December: Events Around the City

Wednesday Dec 2nd 7-9pm
Premiere screening of "IN TRANSITION"
Transition London invites you to the premiere screening of 'In Transition', an inspiring account of a creative, communal response to peak oil and climate change. A film about helping to build resilience in the local community for a more fulfilling, enriching, and less wasteful life. Location: Central Library, Wolf Hall - 251 Dundas Street. Admission: FREE. Discussion will follow the film screening. Watch the film trailer


Dec 7-18th
UNITED NATIONS CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE… Copenhagen
The United Nations Climate Change Conference will take place at the Bella Center in Copenhagen, Denmark, between December 7 and December 18, 2009. The goal of this conference, as I understand it, is to create a framework for climate change mitigation beyond 2012 that is to be agreed upon there by all international leaders.

"The moment every country arrives at climate negotiations seeking to keep their own emissions as high as possible, this is the logic of the madhouse, a recipe for collective suicide. We don't want a global suicide pact. We want a global survival pact." - - - President Mohamed Nasheed

WATCH THIS VIDEO
THE BIG ASK (3 mins.) and do a little research so that you understand what is going on.

THEN, ASK FOR ACTION!!!
If you would like to cast your vote and let international politicians know that you would like to see real targets developed in Copenhagen visit this site and sign, then HELP SPREAD THE WORD by sending this email to everyone you know.

BACKGROUND INFO: The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC or FCCC) is an international environmental treaty produced at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), informally known as the Earth Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro from 3 to 14 June 1992. The objective of the treaty is to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. The Kyoto Protocol is a protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC or FCCC), aimed at combating global warming. There is a link on Wikipedia that shows a maps of all the countries that have signed on.

Friday Dec 11th - 6pm
Candlelight Vigil for Survival @ Victoria Park Bandshell
World leaders are about to begin climate treaty discussions in Copenhagen. To mark the occasion and to give Londoners the opportunity to come together, in community, to show our government leaders that we are concerned about our climate and want them to agree to concrete greenhouse gas reduction targets at the talks in Copenhagen, there will be a Candlelight Vigil for Survival....

Listen to words of encouragement and hope, light candles, join the silent vigil and reflective walk around the park, returning to the bandshell for a collective photo.

Joining us will be:

• Dr. Gordon McBean, Professor at UWO
• Gina Barber, London City Controller
• Members of local environmental groups
• Children, teens, parents and grandparents

Add your light to that of others around the world and make this a memorable evening for your entire family. What to bring: Warm clothes, candle/flashlight, a sign with 350 on it (can be a simple 8x10 page)

Sign up for the event on the 350.org website at http://www.350.org/node/13253

Saturday Dec 12th 8pm
Evening of Music - London Food Bank Fundraiser
Currently, the Food Bank is helping over 2500 families with emergency food each month. Of the almost 7500 individuals that are helped, 40% of them are children under the age of 18. This is a significant number of children in our area that are living in poverty. It is through gifts such as these that we are able to continue to provide emergency food for these children and their families. All food and money donations to the food bank. Venue: London Music Club (front room), Colborne Street, Downtown London

Tuesday Dec 15th 7pm
GREENDRINKS LONDON - Holiday EcoSchmooze - PURPOSEFUL GIFTING
How to have the greenest, thriftiest, most meaningful holiday ever!
We’ve all got enough stuff (http://www.storyofstuff.com/) and everyone loves to show off their creative alternatives for gift giving, so join us in celebration by bringing one idea to share with the group(show & tell). Let's all think outside of the big-box this year and design a gift giving plan that will improve our health, deepen our relationships, and tread a little lighter on good ol' planet earth. Where: Morrissey House, 359 Dundas Street (Downtown between Waterloo and Colborne).

Saturday Dec 19th
LONDON CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT and POTLUCK SUPPER
Volunteers have been counting birds on Audubon Annual Christmas Bird Counts for more than 100 years, and their contributions represent a tremendously valuable resource for learning more about wintering birds. MFN has been an active participant for 101 years, and you can help by spending the day scouring the countryside for birds or watching activity at your feeders. The count must be coordinated to ensure that we have uniform coverage. The coordinators will assign an area to you. Birders of all skill levels are welcome and can contribute. Novice birders can be paired with more experienced birders to learn the ropes. If you can't get out that day you can still participate by counting the birds at your feeder. For more information about this venerable birding tradition see these websites: Bird Studies Canada - CBC Audubon. After a fun day of winter birding there will be a Potluck Supper for participants. Please call 519-472-2887 for more information.

