tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63187847598396940402024-02-07T09:14:09.885-05:00GreenDrinks LondonCultivating Eco-Conscious CommunityGreenDrinks Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094205522476280802noreply@blogger.comBlogger168125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6318784759839694040.post-25101833810462515522010-07-30T23:14:00.014-04:002010-07-30T23:39:37.838-04:00We've moved.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1HckutSlTtAutzTfZIFT2tigmmoCmBCTPvox_yeViHUG-CbIPdb3GR2fcRs-UaQYI3eW24kFfpvRhUFSYRr6O9q3Gg6RKb9N4mQdshtAEOdrI4zMWWZ3-QGtIv6Gp8RYaXUztf3MBJM4o/s1600/GD's+People+at+Bar.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1HckutSlTtAutzTfZIFT2tigmmoCmBCTPvox_yeViHUG-CbIPdb3GR2fcRs-UaQYI3eW24kFfpvRhUFSYRr6O9q3Gg6RKb9N4mQdshtAEOdrI4zMWWZ3-QGtIv6Gp8RYaXUztf3MBJM4o/s400/GD's+People+at+Bar.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499909451469664162" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Our blog and community calendar listings have now moved to <a href="http://www.ecolivinglondon.org/">ecoLIVING London</a>.<br /><br />Please join us there for the most up to date information.<br /><br />To stay connected to GreenDrinks London visit <a href="http://www.greendrinks.org/ON/London,%20Ontario">our website</a> or find us on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2305102779&v=wall">FACEBOOK</a>.<br /><br />Cheers.GreenDrinks Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094205522476280802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6318784759839694040.post-25581123519698623772010-07-27T19:40:00.001-04:002010-07-27T19:41:36.507-04:00What if Climate Change is a Hoax?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRLhDcazuuCgLxP2gHAvlzWaWQnK06W7K92IaZD3TNwqX84ElqCNUv21cdgWGHFRcmVYqlR-_SbJemohNuRp3mum4iveDT-n_ZL3ip8vZl8dAjAaeHxoUdMrmGzwRqTZh2DOm887psmoQq/s1600-h/climate-hoax.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRLhDcazuuCgLxP2gHAvlzWaWQnK06W7K92IaZD3TNwqX84ElqCNUv21cdgWGHFRcmVYqlR-_SbJemohNuRp3mum4iveDT-n_ZL3ip8vZl8dAjAaeHxoUdMrmGzwRqTZh2DOm887psmoQq/s400/climate-hoax.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428991314418316450" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I saw this fantastic cartoon on a blog called <a href="http://livinglime.ca/">'Living Lime'</a> - thought you'd enjoy it as much as I did.<br /> <br />Original by Joel Pett, Lexington (Ky.) Herald-Leader, Cartoonists and Writers Syndicate, for USA TODAY.GreenDrinks Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094205522476280802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6318784759839694040.post-56987192853137250712010-07-01T09:07:00.001-04:002010-07-21T13:48:15.657-04:00July: Events Around the City.<span style="font-weight:bold;">All Summer at Landon Library <br />Read Green, Think Green</span><br />Summertime and the reading is green! Borrow any material from the Landon branch library this summer that supports the care of our environment and enter your name for one of our" green" weekly prizes. <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat July 3 <br />Secret Gardens Tour</span> <br />A family friendly garden tour in the historic Blackfriars area from 10-4. Great gardens, supervised children’s activities, raffles, refreshments and entertainment. Adults$10, Children FREE. Tickets for sale at London Regional Children's Museuum & at the gardens on the day of the tour. Visit www.londonchildfest.com for garden locations. The Blackfriars Area by the Bridge, COST:Adults $10. EMAIL: secretgardenstour@rogers.com. <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sun July 4 8:30 am <br />Nature London SKUNK’S MISERY BUTTERFLY COUNT</span> <br />Spend the day helping to identify and count butterflies along the roadsides and elsewhere in the Skunk’s Misery area. Those less experienced at identifying butterflies will be paired with experienced observers. Bring drinking water, a lunch, sun block, a hat, insect repellent; as well as close-focusing binoculars, field guides, and a butterfly net if you have them. Directions from London (approximately one hour travel time): carpool with your friends and take Commissioners Rd or Oxford St, then Glendon Dr (County Rd 14) west to Newbury and meet in the parking lot of Newbury Hospital. <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tues July 8 2:00 to 3:00 pm <br />PUBLIC ART WALKS followed by tea at Eldon House</span><br />Visit a selection of public art pieces throughout the downtown core, and learn more about the artists who designed them as well as the organizations that commissioned them. Our guide will give insight into the relationship between sculptural markers and the landscape and architecture surrounding them, and will generate a discussion about public spaces where collective stories can be shared to contribute to a city’s cultural identity. Each week will be a different tour—monuments and memorials, sculpture, murals and graffiti, and architectural decoration—so join us for all four! We will end at the gardens of Eldon House for optional refreshments. The walks will take place rain or shine. Meet on the front lawn of Museum London. Admission for walk FREE. Tea at Eldon House is $7/person <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Thurs July 8 - 11 <br />Sunfest 2010</span><br />Sunfest is Canada's Premier Celebration of the Global Arts, held without admission fee in beautiful Victoria Park, London, Ontario. This unique, high profile event features over 30 top professional world music & dance and jazz ensembles based in Canada and abroad. Victoria Park. WEBSITE: www.sunfest.on.ca <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tues July 8 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM <br />Walk for the Fun of it!</span> (Community Walking Group) <br />Meet at the Beacock Library and spend some time walking and talking. Do it for fun, do it for your health, do it to meet new people. When you sign up for the program you'll receive a Walk this Way kit with useful information and tips. This program is in partnership with NELCE (Northeast London Community Engagement). Beacock Study Room A <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat July 10 <br />Family Fishing Day</span> @ Fanshawe Conservation Authority <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tues July 15 2:00 to 3:00 pm <br />PUBLIC ART WALKS followed by tea at Eldon House</span><br />Visit a selection of public art pieces throughout the downtown core, and learn more about the artists who designed them as well as the organizations that commissioned them. Our guide will give insight into the relationship between sculptural markers and the landscape and architecture surrounding them, and will generate a discussion about public spaces where collective stories can be shared to contribute to a city’s cultural identity. Each week will be a different tour—monuments and memorials, sculpture, murals and graffiti, and architectural decoration—so join us for all four! We will end at the gardens of Eldon House for optional refreshments. The walks will take place rain or shine. Meet on the front lawn of Museum London. Admission for walk FREE. Tea at Eldon House is $7/person <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Fri July 16 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM <br />Green Machine: Recycle & Reuse (5-12)</span> <br />Go Green! Help the environment and make some marvelous masterpieces. Crouch Library - Meeting Room 3 <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Fri July 16 - 18 <br />Home County Folk Festival </span><br />London's longest running FREE admission music and arts festival showcasing a variety of Canadian folk music from both Juno Award winners and emerging artists on six stages in Victoria Park. Experience traditional, Celtic, indie/folk rock, blues, bluegrass, Aboriginal, Quebecois and much more. Stroll through the park and shop at over 150 juried Canadian crafters and artisans or sample a variety of foods. Come see the expanded children's area for 2010. Check out our website for artist announcements, the new children’s programming and a big special announcement coming soon. Fun for the whole family. Come experience why Home County was voted Ontario’s Top 100 festival and events! Victoria Park, London, ON N6B 1A1. EMAIL: info@homecounty.ca. WEBSITE: www.homecounty.ca <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tues July 20th 7pm onwards<br />GREENDRINKS LONDON... Summer on the Patio </span><br />Where: Morrissey House, 359 Dundas Street (downtown between Colborne and Waterloo)<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tues July 22 2:00 to 3:00 pm <br />PUBLIC ART WALKS followed by tea at Eldon House</span><br />Visit a selection of public art pieces throughout the downtown core, and learn more about the artists who designed them as well as the organizations that commissioned them. Our guide will give insight into the relationship between sculptural markers and the landscape and architecture surrounding them, and will generate a discussion about public spaces where collective stories can be shared to contribute to a city’s cultural identity. Each week will be a different tour—monuments and memorials, sculpture, murals and graffiti, and architectural decoration—so join us for all four! We will end at the gardens of Eldon House for optional refreshments. The walks will take place rain or shine. Meet on the front lawn of Museum London. Admission for walk FREE. Tea at Eldon House is $7/person <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat July 24 - 25 <br />Summer On The Farm @ Fanshawe Pioneer Village</span><br />Visit the Villagers as they are hard at work in the fields and in their shops. See demonstrations of 19th century trades and farm work. Draft Horse Demonstrations by the Southern Ontario Draft Horse Club. 4 Minute Mile performing from 1:30 - 3:30 pm on Sunday. Fanshawe Pioneer Village EMAIL: info@fanshawepioneervillage.ca WEBSITE: www.fanshawepioneervillage.ca <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat July 24 - 25 <br />Garden Gates Open</span><br />Garden Gates Open is a free citywide garden tour, to explore, walk, travel and enjoy the secret gems of our city behind garden gates. This is the third summer for the Garden Gates Open. You will find gardens of all varieties, all levels of skill, creativity and ingenuity. Are you looking for new ideas? An avid gardener working on your own garden in progress? A former gardener looking to enjoy the weekend traveling from neighborhood to neighborhood stopping to enjoy as the mood strikes you? I am looking to register gardens up to and including the 2oth of July, 2010. I have registered Banting house, and two hospital gardens, as well as many private and fabulous gardens, and a few that are wonders in progress! register your garden, or watch for the maps to appear mid July on the website to plan your route. This is a gardeners delight weekend! I am also looking for amateur photographers to photograph these wonderful gardens. every day gardens by everyday people, neighbor to neighborhood. come out and enjoy! citywide, London, ON EMAIL: trees4oev@yahoo.ca WEBSITE: www.londoncib.ca <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tues July 29 2:00 to 3:00 pm <br />PUBLIC ART WALKS followed by tea at Eldon House</span><br />Visit a selection of public art pieces throughout the downtown core, and learn more about the artists who designed them as well as the organizations that commissioned them. Our guide will give insight into the relationship between sculptural markers and the landscape and architecture surrounding them, and will generate a discussion about public spaces where collective stories can be shared to contribute to a city’s cultural identity. Each week will be a different tour—monuments and memorials, sculpture, murals and graffiti, and architectural decoration—so join us for all four! We will end at the gardens of Eldon House for optional refreshments. The walks will take place rain or shine. Meet on the front lawn of Museum London. Admission for walk FREE. Tea at Eldon House is $7/person<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat July 31st - Day & Night<br />The Grickle Grass Festival</span><br />Celebrating Sustainability and Local Art at the London Regional Children's Museum.<br /><br />DAY: Fun Creative + Sustainable Activities for kids and families<br />NIGHT: Bands, DJs, Local Iron Spike Beer and Black Fly Coolers for Adults 19+<br /><br />This fundraising event is in support of The London Regional Chilren's Museum and Growing Chef's Ontario<br /><br />Day Programming: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm<br />Regular Museum Admission Free<br />Activities:<br /><br />* Whatcha Cookin’ by Growing Chef's Ontario<br />* Foods with Moods by Growing Chef's Ontario<br />* Dress your Lettuce by Growing Chef's Ontario<br />* A Screening of The Lorax<br />* Street Magic with Lupi<br />* If I Ran The Circus: Drama with Dana<br />* Buggin’ Out: Crafts with Karyn<br />* Bike with Mike<br />*The planting of the Museum’s first vegetable garden!<br /><br />With musical guests: Matthew and the Birds Brian Cooper<br /><br />Night Party: 8:00 pm to 1:00 am<br />$15 in advance, $20 at the door<br /><br />Bands:<br /><br />*The Balconies (picture)<br />*Miles Jones<br />*Wild Domestic<br />*Thesis Sahib<br />*More More<br />*The Woody Allens<br />*The Whipping Wind<br />*Karyn Roantree<br /><br />DJs:<br /><br />*DJ Freek<br />*DJ Benny Knox<br />*DJ Jesney<br /><br />For tickets and more information: info@gricklegrassfest.com<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat July 31st 9-4pm<br />Hidden History of Hamilton Road Event</span><br />Crouch Branch Library<br />550 Hamilton Road<br /><br />The Crouch Library, Hamilton Road Community Association and the London & Middlesex Historical Society present More Hidden History of Hamilton Road, a local history fair, July 31st at Crouch Library, 550 Hamilton Road.<br /><br />Do you remember the old London Nationals, the Ontario Arena, the CNR Car Shops, Barton and Rumball trucks, the Rex Theatre, Chesley Avenue School, Starr-Genett and Spartan Records? See vintage baseball bats and hockey sticks manufactured East of Adelaide and hear about the industrial history and railway heritage of the SoHo community. Learn about the Hamilton Road Area Historical Plaques Project, the London and Middlesex Historical Society and much more.<br /><br />A demonstration of grass roots community revitalization in action.<br /><br />For more information contact Stephen Harding, Coordinator of Hidden Historyat harding.steve@sympatico.caGreenDrinks Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094205522476280802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6318784759839694040.post-74143788980764715572010-05-29T23:49:00.010-04:002010-06-22T21:52:00.848-04:00June: Events Around the City<span style="font-weight:bold;">Monday, May 31st 7:00 - 9:00pm<br />Bike Week Film Screening </span><br />Today, many cities struggle with providing a menu of transportation choices for residents. Traffic slows things down and adds more CO2 to our air. Riding a bicycle is a greener option for getting around. London Public Library is pleased to partner with the City of London and TREA to present episodes from the acclaimed PBS series 'E²' which illustrate how other cities are coming up with creative ways to manage this issue. The film will be followed by a discussion. Visit www.e2-series.com to be inspired. Where: Central 1st Floor Stevenson & Hunt (A+B)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tuesday, June 1st 5:30 - 7:30 pm <br />Photo Scavenger Hunt, Alley Cat Ride </span> <br />Victoria Park bandshell. Bring bike and digital camera. Participants will match an image list of London 'landmarks': familiar buildings, murals, statues or locations. A London Bicycle Festival Event <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wednesday, June 2nd 4:00 - 7:00 pm <br />CLEAN AIR DAY Bike Kitchen</span> <br />Pay What You Can Tune-ups, skill and tool sharing workshop. Mechanics on site. Turn On, Tune up & Pedal Out! A London Bicycle Festival Event. East Village Arts Co-op, 757 Dundas St. <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wednesday, June 2nd 7:00 - 9:00 pm <br />Bike co-ops, repairs and cycling - Landon Library (host) </span><br />Learn more about UWO’s Purple Bike lending and repair program on campus. In addition, information and a film on cycling will inform cyclists in riding safely on our streets. A London Bicycle Festival Event <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wednesday, June 2nd, 6:30 pm<br />TREES OF MOUNT PLEASANT CEMETERY - Nature London</span><br />Established more than a century ago, the cemetery contains a number of interesting native and non-native trees. Specialties include Tulip-tree, Cucumber Magnolia, Chestnut Oak, Black Maple and Ohio Buckeye. If we are lucky, some of these may be in flower. Meet near the chapel at the south end of the cemetery, off Riverside Drive between Woodward Avenue and Wonderland Road. For more information call 5194724864. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wednesday, June 2nd 6:15 pm <br />Bike Ride: Fanshawe Lake </span><br />Join the London Mountain Bike Club for a beginner friendly ride around Fanshawe Lake (20 km). Email: president @ londonmtb.com before June 2 to confirm guest policies. Ride starts 6:15 pm sharp, bike wash by main pavilion. Bring bike, helmet, water and Fanshawe day fee. A London Bicycle Festival Event <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Thursday, June 3rd 7:30 - 9:00 pm <br />PUBLIC MEETING: What’s happening in other cities on cycling that Londoners could embrace? </span><br />Join TREA for a lively presentation and discussion to reduce London’s dependency on cars and increase cycling. 1017 Western Rd. A London Bicycle Festival Event <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Friday, June 4th <br />The City will host a media event to introduce “sharrows”</span> – shared lane markings – to London streets and increased bicycle parking downtown. Details to follow at www.london.ca. A London Bicycle Festival Event <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Saturday, June 5th 9:00 - 2:00 pm <br />London Recycling Day @ Western Fairgrounds</span><br />CAA in partnership with the City of London is hosting a Recycling Day at Western Fairgrounds, behind the Farmers Market from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. We will be inviting members of the public to drop off old household batteries, car batteries and tires. Where: 900 King Street East<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Saturday, June 5th 10:00 - 4:00 pm <br />Gathering on the Green - Wortley Village Green, Wortley Rd.</span> <br />Come out to Old South's annual festival on the green of the historic Normal School. Gathering on the Green has a small-town festival feel, focusing on hosting local craftspeople and entertainers of all ages and non-profit organizations. It is a fun, free family-friendly day. Stop by the GreenDrinks and ecoLIVING London display to say hello and enter our FREE ecoLIVING MAKEOVER Contest.<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Saturday, June 5th 12:00 Noon <br />Old South Community Bike Ride. </span> <br />As part of the Gathering on the Green and London Bike Festival please join Gosse and myself (Gary Brown) for a leisurely ride through Old South. All are welcome, adults, children. Helmets are required. We will be riding on the road. We will be there to ensure everyone’s safety and fun as we tour Old South as a two wheeled group.<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Saturday, June 5th 10:00am <br />Ride to Gathering on the Green.