February: Events Around the City

Sat Feb 2, 12:00-3:00 pm
Council of Canadians present: a DAY OF ACTION: Demand a Canadian Energy Strategy
Location: Market - Mezzanine - 130 King StreetCanadians experience long, cold winter months. As the snow starts to fly, our thoughts turn to staying warm. To do that, we need energy to heat our homes. But right now, CanadaOur country is rich with energy resources, but Canadians do not have control over them. Governments have signed this control away through free trade agreements with the United States. This was proven recently by a lawsuit launched by American oil corporations Exxon-Mobil and Murphy Oil. The companies are suing the Canadian government for USD $60 million contesting the requirement for them to spend a fraction of their soaring profits from the Atlantic region on research and job development there.

Without a Canadian Energy Strategy -- a strategy that will give Canadians security of their energy supplies, guaranteed access to energy reserves in times of need, and strong policies that protect our environment and focus on finding alternative, less harmful energy solutions -- our country will continue to be a victim of an energy gold rush. Politicians cannot let corporations and the market set the agenda, focusing on big business needs, and privatizing public services, while ignoring the energy security needs of Canadians. does not have a national energy strategy that addresses where our energy comes from, where it is going, or the high price of environmental devastation that can come with producing it.

Sat Feb 2nd 12:00-2:30 pm
The Fusion Series – The Art of Vegetarian-Asian Fusion. In the market kitchen located on the mezzanine in downtown London. This afternoon workshop will put equal emphasis on theory and practice. Fair trade, organic coffee included courtesy of Ten Thousand Villages. This workshop is limited to the first twenty people to register. A special speaker will join us. We will focus on SOL food: Sustainable, Organic, Local (where possible) with an emphasis on fair trade. $20. (***3-5 subsidized spaces available for limited incomes)
Please call Sharon Abbasakoor at: (519) 657-3743 or email Sharon @ shabbas@sympatico.ca or londoncoc.snc@gmail.com to register. Chef & menu details to be announced…

Sun Feb 3rd 12:00-5:00 pm
Green Day at Museum London…Exploring Solutions for Sustainablitly.
Green Trade Show 1-5 pm Centre GalleryBeyond Green "Ivet Galleries" 12-3 pmFilm Screening; Waste=Food 12:15-1:20 pmWhat would you do to make a sustainable world 2-4( a conversation with Mark Tovey and Mitch Brogan ) Be a Green Artist 12-4 Clair Bice Creative Centrefor more details please follow the link below.http://www.museumlondon.ca/pdfs/Jan19.pdf

Sun Feb 3rd 1:00-3:00 pm
City Farming Project: Planning for 2008 Season
Meeting agenda to look like this: >welcome>project overview>last years overview and summary report - financial>frame work needed for this season-(greenhouse, water, working plan for sites)>set meeting for next gathering. For more information contact: London@cityfarm.ca

Mon Feb 4th 7:00 pm
'A Stroke of Green'
Artist Philip Aziz is opening his studio to Green Party leader Elizabeth May
Where: 150 Philip Aziz AveTickets: $25 Canada's leading environmentalist, Elizabeth May, meets Canada's leading artist, Philip Aziz. Philip Aziz is renowned for his sculptures, painting and metal works embracing subjects as diverse as dandelions and the late Pope, John Paul II. His work has hung in galleries throughout the world. Elizabeth May, leader of the Green Party of Canada, is an author and world renowned for her successful environmental stewardship. They meet at the Aziz Art Studio which is surrounded by an inspirational natural setting. Funds raised will support community activist Monica Jarabek in her candidacy for M.P. in London West. Cash bar, home-made food, live music, special guests and an opportunity to meet Monica Jarabek, London West Green Party of Canada Candidate and to donate to her campaign. Contact: Gary Brown (519)473-5382 londonwestgreens@gmail.com

Tues Feb 5th 7:30-8:30 pm
McIlwraith Field Naturalists present NATIVE WILDFLOWERS OF SUMMER: Splashes of Colour in a World of Green Central Library Wolf Performance Hall In wild and not-so-wild corners of the city, native summer wildflowers flourish in exquisite diversity. UWO botanist Jane Bowles knows them well. Her photo tour takes us to their haunts ? lush wetlands, shady woodlands, sunny meadows and more.

