critic) will be on hand to discuss the issues, as well as Gina Barber from London City Council and a guest from the Guelph City Council (The City of Guelph opposed a Wal-Mart development for many years. Although the development was finally approved, but the experience has not been a positive one and a recent “expansion” request by Wal-Mart was denied.).
Contact: Michele Girash at mgirash@yahoo.ca for more information.
Online Petition: http://www.meadowlilywoods.ca/
Facebook: search Meadowlily Woods
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
London's Environment - What issues do you think City Council should be focusing on?
From London Free Press blogger David Gough:
"Sometime in the near future I plan on posting what environmental issues should London council be taking on in the future for the rest of their mandate. We've seen drive throughs and water bottle usage, what's next?"
Let's hear your thoughts.
"Sometime in the near future I plan on posting what environmental issues should London council be taking on in the future for the rest of their mandate. We've seen drive throughs and water bottle usage, what's next?"
Let's hear your thoughts.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
GreenDrinks Gardening Club
Hello Gardeners!
Thanks to those who made it out last week. A rainbow did come out after the rain, and we made some plants very happy in their new home. I hope the greens were to everyone's liking - if you've any nice recipes, please do share!
This evening we'll be training our peas to climb and preparing some nice labels for the garden, to polish off our work to date.
Come on out, one and all - we're growing food; we're growing change.
Evan and Rose,
City Farming Project
Thanks to those who made it out last week. A rainbow did come out after the rain, and we made some plants very happy in their new home. I hope the greens were to everyone's liking - if you've any nice recipes, please do share!
This evening we'll be training our peas to climb and preparing some nice labels for the garden, to polish off our work to date.
Come on out, one and all - we're growing food; we're growing change.
Evan and Rose,
City Farming Project
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
July: Events Around the City
July 1st
Happy Canada Day!!!
Thurs July 3rd-July 6th
Sunfest '08 will feature a sizzling new component entitled "Sunfest Fiesta: A Showcase of Latin American Music & Dance". Come to beautiful Victoria Park in London and experience Canada's premier celebration of the global arts, now in its 14th great year. Celebrate the arrival of summer in style with Canada's premier free-admission festival of the global arts.
Fri July 4th 6:30pm
Thames Region Ecological Association - Annual picnic and BBQ
Grosvenor Lodge on Western Road. Contact Gosse Van Oosten at 519-685-2682 if you are coming and how many will attend. This information is neccessary as we need to know how much supplies to purchase. We will provide the barbecue, and ask you to bring a salad or desert to share, and plates, cutlery so we do not have waste or recyclables. This is time for socializing, meet other Londoners interested in the environment and hear about events during the year TREA was involved in.
Sat July 5th 9am-3pm
1st Annual Parkhill Classic Kids Fishing Derby. Celebrating the Ontario Family Fishing Weekend. All kids participating will receive a certificate from the Minister of Natural Resources,. Early Registration is recommended. This Event if FREE to all kids 12 and under (must be accompanied by adult). This is a License Free weekend so the adults can join in the fun. Prizes for the kids (top 5 largest fish of any kind caught). Free Hot Dogs/Hamburgers and a soft drinks. To Register Please Call Darren @ 519-937-1387 or 519-630-6629
Mon July 7th 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
The Snake Lady (5 years and up). Snakes, spiders, turtles and much more: meet Val the "Snake Lady" and learn all about her fascinating collection of creatures. See Note for registration details. Central Library
Tues July 8th 2:30-3:15
Marvelous Monarchs (6 years and up). From creepy-crawly caterpillars to beautiful butterflies: learn about the fascinating life of the monarch. Find out about the butterfly's life cycle and migration patterns, learn about raising and tagging butterflies, and even see some live examples in the library. Central Library.
Sun July 12th
Caliente Festival Hispano. Covent Garden Market.