</span> <br />We are organizing two rides from SW and NE London to the Green starting at 10:00 am. Enjoy a leisurely ride and a day of community spirit! A London Bicycle Festival Event <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Saturday, June 5th 9:00 - 10:00 am <br />Don’t ride? Then walk! </span> <br />One hour walks sponsored by Healthy Living Partnership of MLHU and TVTA. Families welcome, trails too rugged for strollers, leave dogs at home. Location: South Branch Park, E. end. Meet end of Pottersburg Pollution Plant Rd., S. from Hamilton Road and Gore Road intersection. Visit www.thamesvalleytrail.org for more info. <br /> <span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Sunday, June 6th 12:00 - 4:00 pm <br />YMCA Children’s Safety Village - Kid’s Helmet Exchange</span> & 9th annual birthday party <br />Children’s Safety Village, Fanshawe Conservation Area. Visit www.safetyvillage.ca for details. A London Bicycle Festival Event <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sunday, June 6th 1:00 - 5:00 pm<br />Walk: Ridout/Talbot Streets Neighbourhood </span><br />The London Region branch of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario celebrates the 175th Anniversary of Eldon House by featuring the oldest home in London on its 37th annual Geranium Heritage Home walking tour of architectural gems. This fundraising event includes guided visits to the interiors of several homes. The ACO has been active in built heritage preservation in London for more than 40 years. "The greenest building is the one that is already standing." Go to www.acolondon.ca/acolondon/Events.html for ticket info.<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wednesday, June 9th 6:30 pm<br />WALK: GIBBONS PARK in EARLY SUMMER - Nature London</span><br />Meet the leader in the parking lot at the bottom of the hill at the west end of Grosvenor Street to go for an easy stroll along the river. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wednesday, June 9th 7:00 p.m.<br />SPEAKER: Sarah Elton, author of new book Locavore</span> and food columnist for CBC Radio's Here & Now, is speaking at the Central Library<br />Sarah will be speaking about how Canadians can bring about a more local and sustainable food system. Locavore outlines with precision how Canada lost self-sufficiency in food and recounts with joy and enthusiasm the stories of individual farmers, co-ops, community projects and businesses which will bring us back to a more localized food system that won't cost the Earth. This event is an exciting addition to the London Public Library's commitment to programs about our community, gardening and food production beyond our borders. Sarah will also be available to sign her book, which will be available for sale at the event thanks to local, independent book retailer Oxford Book Shop Limited. This is a free event. No registration required. Or visit Sarah Elton's website www.thelocavore.ca. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Saturday, June 12th 9:00 am – 12:00 pm <br />Reforest London Tree Planting - Gibbons Park </span><br />ReForest London is celebrating our 5th birthday with a tree-mendous birthday party hosted by London Life. We return to our very first project to add over 200 trees and shrubs, followed by a free barbeque at the London Life recreation grounds located just a short walk from the project site. Join us for a great day of trees, fun party activities, and good food. Access near tennis courts on Gibbons Place at Victoria Street. By bus: Richmond Street (1-6-13) to Victoria, walk west on Victoria to Gibbons Place. Park at the tennis courts. <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Saturday, June 12th 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM <br />To Market, To Market, Jiggety-jig! </span><br />The Children's Library staff are on the road. Join us at the Outdoors Farmer's Market for special storytimes featuring stories, songs, rhymes, crafts and a snack provided by the Covent Garden Market. In the case of inclement weather, storytime will be held inside the market. Co-sponsored with Covent Garden Market. <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Saturday, June 12th to Monday, June 14th <br />Forest Gardening: Ecologically Intelligent Design for Human Living </span><br />In this workshop we inform and engage you in creating ecologically sustainable sanctuaries for human living and planetary sustainability. You will learn how to apply practical Forest Gardening design to a diversity of landscapes with a focus on dense urban environments and temperate regions. Learn how to grow your own food no matter how big or small your backyard is. Design your own property, and learn how to 'be a part of the solution' using forest gardening principles. Passionate, long-time gardeners, herbalist and eco-spiritual guides, Shantree Kacera D.N., Ph.D. and Lorenna Bousquet-Kacera, invite you to discover this remarkable model for creating gardens that support oneself and the Earth. This is a hands-on-experiential training in ecosystem structure and function, and in landscape understanding. It will show you how you can achieve the same benefits that natural systems demonstrate: stability, resilience, self-maintenance, self-renewal, increased soil quality, and nutrient conservation. Contact Name: Lorenna & Shantree Kacera, D.N., Ph.D. Website: www.thelivingcentre.com<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sunday, June 13th<br />Offgrid Sustainable Living Tours - Port Burwell </span><br />The tour will show solar water heaters, solar air heaters, Biodiesel making, oil expelling, double wall construction in the house, composting toilet, water system, gardens, composting, Solar panels and windmill etc. See the web site <continuo.com> and reserve a spot ahead by emailing Mat Redsell at mat@continuo.com. Address: 48 Strachan St, Port Burwell ON, N0J 1T0 <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tuesday, June 15th 7pm<br />GREENDRINKS LONDON… Summer on the Patio. </span><br />No speaker, just drinks and some laid back meeting and mingling. Don't be shy, everyone is welcome and Tiffany will always make sure you have someone to talk with.<br />Where: Morrissey House, 359 Dundas Street, downtown between Waterloo & Colborne.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wednesday, June 16th 7:00 PM<br />On the Road to a Green Economy</span><br />Join us for a panel discussion on what a green economy would look like, how we can build one locally and what government policies are needed in order to make the transition. Panelists include Tony Clarke, author of Tar Sands Showdown; Jamie Skimming, a Professional Engineer responsible for Air Quality and Climate Change in London; Ken Bondy, from Canadian Autoworkers Union; and Sarah Jane Saska, youth representative and key organizer in the southwestern Ontario speaking tour. There will be community displays starting at 6:30, the event will kickoff at about 7, and afterward there will be musical performance from Three Penny Piece and another opportunity to learn about community groups. Location: Fanshawe College, Falcon House Residence (R1), Room R1020<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Thursday, June 17th 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM <br />Resilient London 2030: Exploring the Transition Model</span> <br />Transition London is part of a vibrant, international grassroots movement that builds resilient communities in response to the challenges of peak oil, climate change and the economic crisis. Join us for a presentation and Q&A, followed by a discussion of the things that will affect our lives in the future; neighbourhood networks; strategic questions; and next steps. This introduction to Transition Towns Culture is an open space, participatory experience event. Together we can make the transition to a more fulfilling, equitable and sustainable world. Central 1st Floor Stevenson & Hunt B <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Thursday, June 17th 7:00 p.m. <br />Film Screening: Farm for the Future</span> <br />Where: Central Library, 251 Dundas Street. Cost: Free.<br />Film maker Rebecca Hosking, known for her startling documentary Message in the Waves, brings the same sort of passion to her topic here. Hosking is going to take over her family farm in Devon, UK and has looked at the unsettling aspects of corporate agriculture, including its heavy fossil-fuel use. She goes around her region to meet farmers who are using low fossil fuel agriculture styles and finds that nature’s diversity holds the key to positive change. Group conversation to follow. <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Saturday, June 19th 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM <br />To Market, To Market, Jiggety-jig!</span> <br />The Children's Library staff are on the road. Join us at the Outdoors Farmer's Market for special storytimes featuring stories, songs, rhymes, crafts and a snack provided by the Covent Garden Market. In the case of inclement weather, storytime will be held inside the market. Co-sponsored with Covent Garden Market.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sunday, June 20th 4:00pm<br />Coves Walk at the GCC's Summer Solstice Celebration</span><br />Location: German Canadian Club, 1 Cove Road<br />Come out to celebrate the arrival of summer at the German Canadian Club's annual Summer Solstice Celebration. All are welcome to this free, family-friendly event which begins at 3:00pm. There will be live music, soccer, bbq and refreshments.<br />I will be leading a walk along the Coves East Pond at 4:00pm. The event will close with a bonfire and sing-along at dusk. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">June 25 - 27 <br />International Food Festival </span> <br />Local and international food and live entertainment. A licensed beer garden features most musical genres. Children's activities and large rides. Where: Victoria Park. Visit the website for more info www.canadasbiggestparty.com<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Saturday June 26th 10:45am<br />Tree Planting @ the EcoPark </span><br />We need your help! Come out and join us at the Eco Park and help plant some trees, have a bbq lunch, and help us in honouring the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games Athletes and their families. Help create a legacy, as one tree will be planted for every Special Olympics Canadian Summer Games Athlete. Our Goal: Plant 1426 trees, one for each athlete this summer. Place: The EcoPark - Medway Road, just east of Clarke Road, look for the large sign and entrance. A big thank you to Fanshawe College, Special Olympics Summer Games London 2010, for selecting the EcoPark as the place to plant the trees.<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Saturday, June 26th 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM <br />To Market, To Market, Jiggety-jig!</span> <br />The Children's Library staff are on the road. Join us at the Outdoors Farmer's Market for special storytimes featuring stories, songs, rhymes, crafts and a snack provided by the Covent Garden Market. In the case of inclement weather, storytime will be held inside the market. Co-sponsored with Covent Garden Market.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sunday, June 27th<br />Offgrid Sustainable Living Tours - Port Burwell </span><br />The tour will show solar water heaters, solar air heaters, Biodiesel making, oil expelling, double wall construction in the house, composting toilet, water system, gardens, composting, Solar panels and windmill etc. See the web site <continuo.com> and reserve a spot ahead by emailing Mat Redsell at mat@continuo.com. Address: 48 Strachan St, Port Burwell ON, N0J 1T0GreenDrinks Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094205522476280802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6318784759839694040.post-35039548847867493172010-05-29T23:42:00.003-04:002010-05-29T23:48:15.257-04:00London’s $100,000 Clean Air ChallengeLondon Community Foundation's "Clean Air Challenge" grant program is designed to help both aspiring and established environmentalists bring innovative green ideas, products and/or services to fruition in London and Middlesex.<br /><br />Specifically they are seeking to fund ideas that will improve air quality by addressing one or more of the following objectives:<br /><br /> * Reducing emissions;<br /> * Reducing greenhouse gases;<br /> * Reducing particulate;<br /> * Reducing waste;<br /> * Improving water or energy efficiency; or<br /> * Engaging London’s residents, businesses or communities in pro-environmental behaviour change.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Do you think you have an idea or part of the solution?</span> <br /><br />We want to hear from you.<br /><br />Tell us about your community initiative, product, service, or technology that will contribute to improved air quality and you could receive a grant up to $100,000.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.lcf.on.ca/news/spotlights/clean-air-challenge-05-05-2010.php">Click here</a> for more information.GreenDrinks Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094205522476280802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6318784759839694040.post-53599442907609125182010-05-29T23:38:00.001-04:002010-05-29T23:41:54.168-04:00Nominations - Pillar Community Innovation AwardsShare your stories. Inspire by example. Recognize deserving individuals and organizations. If you know of an individual, nonprofit or charity, business or government sector organization in the London area that has demonstrated dedication, creative solutions and/or a collaborative spirit, consider nominating them for a Pillar Community Innovation Award. The four award categories are: <span style="font-weight:bold;">Innovation, Leadership, Impact <span style="font-weight:bold;">and<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span> Collaboration</span>. Nominations are now being accepted and must be received by 5PM on June 30. In addition to recognition and an engraved award, award recipients will receive $2500 to be directed to the registered charity of their choice.<br /><br />Download the details in the nomination package at http://bit.ly/PillarAwards2010 or contact events@pillarnonprofit.ca. Watch the videos of past award finalists at www.youtube.com/user/pillarnonprofit.GreenDrinks Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094205522476280802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6318784759839694040.post-39417011537003889422010-05-26T12:08:00.002-04:002010-05-26T22:43:08.030-04:00London's Amazing Tree Quest - May 19th to July 31From now until July 31, 2010, join ReForest London in the quest to find London's most amazing trees. The Amazing Tree Quest is a city-wide contest to celebrate the important role that trees play in our lives. London is proud to be the Forest City, and our city is full of amazing trees. The contest allows individual Londoners (or anyone from anywhere) to nominate trees located in London, Ontario.<br /><br />Do you have a favourite tree in London? A tree that towers above the rest, survives against the odds, tells a great story? London's Amazing Tree Quest is for everyone of all ages. You can nominate your amazing trees in one of 8 categories, so be sure to have your camera ready when outdoors this spring and summer. There are two new amazing categories this year to take your tree quest to work for Best Company Tree, and for all those who like to be artistic Tree Inspired Art.<br /><br />To nominate your amazing tree, and vote for others please visit http://www.reforestlondon.ca/londons-amazing-tree-quest<br /><br />Learn more about the Amazing Tree Quest by viewing this 5-minute video - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFcYMkCDFos ">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFcYMkCDFos</a>.GreenDrinks Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094205522476280802noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6318784759839694040.post-82778598988740460992010-04-26T19:13:00.012-04:002010-05-03T23:18:27.258-04:00ecoLIVING London... an early introduction<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1eU7DYSAM6Gyt63NiMzxFggcxAx4eAsQqsw9tufaWxfuGJtqnqxxEMDVpHQIatONqRa62yPNVoiMFZ_6EbLU0vG85HiXwdE-A4mHLJqZbM32OyCAZcfWUNlAASET0_i_p8iWYM2woFbqQ/s1600/IMG_0989.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1eU7DYSAM6Gyt63NiMzxFggcxAx4eAsQqsw9tufaWxfuGJtqnqxxEMDVpHQIatONqRa62yPNVoiMFZ_6EbLU0vG85HiXwdE-A4mHLJqZbM32OyCAZcfWUNlAASET0_i_p8iWYM2woFbqQ/s400/IMG_0989.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464588474670579506" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We were just too excited to wait! <br /><br />While the launch date of our website and green business directory is scheduled for June 1st, we couldn't pass up the opportunity to introduce ourselves at a few events surrounding Earth Day (Think Global, Act Local and Car Free Sunday). Click on the title of this posting to see a few more pics and then pencil in GreenDrinks June 15th for a full introduction (www.ecolivinglondon.org). <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">(Thank you to Leslie, Sophie, Holly, Trae, Nathan, Mike and Tim for volunteering to help me greet the crowd). :)</span>GreenDrinks Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094205522476280802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6318784759839694040.post-57622231445692648172010-04-26T19:00:00.024-04:002010-05-28T16:55:22.469-04:00May: Events Around the City<span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat May 1st 9:30-12pm<br />Nature London Bird Walks.</span> SPRINGTIME AT CEDARCROFT. Spend a morning enjoying Cedarcroft, Nature London’s 11-ha nature reserve. There will be jobs available for members of all ages, plus time to look for birds and spring wildflowers. Members should see the latest flight of The Cardinal for more information. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat May 1st 8-2pm<br />Compost Value Day FUNDRAISER</span> <br />30 Litres of Compost for $2 - - - While Supplies Last! Bring a Container and Shovel Locations: <br />1. Amway Global, 375 Exeter Road at White Oak Road<br />2. Masonville Mall (behind Nash Jewellers)<br />3. Try Recycling, enter off Medway,east of Clarke Rd. <br />4. Try Recycling, Dingman Drive, west of Wellington Road<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat May 1st - 31st <br />ROOT FUNDAMENTALS: From the Ground Up Youth Art Show </span>PRINTS, PAINTINGS, COLLAGE, PHOTOGRAPHY, SCULPTURE, DRAWINGS, CARDS AND MORE<br />Root Fundamentals youth group has come together to create tree and nature focused art. We are selling our artwork to donate 100% of the funds raised to Reforest London, to enable the non-profit organization to plant trees in the city of London. We hope that the art show will bring people from all walks of life to view and consider our art, and to educate them of the issue of deforestation.<br />WHERE: The London Fine Art Centre, 124 Dundas Street <br />COST: FREE TO ATTEND SHOW, ART WILL BE FOR SALE<br />WHEN: Art show on display May 1st - 31st, 2010 <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sun May 2nd 2:00pm<br />WALK: Wortley Village Chimney Swifts </span> <br />This walk offers a visual tour of chimneys in Wortley Village, London, discussing features that make certain chimneys attractive to Chimney Swifts. Chimneys in which swifts were resident in the summer of 2009 will be pointed out and, with luck, swifts newly arrived from the Amazon basin will be seen and heard. The walk takes place on Sunday, May 2, at 2 pm, starting at the Landon Library, 167 Wortley Road. It will be led by Winifred Wake, and last about one hour. The walk is one of a number of “Jane’s walks” being held in cities around the world, on the first week-end of May, to honour Jane Jacobs, renowned expert on liveable cities. More information on local walks can be obtained at http://janeswalklondon.com/. <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sun May 2nd 1:30pm and 2:30<br />WALK: Museum London’s - The River Walk.