Wed., Feb. 6 @ 7 pm
FAMOUS ARCTIC ADVENTURER AND PHOTOGRAPHER COMING TO LONDON THIS COMING WEDNESDAY
Where: UWO, Natural Sciences (Room 1)
When: Wednesday, Feb. 6 (7 pm, in the Natural Sciences Building, Room 1), the Department of Geography is hosting John Dunn, a famous adventurer and nature photographer, whose work has been featured by National Geographic and the Royal Geographical Society, amongst other places. Dunn will give a multi-media presentation about his solo journey across Devon Island in the Canadian Arctic, the world's largest uninhabited island. You can get a glimpse of his amazing photography at: http://www.arcticlight.com/. It is a free event, and all are welcome to attend!!

Thurs Feb 7th. 7:00 pm
TREA Meeting. Grosvenor LodgeLearn about Placemaking in the City of London"Our goal is to develop communities that have a clear sense of place and identity - to create places rather than "no place". These communities will offer significant value to those that live in them as healthy places that residents can identify with, form social bonds around and be proud of. Collectively, these communities will represent the ongoing development of London as a unique, interesting, creative and outstanding City of choice."See http://www.london.ca/Planning/placemaking.htm

Thurs Feb 7th. 6:30 pm
Dine for Darfur - The Alex P. Keaton. STANDWestern will be hosting, with the Alex, a benefit night in solidarity with the people of Darfur. The event will start at 6:30pm with the first seating for a dinner of traditional sudanese food with the second seating at 8:00 and dj bnutz to follow. The tickets are $20 with a $2 discount for one letter written to a public official expressing concern over the crisis in Darfur or $5 for two or more letters. Please reserve tickets by e-mailing western@standcanada.org or call 519.280.2082. Keaton

Thurs Feb 8th. 7:00 pm
SPP Forum – The 'Security & Prosperity' Partnership Agreement
Wolf Performance Hall.7:00pm—Greetings & welcome from London-Fanshawe MP Irene Mathyssen & Cory Morningstar from the London Chapter Council of Canadians 7:05-7:25pm—Presentation from International Trade Critic Peter Julian (MP Burnaby-New Westminster), outlining the SPP and the process thus far7:25-7:35pm—Hassan Youssef - Canadian Labour Congress Vice-President, speaking from a labour perspective on the dangers of SPP 7:35-7:45pm—Eduardo Sousa speaking on the Council of Canadians concerns on the SPP 7:45-7:55pm- Presentation on behalf of London's art community discussing SPP's threat to the arts/intellectual property/copyright issues 7:55-8:00pm- Patti Dalton speaks on behalf London & District Labour Council 8:00-8:50pm—Question & Answer with the audience8:50-9:00pm—Closing remarks from panellists CoC materials on SPP & TILMA will be available outside of Wolf Hall. For more information contact us Council of Canadians London Chapter at londonchaptercoc@gmail.com

Sat Feb 9th 10:00 am
McIlwraith Field Naturalists present A winter stroll. DORCHESTER MILL POND
Join us for a winter walk around the Dorchester Mill Pond. We will be looking for winter birds and other natural features, such as beaver dams. Take Commissioners Rd to the east; it joins up with Hamilton Rd which continues through Nilestown to Dorchester. In Dorchester, turn right on Mill Rd (at the health food store). Park along the road past the store, and meet the leader at the dam. Call 519-285-2342 for more details.

Tues Feb 12th 7:30-8:30 pm
McIlwraith Field Naturalists present MAMMALS: London's Furry, Four-footed Citizens
Central Library Wolf Performance HallWhile busily making a living, more than two dozen species of mammals (besides humans) enrich the London community? especially its nightlife! UWO mammalogist Jack Millar presents a sampling of the common, the interesting and the unusual.