Friday Jan 1st, 2010 - 10am
BIRD WALK at SPRINGBANK PARK
Start out the New Year and your 2010 bird list on MFN’s annual New Year’s Day Bird Walk in Springbank Park. Meet at the parking lot by the Guy Lombardo Museum on the west side of Wonderland Rd.

GREENPEACE welcomes a new leader.

Kumi Naidoo, the new Executive Director of Greenpeace International, writes:

In several African languages we have the proverb “I am, because you are”. This means that your sense of being a human being is determined by the relationships you have with other people. This proverb has informed not only my thinking about human relationships, but also about nature and the environment. Unless we recognise that we must come together in communities, in rich and poor countries and cut across the range of divides that keep us apart, unless we recognise that we are all in this together, we will not be able to address the environmental challenges that we face and we certainly will not be able to address the problem of climate change.

Today we are at the cross roads. The future of our planet is at stake. The effects of climate change are being felt by millions of people across the world. We are at a time when civil society needs to be courageous and bold, peaceful and principled in coming together to ensure that we stop catastrophic climate change – the biggest challenge our planet has ever faced.

Watch the video at http://weblog.greenpeace.org/makingwaves/archives/2009/11/kumi_naidoo.html

Sick of the Swine Flu???

So is Leslie Garrett (Virtuous Consumer), read more at http://www.greenmuze.com/blogs/green-light/1764-sick-of-swine-flu.html.

CHEF @ HOME in London

London Heath Sciences Centre hosted their annual ECOCARE CONFERENCE last month, and I was asked to support a few of the speakers during the facilitation of their breakout sessions (Healing Properties of Food & Managing E-Waste). Mary-Lee Townsend, LHSC's Environmental Specialist, put together an impressive mix of topics that attracted health care professionals from across the country. It was a fantastic day of learning and conversation.

As if attending weren't gift enough, Mary-Lee invited me to attend their GALA DINNER, where the food was locally sourced from organic producers (Carolinian Winery provided the drink), and I got to meet and chat with Chef Michael Smith from FOOD NETWORK CANADA.

Incredibly tall, yet undeniably grounded Chef Michael Smith spoke about food - the good old-fashioned nourish your body/mind/spirit ritual of preparing and eating FOOD - and how each of us can make the time, to make the best choices for our family and our planet.

My favourite question of the evening was whether 'LOCAL' or 'ORGANIC' was his first priority when choosing ingredients. He said while he used to put organic at the top of the list, he began to rethink that logic upon considering the environmental impacts of shipping organic garlic in from China (not to mention the quality concerns). He now devotes his time, money, and resources to supporting his local growers; working with them to educate and create a market for LOCAL, SEASONAL, and ORGANIC. I am inspired to do the same.

November: Events Around the City

Sunday Nov 1st 1:30 pm
STROLL at FANSHAWE CONSERVATION AREA McIlwraith Field Naturalists.
Meet the leader at the Fanshawe Dam for an easy stroll to enjoy late fall. Enter the park via the Clarke Road entrance and proceed past the gatehouse. Turn left at the administration buildings and park on the south side of the river by the dam. Call 519-434-1931 for more details if required. Our outdoor events are perfect excuses to get away for a few hours and visit natural sites in and around London. There are always MFN members along who are able to help with tricky identifications and are willing to share their knowledge. It is useful to bring along binoculars, pencil and notebook, field guides, etc. (but don't burden yourself too much). Families with children are welcome on field trips, but pets should be left at home.

Tuesday Nov 3rd 7-8:30pm
Water and Climate Change...What we know; What we don't know; How do we respond? The purpose of the lecture is to bring together environmental community groups from across the Upper Thames River Watershed to learn about and discuss: Water and Climate Change. Guest Speaker: Professor Slobodan P. Simonovic. Venue: Ridgeview Community Church - 1470 Glenora Drive. Please RSVP to Julie at 519-451 2800 ext 255 or visit www.thamesriver.on.ca.