</span> <br />Travel the forks of the Thames River on this 60-minute walking tour. You’ll learn about what was here, what is here and what might be here.<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sun May 2nd 1:30pm and 2:30pm<br />WALK: Museum London’s - From Castles to Cottages. </span> <br />This nearly 90-minute walk will take you through the Talbot Street, Ridout Street area of the downtown. You’ll be introduced to historical buildings, current residential uses, businesses and part of the development history of the city. Visit Eldon House, London’s oldest permanent residence on the way.<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sun May 2nd 1:00pm<br />WALK: An Abbey, A Castle and A Crystal Ball. </span> An introduction to SoHo, this walk will offer a glimpse of some of SoHo’s intriguing architecture and interesting characters from the past, while examining some of the challenges facing this downtown neighborhood (south of the tracks). Meeting Place: Christ Anglican Church, (across from the bright red Antiquities building) on the northeast corner of Wellington and Hill. Contact Alice Gibb (Tour Guide) at alicegibb@execulink.com<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sun May 2nd 1:30pm<br />WALK: Old East Village.</span> <br />Long neglected and subject to stigmatization, this walk will explore how neighbourhood engagement can lead to positive change and urban renewal. East of Adelaide (EOA), long thought of as the natural home of the street-level sex and drug trade, and in decline for much of the past generation is now witnessing a remarkable renaissance. This walk will chronicle the natural ebb and flow of inner-city vitality, the role of local politics in both neighbourhood decline and revitalization, and how urban revitalization can only occur with the mobilization of local residents to provide an authentic and place-centred vision for the future. We will explore voth the residential neighbourhood and its commercial corridor, examine the relationship of each to the other, see the importance of heritage preservation as a tool of social and economic change, and discuss the potential challenges to long-term residents of urban gentrification. Meeting Place: Confederation Building, Western Fair - Dundas & Ontario Sts. Contact Greg Thompson (Tour Guide) at mwgang@gmail.com for more information. <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"> <br />Sun May 2nd 2:00pm<br />WALK: Medway Valley Heritage Forest. </span><br />This is a short work through parts of one of London’s Environmentally Significant Areas, Medway Valley Heritage Forest. Meeting Place: entrance to Medway Valley next to the Precious Blood Monastery, Ramsey Road and Kininvie Drive. Contact Sandy Levin at s.levin@sympatico.ca for more info. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sun May 2nd 2-5pm<br />Sustainable Homestead Tour</span> (48 Strachan St. in Port Burwell)<br />This will be an extensive tour of the facilities which include off grid living with solar cells and a windmill, solar water heaters, solar air heaters, below ground greenhouse, root cellar, gardens, fruit trees, oil expelling, biodiesel making, biodiesel heater, double wall construction home, composting system, rain water catchment, and much more. This will take most of the afternoon. For reservations please review the web site before registering at http://www.continuo.com/. $5 donation. <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tues May 4th 6:30 pm <br />FILM SCREENING: Food Matters</span> <br />Food Matters, which uncovers the trillion dollar worldwide Sickness Industry, and explains a growing body of scientific evidence proving that nutritional therapy can be more effective, more economical, less harmful and less invasive than most conventional medical treatments. Introduction and Q&A hosted by Richard Vuksinic, ND. Location: Central Library, Wolf Performance Hall<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wed May 5th 6:30 pm<br />Nature London Bird Walks. </span> MEADOWLILY WOODS ESA. <br />Spring and birding go together at Meadowlily Woods Environmentally Significant Area. Meet at Park Farm gate, 120 Meadowlily Road (first road east of Highbury Avenue, north from Commissioners Road). <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Thurs May 6th 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM <br />Building green: two new sites for London. </span> <br />What does it take to get gold Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the Canada Green Building Council? Cornerstone Architecture will talk about the new North London branch library on Sunningdale Road. The University of Western Ontario will talk about the new Ivey Business School building on Western Road. Q&A to follow. Location: Masonville Library<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Fri May 7th 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm<br />Pollinator Gardening.</span> Master Gardener, Ron Rossini will give a presentation that will help you determine what you can do to attract pollinator insects to your garden. Focus on pollinators and suggested plantings, as well as other natural ways to encourage pollinators. Location: Lee Valley Tools, 2100 Oxford St. East, London. Register through Lee Valley. Most sessions are $20.00.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Fri May 7th - Sun May 9th <br />Birds, Bikes and Books Eco-adventure returns to Pelee Island</span><br />Held by Explore Pelee, the weekend includes “an adventure tourism bird race by bicycle on a secluded island and observing rare migratory birds with expert birders,” said Anne Marie Fortner from the eco-tourism company.<br /><br />As well, there will be “an intimate dinner banquet” at the Pelee Island Winery with authors Graeme Gibson and Brian Brett, and artist Robert Bateman.<br /><br />The package includes an island and museum tour, bicycle rental, catered meals, wine demonstration and accommodations. It’s held in conjunction with the Pelee Island Heritage Centre’s Spring Song: A Celebration of Birds and Birding event and the Botham Cup Bird Race. <br /><br />For more information visit explorepelee.com or call 519-325-TOUR (8687). <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat May 8th 9:30-1:30pm <br />NATIVE PLANT SALE!</span> You will find a selection of NATIVE PLANTS, SHRUBS AND TREES from local growers. This is a fundraiser for the school yard naturalizing project with London Waldorf School. Location: front of Landon Library 167 Wortley Rd. London, ON. Contact Alison Sims: sims.alison@gmail.com for more info.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat May 8th 11-2pm <br />Sitting Tree School and Nature Programs OPEN HOUSE </span><br />Come out and learn about our Summer Camps and Nature-Based Elementary School Program! There will be activities for the whole family! Located at the Westminster Ponds ESA, behind Parkwood Hospital. Visit www.sittingtree.ca for more information. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat May 8 to Wed May 12<br />Forest Gardening: </span>Ecologically Intelligent Design for Human Living. <br />In this workshop we inform and engage you in creating ecologically sustainable sanctuaries for human living and planetary sustainability. You will learn how to apply practical Forest Gardening design to a diversity of landscapes with a focus on dense urban environments and temperate regions. Learn how to grow your own food no matter how big or small your backyard is. Design your own property, and learn how to 'be a part of the solution' using forest gardening principles. Passionate, long-time gardeners, herbalist and permaculture guides, Shantree Kacera D.N., Ph.D. and Lorenna Bousquet-Kacera, invite you to discover this remarkable model for creating gardens that support oneself and the Earth. This is a hands-on-experiential training in ecosystem structure and function, and in landscape understanding. It will show you how you can achieve the same benefits that natural systems demonstrate: stability, resilience, self-maintenance, self-renewal, increased soil quality, and nutrient conservation. For more information: Contact Lorenna & Shantree Kacera, D.N., Ph.D at www.thelivingcentre.com. To accommodate individual needs a person can attend our teachings as a One-Day or Two-Day Workshop or as a Three-Day Training) <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat May 8th 10-4pm <br />Handmade Festival.</span> The Library is proud to cosponsor the First Annual Handmade Festival. After a series of free workshops dedicated to sharing the art of craft and the cottage industry leading up to this event, this one day Festival will allow selected crafters to display their art and craft for the public. For more information please contact Central Library 1st Floor Passageway <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"> <br />Sun May 9th <br />HAPPY MOTHERS DAY</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sun May 9th 1:00 pm<br />4th Annual Mothers' Day Hike </span>(Hosted by the Thames Talbot Land Trust). In what has become a popular spring ritual the Stewards of Joany's Woods will again offer guided tours on Sunday May 9th. There will be a tour to suit all ages and enthusiasms. We usually can enjoy a spectacular display of the ephemeral spring flowers. Meet at the Boothill entrance at 1:00 PM. There will be signs from Elginfield Rd (old Hay 7) and Sylvan Rd. All are welcome. <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sun May 9th 10:30am – 12:30pm <br />London Photo Walks – University of Western Ontario. </span> <br />London Photo Walks have been holding monthly photo walks since 2009, and we encourage you to join us this May. The next London Photo Walks is scheduled to take place at the University of Western Ontario (UWO). Although this walk will take place after most students have left the campus, this Sunday morning walk in May will prove to be a beautiful one with the flowers and plants hopefully in full bloom. Taking this into consideration that our walk falls on Mother’s Day, we encourage everyone who wants to come out to bring their mother to enjoy the great weather and beautiful scenery. This walk will be taking place in conjunction with PodCamp London 2010 which is happening the day before on May 8th 2010. Meeting Place: The Concrete Beach - 1393 Western Road. Contact Kevin Van Lierop at vanlierop.kevin@gmail.com for more info. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Mon May 10th 7-8:30pm<br />COMMUNITY MEETING: London Community Gardens </span>(Business Plan Focus Groups) <br />Location: North London Optimist Community Centre, Room 1, 1345 Cheapside Street <br />It is critical to promote and sustain London’s community garden program and the benefits the city and its residents reap from the gardens. Accordingly, the City of London commissioned Pathways Consulting Group Inc. to conduct a detailed review of London’s Community Gardens program. The four month process includes: conducting a review of the existing program, highlighting the strengths and limitations and understanding the opportunities. Based on the information gathered, the Consultants will make recommendations for the future of London Community Gardens to the City in May 2010.<br /><br />Over the next two weeks we have scheduled several focus groups. Each focus group will be led by Heather Macpherson of Pathways Consulting. A focus group is a type of a meeting where we ask participants a series of open ended questions and record the feedback and answers of participants. The information is then organized into key trends and findings and utilized to prepare the final report.<br /><br />If you have any questions contact Heather Macpherson via email: heather@pathwaysconsulting.com. We look forward to hearing your valuable feedback at an upcoming focus group.<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Mon May 10th 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM <br />FILM SCREENING: The Garden</span><br />The fourteen-acre community garden at 41st and Alameda in South Central Los Angeles is the largest of its kind in the United States. Started as a form of healing after the devastating L.A. riots in 1992, the South Central Farmers have since created a miracle in one of the country’s most blighted neighborhoods. Growing their own food. Feeding their families. Creating a community. But now, bulldozers are poised to level their 14-acre oasis. The Garden follows the plight of the farmers, from the tilled soil of this urban farm to the polished marble of City Hall. Mostly immigrants from Latin America, from countries where they feared for their lives if they were to speak out, we watch them organize, fight back, and demand answers. Location: Central 1st Floor, Wolf Performance Hall <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wed May 12th 6:30 pm<br />Nature London Bird Walks. ELSIE PERRIN WILLIAMS ESTATE.</span> <br />Join us for a pleasant stroll through the Medway Valley. Scarlet Tanager, Golden Alexander and Six-spotted Tiger Beetle were spotted last year. Meet at the parking lot of the Estate, 101 Windermere Road (west of Western Road). <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"> <br />Wed May 12th 7:00-8:00 PM <br />The Contained Garden Master. </span><br />Gardener Nancy Abra will present: The Contained Garden. Master Gardener presents ways to create attractive container gardens for balconies, patios, and other small spaces. Free admission. All welcome at the Jalna Branch of the London Public Library<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wed May 12th 7:00pm <br />Attracting Birds to Your Yard. </span> <br />Master Gardener Ron Rossini and Mychelle Primeau will present - Attracting Birds to Your Yard. This will focus on the many different kinds of birds in our area and how gardeners can develop the proper conditions to welcome them to their gardens. Will highlight individual birds and their needs. Free admission. All welcome. Mount Brydges Library<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wed May 12th 8:00pm<br />Thames Regional Anglers Association General Meeting. </span> <br />Guest Speaker Jim Reeve will be our guest speaker for this evening. Jim is the drainage superintendent for Middlesex Centre and he will be sharing some insight from a drainage engineers perspective on the proposed Komoka Creek project and where it stands today. Jim also has over 35 years of experience and he should prove to be very informative. The meeting starts at 8:00 p.m. sharp so make sure you are there on time. Springbank Dam Update. The year 2 post construction monitoring report has officially been released to the general public today. If you go to www.clear.london.ca and click on Thames River (2 indicators) and you can view the entire report. Based on what is in it, I'd say the City of London is in for an even longer battle. It was a lively topic for discussion at the February meeting and the TRAA is going to keep the pressure on and monitor the situation closely. Keep up the good work with the letters to the editor in the Free Press. The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters has started a new petition directed at London City Council to decommission the Dam once and for all. It will be available for signature at the general meeting.<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wed May 12th 7- 9pm <br />Nutritional Approach to Mental Health: Orthomolecular Therapy. </span><br />The first presentation offers a basic introduction to Orthomolecular Medicine, an approach that uses diet and supplementation to address nutritional deficiencies that may cause mental illness such as schizophrenia and anxiety. A screening of the 15 minute highlights of the ISF's documentary Masks of Madness, featuring practitioners and patients using this therapy, will follow. The second presentation will look at the specific nutritional deficiencies related to depression and anxiety, and how nutritional therapy could improve symptoms, under the guidance of a health practitioner. Central 1st Floor Stevenson & Hunt (A+B) <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Thurs May 13th 7- 9pm <br />Resilient London 2030: Exploring the Transition Model.</span> <br />Transition London is part of a vibrant, international grassroots movement that builds resilient communities in response to the challenges of peak oil, climate change and the economic crisis. Join us for a presentation and Q&A, followed by a discussion of the things that will affect our lives in the future; neighbourhood networks; strategic questions; and next steps. This introduction to Transition Towns Culture is an open space, participatory experience event. Together we can make the transition to a more fulfilling, equitable and sustainable world. Central 1st Floor Stevenson & Hunt B <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Fri May 14th 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm <br />How to have the Best Herb and Vegetable Garden Ever. </span> <br />Ron Rossini will speak on growing herbs and vegetables from seed to harvest. This topic will include growing hints, common problems, pests, as well as maintenance and conditions needed for the best plants ever! Location: Lee Valley Tools, 2100 Oxford St. East, London. Register through Lee Valley. Most sessions are $20.00.<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat May 15th 8:30 am<br />GO Dutch GO Green GO Bike FUNDRAISER </span> <br />Join us on Saturday May 15, 2010 for our 2nd Annual GoGreenGoDutchGoBike event! <br />There are two tours: the short (25 km return) and the long (45 km return). Both begin at the Dutch Canadian Society Hall and make a stop at the Cenotaph and Carillon in Victoria Park. Refreshments provided. Lunch with Veterans available with ticket. Contest for best decorated bicycle and costume! Please register http://gogreengodutchgobike.wufoo.com/forms/q7x3k1/ and bring payment with you day of event! Cost: $10/person ($30 for family up to 5 persons); $5/child 12 years and under. Tickets for lunch ($10/person) with the Veterans must be pre-purchased. Funds raised go toward purchasing bicycles for the Boys and Girls Club of London! <br />AGENDA: <br />8:30 a.m.: Family bike ride starts at Dutch-Canadian Hall, 1738 Gore Rd.<br />10:30 a.m.: Gather at Cenotaph at Victoria Park<br />11 a.m.: Wreath-laying, band plays O Canada and Carillon plays Het Wilhelmus (Dutch anthem) as veterans parade.<br />11:30 a.m.: Amabile Choir, Klompen Dancers perform.<br />12:30 p.m.: Dutch-Canadian Hall lunch, concert, social.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat May 15th 9:30-11:30am <br />Spring Plant Exchange </span>at your local library branch. <br />Calling all gardeners! Bring in your extra cuttings, bulbs and plants to exchange with other gardeners. Please label plants. Please make sure that your plants are in leakproof containers. Locations: Sherwood Meeting Room A, Cherryhill Sam Katz Room, Crouch (General Space). Please contact your local branch to confirm times. <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat May 15th 9:30-11:30am <br />Plant a Seed for Spring!</span> Drop in and plant a seed to celebrate Spring. Visit the Sherwood Spring Plant exchange at the same time! Sherwood Community Room <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sun May 16th 2-5pm<br />Sustainable Homestead Tour </span>(48 Strachan St. in Port Burwell)<br />This will be an extensive tour of the facilities which include Off grid living with solar cells and a windmill, solar water heaters, Solar air heaters, below ground greenhouse, root cellar, Gardens, fruit trees, Oil expelling, biodiesel making, Biodiesel heater, Double wall construction home, composting system, rain water catchment, and much more. This will take most of the afternoon. For reservations please review the web site before registering at http://www.continuo.com/. $5 donation. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tues May 18th 7pm <br />GREENDRINKS LONDON</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;">- Summer on the Patio...</span> No speaker, just drinks and good conversation. Venue: Morriseey House, Dundas Street, between Waterloo & Colborne <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wed May 19th – Fri May 21st <br />The London-Middlesex Children's Water Festival. </span> <br />The goal of the London-Middlesex Children's Water Festival is to provide a hands-on learning environment for students in grades 3 to 5 from London and surrounding areas to discover the importance of water in their lives and communities. Over 3,000 grade 3-5 students from across London and Middlesex and surrounding areas will participate in the London-Middlesex Children's Water Festival at Fanshawe Conservation Area and Fanshawe Pioneer Village. The students, their teachers and parent volunteers will learn all about water – how to protect it, people’s attitudes towards it, and technology and science that focus on it. Maintaining the quality and quantity of our groundwater and surface water is vital for the future development of our communities and for the heath and enjoyment of the residents. Educating youth about water and the environment is the perfect way to start doing this. Get involved and contribute to the environmental education of our youth: For more information about the Festival, please contact the Festival Coordinator: Linda Smith at smithl@thamesriver.on.ca. <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wed May 19th 6- 9:30 p.m._<br />Smart Moves London 2030 Transportation Master Plan Public Meeting </span><br />Public Workshop #2<br />Come join us at our second public workshop to provide your input into London’s Transportation Master Plan. This meeting will allow you to review various options and to provide your comments. City staff and the Consultant team will be available to discuss different directions and to engage feedback. Your feedback will be used to help develop the future vision for transportation in London. Location: London Convention Centre, Salon A & B - Open house: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Workshop: 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wednesday, May 19, 6:30 p.m. <br />Nature London: Komoka Provincial Park</span><br />Take Oxford Street west and then turn onto Glendon Drive. Opposite the Brigham Road intersection, turn right and meet the leader in the parking lot. Spring flowers and migrating birds will be viewed. The terrain is hilly. Free. Participants must provide own transportation.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat May 22nd 10-12pm <br />Spring Plant Exchange</span> at your local library branch. <br />Calling all gardeners! Bring in your extra cuttings, bulbs and plants to exchange with other gardeners. Please label plants. Please make sure that your plants are in leakproof containers. Participating locations: Masonville Outdoors, Jalna (General Space), Pond Mills Meeting Room A&B. Please contact your local branch to confirm times. <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat May 22nd 2pm - 4pm<br />Earth Magic! </span>A workshop for 4-10 year olds Celebrate the Earth by learning about organic gardening! Attendees will learn about the amazing cycle of growth from <span style="font-weight:bold;">seed to compost. While learning, kids will make a seed ball</span> to bring home and meet some composting worms. Register with the library online, in person. Jalna branch of the London Public Library. <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Sat May 22nd 12-1:30pm<br />Learn, Define, Act – Climate Justice</span><br />Climate Justice London will provide a description of the emerging idea of climate justice, followed by group discussion of its definition and strategies to achieve it. The event will conclude with a friendly, optional action to confront the climate crisis. Meet at the splash pad near the Fork of the Thames. If it is raining, meet in the nearby Forks Pavilion.<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wed May 26th 6:30 pm<br />Nature London Bird Walks - THE COVES ESA.</span> <br />A member of the Friends of the Coves Subwatershed Inc. will show us some of the interesting spots in this Environmentally Significant Area (ESA). The meeting place will be at the Greenway Park parking lot. Turn north off Springbank Drive onto Greenside Ave (it’s also the Greenway Pollution Control Plant entrance). The lot is on the right, just a few hundred metres from Springbank Dr. <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Thurs May 27th 7-8pm <br />The Contained Garden.</span> Master Gardener presents ways to create attractive container gardens for balconies, patios, and other small spaces. Lambeth Community Centre Seniors' Room <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat May 29th 10am-1pm<br />Reforest London Tree Planting Event McKillop Park</span> <br />We invite you to plant trees with us tomorrow, May 29, from 10am-1pm at McKillop Park. We apologize for the change in location from earlier announcements. With your help, we will plant 400 trees and shrubs at this park next to the Thames River. McKillop Park is located at the corner of Wonderland and Riverside. Parking is available off Riverside. Please bring a shovel and wear close-toed shoes and sun protection.<br /><br />We will celebrate the commemorative trees purchased at Christmas 2009 at this event by reading the names of those who received trees as gifts at this event. <a href="http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=riverside+and+wonderland,+london,+ontario&sll=49.891235,-97.15369&sspn=26.697155,54.580078&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Wonderland+Rd+N+%26+Riverside+Dr,+London,+Middlesex+County,+Ontario&ll=42.975979,-81.290784&spn=0.000922,0.001666&t=h&z=19&utm_source=ReForest+London+eNewsletter&utm_campaign=257d31576d-ATQ%2C+May+16&utm_medium=email">Map </a><br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat May 29th 8pm<br />Reflections on our River Thames</span> - a music and spoken word performance. The Thames - its history, its beauty, its ecosystem and its meaning. Through spoken word and music, a celebration of the river that defines London and the many ways that it touches our lives. Featuring guest artists and the world premiere of a new, specially commissioned choral work by London composer Jeff Smallman Location: Wesley-Knox United Church, 91 Askin St. <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat May 29th 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM <br />Spring Plant Exchange</span> at your local library branch. <br />Calling all gardeners! Bring in your extra cuttings, bulbs and plants to exchange with other gardeners. Please label plants. Please make sure that your plants are in leakproof containers. Landon (General Space) and Beacock Lobby 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Please contact your local branch to confirm times. <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sun May 30-June 6th<br />2010 Bicycle Festival </span><br />London's annual Bicycle Festival encourages Londoners to bike for transportation, fitness and fun. The Festival promotes events to educate people about bicycle safety and maintenance, local trails and tours. Various locations in London. Email Gosse at vango3771@gmail.com for more info.GreenDrinks Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094205522476280802noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6318784759839694040.post-11743572955362029302010-04-25T13:20:00.008-04:002010-04-25T13:38:46.482-04:00The Dirty Dozen & The Clean Fifteen<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_T05njf82YJemqgt-tJdrwmP0TyvmXjroZi3UwnnF0FWfylaYJokaVTGTCBbiY6xUSrbMc63P1UgVUzyHR9GMKKDuww3GDZAYW46OCZ5CZawMDUVkFiuKciJ8yInBGbQPBuTO9WiL6p9/s1600/2008-10-12+035.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_T05njf82YJemqgt-tJdrwmP0TyvmXjroZi3UwnnF0FWfylaYJokaVTGTCBbiY6xUSrbMc63P1UgVUzyHR9GMKKDuww3GDZAYW46OCZ5CZawMDUVkFiuKciJ8yInBGbQPBuTO9WiL6p9/s400/2008-10-12+035.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464126964278656162" /></a><br /><br />Richard Vuksinic, ND and Kristina Kastelanac, ND joined us on Tuesday to discuss naturopathic medicine as a model of healthcare that is philosophically rooted in principles that promote environmental consciousness, as they pertain to sustainability, accessibility and an interconnectedness with nature. <br /><br />One of many great tools provided during their presentation was called the '<span style="font-weight:bold;">SHOPPER'S GUIDE TO PESTICIDES</span>'. <span style="font-style:italic;">It is a guide designed to help you know which produce to buy organic, and which conventionally-grown fruits and vegetables are okay if organic isn't available.</span> You can find the full listing at <a href="http://www.foodnews.org/">www.foodnews.org</a>. <br /><br />For help weaving this and other healthy living tips into your everyday lifestyle contact Richard & Kristina at <a href="http://www.lotuscentre.ca">www.lotuscentre.ca</a> or <a href="http://www.enrichedrootsnaturopathy.com">www.enrichedrootsnaturopathy.com</a>.<br />.GreenDrinks Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094205522476280802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6318784759839694040.post-24788406231997424592010-03-31T22:21:00.025-04:002010-04-19T16:48:03.410-04:00April: Events Around the City<span style="font-weight:bold;">Thurs April 1st 9:30am - 4:30pm <br />All-Day Environmental Exposition - UCC Gymnasiums </span> <br />Students in the first-year Environmental Issues course want to get the word out. They’ve been working hard on environmental investigations and projects that explore timely issues and technologies, and now it is time to go public with their important findings at the Day-long Environmental Exposition. The Environmental Expo will consist of 64 evocative presentations covering 25 topics that confront some of the difficult environmental concerns we face in today’s world, and will examine some of the technological advances used for solutions. The presentations are the results of team members who have pooled their research, talents, resources and hours of collaborative work to create original commentaries on important and timely topics. Far-ranging and diverse topics will inspire, delight, provoke, challenge and inform. <br /><br />For more information and a complete list of the 64 topics contact Natasha Patrito Hannon, PhD, at npatrit@uwo.ca. <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat April 3rd 9-5pm and running all month <br />How Green Are You? </span><br />Help our community grow as we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day! Tell us what your family is doing to be green by writing your ideas on a special "leaf" for "Masonville's Green Tree". Learn what others are doing, try out some new ideas and help our community lead the green wave. Where: Masonville Mall <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat April 3rd 9-10am running every Sat in April <br />'Zero Footprint - Human Power'</span> - A free neighbourhood walk and social event for adults <br />Description: Aim to leave a zero footprint while improving your fitness level and strengthening your neighbourhood. On Saturdays, walk to Crouch for a 9am group hike and return to the library for a social at 10am. Refreshments provided. Crouch Cornerstone Community Meeting Room <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wed April 7th 4:30-6pm<br />The Geography of Hope: A Tour of the World We Need</span><br />Author, journalist, environmentalist and sustainability expert, Chris Turner went on a global mission to find the answer to this question: "Would this - this place, this machine, this social system or way of life - be capable of continuing on its present course for the foreseeable future without exhausting the planet's ability to sustain human life at something like the current population and quality of life?" <br /><br />The result of his year-long investigation is a survey of global sustainable practices and the lessons to be learned. The Geography of Hope breathes new life into our planet’s future and offers a patchwork map of available solutions to the potential threat of catastrophic climate change. Turner makes an argument for a new environmentalism that replaces fear with exuberance. His is the voice of hope in a chorus of recriminations and doom.<br /><br />Everyone is welcome. For further information contact cleggett@uwo.ca <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Thurs April 8th 7pm<br />Thames Talbot Land Trust - Annual General Meeting </span><br />Thames Talbot Land Trust is marking the tenth anniversary of our incorporation in 2010. Please join us for our AGM on Thursday, April 8th at the Stoneridge Inn on Col. Talbot Road at the 401. Doors open for displays and registration at 7:00 PM with the meeting getting under way at 7:30 PM. This year our guest speaker will be Clint Jacobs of the Walpole Island Land Trust, which is Canada's first and only First Nations land trust. A fascinating and inspiring story. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Thurs April 8th 6:30-8:30pm (Video from 8:30 to 9:00pm)<br />Sustainable Transportation Roundtable - London Convention Centre</span> <br />Please mark your calendar for the next meeting of the Sustainable Transportation Roundtable (STR) as part of the 2030 Transportation Master Plan – Smart Moves (www.london.ca/smartmoves). Please note that if you cannot attend this meeting, there will be several more including May 13, 2010. The Smart Moves Project Team has a desire to establish a number of working groups to help further the dialogue in a number of specific areas over the next 8 months. Please confirm your attendance for April 8 asap, by emailing Robin Pyluta at rpyluta@london.ca.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Sat April 10th 10-4pm<br />Think Global Act Local Forum - Greening Our Community </span> <br />The purpose and focus of this event is to inform and inspire each of us to conserve energy, save money, explore energy alternatives, and become more aware of what local organizations are doing to address environmental concerns. As an exhibitor your organization will have a high profile venue to showcase your energy conservation and/or sustainable development initiatives. Where: White Oaks Mall.<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat April 10th 10-4pm <br />The Great Community Health Tune-up</span><br />Learn about the health services in your community. Get tips on how to live a healthy lifestyle, hear speakers on a wide range of topics that impact your health and that of your community. This is a free event. Where: Western Fair Grounds, Special Events Building. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat April 10th 1-4pm <br />Birdhouse Workshop </span><br />Time to give our nesting fine feathered friends a nice home for the summer. Come and make a house with us. We have the tools, all you need is a 6" wide x 4' long x 1" thick board (we suggest cedar or pine) and whatever non-toxic paint or other decorative do-dads you want to use to embellish your birdie's new abode. Where: The Briscoe Café, 325 Wharncliffe Rd. S.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat April 10th 12-4pm<br />Work Day! with Thames Talbot Land Trust (Newport Forest)</span><br />Take this opportunity to get together and have some fun with other members of the Thames Talbot Land Trust and their families and do some practical, hands-on conservation. Bring your own lunch and water. Dress for the weather conditions and the work: you will need strong shoes or boots, work gloves, and long pants. WORK: Trail grooming and maintenance, boundary-marking and shrub removal. Bring loppers and a brush saw if you can. For more information contact Jane Bowles at jbowles@uwo.ca<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat Apr 10 to Mon Apr 12 <br />Forest Gardening: Ecologically Intelligent Design for Human Living </span> <br />In this workshop we inform and engage you in creating ecologically sustainable sanctuaries for human living and planetary sustainability. You will learn how to apply practical Forest Garden design to a diversity of landscapes, with a focus on dense urban environments and temperate regions. Learn how to grow your own food no matter the size of your backyard. Design your own property, and learn how to 'be a part of the solution' using forest gardening principles. This is a hands-on-experiential training in ecosystem structure and function, and in landscape understanding. It will show you how you can achieve the same benefits that natural systems demonstrate: stability, resilience, self-maintenance, self-renewal, increased soil quality, and nutrient conservation. (To accommodate individual needs a person can attend our teachings as a One-Day or Two-Day Workshop or as a Three-Day Training)<br /><br />Presenters: Passionate, long-time gardeners, herbalists and eco-spiritual guides, Shantree Kacera D.N., Ph.D. and Lorenna <span style="font-weight:bold;">Bousquet-Kacera, invite you to discover this remarkable model for creating gardens that supp</span>ort oneself and the Earth. For more information visit http://www.thelivingcentre.com or phone 519-652-9109. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sun April 11th 12-4pm<br />Car Free Sunday - We're Not Fuelin' Around - Downtown Street Festival</span><br />Bring your whole family and join us Sunday, April 11 for London's first Car Free Sunday! We're closing Dundas Street from Ridout to Wellington Street and hosting a street festival of free family fun - Car Free! See the latest cool new cycling gear and EBikes, watch yoga demonstrations and take in all of the other activities. <br /><br />Car Free Sunday starts at 12:00 noon, with the Opening Ceremony at 1 p.m. on the Main Stage. The fun continues all afternoon until 4 p.m. See you there! For more info visit http://www.london.ca/d.aspx?s=/Transportation/car_free_sunday.htm. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tues April 13th 7pm </span><br />Master Gardener Ron Rossini will present: The best vegetable garden ever and you don’t even have to plant broccoli! Komoka Library (a branch of Middlesex County Library) located in the Community Centre, 133 Queen Street, Komoka ON. Free admission. All welcome. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">April 16 to April 25<br />Toonies for Trees - Earth Week. Make It Count.</span><br />Get your toonies out to help ReForest London plant trees in the City of London and raise awareness with Londoners of our spring and fall tree planting activities for 2010. Earth Week, April 16th to April 25th, make it count by making a $2 donation at a retail store near you to help keep the forest in the Forest City. ***For a full list of participating retail stores for Toonies for Trees and locations please visit http://www.reforestlondon.ca/toonies-trees-0<br /><br />When visiting your local garden centre this spring and summer you can also make a $2 donation, as the Independent Garden Centres of London have joined together to participate in Toonies for Trees from April 16th to June 30th.