Sunday July 13 - 9:30-Noon
Seed Collection - Thames Talbot Land Trust
Dear Friends of TTLT:As we continue our ecological restoration project at the Meadowlily Nature Preserve in London we will again be collecting seeds of native trees to sow at the site. In the Fall of 2006 a group of TTLT volunteers took the course to become Certified Seed Collectors and will be leading the efforts to gather seeds on two upcoming dates. The seed collection dates are Sunday July 13 and Sunday July 27 from 9:30-Noon. The exact locations are to be announced based on some final scouting. If you would like to participate in either date please respond to this email and the leaders will get back in touch once the location is finalized. No experience is necessary as our accomplished leaders will show you the ropes. This is a great chance to learn more about our forests and woodlots. Don Gordon - thamestalbot@ttlt.ca
Tues July 15th, 4 p.m. until every one is heard from
Public hearing on Drive thru's. Please come and be heard on this issue. We ask you to support our motion to impose a moratorium. We feel the 160 plus drive thru's in London are enough. Considering that 30% of calories are consumed in cars nowadays and our national obesity and diabetes epidemic; this is not just about the environment. This is about lifestyle and the type of city we want to leave our children. Please come and be heard. Centennial hall
Tues July 15th 7pm
Green Drinks. Alex P Keaton. Come down after speaking at the Drive Thru hearings and enjoy the positive atmosphere of the green drinks crowd. As always great people, lots of fun and of course, friendly discourse on all things Green.
July 16th 17:00-23:00
GATSBY GALA. Elsie Perrin Williams Estate, 101 Windermere Rd. West, London
A fundraising evening for Heritage London Foundation, working to preserve our history. Tickets are $35 and include some funny money for the gambling den, your portrait taken with a vintage auto, fine desserts and canapes, dancing in the speakeasy, croquet on the lawns, wear your best gangster or jazz baby finery for the dance and costume contest. Join us for a sparkling evening of fun and entertainment. Call 519-645-2845 for tickets.
Fri July 18th-20th
Home County Folk Festival. Home County Folk Festival July 18,19,20, 2008 in Victoria Park, London. 35 Years and Still Going Strong! London's biggest and longest running free summer festival! For more information about this event please call 519-432-4310 or visit www.homecounty.ca.
Sun July 20th
SUMMER IN THE GARDENS at SPRINGBANK GARDENS. Take an afternoon stroll through the flourishing FLORA of SPRINGBANK GARDENS featuring the pleasant sounds of Classical Chamber Music drifting through the green from 1 to 3 p.m. For more information please visit www.london.ca.
Sat July 26th
FESTIVAL OF INDIA. Covent Garden Market. Festival of India will take place outside on the Market square See, hear and taste India. Watch lively dances on stage all day. Sample savory delights or enjoy a full meal. Learn how to wrap a saree. Decorate your hands, feet and face. Learn how to cook authentic curry and much much more
Tues July 29th
AFROFESTA 2008 – a celebration of African Caribbean and Black Canadian culture. Unique, fresh and the first of its kind, Afrofesta 2008 will be a celebration of African food, music, culture, dance and clothing. Taking place at the downtown Covent Garden Market, Afrofesta 2008 will celebrate the city's diverse and rich black culture. For more information about Afrofesta 2008 please visit the website
Thurs July 31st-Aug 10th
LONDON FRINGE THEATRE FESTIVAL. The London Fringe Theatre Festival takes place at various downtown venues. For additional information please call 519-434-0606 or visit the website www.londonfringe.ca.
Happy Canada Day!!!
Thurs July 3rd-July 6th
Sunfest '08 will feature a sizzling new component entitled "Sunfest Fiesta: A Showcase of Latin American Music & Dance". Come to beautiful Victoria Park in London and experience Canada's premier celebration of the global arts, now in its 14th great year. Celebrate the arrival of summer in style with Canada's premier free-admission festival of the global arts.
Fri July 4th 6:30pm
Thames Region Ecological Association - Annual picnic and BBQ
Grosvenor Lodge on Western Road. Contact Gosse Van Oosten at 519-685-2682 if you are coming and how many will attend. This information is neccessary as we need to know how much supplies to purchase. We will provide the barbecue, and ask you to bring a salad or desert to share, and plates, cutlery so we do not have waste or recyclables. This is time for socializing, meet other Londoners interested in the environment and hear about events during the year TREA was involved in.