Tuesday Nov 3rd 7-9pm
The Centre for Environment & Sustainability (UWO) presents: Dr. Peter Victor –
“Managing Without Growth: Slower by Design, not Disaster”
Venue: Middlesex College Room 110
Growth, expansion, greater wealth – these have long been the standard policies of governments and business. But is growth effective in eliminating world poverty, solving unemployment, protecting the environment and contributing to individual happiness? What would happen to world economics if we had a no growth policy? Dr. Peter Victor will address these issues and others in his upcoming lecture as part of the E&S Special Lecture Series. An economist and Professor in Environmental Studies at York University, Dr. Victor has worked on environmental issues for nearly 40 years. Dr. Victor was one of the original founders of ecological economics and was the first President of the Canadian Society for Ecological Economics. He was Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Studies, York, an Assistant Deputy Minister of the Environmental Sciences and Standards Division in the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, and has worked as a consultant on economic studies in Canada and abroad. He is a technical advisor in such areas as air pollution and health, emissions trading, emerging issues and education for sustainable energy development. His most recent book is Managing Without Growth - Slower by Design, not Disaster. (Edward Elgar, 2008) Plan to attend and hear how Peter Victor challenges current economic myths. A reminder: Dr. Victor will be the guest author for E&S Reads – 10:30 to Noon, Nov. 3, 09 – Kresge Building Room 106. This is an excellent opportunity for a intimate discussion with the author. Copies of “Managing Without Growth” are available in the Bookstore.
Everyone is welcome to both events.
Presented by: The Centre for Environment and Sustainability, The Global and Ecosystem Health Interest Group at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and The McConnell Family Foundation.

Friday Nov 6th 7pm
Canaries in a Coalmine – What Are Ontario’s Birds Telling Us?
An illustrated lecture by Mike Cadman. Wolf Performance Hall London Public Library, 251 Dundas St Leading bird authority Mike Cadman is a Songbird Biologist with the Canadian Wildlife Service. Mike has devoted 8 years as the staff lead on The Atlas of Breeding Birds of Ontario (2001-2005). Without doubt, the second Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas ranks among the most successful, important and exciting bird research and conservation projects ever undertaken in the Western Hemisphere. The Atlas database is an incredibly powerful foundation not only for the book itself, but for innumerable bird research and environmental management applications for many years to come. Mike is now involved in researching conservation solutions for some of the challenges identified in the Atlas. Mike will be presenting findings from the Atlas and new developments in avian conservation with a special emphasis on the role of habitat conservation by groups such as the Thames Talbot Land Trust.

Saturday Nov 7th
Live Food Nutrition Workshop - More Energy, More Life
Discover easy weight loss, renewed health and greater energy with Whole, Organic Vegan Live-Foods. Like thousands of ecstatic Living Centre clients, you won't ever need to look at another fad diet book again! Fact is, the Live-Food diet is proving to be the healthiest, most common sense diet on the planet. Why? Because when we eat foods in their natural state we receive maximum nutrition and with this - maximum health. The mysteries of nature cannot be duplicated artificially. Nature exists in holistic forms. Their effects are also holistic. A raw and living food diet brings more energy and a resilient immune system. Stress, chronic illness, burnout, immune dysfunction, depression or weight concerns are all addressed in this very informative training. The live-food diet includes unprocessed and uncooked plant foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, sprouts, seeds, nuts, grains, beans, dried fruit, and seaweeds. Raw and living foods have all the vitamins, minerals, proteins, enzymes and Phytonutrients intact. Heating food over 118 degrees destroy all Phytonutrients and enzymes (the sparks of life) and depletes foods of their vitamins, minerals and protein. As well as being the most nutrient rich diet on the planet, live-food cuisine is enormously creative and satisfying to prepare. The vibrant colors, textures and scents are nourishment to all of your senses. For more information visit The Living Centre - www.thelivingcentre.com.

Tuesday Nov 10th 6-9:30pm
Public Meeting for London's Transportation Master Plan
The City of London is embarking on a Transportation Master Plan (TMP) study to improve the ways we get around in London. It is also known as Smart Moves. The study will be looking at how to accommodate the needs of all transportation users in the City including drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and transit users.

The first of three public meetings is taking place soon:

When: Tuesday, November 10

Where: Western Fair Grounds - Carousel Room

Time: 6-7p.m. Open House, 7-9:30 p.m. Workshop

Visit the City of London’s webpage at www.london.ca/smartmoves, where you can find more information about the Plan, fill out a survey, and share your thoughts on the discussion forum.