<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Fri April 16th 2 p.m. <br />20 Minute London Makeover</span> <br />In 2006, a new initiative called the 20 Minute London Makeover was launched to allow the business community to demonstrate the pride outside of their buildings and into their corporate neighbourhoods. It was a great success. In 2009, the response to action was even more impressive. In four years, the event has grown to include more than 150 businesses, schools and government locations. Collectively, these groups endeavored to clean up their business or school environment. <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Fri April 16th 6:30 - 8:30 pm <br />How to have the Best Herb and Vegetable Garden Ever</span> <br />Master Gardeners Ron Rossini and Jennifer Grant will speak on growing herbs and vegetables from seed to harvest. This topic will include growing hints, common problems, pests, as well as maintenance and conditions needed for the best plants ever! All sessions are held at Lee Valley Tools, 2100 Oxford St., East London. You may attend the entire series or just a few, but you must pre register through Lee Valley at 519-659-7981. Most sessions are $20.00. <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat April 17th <br />London Clean & Green 2010</span> <br />Join us for the 15th Annual London Clean & Green Community Clean Up Day. Volunteers will be cleaning up litter and removed graffiti all over the city. Volunteers include formal and informal neighbourhood groups, condominium boards, employee groups, business improvement associations, families and individual citizens. Secondary students can volunteer & earn hours towards their Community Involvement Activity requirement. Take part in the Ontario Youth Volunteer Challenge - ChangeTheWorld 2010! Visit Pillar Nonprofit Network for more details and to take a peek at some volunteer photos. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat April 17th 11-3pm <br />Work Day! with Thames Talbot Land Trust (Joany's Woods)</span><br />Take this opportunity to get together and have some fun with other members of the Thames Talbot Land Trust and their families and do some practical, hands-on conservation. Bring your own lunch and water. Dress for the weather conditions and the work: you will need strong shoes or boots, work gloves, and long pants. WORK: Trail grooming and maintenance, boundary-marking and shrub removal. Bring loppers and a brush saw if you can. For more information contact Jane Bowles at 519-461-1932 or via e-mail at jbowles@uwo.ca<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat April 17th-19th <br />Living the Solution</span> ~ The Sevenfold Path of Peace (April 17 - 19) <br />Empower Yourself and Be the Change that Changes Everything <br />There is a powerful driving force inside every human being that, once unleashed, can make any vision and dream into a reality. Take back your power, live disease-free, support the environment, and be the Artist of Your Life. A uniquely crafted study path, Living the Solution teaches you the seven proven steps to transform yourself - so you can transform the world! Living the Solution invites a renaissance in human thought, values and action. This Sevenfold Path offers transformational practices and philosophies that will support you in living a conscious, happy and purpose-filled lifestyle. For more information visit http://www.thelivingcentre.com or phone 519-652-9109. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sun April 18th 7- 8:30pm <br />Green Initiatives for Londoners </span>- Speaker: Jay Stanford, City of London<br />Green First St Andrews in conjunction with the City of London "Clean and Green Initiative”, present a week of green events. Where: First St Andrews Church, Proudfoot Hall, 350 Queens Avenue London, ON N6B 1X6. For more information call (519) 679-8182 <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sunday April 18th <br />Earth Day London </span> <br />Join us at Watson Street Park to help with environmental restoration of a section of the Thames Valley Corridor within the City of London. Huge Tree Planting Festival. Community Organization Exhibits. Watson Street Park is located on Wellington Road, just south of the Thames River. Watch for the Earth Day signs. Parking is available along South Street on both sides of the street, and at the end of Watson Street. For more information call (519) 451-2800 or email sauders@thamesriver.on.ca or visit www.thamesriver.on.ca <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sun April 18th 1-4pm <br />GREENHOUSE TOUR - Civic Garden Complex</span> <br />Each year we open the greenhouses and the entire complex to the public for one day. Visitors will be split into small groups and taken on a guided tour of the entire complex. Your guide will explain all the workings of the Conservatory and the Greenhouses. See the flowers in bloom and various plants that will be planted into London’s city streets and parks. You will be able to purchase plants from the "Plants-to-go" cart in the lobby (Cash or Cheque only). Before or <span style="font-weight:bold;">after your tour, see the displays, then go for a</span> leisurely walk through the park and gardens. Walking/Biking Maps are available at the complex. It is a wonderful time for everyone to welcome Spring. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Mon April 19th 7:00PM<br />Film Screening: Dreamland </span><br />Cinema Politica London and the London Public Library are proud to present the critically acclaimed environmental documentary Dreamland. This is one of the best environmental films ever made. An incredibly moving, inspiring and fantastically political film that will make you want to be a better steward of this planet. <br /><br />WHERE: Central Library, Stevenson and Hunt Room<br />COST: By donation at the door ($2-5 recommended)<br />INFO: www.cinemapolitica.org <br /><br />SYNOPSIS: How much unspoiled nature should we preserve and what do we sacrifice for clean, renewable energy? Dreamland gradually turns into a disturbing picture of corporate power taking over small communities.<br /><br />In Dreamland a nation with abundance of choices gradually becomes caught up in a plan to turn its wilderness and beautiful nature into a massive system of hydro-electric and geothermal power plants with dams and reservoirs. Clean energy brings in polluting industry and international corporations. It’s the dark side of green energy.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tues April 20th 7pm<br />GREENDRINKS LONDON </span><span style="font-weight:bold;">- Topic: Naturopathic Medicine</span> <br />Join Richard Vuksinic, ND and Kristina Kastelanac, ND as they discuss naturopathic medicine as a model of healthcare that is philosophically rooted in principles that promote environmental consciousness, as they pertain to sustainability, accessibility and an interconnectedness with nature. Dr. Richard Vuksinic, ND will discuss the guiding principles of naturopathy and how they can effect our understanding of personal and environmental health. He will also touch on the sustainability and accessibility of herbal medicine. Dr. Kristina Kastelanac, ND will further illuminate the connections between environmental and individual health by exploring the connections between environmental toxins and their effects on the human endocrine system. Both Richard and Kristina are Naturopathic Doctors practicing in London, Ontario. Venue: The Morrissey House, 359 Dundas Street (between Waterloo and Colborne)<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tuesday April 20th <br />Film Screening: "The Greening of Faith" </span><br />Green First St Andrews in conjunction with the City of London "Clean and Green Initiative”, present a week of green events. Where: First St Andrews Church, Proudfoot Hall, 350 Queens Avenue London, ON N6B 1X6. For more information call (519) 679-8182 <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wed April 21st 6:30-7:15pm <br />Film Screening: "The Eco-Home"</span><br />Green First St Andrews in conjunction with the City of London "Clean and Green Initiative”, present a week of green events. Where: First St Andrews Church, Proudfoot Hall, 350 Queens Avenue London, ON N6B 1X6. For more information call (519) 679-8182<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wed April 21st 7pm<br />Ecological Gardening - - - Introduction to Permaculture</span><br />Where: Central Library, Stevenson & Hunt Room A<br />Cost: FREE<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wed April 21st 7-8:30pm <br />Vermi-composting Workshop</span> or How to Compost with Red Wriggler Worms <br />Attendees will learn how to compost food scraps in small, indoor spaces with red wriggler worms. Vermicomposting is an excellent way to reduce your garbage. Learn how to set up and maintain a worm composting bin. Free admission. London Public Library's community programming. Location; Jalna Branch 1166 Commissioners Rd. E. You can register with the library online, in person or by phone 519-685-1333<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"> <br />Thurs April 22nd <br />HAPPY EARTHDAY from GREENDRINKS and ECOLIVING LONDON</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Thurs April 22nd<br />Dress Down for Earth Day - ReForest London Fundraiser</span><br />Go Green at the office by organizing a Dress Down for Earth Day event at your office where staff can donate $2, $5 or $10 to dress down for the day. Funds raised during the event will go to ReForest London to help plant trees in the City of London.<br /><br />Get your toonies out and plan for some friendly competition with other businesses in London! Let ReForest London know if your business plans to participate in Dress Down for Earth Day, and we will add your company and/or organizations name to our list on our website. We will then post and celebrate the business that raises the highest amount for Dress Down for Earth Day.<br /><br />Please contact ReForest London to register your company or to learn more visit http://www.reforestlondon.ca/dress-down-earth-day-thursday-april-22nd. <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Thurs April 22nd 7-8:30pm <br />Energy Conservation Tips and Innovations</span>, presented by London Hydro<br />Receive a free conservation kit. Green First St Andrews in conjunction with the City of London "Clean and Green Initiative”, present a week of green events. Where: First St Andrews Church, Proudfoot Hall, 350 Queens Avenue London, ON N6B 1X6. For more information call (519) 679-8182 <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Fri April 23rd <br />Renewable Energy Expo</span> <br />Featuring solar thermal, solar pv, geothermal talks and vendors. Green First St Andrews in conjunction with the City of London "Clean and Green Initiative”, present a week of green events. Where: First St Andrews Church, Proudfoot Hall, 350 Queens Avenue London, ON N6B 1X6. For more information call (519) 679-8182 <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Fri April 23rd 10:30-11:30am <br />Eco-Kids Craft</span> (6 years and up) <br />Put the Earth first on ‘Kids First Day’. Join us in creating an earth-friendly craft project. Where: Landon Library, OSCO Community Meeting Room. Registration starts Apr 9th by telephone, online or in person. <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Fri April 23rd 2:30-3:30pm <br />Earth Day Eggheads</span> (6 years and up) <br />Put the Earth First on ‘Kids First Day’. Join us to create an earth-friendly "egghead" planter. Where: Landon Library, OSCO Community Meeting Room. Registration starts Apr 9th by telephone, online or in person. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat April 24th 8:30am-12:30pm<br />Tree Planting @ Veterans Memorial Parkway at Trafalgar (west side)</span><br />Join ReForest London and Scoutrees as we plant hundreds of trees and shrubs along Veterans Memorial Parkway, as part of a five year plan to beautify this London thoroughfare. 3M is hosting a BBQ at their facility following the planting. No weekend bus route. Follow the signs to parking and planting location. For more information contact Julie Ryan at 936-9548 or info@reforestlondon.ca <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat April 24th <br />Annual Coves Clean Up.</span> Please visit http://www.thecoves.ca/ for details. <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat April 24th 2:30-3:30pm <br />Earth Day Fun!</span> (5-12 yrs) <br />Learn tips on how we can make this earth a safe and healthy place to live, and create you own environmentally friendly recyclable craft to take home! Where: Crouch Library. Meeting Room 3 <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat April 24th 1-4pm <br />Work Day! with Thames Talbot Land Trust (Five Points Forest)</span><br />Take this opportunity to get together and have some fun with other members of the Thames Talbot Land Trust and their families and do some practical, hands-on conservation. Bring your own lunch and water. Dress for the weather conditions and the work: you will need strong shoes or boots, work gloves, and long pants. WORK: Garlic Mustard removal. Bring trowel and gloves, if you can. For more information contact Jane Bowles at 519-461-1932 or via e-mail at jbowles@uwo.ca<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tues April 27th 6:30-9:00pm <br />You Are What You Eat </span>(Documentary film series)<br />The first of these fascinating films lifts the veil on the food industry, exposing how our food supply is controlled by a handful of corporations that put profits ahead of consumer health. The second uncovers the trillion dollar worldwide ‘Sickness Industry’, and explains a growing body of scientific evidence proving that nutritional therapy can be more effective, more economical, less harmful and less invasive than most conventional medical treatments. Find out what works, what doesn't, and what's killing you. Become informed about the choices you have, which could save your life. Where: Central Library, 1st Floor - Wolf Performance Hall <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wed April 28th 7-9pm <br />Ecological Gardening </span><br />The first presentation will focus on the food producing aspects of permaculture design, with an emphasis on perennial edible landscapes. Come and learn about: organic food production, recycling and waste management, soil rehabilitation and how to increase yield but decrease the effort and make gardening much easier then you ever imagined! In the second session you will learn how to establish a sustainable garden, a food forest - the most ecologically friendly way of gardening open to us, which can be tailored to fit any space, from a tiny backyard to a large country garden. This visual presentation will show you an edible food forest in transition to become ecologically established sustainable garden sanctuary. Where: Central Library, 1st Floor, Stevenson & Hunt Room B <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wed April 28th 7-9pm <br />Organic Garden Solutions Workshop</span> - How to Cook Up Remedies in the Kitchen. <br />Master Gardener, Ron Rossini, will present ways of treating garden problems with organic and home remedies. He will also outline many major floral and vegetable garden concerns and how to treat many diseases and pests. No registration required. This workshop if part of the London Public Library's community programming. Location: Jalna Branch of the London Public Library, 1119 Jalna Ave.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wed April 28th 7pm<br />Ecological Gardening - - - Establishing a Sustainable Garden</span><br />Where: Central Library, Stevenson & Hunt Room A<br />Cost: FREE <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat April 28th 10 a.m. <br />ReForest London - Tree Planting in Glen Cairn</span><br />Join the Glen Cairn Community Resource Centre to plant trees and shrubs at this large apartment complex on King Edward Ave. You will be planting native trees and shrubs and mulching them. The work is fun and relatively easy, suitable for families and people of all ages. Bring a shovel or rake if you can, but we've also got plenty to share. Sturdy shoes and gardening gloves are also helpful to have. We'll have water to drink and people there to show you what to do. For more information contact Julie Ryan at 936-9548 or info@reforestlondon.c<span style="font-weight:bold;">a <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wed April 28th 7-8pm <br />Organic S</span>olutions </span><br />Master Gardener Ron Rossini at the Jalna Branch of the London Public Library. Free admission. All welcome <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wed April 28th 7:30p.m.<br />Nature London: Walk at Woodcocks on the Thames</span><br />Meet the leader at the east end of Windermere Road, east of Adelaide Street. Participants will be looking for migrant birds and hoping to see the extraordinary courtship display of the American Woodcock. Dress warmly and bring a flashlight. Call 519-642-3046, if more information is required. Free.<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Fri April 30th 6:30-8:30pm <br />The Contained Garden </span> <br />Jennifer Grant will share her master gardening expertise on growing beautiful flowers, herbs and vegetables in containers. Hands on demonstrations will help explain what soils to use, container styles, and what plants grow best together. A slide presentation will show samples from Canada and other countries Master Gardeners, Ron Rossini and Jennifer Grant offer talks on various gardening topics to help ease your winter blues! All sessions are held at Lee Valley Tools, 2100 Oxford St. East London. You may attend the entire series or just a few, but you must pre register through Lee Valley at 519-659-7981. Most sessions are $20.00.GreenDrinks Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094205522476280802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6318784759839694040.post-79229164676937402672010-03-26T11:02:00.003-04:002010-03-26T11:11:28.276-04:00London City Farm Cocktail Fundraiser<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7NA0vmc0QMYp_jiprO3llvCG5Z9WfCoku1yhhFQ3vFvSEivKyBf3hAGChN8HGR04zYfHjJIfSG_TfzYWmIEkjQ_RVRKg99rtfvQNdvJkzwSfEd2up7RgTgRQklas5HkktMTV2tFcJ_Njl/s1600/2010-03-26+028.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7NA0vmc0QMYp_jiprO3llvCG5Z9WfCoku1yhhFQ3vFvSEivKyBf3hAGChN8HGR04zYfHjJIfSG_TfzYWmIEkjQ_RVRKg99rtfvQNdvJkzwSfEd2up7RgTgRQklas5HkktMTV2tFcJ_Njl/s400/2010-03-26+028.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452958563937946098" /></a><br /><br />Thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday for the London City Farm "Happy Hour” cocktail fundraiser. Please <span style="font-weight:bold;">view full photo album</span> by clicking on the title of this post. <br /><br />London City Farm is London's first urban agricultural farm located in the fields of Fanshawe Pioneer Village. LCFN grows heirloom and open pollinated - rare varieties of vegetables to support paid summer employment for at risk youth in our city. Vegetables are grown organically and sold at local markets and restaurants. London City Farm is a nonprofit organization.GreenDrinks Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094205522476280802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6318784759839694040.post-40746322707855854382010-03-01T23:41:00.009-05:002010-03-27T11:25:44.549-04:00March: Events Around the City<span style="font-weight:bold;">Mon March 1st 2:30-3:30pm<br />National and International Issues of The Great Lakes</span><br />Jim Vollmershausen was with Parks Canada for a number of years and has been a senior manager with Environment Canada since 1986, where he has focused his efforts in the department’s regions; first in the Atlantic Region, then the Prairie and Northern Region and now the Ontario Region. When he came to the Ontario Region, he left the issues associated with the large rivers of Prairie and Northern Canada for the issues associated with Canada’s Great Lakes. This experience has ensured a significant involvement in the development of environmental and related water policies. Contact Professor Gordon McBean at 519-661-4274 or gmcbean@uwo.ca for more information. Location: Social Sciences Centre 9420 (9th Floor – Dean’s Office area)(Coffee and refreshments will be served after during a discussion session).