Tues Feb 19th 7:30-8:30 pm
McIlwraith Field Naturalists present KOMOKA PARK:A Natural Gem on London's Western Flank Central Library Wolf Performance HallStraddling the Thames River, Komoka Provincial Park contains a rich and wonderful array of landforms, habitats and species. Ecologist Sandy Dobbyn of the Ministry of Natural Resources introduces the special features of this little-known jewel.

Tues Feb 19th - GreenDrinks - Topic: Hemp
Hemp is an annual herbaceous plant of the species cannabis sativa, meaning ‘useful hemp’. It is a high yield commercial fibre crop which flourishes in areas with temperate climates, such as Ontario, Canada. Every part of the hemp plant can be used commercially. The stalk of the hemp plant is harvested for its fibers it’s core of cellulose and nutritional grain. Ontario Hemp Alliance, member, and past president, Louise Hollingsworth will be on hand for the next Greendrinks with some sample and stories to share. While you are waiting check out http://www.ontariohempalliance.org/ for more about hemp.

Thurs Feb 21 5:00 pm
City of London Governance Task Force
Meetings will generally be held at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers and are open to the public.

Sat Feb 23, 2:00 pm
Cinema Politica London Presents: GARBAGE!!! THE REVOLUTION STARTS AT HOME!!! Venue: Landon Library - Wortley VillageA feature documentary about how the family household has become one of the most ferocious environmental predators of our time.In Garbage!, filmmaker Andrew Nisker, skillfully and succinctly puts all of the information in one place ? shifting the movement from melting glaciers and oil slicks to our neighborhoods and into our homes, so that average people can connect the dots between their actions and the environment and be inspired to change their polluting ways.

Sat Feb 23rd 7:00-10:00 pm
Festa Italiana presents...!!! THE FOREST CITY CYCLING CHALLENGE !!!Come out for a Fun Family Event in support of the Italian Seniors Project. We've got it ALL for cycling enthusiasts!SPRINTS - ENDURANCE - TEAM EVENTSTickets are $10 at the door. Kids under 16 - FREE!Meet Windsor riders Marco Cote and Danielle DeFranceschiFor more information, call:info: 519-878-7849, http://www.forestcityvelodrome.ca/and See You at the Velodrome!

Mon Feb 25rd - 9am-11am
Glen Pearson MP, London North Centre Presents...Do You Know What You’re Eating?!!!
Place: Middlesex College room-110, University of Western Ontario
There will be a $5.00 admission fee to defray costs of the event.
To register please call: 519.663.9777 or email: londonsymposium@gmail.com

Keynote speaker: The Hon. Wayne Easter, MP- Former Solicitor General

Panel Members:
Joe Cummins – Professor Emeritus
Grant Robertson – National Farmers Union Ontario
Melanie Doerksen – Slow Food London Convivium Leader

Agenda:
9:00 am – Opening of event
9:30 am – Keynote address – Mr. Wayne Easter
9:50 am – Panel Member Remarks
10:20 am – Panel Dialogue

Biotron Tours will be arranged after the symposium. For more information about the Biotron please visit: www.biotron.uwo.ca

Topics of discussion: food safety, Monsanto seeds, GMOs, going local, seasonal, organic, looking at the ecological impact of food, labeling in Canada and the urban/rural gap (how do we bridge it?).

Tell Supermarkets to Stock Eco Certified Flowers!

Globalization has brought about a greater awareness and concern for partners in trading relationships with North America, and around the world. Environmental policies, like the Kyoto accord, are trying to bring accountability to companies who harm the environment. Consumers are becoming more and more concerned with where their products are coming from and under what social and environmental conditions they are produced. Reports of human rights abuses and harmful environmental practices have affected the sales of everything from running shoes and clothing to coffee and fresh produce.