Please send RSVPs for this meeting to Charles Tilden at ctilden@canurb.com or 416-365-0816 x282, by November 6th.

If you have any comments, questions or concerns, please contact:

Maged Elmadhoon, M.Eng, P. Eng.
Manager, Traffic Engineering and Transportation Planning
City of London
Tel: (519) 661-2500 Ex. 4934
Email: melmadho@london.ca

OR

Dick Gordon P.Eng., MCIP, RPP
Manager, Transportation Planning
AECOM
5080 Commerce Boulevard
Mississauga, ON L4W 4P2
Tel: 905-238-0007
Email: dick.gordon@aecom.com

Please note we encourage you to carpool, take transit, walk or cycle to the meeting. Transit route information is available on the LTC’s website www.ltconline.ca and bicycle racks are available next door, outside the Slots building entrance. There is ample free parking at the Western Fair.

Tuesday Nov 10th 7:30-9:00pm
"Financial Crisis an Opportunity for a New Global Order?"
Featured Speaker: John Dillon, Economic Justice Program Coordinator, KAIROS
Beyond Tinkering: Growing an Inclusive Economy - Lecture 3 of 4 Part Series Organization: Sisters of St. Joseph.
Where: Brescia University College 1285 Western Rd
Join the Sisters of St. Joseph for the rest of this four part lecture series. All lectures will be held at Brescia University College from 7:30 - 9:00 pm.

Monday Nov 16th 7-9pm
Raw Food 101
Interested in raw/live food but don't know where to start? Come learn how a raw food kitchen works. We'll explore appliances like the Vitamix, the dehydrator and the spiralizer. We'll chat about the benefits of eating whole, raw foods and create yummy recipes (raw onion crackers, hummus, noodles with marinara sauce and brownies) to share over a cup of tea. Cost: $40 plus GST. Location: 2237 Wharncliffe Rd S. To register call The Lotus Centre at 519-642-2378.

Wednesday Nov 18th 1:30-2:30pm
Lecture: Developing Climate Change Policy in Canada
Speaker: Mr. Bob Hamilton, Associate Deputy Minister, Environment Canada
Everyone is welcome to attend a series of three public lectures by members of the Government of Canada, delivered at various locations on campus. Location: Room 1, Natural Sciences Centre

Wednesday Nov 18th 7-9p.m.
SPEAKER: Maude Barlow and Sid Ryan speak on
These free trade deals will stop your local government from choosing to spend your tax dollars in your community. The lowest bidder wins regardless of the impact on local economies. The federal and provincial governments are selling Canadians the idea that provincial purchasing policies and other rights are barriers to free trade. What’s really behind the push for ‘inter-provincial trade’ deals, the Canada-European Union pact and a new NAFTA accord? Find out when Maude Barlow and Sid Ryan speak in your community. This event is free of charge. AEOLIAN HALL 795 Dundas St. East London, ON N5W 2Z6 For more information: CUPE Ontario: www.cupe.ca ; 416-292-3979 The Council of Canadians: www.canadians.org ; 1-800-387-7177. Hosted by the Council of Canadians and CUPE Ontario.

Thursday Nov 19th 6:30pm
GREENDRINKS SOCIAL - The Morrissey House - 359 Dundas Street (Downtown between Waterloo and Colborne). Good food, good drink, fantastic conversation!

Thursday Nov 19th 7-9pm
Super Foods for Wellness- Organization: London Regional Cancer Program - London Health Sciences Centre. Loblaw Superstore Wonderland & Southdale Rd, Learn about nutrition, antioxidants, and the tips and tricks for a healthy diet. Presenter: Heather Thomas, RD MSc PhD Student Public Health Dietitian, Middlesex-London Health Unit. This is a free event, but registration is required as space is limited. To reserve your seat or for more information, call 519-685-8742 This event is presented by: London Regional Cancer Program - London Health Sciences Centre, Wellspring London and Region, Canadian Cancer Society, Middlesex-London Health Unit and London Community Food Advisory Group