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tues March 2nd 8-3pm <br />Wind-Water-Sun Renewable Technologies</span> <br />As a follow up to the 2009 Economic Summit, the LEDC is pleased to be hosting the inaugural Wind, Water and Sun conference in partnership with London Hydro and Miller Thomson to advance discussions regarding London’s Renewable Technology opportunities. London Convention Centre. For those interested in table-top booth space. $150 includes one free registration (DSL and electricity are available at an extra cost) Please call Heather Pilot at: 519.661.4957 or hpilot@ledc.com <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat March 6th 10am <br />EARLY SPRING STROLL BY THE NORTH THAMES </span><br />The Thames in winter. Meet the leader in the parking lot at the back of the soccer fields, south of the Adelaide Street North bridge on the west side of Adelaide; the entrance to the parking area is at the traffic light at Kipps Lane and just north of the water treatment plant. We will walk along the river and into some woodland looking for birds and early signs of spring. Call 519-438-5879 for more information. Nature London <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wed March 10th 7-9pm <br />Gardening in the City - Community Gardens </span><br />A Gardening series covering a variety of earthy topics that will grow on you. London Community Resource Centre presentation on benefits of Community Gardens Central 1st Floor Stevenson & Hunt (A+B) <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Thurs March 11th 7pm <br />Ecopower Inc. presents 7th annual INFUSION Fashion Show - “Eden”</span><br />Join us as we create a paradise at the exciting and thrilling 7th annual INFUSION Fashion Show - “Eden” presented by Ecopower Inc. 7pm - London Music Hall - Tickets are $20/$25 at the door and are available at The Bookstore at Western, Books Plus or by emailing tickets@infusionfashion.com 185 Queen St London Music Hall COST:$20 TELEPHONE: (519) 280-8633 EMAIL: tickets@infusionfashion.com WEBSITE: www.infusionfashion.com <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Fri March 12-14th <br />Creating a Culture of Nature Connection</span><br />Join us as Mark Morey of the Institute for Natural Learning speaks about the value of nature connection, and discusses various techniques to help create a culture of nature connection in your life, your home, and your community. For more information on the speaking tour, and on creating a culture of nature connection, see The Art of Mentoring at http://www.pineproject.org/programs/youth-programs/art-of-mentoring/ . Location: Cornerstone Clubhouse, 781 Richmond Street. Register at http://www.pineproject.org/Events/?event_id=9 . Suggested donation: $10. <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat March 13th 10-3:30pm <br />Seedy Saturdays and Seedy Sundays </span><br />Seeds of Diversity Canada. Featuring a wide selection of seed vendors. Demonstrations and PowerPoint Presentations will be held throughout the day. Organized by the London Middlesex Master Gardeners at www.londonmiddlesexmastergardeners.com. Contact: Jennifer Grant jgrantplants@sympatico.ca or 519-652-2734. Venue: Siloam United Church, Rear Entrance. Admission is $5.00 per adult.<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat March 13th – 20th 9-5pm <br />Eco-Challenge! </span><br />Take a fun environmental trip through your local Library this March Break! Between March 13 and 20, follow the clues and discover our secret "Green" password. Tell staff the password for a chance to win a "Green" Library Bag made from 100% natural hemp! London Library branches. Drop in at your local branch! <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Mon March 15th 7-9pm <br />Film Screening: H2OIL a film about the Alberta tar sands. </span><br />Join us for a monthly film series of thought provoking and timely documentaries. Cinema Politica is a media arts, non-profit network of community and campus locals that screen independent political film and video by Canadian and international artists throughout Canada and abroad. Central Library, 1st Floor, Stevenson & Hunt (A+B), Admission: Free<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tues March 16th 8-4:30pm <br />Green Roof Workshop </span><br />Come and hear about how green roofs can reduce heating and air conditioning bills, reduce and clean stormwater run-off, and help make London a cooler place (and not just by reducing the urban heat island effect.) Whether you are an architect, engineer, building owner, developer, builder, renovator, or an interested citizen, this Green Roofs workshop will cover many topics of interest to you including: how to build a green roof, environmental benefits, costs and savings, how they handle our climate, Lessons learned, Examples in London, design challenges, engineering challenges , LEED Certification. Location: Civic Garden Complex at 625 Springbank Drive. $20 Registration Fee includes lunch, workshop. Doors open at 8:00 am, Workshop from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. Pre-register to ensure your spot! <br /><br />http://www.ledc.com/newsevents/events/event.php?event=148 or http://www.london.ca/d.aspx?s=/Rethink_Energy/green_roofs.htm<br /><br />This workshop is sponsored by the City of London in partnership with the London Development Institute and the London Home Builders Association.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tues March 16th 6:30pm arrivals, 7pm Speaker <br />GREENDRINKS LONDON: Light Rail Transit for London </span><br />Rails for London Kathyrn Nikota and Dean Tolton, graduates of the Integrated Land Planning Technologies program of Fanshawe College present their proposal for a Light Rail Transit System for London. Their research demonstrates how LRT systems create friendly, safe and exciting places to live. Our great-grandparents enjoyed three light rail systems in the early 20th century here in London. Streetcars were operated by the London Street Railway Co. The Southwestern Traction Line provided light rail service from it's depot on Horton St. to Pt. Stanley via Lambeth, Glanworth, & St. Thomas. The London and Port Stanley Railway, also based in the SoHo area and electrified by Sir Adam Beck, was the finest electric system in Canada. A display in the London Room of the Central Library created by London Historian Alice Gibb provides historical background on the Traction Line and the London &Port Stanley Railway. Bombardier of Canada is a leader in the field of Light Rail Transit, supplying train sets for use in LRT systems all over the world. We have the technology. Venue: Morrissey House, 359 Dundas Street (downtown between Waterloo and Colborne).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wed March 17th 6:30pm<br />Environmentalism and Elections in Canada: Assessing Recent Trends</span><br />Concern for the environment has grown around the world. Cameron Anderson, assistant professor of political science at Western, will explore the extent to which environmental concern is a left-right ideological issue in the minds of Canadians and assess the impact of environmentalism on the ways in which citizens view and vote for Canada's major political parties. Lecturer: Cameron Anderson<br />Assistant Professor, Political Science. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and classes<br />begin at 7:00 p.m. Location: Civic Garden Complex, 625 Springbank Drive. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wed March 17th 7-9pm <br />Resilient London 2030: Exploring the Transition Model Description </span><br />Transition London is part of a vibrant, international grassroots movement that builds resilient communities in response to the challenges of peak oil, climate change and the economic crisis. Join us for a presentation and Q&A, followed by a discussion of the things that will affect our lives in the future; neighbourhood networks; strategic questions; and next steps. This introduction to Transition Towns Culture is an open space, participatory experience event. Together we can make the transition to a more fulfilling, equitable and sustainable world. Central Library, 1st Floor, Stevenson & Hunt Room B <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wed March 17th 7-9pm <br />Gardening in the City - Contained Gardens</span> <br />Master Gardener Jennifer Grant will share her experience growing beautiful flowers, herbs and vegetables in containers. Hands on demonstrations will help explain what soils to use, container styles and what plants grow best together. A slide presentation will show examples from Canada and other countries. A gardening series covering a variety of earthy topics that will grow on you. Central Library, 1st Floor, Stevenson & Hunt Room A+B <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Thurs March 18th 7pm<br />Creating Green and High Tech Jobs in a Changing Economy</span><br />The topic will be with a particular focus on green manufacturing, high tech, and research. Peter White from LEDC will be moderating, and confirmed panelists are Ted Hewitt, VP Research of UWO, Tim Carrie, Local 27 President of the CAW, Dr. David Hill of the Lawson Research Institute, and Fritz Scheidies of ARC Solar. This is a non-partisan town hall hosted by the federal Liberals in London. VENUE: Kinsmen Arena. All interested Londoners are invited!<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Thurs March 18th 10am – 11pm <br />Pizza Box Solar Cooker </span> <br />Harness the sun's energy and create your own pizza box solar cooker. Landon Library, Martha Bishop Community Room(children 8-12 years).<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Fri March 19th 7:30 pm <br />VERNAL POOLS </span><br />Vernal pools are small wetlands that form in the spring and dry up by late summer or early autumn. These wet-dry cycles of vernal pools create a unique habitat type that supports only those species that can tolerate the variable hydrologic conditions. Scott Sampson, president of the Ontario Vernal Pool Association, will explain why conservation of vernal pools is critical to the protection of some species at risk and Ontario's biodiversity. Venue: Civic Garden Complex <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Fri March 19th 2:30pm - 4:30pm <br />March Break Earth Magic (children 4-10 years) </span><br />Go Green this March Break by learning about organic gardening! We will learn about the amazing cycle of growth from seed to compost. While learning we will make a seed ball for kids to bring home and meet some composting worms. Landon Library, Martha Bishop Community Room <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wed March 24th 6:15pm <br />Our Environmental Destiny, Presented by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</span> <br />The University Students' Council is excited to announce the arrival of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at The University of Western Ontario. Mr. Kennedy will be speaking to University students, faculty, staff, and the London community on March 24, 2010. The address, entitled "Our Environmental Destiny," will highlight the role natural resources play in our work, our health , and our identity. “More than just an advocate for the environment, Kennedy is an architect and agent of change in our modern world,” says Dan Moulton, the University Students’ Council Vice-President University Affairs. “Mr. Kennedy’s message, as a leading advocate for the protection of our natural world, is a topic that will surely resonate with members of our action-driven Western community.” Tickets are now available for students ($15 plus tax) at InfoSource in the University Community Centre and on the USC website. A limited number of non-student tickets ($30 plus tax) will be available starting Feb. 25. The event will take place at Alumni Hall with doors opening at 6:15 p.m. and the speech commencing at 7:05 p.m. In addition to his dynamic address, Kennedy will partake in a question and answer period with the audience. <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wed March 24th 7-9pm<br />Gardening in the City </span><br />A Gardening series covering a variety of earthy topics that will grow on you. Topic: Garden Gates Open and Communities in Bloom. Central Library, 1st Floor Stevenson & Hunt Room (A+B) <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Thurs March 25th 4:30-6pm<br />Life After Growth: Why the Economy is Shrinking and What to Do About It</span><br />Presented by: Richard Heinberg and The Centre for Environment & Sustainability, UWO<br />Location: 3M Centre, Room 3250.<br /><br />Richard Heinberg will discuss how the ongoing economic recession represents a fundamental break with recent history: growth has ceased and may never return in the same way, because energy and resource limits are increasingly constraining economic expansion. But families and communities may actually be better off in a sustainable, "steady-state" economy--one that values people and nature over high-rate financial returns. <br /><br />Richard Heinberg is widely regarded as one of the world’s foremost Peak Oil educators.<br /><br />A columnist for the Ecologist Magazine, he has also authored scores of essays and articles for such magazines and journals as: The American Prospect, Public Policy Research, Quarterly Review, Z Magazine, Resurgence, The Futurist, European Business Review, Earth Island Journal, Yes!, Pacific Ecologist, Wild Matters, The Proceedings of the Canadian Association of the Club of Rome, Canadian Dimension, Alternative Press Review, and The Sun. He appears regularly in film and television documentaries as a leading international expert in peak oil and contributes regularly to numerous websites. <br /><br />For further information please contact: Catharine Leggett, Special Events Coordinator, Centre for Environment & Sustainability, 519 661 2111 x89060 or cleggett@uwo.ca<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Thurs March 25th 5-8pm<br />COCKTAIL FUNDRAISER for the London City Farm </span><br />London City Farm Network cordially invites you to a "Happy Hour” cocktail fundraiser to support London's first urban agricultural farm located in the fields of Fanshawe Pioneer Village. LCFN grows heirloom and open pollinated - rare varieties of vegetables to support paid summer employment for at risk youth in our city. Vegetables are grown organically and sold at local markets and restaurants. London City Farm is a nonprofit organization. <br /> <br />HAPPY HOUR Cocktail Fundraiser <br />March 25th, 5-8 p.m.<br />Covent Garden Market (upstairs)<br />Tickets: $20.00 includes canapés from Garlic’s Restaurant <br />and Elite Catering By Design <br />Door Prizes, Silent Auction & Live Music!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Thurs March 25th 7-8:45pm <br />Organic Farming Forum </span><br />What exactly is organic food? Do you have questions about organic practices, certification and labeling? Join our panel of local, organic farmers who will tell us about the food they produce, their farming techniques and what it takes to be certified organic. Ann Slater is a market gardener who sells produce. Cathy McGregor-Smith and her husband operate McSmiths Organic Farm, a mixed farm with an on-farm market. Stewart Slater is a dairy farmer involved with the Organic Meadow Co-operative. Come meet the people who are keeping the small-scale, diversified farm alive using sustainable practices that maintain the health of their land, produce high quality food and contribute to the local economy. There will be time for questions after the discussion. Central 1st Floor Stevenson & Hunt (A+B) <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat March 27th 10-3pm <br />Outdoor Discovery Day (3rd annual)</span><br />Join us for another free day of informative presentations and talks on Walking, Hiking and Trekking, aimed at promoting your health and safely enjoying the outdoors. Topics include: Presentations on hiking locally and around the World. Find out what equipment you need and how to choose it. Learn about your local hiking organizations. Join us for a one hour walk over lunchtime. Presented by: Thames Valley Trail Association, Elgin Hiking Club, Avon Hiking Club, Maitland Trail Assoc., Novacks, Healthy Living-Middlesex London and the London Public Library. Central Library, 1st Floor, Stevenson & Hunt Room (A+B) <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat March 27th 6:30pm <br />The Third Annual Art of Eating – Museum London</span><br />Enjoy the opportunity to taste a delicious meal created in a local state of mind. As in the past two years, the Art of Eating is themed around a current exhibition: this year, the menu is based on A(l)ure of the Local, an exhibition that weaves the story of London ON together by featuring artifacts and historical, modern and contemporary art from our two collections: art and material culture. So, expect the menu to maximize all the wonderful local products and services in the London and Southwestern area. Again this year the menu is being designed by premier London chef Steve James and Jeff Warner, chef at On The Fork. Don’t miss this delicious opportunity to support Museum London’s 2010 historical exhibitions. Limited seating. Tickets $95/person or $950 for a table of 10. Ticket reservations welcome, email ckehoe@museumlondon.ca or telephone 519-661-0333 x4242. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Saturday March 27 6pm - close<br />Celebrate Earth Hour "In the Dark with The Dozens"</span><br />This talented acoustic blues duo from London have taken their soulful sound on the road across Canada and are excited to share Earth Hour with their eco-friendly home town folk. Where: East Village Coffeehouse, 785 Dundas St. E. just west of Rectory Cost: Free (donations appreciated)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Saturday March 27 6pm - close<br />Earth Hour Acoustic Open Mike</span><br />Join us for a cozy night of candlelight and acoustic song-sharing and poetry reading to celebrate Earth Hour. All are welcome to sign up for a stint of song, poetry and mirth. Where: The Briscoe Cafe, 325 Wharncliffe Rd. S., between Springbank and Commissioners<br /><br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sun March 28th 9-11am <br />Nature Walk: AYLMER WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA</span><br />Meet the leader in front of the main viewing stand behind the Aylmer Police College to view Tundra Swans and other migrating waterfowl. We will then proceed to walk a paved trail to look for other early spring birds. If necessary, call 519-438-5879 for more details. Directions: exit the 401 at Imperial Road and head south to College Line. Turn left and continue to Hacienda Road. The Police College will be on your left. Take the second entrance to the Aylmer WMA. If necessary, call 519-438-5879 for more details. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Mon March 29th 2:30-<br />Climate Change and Water Issues in Ontario</span><br />Linda Mortsch is a senior researcher with Environment Canada and an adjunct at the University of Waterloo. Her research interests include assessing the effects of climate change on water resources in North America. She was Convening Lead Author for the North American Chapter of the IPCC 2007 Scientific Assessment. Contact Professor Gordon McBean at 519-661-4274 or gmcbean@uwo.ca for more information. Location: Social Sciences Centre 9420 (9th Floor – Dean’s Office area)(Coffee and refreshments will be served after during a discussion session).