Demand your supermarket & independent flower retailer to support ethical flower trading and the Sierra Eco Program by stocking Sierra Eco certified flowers. We know about organic, fair trade coffees and organic, fair trade teas, and we have heard about organic, fair trade flowers, but we don't yet see them in our supermarket flower section or at our favourite independent flower shops. The Sierra Eco Label supports and markets the sale of flowers from socially and environmentally responsible farms. Learn more about the Sierra Eco Label here: http://www.sierraeco.com/program_brand.asp.

To see how this program works - watch this excellent video - http://www.sierraeco.com/pr/agrocoex1_hs.wmv

Sierra Eco Certified flowers are found at environmentally conscious retailers. Though the market for organic flowers is still small (sales totaled $8 million in 2003, a fraction of the $19.4 billion consumers spent on all flowers nationally) - it's growing fast. Consumers are increasingly willing to pay more for products made without chemicals harmful to workers or the environment. Organic flower sales are expected to grow 13 percent annually through 2008, according to the Organic Trade Association.

Eco Certified flowers assure us that the producers at the beginning of the supply chain are receiving a fair price for their labor. Also, unlike many conventional flower plantations, where international standards for pesticide-use are disregarded, eco certified flower farmers adhere to all international pesticide legislation, with the most dangerous pesticides not used at all. Eco Certified means a fair deal for farmers, and a healthier environment for all of us.

Lake Naivasha was once considered one of the world's top ten sites for birds and a paradise of clear water, with beautiful papyrus and water lily fringes. A haven for African wildlife and a major source of water for the lakeside's quickly growing population. Now - Lake Naivasha, Kenya's second largest lake, has shrunk to half its original size and its water level has dropped three metres. Vital wetlands, are degraded beyond recognition. Nowhere in the world is water from one lake basin used to supply drinking water to two basins, electricity to a whole country's grid and flowers & vegetables to a whole continent. The rotting tissues of the hippo carcasses reveal the secret to perfect bouquets - DDT and, 40 times more toxic, Dieldrin - pesticides banned in countries whose markets have made Kenya the world's number on exporter. This is happening not only in Africa, but in developing countries all over the world.

Floriculture in South America - Although floriculture has brought many opportunities to these flower growing regions and surrounding communities, there have been devastating social and environmental costs. For more information: http://www.sierraeco.com/program_culture.asp
Certification Programs - Sierra Eco is now recognizing and promoting farms certified under the Veriflora certification system. Learn more about Veriflora here: http://www.sierraeco.com/program_cert.asp

Florists who sell Sierra Eco Certified Flowers: http://www.sierraeco.com/florists.asp

We know that it is vital to take a leadership position – by way of demanding responsibly grown flowers. The next time you go to your local flower shop, ask if they carry certified flowers. We know that real change will happen when consumers insist that the only kind of flowers they want to buy are sustainably grown, ethical flowers….certified Eco flowers!

Sign & deliver our letter to major supermarket chains asking for more eco certified flowers, and take action to start working with a supermarket in your community.

As a concerned citizen & customer, I am writing to request that your store begin selling Sierra Eco certified flowers in your flower section.

More and more customers are looking for organic & Fair Trade products, including flowers, because they support fair labor conditions and environmentally friendly farming practices. Sierra Eco certified flowers are high-quality and beautiful and should be available to customers for many reasons:
• Through Sierra Eco certification, flower farmers earn a living wage that enables them to not only cover production costs but also send their children to school and provide medical care to themselves and their families. Fair Trade premiums are also often invested in programs that teach farmers about recycling, organics, reforestation, and other strategies for building healthy communities.
• Sierra Eco certification standards forbid the use of the most dangerous toxic chemicals and pesticides, protecting workers in the field, and guaranteeing the safety of the flowers in your store.
• Sierra Eco certified flowers are better for our environment, as they are not genetically modified, and are grown using sustainable farming practices such as, mulching, non-chemical weed control, filtering waste-water, recycling, and safe waste management.