Friday Nov 20th 5:30pm
ON THIN ICE: CAN CARBON IN FORESTS AND BOGS HELP SAVE POLAR BEARS?
McIlwraith Field Naturalists - ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET.
Dave Pearce. Our guest speaker, Dave Pearce, CPAWS (Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society) Wildlands League’s Forest Conservation Analyst, will tell the story of how “ice bears”, climate change, and carbon choices collide dramatically in Ontario’s far north. Ontario has the world’s most southern population of Polar Bears, the poster beast for climate change issues, and it also has one of the richest natural carbon reserves in the world in the Boreal Forest. Pressure to extract resources threatens to release this carbon and accelerate climate change. But, in spite of this development pressure, Ontario’s far north is still relatively pristine. Premier Dalton McGuinty recently recognized it as one of the last great intact ecosystems of the planet and a vital carbon storehouse and, most importantly, committed to permanently protect more than half of it. For this promise to live up to its potntial, it must become law and the commitment to sustainable development must be real. The banquet will be held at the Hellenic Community Centre at 133 Southdale Road West (opposite Notre Dame Drive). The Centre is very accessible, and there is ample parking close to the entrance. Dinner will be a buffet meal. Tickets ($34 each) must be purchased in advance; they can be ordered via the membership renewal form enclosed with this issue, or by calling Ann Day (519-473-0294). A social hour from 5:30 to 6:30 will allow time to visit and take part in the bucket raffle. If you can donate a gift for the raffle, please write or call Karen Auzins (karen@auzins.ca, 519-652-9483) or Sue Read (psread@xplornet.com, 519-472-2887).

Saturday Nov 21st
Ayurveda: Nature’s Wisdom
Often called the “Mother of All Healing” this powerful system of healing originated in India. More than a mere system of treating illness, Ayurveda is a “Science of Life”, (Ayur = life, Veda = science or knowledge). The ancient wisdom of Ayurveda provides specific guidelines for incredible health, and these precepts are taught by renowned expert Shantree Kacera, D.N., Ph.D. In Ayurveda, body, mind and consciousness work together in maintaining balance. A lifestyle approach, Ayurveda emphasizes prevention through offering guidelines on ideal daily and seasonal routines, nutrition, exercise, and the proper use of the senses and herbs. This in depth training of the ancient wisdom and science of Ayurveda will give you the tools to attain and maintain vibrant health of body, mind and emotions. Register today to take advantage of this special opportunity. Openings are limited. For more information visit The Living Centre - www.thelivingcentre.com.

Tuesday Nov 24th 6pm
Blind Spot with special guest, John Michael Greer - What if all of the expectations you have about the future are completely wrong? Mark your calendars for November 24, 2009 and plan to see the documentary film Blind Spot by Adolfo Doring. Come and enjoy a film, pizza and a lively Q&A led by John Michael Greer, social critic on resource scarcity and depletion and author of The Long Decent, The Ecotechnic Future. The evening begins at 6:00 p.m., University of Western Ontario, Middlesex College in Rm 110. All Welcome!

Thursday Nov 26th 7:30-9:00pm
"Does This Crisis Create an Opening to Change our Economy, Not Just Stabilize It?" Featured Speaker: Jim Stanford, Economist - Canadian Auto Workers Union Beyond Tinkering: Growing an Inclusive Economy - Lecture 4 of 4 Part Series
Join the Sisters of St. Joseph for the rest of this four part lecture series. All lectures will be held at Brescia University College (1285 Western Rd, London). FREE.

Paul Hawken - Blessed Unrest - Sisters of St. Joseph

"How the Largest Movement In the World Came Into Being and Why No One Saw it Coming."Paul Hawken has spent over a decade researching organizations dedicated to restoring the environment and fostering social justice. From billion-dollar nonprofits to single-person dot.causes, these groups collectively comprise the largest movement on earth, a movement that has no name, leader, or location, and that has gone largely ignored by politicians and the media. Like nature itself, it is organizing from the bottom up, in every city, town, and culture. and is emerging to be an extraordinary and creative expression of people's needs worldwide.

The Sisters of St. Joseph invited Mr. Hawken to London as part of their 'BEYOND TINKERING: CREATING AN INCLUSIVE ECONOMY' speaker series (check out their session for November) and I was incredibly honoured to be invited to the pre-talk dinner at their LEED certified home (at the top of Windermere). Thank you to the Sister's, to Don Gordon(TTLT), and to Paul, for a lovely evening of laughter and conversation.