Sat July 5th 9am-3pm
1st Annual Parkhill Classic Kids Fishing Derby. Celebrating the Ontario Family Fishing Weekend. All kids participating will receive a certificate from the Minister of Natural Resources,. Early Registration is recommended. This Event if FREE to all kids 12 and under (must be accompanied by adult). This is a License Free weekend so the adults can join in the fun. Prizes for the kids (top 5 largest fish of any kind caught). Free Hot Dogs/Hamburgers and a soft drinks. To Register Please Call Darren @ 519-937-1387 or 519-630-6629
Mon July 7th 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
The Snake Lady (5 years and up). Snakes, spiders, turtles and much more: meet Val the "Snake Lady" and learn all about her fascinating collection of creatures. See Note for registration details. Central Library
Tues July 8th 2:30-3:15
Marvelous Monarchs (6 years and up). From creepy-crawly caterpillars to beautiful butterflies: learn about the fascinating life of the monarch. Find out about the butterfly's life cycle and migration patterns, learn about raising and tagging butterflies, and even see some live examples in the library. Central Library.
Sun July 12th
Caliente Festival Hispano. Covent Garden Market.
Sunday July 13 - 9:30-Noon
Seed Collection - Thames Talbot Land Trust
Dear Friends of TTLT:As we continue our ecological restoration project at the Meadowlily Nature Preserve in London we will again be collecting seeds of native trees to sow at the site. In the Fall of 2006 a group of TTLT volunteers took the course to become Certified Seed Collectors and will be leading the efforts to gather seeds on two upcoming dates. The seed collection dates are Sunday July 13 and Sunday July 27 from 9:30-Noon. The exact locations are to be announced based on some final scouting. If you would like to participate in either date please respond to this email and the leaders will get back in touch once the location is finalized. No experience is necessary as our accomplished leaders will show you the ropes. This is a great chance to learn more about our forests and woodlots. Don Gordon - thamestalbot@ttlt.ca
Tues July 15th, 4 p.m. until every one is heard from
Public hearing on Drive thru's. Please come and be heard on this issue. We ask you to support our motion to impose a moratorium. We feel the 160 plus drive thru's in London are enough. Considering that 30% of calories are consumed in cars nowadays and our national obesity and diabetes epidemic; this is not just about the environment. This is about lifestyle and the type of city we want to leave our children. Please come and be heard. Centennial hall
Tues July 15th 7pm
Green Drinks. Alex P Keaton. Come down after speaking at the Drive Thru hearings and enjoy the positive atmosphere of the green drinks crowd. As always great people, lots of fun and of course, friendly discourse on all things Green.
July 16th 17:00-23:00
GATSBY GALA. Elsie Perrin Williams Estate, 101 Windermere Rd. West, London
A fundraising evening for Heritage London Foundation, working to preserve our history. Tickets are $35 and include some funny money for the gambling den, your portrait taken with a vintage auto, fine desserts and canapes, dancing in the speakeasy, croquet on the lawns, wear your best gangster or jazz baby finery for the dance and costume contest. Join us for a sparkling evening of fun and entertainment. Call 519-645-2845 for tickets.
Fri July 18th-20th
Home County Folk Festival. Home County Folk Festival July 18,19,20, 2008 in Victoria Park, London. 35 Years and Still Going Strong! London's biggest and longest running free summer festival! For more information about this event please call 519-432-4310 or visit www.homecounty.ca.
Sun July 20th
SUMMER IN THE GARDENS at SPRINGBANK GARDENS. Take an afternoon stroll through the flourishing FLORA of SPRINGBANK GARDENS featuring the pleasant sounds of Classical Chamber Music drifting through the green from 1 to 3 p.m. For more information please visit www.london.ca.
Sat July 26th
FESTIVAL OF INDIA. Covent Garden Market. Festival of India will take place outside on the Market square See, hear and taste India. Watch lively dances on stage all day. Sample savory delights or enjoy a full meal. Learn how to wrap a saree. Decorate your hands, feet and face. Learn how to cook authentic curry and much much more
Tues July 29th
AFROFESTA 2008 – a celebration of African Caribbean and Black Canadian culture. Unique, fresh and the first of its kind, Afrofesta 2008 will be a celebration of African food, music, culture, dance and clothing. Taking place at the downtown Covent Garden Market, Afrofesta 2008 will celebrate the city's diverse and rich black culture. For more information about Afrofesta 2008 please visit the website
Thurs July 31st-Aug 10th
LONDON FRINGE THEATRE FESTIVAL. The London Fringe Theatre Festival takes place at various downtown venues. For additional information please call 519-434-0606 or visit the website www.londonfringe.ca.
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