Additionally, I'm concerned about the human rights and environmental records of large conventional corporations. For example, Chiquita Brands Inc. recently paid a $25 million fine to the US government after pleading guilty to transacting with terrorist organizations in Colombia.
Listed below are several independent flower wholesalers from whom your current distributor can buy Sierra Eco Certified™ flowers. Please work with your stores and their distributor to contact these importers and start offering Sierra Eco certified flowers today! Also, for further information on Sierra Eco certified flowers, visit http://www.sierraeco.com/default.asp.

By offering Sierra Eco Certified flowers, you will distinguish your supermarket as one with an eye for quality, concern for environmental preservation, and a commitment to socially responsible business practice. This will further earn you the loyalty and respect of your customers. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Council of Canadians - London Chapter

Bullfrog Power

More and more people are choosing to reduce their environmental impact by bullfrogpowering their homes & businesses with 100% green, carbon-free electricity.

By greening with Bullfrog Power, you can:

- Reduce your event's environmental footprint
- Help fight climate change
- Help create a healthier environment for families, communities and future generations

Support 100% green carbon-free electricity today!

www.bullfrogpower.com

"Have your Say" - The Mayor's Sustainable Energy Council

The Mayor's Sustainable Energy Council was established in October 2007 with the mandate of making London a leader in energy sustainability for today, tomorrow and the future. The Mayor's Sustainable Energy Council is seeking your advice and opinions on where efforts should be focused in London on sustainable energy initiatives, which include energy conservation tips, energy savings incentives and green power. Please complete the business or consumer surveys which are easily accessible on the home page of the City of London under "Have your Say" at http://www.london.ca/.

http://www.london.ca/d.aspx?s=/Mayors_Office/energycouncil_1.htm

[For more information contact Jill Tansley - Municipal Policy Specialist - CAO's Department, City of London - Tel: (519) 661-2500, x 7377]

IDEA: 'tax free employer paid transit'

Please consider supporting 'tax free employer paid transit'. Employers have long provide parking without charge for employees, and this benefit is not taxed for the employee. This will level the field for transit passes. Exerpt from VTPI....

There is now a promising opportunity to have this policy established in Canada’s tax code, and your support for this provision could be very influential. I encourage you to send a letter to Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty and Federal Minister of Transport Lawrence Cannon. Templates are posted at www.vtpi.org/TT_letter.htm (HTM format) and www.vtpi.org/TT_letter.doc (MS Word format).

BACKGROUND
Research by myself and others indicates that transit benefits significantly increase transit ridership and provide large net benefits (see www.vtpi.org/tdm/tdm8.htm ). Federal government sponsored research indicates that this policy is very cost effective overall (IBI, 1999, Tax Exempt Status For Employer-Provided Transit Benefits, Transportation Issue Table, National Climate Change Process and Transport Canada (www.tc.gc.ca/programs/environment/climatechange/subgroups1/passenger_urban/study5/exec_summary/english/transitpass.htm ). In fact, it ranked as the most cost-effective transport emission reduction strategy of dozens evaluated (Transportation Climate Change Table, 1999,
Transportation and Climate Change: Options for Action, Transport Canada).

Regards,
Gosse Van Oosten

January: Events Around the City

Tues, Jan 1, 2008, 10:00 am.
NEW YEAR'S DAY BIRD WALK at SPRINGBANK PARK Start out the New Year and your 2008 bird list on McIlwraith Field Naturalists annual New Year's Day Bird Walk. Meet at the parking lot by the Guy Lombardo Museum on the west side of Wonderland Rd. Sat Jan 5th 9:00 pmRe-Forest the Forest City Fundraiser, featuring the LMC All-Stars, Yuri Pool & Friends and Special Guests. It is the first time and let's help make it a big success. London Music Club 9:00 pm. 5$ admission. All proceeds to ReForest London. More info at http://www.reforestlondon.ca/ or http://www.londonmusicclub.com/