<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wed March 31st 7-9pm <br />Gardening in the City with Lance Meredith </span><br />Gardening in the City is a series of presentations on a variety of earthy subjects that will grow on you. This last event in the series is presented by Lance Meredith on the topic of "Edible landscapes and permaculture design for the home owner and gardener". Location: London Public Library - Central (Stevenson & Hunt Room)GreenDrinks Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094205522476280802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6318784759839694040.post-15599392539717754552010-01-31T21:34:00.009-05:002010-02-24T14:26:35.654-05:00February: Events Around the City<span style="font-weight:bold;">Tues February 2nd 7:30-8:30pm <br />MONARCH MIGRATION: Across a Continent on a Wing and a Prayer</span><br />Flashy in orange and black, Monarch butterflies turn heads. What truly captures the imagination, however, is their extraordinary annual journey from local roadsides and meadows to the remote highlands of Mexico. UWO biologist Jeremy McNeil traces their amazing life story. Central Library, 251 Dundas St. ~ Wolf Performance Hall <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat February 6th 1-3pm <br />FOTCSI's Annual General Meeting: </span> Annual General Meeting of Friends of the Coves Subwatershed Inc. Landon Branch of the London Public Library, 167 Wortley Road <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tues February 9th 7:30-8:30pm <br />WETLAND WILDFLOWERS: Ingeniously Adapted to Life with Wet Feet </span><br />Life in abundance thrives in watery places – marshes, swamps, ponds and more. Robust yet delicately beautiful, wetland wildflowers surmount challenging conditions, thanks to air bladders, floating leaves and other tricks. UWO botanist Jane Bowles reveals their strategies and their world. Central Library, 251 Dundas St. ~ Wolf Performance Hall<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Thurs Feb 11th 7-8:30pm<br />Talk: Social Justice - Climate-Driven Natural Disasters</span><br />Professor Gordon McBean, CM, PhD, FRSC - University of Western Ontario, Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction<br />Professor McBean is a climate scientist. He shared in the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). He is a Member of the Order of Canada and chairs the international Science Committee for the Integrated Research on Disaster Risk Program and the Board for START International (building regional research capacity in Africa and Asia).<br />Hosted by: Social Justice Committee, St. Mike's Parish Church, Community Hall, 515 Cheapside Street (near Maitland Street) <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tues February 16th 6:30pm arrivals, 7pm speaker <br />GREENDRINKS LONDON: Ian Colin James - Fly Fishing & the Thames River </span><br />Ian Colin James is a fly fishing guide, national best selling author and a conservationist. In January of 2009, he began teaching the first accredited fly fishing course in Canada at Fanshawe College. Ian is well known for his quick, dry Scottish wit and his after dinner speaking engagements have taken him all across Canada and the USA. Ian has been involved in the Springbank Dam fiasco for 8 years and that's what he is going to chat about at GreenDrinks. If you want to know anything about the fish and the wildlife along the Thames River, this is probably your best chance to find out as Ian spends a lot of time guiding there.<br />Where: Morrissey House, 359 Dundas Street (downtown between Waterloo and Colborne).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tues February 16th 7:30–8:30pm <br />London’s Amazing Tree Quest: Our Forest, Your Trees </span><br />Boulevard, backyard and parkland trees team up to create London’s urban forest. In 2009 ReForest London organized a contest to discover the city’s most distinctive trees – from the spectacular to the spooky. The City in partnership with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority and the United States Department of Agriculture also conducted a statistical analysis of our trees. Ivan Listar, London’s Urban Forester, presents the fascinating results of the Quest and interesting facts about our urban forest. Central Library, 251 Dundas St. ~ Wolf Performance Hall <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tues February 16th 10-2pm<br />Green Jobs Now</span><br />Do environmentally friendly companies and green jobs have a place now and in the future of London and Middlesex's economic development plan? Join local green innovators, educators, employers and employees to learn about environmental initiatives, training, and job creation. Participants will have a chance to listen, learn, and ask questions. Central 1st Floor Stevenson & Hunt (A+B) Drop In, Free, No Registration Required<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat February 20th 9-5pm<br />Seedy Saturday: Unleash Your Inner Gardener </span><br />Where: Parish Hall of Trinity Anglican Church in Port Burwell. <br />Organized by former Londoners Sean Hurley and Bev Wagar in support of Seeds of Diversity Canada. <br />Workshop and presentation highlights include:<br />Seed starting Workshop<br />Heirloom Seed Vendors<br />Kim Delaney Hawthorn Organic Farm “ Growing your dreams: Favourite Vegetables, Herbs and Flowers”<br />Ken McMullen of Spring Arbour Farm “Heirloom Flowers”<br />Horticulturalist, Daisy Moore “Gardening by Choice, Chance and Necessity” <br />Tickets cost $20 for the whole day including a dinner using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients….or $10 without the dinner. For more detailed information and to purchase tickets for this event, please visit this website: http://theviennacafe.ca/seedysaturdays/. Please book early as tickets for this event will sell out.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sun February 21st 1:30pm <br />McIlwraith Field Naturalists. </span> GIBBONS PARK STROLL. Meet the guide in the parking lot at the bottom of the hill at the west end of Grosvenor Street to go for a stroll along the river. Call 519-438-5879 if more information is required. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sun February 21st 9-11am<br />Sustainable Living Open House</span> <br />Where: 48 Strachan Street Port Burwell. <br />Organized by Matt Redsell., Mat is an avid enthusiast and innovator where sustainable living is concerned and he has offered a tour (for up to 15 people) of his facility at no cost. Suggested donation is $5.<br />Mat has much practical experience not limited to the following:<br />On site Bio-diesel production, <br />On site Windmill construction<br />Solar electric cells <br />On site Passive Solar Heating <br />Evacuated tube solar water heating<br />More information relating to Mat and his sustainable living experiments can be found here: http://continuo.com/sustainable living/sustainable living.htm. <br />We encourage people to car share their way down to the events and hopefully the Transition Town Facebook group can assist in facilitating discussion in that regard.<br />Finally, for individuals unable to attend these events due to combined costs of ticket price and accommodation issues, please contact Transition London: Transtionlondon@gmail.com <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Mon February 22nd 4:30-6:00pm<br />UWO PUBLIC LECTURE: The 2 degrees challenge: Climate catastrophe or sustainable inspiration?</span><br />Who: David Noble, Founder & Principal of 2 degrees C, <br />Where: Middlesex College Room 110<br />Public Lecture - All Welcome<br /><br />Fresh from the Climate Change conference in Copenhagen, activist David Noble, will give a firsthand perspective as a participant. What was achieved? Anything, or was it just a lot of hot air? What were the conference outcomes? How does the world view climate change? Two degrees C of global warming over pre-industrial global average temperatures is viewed as a critical threshold above which the risks of catastrophic climate change increase dramatically. Are we moving in the right 2 degree direction?<br />David Noble is founder and principal of 2degreesC, a global organization with a core team in Canada that works with and through a network of partners, clients and friends all around the world. It is dedicated to advancing collective action and transformational change in response to the global climate crisis.<br /><br />Copenhagen was David’s fifth international climate negotiation. He has trained with Al Gore and is a presenter with the Climate Project, has been a keynote and featured presenter to diverse audiences in 10 countries in North America, Europe and Asia. He has worked on more than 60 projects spanning the public, private and youth sectors, academia, and various professional sectors.<br /><br />David’s articles appear frequently in professional and general interest publications, and he has contributed to several national and international reports, including a UNICEF report on the human security impacts of climate change on children. He co-edited and wrote for, Stepping up to the Climate Change Challenge: Perspectives on local government leadership, policy and practice, distributed to nearly 4,000 Mayors and chief administrators in municipalities across Canada.<br /><br />David Noble is a man of passion and purpose. Audiences have called his talks energetic, exciting, motivating, inspiring, hopeful, and not to be missed!<br /><br />We are pleased to invite everyone to participate in this special speaker event. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tues February 23rd 7:30–9:30pm <br />Light Rail Transit for London ~ Public Meeting</span><br />Rails for London Kathyrn Nikota and Dean Tolton, graduates of the Integrated Land Planning Technologies program of Fanshawe College present their proposal for a Light Rail Transit System for London. Their research demonstrates how LRT systems create friendly, safe and exciting places to live. Attend the presentation this coming Tuesday, February 23rd at 7:30 in the Stevenson & Hunt Room of the Central Library. Our great-grandparents enjoyed three light rail systems in the early 20th century here in London. Streetcars were operated by the London Street Railway Co. The Southwestern Traction Line provided light rail service from it's depot on Horton St. to Pt. Stanley via Lambeth, Glanworth, & St. Thomas. The London and Port Stanley Railway, also based in the SoHo area and electrified by Sir Adam Beck, was the finest electric system in Canada. A display in the London Room of the Central Library created by London Historian Alice Gibb provides historical background on the Traction Line and the London &Port Stanley Railway. Bombardier of Canada is a leader in the field of Light Rail Transit, supplying trainsets for use in LRT systems all over the world. We have the technology. This presentation is sponsored by the Friends of Public Transit Contact: Stephen Harding (519) 451-8252. Venue: Central Library, Stevenson & Hunt Room<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tues February 23rd 7:30–8:30pm <br />“THE COVES” OF LONDON: A Secluded Natural Gem </span><br />The quiet oxbow ponds and wetlands of The Coves Environmentally Significant Area are remnants of an ancient meander of the Thames. Jaclyn Goodwillie, of Friends of the Coves Subwatershed, invites us inside for a peek into this oasis of wildlife in south London. Central Library, 251 Dundas St. ~ Wolf Performance Hall <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wed February 24th 6-9:30pm<br />Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre Charity Dinner </span><br />A charity dinner benefiting Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is being hosted by Jeve's Pet Care at Waldo's on King in London. Enjoy a delicious dinner, wildlife presentation, silent auction, door prizes and musical entertainment. Tickets are $30 and seating is limited. Contact Jeve at 519-204-5383 to purchase tickets or donate auction items. Look forward to seeing you there!!!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat February 27th 1-4pm<br />"Seeding" Hands-On Workshop - London City Farm Network</span><br />Dear Gardening Enthusiast: This season our farming project is developing extended season and will be planting seeds in trays to jump start! We are looking for folks who would like to spend a quiet afternoon learning to seed in the greenhouse located at 1501 Dundas Street - just past Trails End Farmer's Market. We will be arranging for car pool, so <span style="font-weight:bold;">please RSVP Rose White at <span style="font-style:italic;">rosemary.white.cf@gmail.com</span></span> to reserve a ride or to let us know you have room in your vehicle. <br /><br />We will also be making space available for rent if you would like to seed your own garden this year. The cost is $.75 per square foot. First come basis - space is limited.GreenDrinks Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094205522476280802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6318784759839694040.post-55470892667247665982010-01-20T20:51:00.012-05:002010-01-27T12:55:22.388-05:00GreenDrinks @ Fire Roasted Coffee Company<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2owjetw3ZGJto5Uye1A53SZfFSW23pixYniHt-5JLFGmFzyVcL_Pp7gYT1ttnwXBw97sSpydTkntDXS1wrW-1uXDl6vC6EZTuErd0cDEJW9540VEw6dCsVX09NBrOFlrQUfUEf3eVTU2/s1600-h/2010-01-20+008.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2owjetw3ZGJto5Uye1A53SZfFSW23pixYniHt-5JLFGmFzyVcL_Pp7gYT1ttnwXBw97sSpydTkntDXS1wrW-1uXDl6vC6EZTuErd0cDEJW9540VEw6dCsVX09NBrOFlrQUfUEf3eVTU2/s400/2010-01-20+008.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429005033625425234" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We had an amazing turnout of just under 100 people for GreenDrinks this month. Thank you to Dave, Patrick, Jason, Leslie, Wilma, Railway City Brewery, and all of the vendors from the Western Fair Farmer's Market who treated us to a variety of great local food and drink. <br /><br />To see a few more pics from the evening, click on the title of this post and stay tuned for more of the same in 2010. It's going to be an exciting year!GreenDrinks Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094205522476280802noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6318784759839694040.post-55725577043595205632010-01-13T21:20:00.006-05:002010-01-31T21:33:52.037-05:00Should London adopt the green bin program?Here are a few links to explore: <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">In response to 'Environmentalist Trashes Plan' as published in the London Free Press</span><br /><a href="http://canadianclimateaction.wordpress.com/2010/01/20/in-response-to-environmentalist-trashes-plan-as-published-by-the-london-freepress/">http://canadianclimateaction.wordpress.com/2010/01/20/in-response-to-environmentalist-trashes-plan-as-published-by-the-london-freepress/</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Environmentalist trashes plan</span><br /><a href="http://www.lfpress.com/news/london/2010/01/20/12535016.html">http://www.lfpress.com/news/london/2010/01/20/12535016.html</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Opponents put economy ahead of green bin plan</span><br /><a href="http://www.lfpress.com/news/london/2010/01/13/12445911.html">http://www.lfpress.com/news/london/2010/01/13/12445911.html</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Green Bin pilot hits red light </span><br /><a href="http://www.lfpress.com/news/london/2010/01/11/12426726.html">http://www.lfpress.com/news/london/2010/01/11/12426726.html</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Local Blogger: From My Bottom Step </span><br /><a href="http://www.frommybottomstep.com/2010/01/11/green-bins-in-london-hah/">http://www.frommybottomstep.com/2010/01/11/green-bins-in-london-hah/</a><br /><br />NOTE: Council will vote on this matter on MONDAY, JANUARY 18th @ 5pm. If you would like to cast your vote on this program going through, you can attend the meeting and be one of many who will fill the gallery (2nd floor) in council chambers or call/email your city councillor directly.GreenDrinks Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094205522476280802noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6318784759839694040.post-81415517821993630402009-12-31T00:08:00.007-05:002010-01-04T23:32:58.334-05:00January: Events Around the City<span style="font-weight:bold;">Fri January 1st 10:00 am <br />NEW YEAR’S DAY BIRD WALK at SPRINGBANK PARK. </span> <br />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. <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Fri January 1st 1:00 - 4:00pm <br />New Year’s Day Levee at Eldon House. </span> <br />Bring in the new year by visiting Eldon House. Musical entertainment by Coventry Carollers, hot cider and treats, Admission by donation. <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Thurs January 7th 7:00 - 9:00 PM <br />Empower Your Self & Be the Change! - Part 1 - Deeper Understanding.</span><br />There is a powerful driving force inside every human being that, once unleashed, can make any vision, any dream, a reality. Take back your power, live disease-free, support the environment, live the change, and be the Artist of Your Life, we welcome you to join us for this three part transformational experience. This session will help you to understand the highest quality nutritional program on the planet and the Seven keys to a healthy, creative and abundant lifestyle. See also part two and three. You can attend one or any of the session. Central 1st Floor Stevenson & Hunt A. <span style="font-weight:bold;">CANCELED - as per library notification</span> <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wed January 13th 7:00 - 9:00 PM <br />Resilient London 2030. Exploring the Transition Model. </span> <br />Join Transition London for presentation, Q&A, followed by small group conversations about topic that affect our everyday lives and our future, neighbourhood networks, strategic questions and the next steps. This introduction to Transition Towns Culture is an open space, participatory experience event. Transition London is a part of a vibrant, international grassroots movement that builds resilient communities in response to the challenges of peak oil, climate change and the economic crisis. Together we can make the transition to a more fulfiling, equitable and sustainable world. Central 1st Floor Stevenson & Hunt B <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Thurs January 14th 7:30 - 9:00 PM <br />Beyond Tinkering: Growing an Inclusive Economy. </span><br />Tired of playing winners and losers? Join a panel presentation moderated by CTV's Tom Clarke and explore ideas for growing an inclusive local economy. Panelists will be Greg Playford - Devonshire Financial; Michele Hurtubise - London Intercommunity Health Centre; Don Gordon - Thames Talbot Land Trust; Tim Carrie - Canadian Auto Workers and Joni Baechler - City Councilor, Ward 5. Come to learn and share. Central 1st Floor Wolf Performance Hall <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Thurs January 14th 7:00 - 9:00 PM <br />Empower Your Self & Be the Change! - Part 2 - Emotional Intelligence. </span> <br />There is a powerful driving force inside every human being that, once unleashed, can make any vision, any dream, a reality. Take back your power, live disease-free, support the environment, live the change, and be the Artist of Your Life, we welcome you to join us for this three part transformational experience. In this session you will learn how to stay balanced and centered in a chaotic world, manifest and maintain healthy, lasting and nourishing relationships and live from your heart. See also part one and three. You can attend all or any of the sessions. Central 1st Floor Stevenson & Hunt A. <span style="font-weight:bold;">CANCELED - as per library notification </span><br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat January 16th 1:00 - 4:30 PM <br />What's Wrong With Politically Correct Nutrition?