Sat Jan 5 2:00pm
Cinema Politica London presents CRUDE IMPACT. Landon Library. This film explores a range of problems associated with the use of fossil fuels. The objective of the film is to promote positive, hopeful change in the way we source and use energy. Sat Jan 12 2:00pmCinema Politica London presents THE END OF SUBURBIA Landon Library. With brutal honesty and a touch of irony, The End of Suburbia explores the American Way of Life and its prospects as the planet approaches a critical era, as global demand for fossil fuels begins to outstrip supplyMon

Jan 14th 7:00 pm
Elgin Middlesex London EDA AGM. At the St. Thomas Public Library, Carnegie Room. 153 Curtis St. St. Thomas ON. Call 519-266-4488 for more details.

Tues, Jan 15, 7:30-8:30 pm.
CHIMNEY SWIFTS: Mysterious Little Birds in Big Trouble Winifred Wake During migration, Chimney Swifts gather at dusk by the hundreds to make spectacular dives into large chimneys. Winifred Wake, volunteer coordinator of the McIlwraith Field Naturalists. SwiftWatch project, tells the captivating story of this species-at-risk. Wolf Performance Hall Central Library.

Fri Jan 18, 2008, 7:30 pm.
A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION: The plants of Ontario's Tallgrass Prairies and Savannas. Cathy Quinlan Civic Garden ComplexTallgrass prairies and savannas are natural grassland habitats that contain a great diversity of grasses, wildflowers and animals. Tallgrass is one of the most endangered plant communities on earth. Cathy, president of Tallgrass Ontario, will talk about the colourful plants that call this habitat home and discuss some of the work that has been done to protect, restore and expand this rare community in Ontario. Tallgrass Ontario is a not-for-profit environmental group whose aim is to understand, protect and restore Ontario's endangered tallgrass habitats. Cathy is also past president of the McIlwraith Field Naturalists. During the day, she works as a terrestrial biologist with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority.

Sat Jan 19 2:00pm
Cinema Politica London presents ESCAPE FROM SUBURBIA Landon Library. A positive perspective on the problem of "peak oil." Through personal stories and interviews the film examines how declining world oil production has already begun to affect modern life in North America. Expert scientific opinion is balanced with "on the street" portraits

Tues, Jan 22, 7:30-8:30 pm.
URBAN INSECTS: An Array of Colourful and Vibrant Lifestyles Stan Caveney. From dragonflies to lady beetles, from fireflies to katydids, multitudes of fascinating insects make their homes in London's neighbourhoods. Stan Caveney, who has spent a lifetime probing their secrets, introduces a selection of his favourites. Wolf Performance Hall Central Library.

Fri Jan 25, 2008, 7:30 pm.
IT'S A JUNGLE OUT THERE: Predators And Cowbirds At Wood Thrush Nests In Southern Ontario Lyle Friesen Civic Garden ComplexLyle is an entertaining speaker as we learned last year during his talk on the impact of wind turbines on wildlife. He has just completed the tenth year of a long-term study in Waterloo region on Wood Thrushes and the impact of residential development on their population density, nesting success, and return rates. For the past two years, he has been using miniature digital video cameras to document visitations by predators and cowbirds to nests. The cameras, which film on a 24-hour basis using infra-red lights for night recording, have provided fascinating insights into thrush-predator/parasite relationships. The setting may be 'tranquil' southern Ontario, but for nesting Wood Thrushes, it really is a jungle out there. .

Tues, Jan 29, 7:30-8:30 pm.
FROGS AND THEIR KIN: Jump, Swim, Walk or Crawl. Amphibians Do It All Scott Gillingwater. Frogs, toads and salamanders face many challenges as wetlands shrink and roadways sub-divide their world. A fan since childhood, Scott Gillingwater of the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority details some amazing strategies for survival. Wolf Performance Hall Central Library

The Story of Stuff

An excellent 20 minute movie done in 9 short clips.

http://www.odemagazine.com/exchange/939/the_story_of_stuff

Enjoy!