</span> <br />Discover how 'healthy eating' is making us sick. By examining the benefits of nutritionally sound, traditional diets, you will understand how may of today's new food fads (designed by 'politically correct' dietary dictocrats) are actually damaging your health. Pam Killeen, co-author of the NY Times bestselling book, 'The Great Bird Flu Hoax' will provide a detailed description about the underlying dietary factors that conferred beauty, strength and excellent mental and physical health among primitive populations. Central 1st Floor Stevenson & Hunt B. Dirty Little Secrets of the Food Processing Industry; Introduction into the work of Dr. Weston Price. $15 at-the-door. Reserve seats at pam@pamkilleen.com or 519-488-5376. Info. provided by renter. The Library does not assume responsibility for accuracy. <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tues January 19th 7:30 - 8:30 PM<br />SOARING WITH RAPTORS: Masterful Fliers; Skillful Hunters.</span> <br />Steve Bucciarelli of Predator Bird Services introduces local raptors and explains their importance in the food chain. Accompanied by a live bird, he will share his experiences using raptors to scare off nuisance species, including geese, pigeons, starlings and gulls. Central Library. 251 Dundas St. ~ Wolf Performance Hall <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tues January 19th 7:00 PM<br />GREENDRINKS LONDON – TOUR & TASTING – FIRE ROASTED COFFEE COMPANY </span><br />Where: 900 King Street, (Western Fair Market - Confederation Building) upper level <br /><br />Dave Cook of the Fire Roasted Coffee Co. and Jeff Pastorius of On the Move Organics will be headed to the backroads of El Salvador and Guatemala this month to forge partnerships with producers from local Fair Trade co-operatives. Cook, who deals in premium international coffees, said it is another way to give consumers a more direct link to their food. "This will allow us to focus on a single plantation and to create change... ”It's pretty special when I can show a picture or a video of the person who grew our coffee," he said. Read the full London Free Press article at http://www.lfpress.com/money/2009/12/30/12300096-sun.html.<br /><br />Join us January 19th for a warm cup of joe, a slide show of their South American adventure, and the usual friendly GreenDrinks conversation. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Thurs January 21st 7:30pm - 9:30pm <br />An Eco-Poetic Sound Opera for Climate Change Action </span><br />Host: London Grassroots Community Events <br />Type: Music/Arts - Performance <br />Network: Global <br />Location: Brescia University College Auditorium <br />Street: 1285 Western Road <br />City/Town: London, ON <br />Description: Luminous Entrance: A Sound Opera for Climate Change Action<br />Cost at the Door: $15.00 or $12.00 for Circle Members, Seniors, Students and the Under-Employed Free Parking <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Thurs January 21st 7:00 - 9:00 PM <br />Empower Your Self & Be the Change! - Part 3 - Implementing the Change.</span><br />There is a powerful driving force inside every human being that, once unleashed, can make any vision, any dream, a reality. Take back your power, live disease-free, support the environment, live the change, and be the Artist of Your Life, we welcome you to join us for this three part transformational experience. In this session you will learn how to find your ‘element’, how finding your passion changes everything and how to be an agent of change in your community - Re-vision the future. See also part one on January 7th and part two on January 14th. You can attend all or any of the three sessions. Central 1st Floor Stevenson & Hunt A. <span style="font-weight:bold;">CANCELED - as per library notification </span><br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sat January 23rd 1:00 - 4:30 PM <br />What's Wrong With Politically Correct Nutrition?</span> <br />Discover how 'healthy eating' is making us sick . By examining the benefits of nutritionally sound, traditional diets, you will understand how may of today's new food fads (designed by 'politically correct' dietary dictocrats) are actually damaging your health. Pam Killeen, co-author of the NY Times bestselling book, 'The Great Bird Flu Hoax' will provide a detailed description about the underlying dietary factors that conferred beauty, strength and excellent mental and physical health among primitive populations. Central 1st Floor Stevenson & Hunt B <br /> <span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Tues January 26th 7:30 - 8:30 PM<br />ON THE TRAIL OF WILD MAMMALS: Tracks and Scats of Elusive Creatures.</span><br />Secretive and rarely glimpsed, many kinds of wild animals live within the city. In passing, they leave behind subtle clues of their presence. Alistair MacKenzie of Pinery Provincial Park teaches us how to read the telltale signs and discern the authors. Central Library. 251 Dundas St. Wolf Performance HallGreenDrinks Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094205522476280802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6318784759839694040.post-8239235582576649842009-11-26T20:04:00.025-05:002009-12-14T17:59:55.242-05:00December: Events Around the City<span style="font-weight:bold;">Wednesday Dec 2nd 7-9pm <br />Premiere screening of "IN TRANSITION" </span> <br />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. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkxJssl950w">Watch the film trailer</a><br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbYWnVB3CuDXqW47b0bMwvTIWckkjhsLMCsAqLw2PWQb-uS7LcJuEIW-MlNjpSBl2AaoS1CiH_BznrtfkhM5Gfg-g76AZCz4hQjvGD-EPuok90yGPtZ-K4DMoHVZQ5qG9pnjlkSEoe4iG/s1600-h/TBA_005.thumbnail.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 84px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbYWnVB3CuDXqW47b0bMwvTIWckkjhsLMCsAqLw2PWQb-uS7LcJuEIW-MlNjpSBl2AaoS1CiH_BznrtfkhM5Gfg-g76AZCz4hQjvGD-EPuok90yGPtZ-K4DMoHVZQ5qG9pnjlkSEoe4iG/s200/TBA_005.thumbnail.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369259667198270306" /></a>Dec 7-18th<br />UNITED NATIONS CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE… Copenhagen</span><br />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.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">"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."</span> - - - President Mohamed Nasheed <br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kRP5x2MsAw"><span style="font-weight:bold;">WATCH THIS VIDEO</span></a><br />THE BIG ASK (3 mins.) and do a little research so that you understand what is going on. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">THEN, ASK FOR ACTION!!! </span> <br />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 <a href="http://www.thepetitionsite.com/2/global-climate-change-copenhagen-petition">this site</a> and sign, then HELP SPREAD THE WORD by sending this email to everyone you know. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">BACKGROUND INFO:</span> 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.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Friday Dec 11th - 6pm <br />Candlelight Vigil for Survival @ Victoria Park Bandshell</span><br />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....<br /> <br />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.<br /><br />Joining us will be:<br /><br />• Dr. Gordon McBean, Professor at UWO <br />• Gina Barber, London City Controller<br />• Members of local environmental groups<br />• Children, teens, parents and grandparents<br /><br />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) <br /> <br />Sign up for the event on the 350.org website at http://www.350.org/node/13253 <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Saturday Dec 12th 8pm<br />Evening of Music - London Food Bank Fundraiser</span><br />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 <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tuesday Dec 15th 7pm<br />GREENDRINKS LONDON - Holiday EcoSchmooze - PURPOSEFUL GIFTING</span><br />How to have the greenest, thriftiest, most meaningful holiday ever!<br />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). <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Saturday Dec 19th <br />LONDON CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT and POTLUCK SUPPER </span><br />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.<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Friday Jan 1st, 2010 - 10am<br />BIRD WALK at SPRINGBANK PARK </span><br />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.GreenDrinks Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094205522476280802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6318784759839694040.post-65780580773337681592009-11-26T19:58:00.004-05:002009-11-26T20:02:40.199-05:00GREENPEACE welcomes a new leader.Kumi Naidoo, the new Executive Director of Greenpeace International, writes:<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />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.<br /><br />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. </span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Watch the video</span> at <a href="http://weblog.greenpeace.org/makingwaves/archives/2009/11/kumi_naidoo.html">http://weblog.greenpeace.org/makingwaves/archives/2009/11/kumi_naidoo.html</a>GreenDrinks Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094205522476280802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6318784759839694040.post-79265447066614469102009-11-05T09:35:00.003-05:002009-11-05T09:41:16.190-05:00Sick of the Swine Flu???So is Leslie Garrett (Virtuous Consumer), read more at <a href="http://www.greenmuze.com/blogs/green-light/1764-sick-of-swine-flu.html">http://www.greenmuze.com/blogs/green-light/1764-sick-of-swine-flu.html. </a>GreenDrinks Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094205522476280802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6318784759839694040.post-26627268754092171062009-11-04T16:13:00.016-05:002009-12-01T23:02:23.826-05:00CHEF @ HOME in London<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dpNL3Hy4G1U_LekrZv_85Blo9SpDObsDUUZzmJxPjDsrD73-1H5yGeG8OczCTTxNqIoKOkZYB0f4jXLl-37mx6fc7avlkhg7aqdXXTfLTrGbTOKuTCbr5Y4kSPqjSkCg7wk2xi-RzvyK/s1600-h/IMG_2658.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dpNL3Hy4G1U_LekrZv_85Blo9SpDObsDUUZzmJxPjDsrD73-1H5yGeG8OczCTTxNqIoKOkZYB0f4jXLl-37mx6fc7avlkhg7aqdXXTfLTrGbTOKuTCbr5Y4kSPqjSkCg7wk2xi-RzvyK/s200/IMG_2658.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400359817785466626" /></a>London Heath Sciences Centre hosted their annual <span style="font-weight:bold;">ECOCARE CONFERENCE</span> 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. <br /><br />As if attending weren't gift enough, Mary-Lee invited me to attend their <span style="font-weight:bold;">GALA DINNER</span>, where the food was locally sourced from organic producers (Carolinian Winery provided the drink), and I got to meet and chat with <span style="font-weight:bold;">Chef Michael Smith</span> from <span style="font-weight:bold;">FOOD NETWORK CANADA</span>.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.GreenDrinks Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094205522476280802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6318784759839694040.post-54128045839465986002009-11-01T10:18:00.010-05:002009-11-17T23:12:35.028-05:00November: Events Around the City<span style="font-weight:bold;">Sunday Nov 1st 1:30 pm<br />STROLL at FANSHAWE CONSERVATION AREA McIlwraith Field Naturalists. </span> <br />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.<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tuesday Nov 3rd 7-8:30pm <br />Water and Climate Change...What we know; What we don't know; How do we respond? </span>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. <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tuesday Nov 3rd 7-9pm<br />The Centre for Environment & Sustainability (UWO) presents: Dr. Peter Victor – <br />“Managing Without Growth: Slower by Design, not Disaster” </span> <br />Venue: Middlesex College Room 110 <br />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.<br />Everyone is welcome to both events.<br />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.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Friday Nov 6th 7pm <br />Canaries in a Coalmine – What Are Ontario’s Birds Telling Us? </span><br />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. <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Saturday Nov 7th <br />Live Food Nutrition Workshop - More Energy, More Life </span><br />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. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tuesday Nov 10th 6-9:30pm<br />Public Meeting for London's Transportation Master Plan</span><br />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.<br /><br />The first of three public meetings is taking place soon:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">When:</span> Tuesday, November 10<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Where:</span> Western Fair Grounds - Carousel Room <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Time: </span> 6-7p.m. Open House, 7-9:30 p.m. Workshop<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Please send RSVPs for this meeting to Charles Tilden at ctilden@canurb.com or 416-365-0816 x282, by November 6th.<br /><br />If you have any comments, questions or concerns, please contact:<br /><br />Maged Elmadhoon, M.Eng, P. Eng.<br />Manager, Traffic Engineering and Transportation Planning<br />City of London<br />Tel: (519) 661-2500 Ex. 4934<br />Email: melmadho@london.ca<br /><br />OR<br /><br />Dick Gordon P.Eng., MCIP, RPP<br />Manager, Transportation Planning<br />AECOM<br />5080 Commerce Boulevard<br />Mississauga, ON L4W 4P2<br />Tel: 905-238-0007 <br />Email: dick.gordon@aecom.com<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tuesday Nov 10th 7:30-9:00pm <br />"Financial Crisis an Opportunity for a New Global Order?" </span><br />Featured Speaker: John Dillon, Economic Justice Program Coordinator, KAIROS<br />Beyond Tinkering: Growing an Inclusive Economy - Lecture 3 of 4 Part Series Organization: Sisters of St. Joseph. <br />Where: Brescia University College 1285 Western Rd <br />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. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Monday Nov 16th 7-9pm<br />Raw Food 101</span><br />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. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wednesday Nov 18th 1:30-2:30pm <br />Lecture: Developing Climate Change Policy in Canada</span><br />Speaker: Mr. Bob Hamilton, Associate Deputy Minister, Environment Canada <br />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<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wednesday Nov 18th 7-9p.m. <br />SPEAKER: Maude Barlow and Sid Ryan</span> speak on <br />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. <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Thursday Nov 19th 6:30pm <br />GREENDRINKS SOCIAL</span> - The Morrissey House - 359 Dundas Street (Downtown between Waterloo and Colborne). Good food, good drink, fantastic conversation! <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Thursday Nov 19th 7-9pm <br />Super Foods for Wellness</span>- 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 <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Friday Nov 20th 5:30pm <br />ON THIN ICE: CAN CARBON IN FORESTS AND BOGS HELP SAVE POLAR BEARS? <br />McIlwraith Field Naturalists - ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET. </span> <br />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). <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Saturday Nov 21st <br />Ayurveda: Nature’s Wisdom </span><br />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. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tuesday Nov 24th 6pm<br />Blind Spot with special guest, John Michael Greer </span>- 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!<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Thursday Nov 26th 7:30-9:00pm <br />"Does This Crisis Create an Opening to Change our Economy, Not Just Stabilize It?" </span>Featured Speaker: Jim Stanford, Economist - Canadian Auto Workers Union Beyond Tinkering: Growing an Inclusive Economy - Lecture 4 of 4 Part Series <br />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.GreenDrinks Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094205522476280802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6318784759839694040.post-56258165826543160972009-11-01T10:17:00.008-05:002009-11-05T09:40:51.794-05:00Paul Hawken - Blessed Unrest - Sisters of St. Joseph<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYyCB6mqXrWuCmXSyxj2o2TdwybmcmPKBYP6pkeyp17b_eFb1OqYgJyzNkQZM6XbCwbSfvvtY_irUvwXFiYtWn_AYRivnQqJsyKilMTjvBcS4iE4w1J2It90UtPQOaDbpabBqalbTaS67Z/s1600-h/IMG_0880.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYyCB6mqXrWuCmXSyxj2o2TdwybmcmPKBYP6pkeyp17b_eFb1OqYgJyzNkQZM6XbCwbSfvvtY_irUvwXFiYtWn_AYRivnQqJsyKilMTjvBcS4iE4w1J2It90UtPQOaDbpabBqalbTaS67Z/s200/IMG_0880.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400372167447497106" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyEc43j1FjV1XhK5Eb2xBYBfoSHk4CDP6zNwRg0EXRvT7bbB1o94HYPbwAxnmY5tz3ck4lv_Tpill9CXyY1S4fItqaiMiHE9mkSr0f43I3LUPJPgv6_V6Vsc1kJJCnGorl8rstfpBY1qOM/s1600-h/IMG_0881.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyEc43j1FjV1XhK5Eb2xBYBfoSHk4CDP6zNwRg0EXRvT7bbB1o94HYPbwAxnmY5tz3ck4lv_Tpill9CXyY1S4fItqaiMiHE9mkSr0f43I3LUPJPgv6_V6Vsc1kJJCnGorl8rstfpBY1qOM/s200/IMG_0881.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400372161168290738"/></a><span style="font-style:italic;">"How the Largest Movement In the World Came Into Being and Why No One Saw it Coming."</span>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. <br /><br />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). <span style="font-weight:bold;">Thank you to the Sister's, to Don Gordon(TTLT), and to Paul, for a lovely evening of laughter and conversation.<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span>GreenDrinks Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094205522476280802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6318784759839694040.post-20186316517741828292009-10-02T11:53:00.009-04:002009-10-16T11:57:32.554-04:00October: Events Around The City<span style="font-weight:bold;">Thursday Oct 1st 7:30pm <br />A talk by Nobel Prize Nominee Sheila Watt-Cloutier </span><br />"Everything is Connected: Environment, Economy, Foreign Policy, Sustainability, Human Rights and Leadership in the 21st Century" <br />A Nobel Peace Prize nominee, Sheila Watt-Cloutier, offers a new model for 21st Century leadership. She treats the issues of our day not as separate concerns, but as a deeply interconnected whole. "We must now speak environment, economy, foreign policy, health and human rights in the same breath," she says. "Everything is connected." This is Watt-Cloutier's message. Every decision has a profound effect on those far from the corridors of power; to understand this connection is vital to building a sustainable world. At a time when people are seeking solutions, direction, and a sense of hope, she provides a big picture of where we are and where we are headed. Her advocacy work - not just environmental but all-encompassing - is grounded in human rights, in our shared humanity. For more info visit www.brescia.uwo.ca/sophia <br />Venue: Brescia Auditorium<br />Cost: Admission by donation. Suggested Donation: Students/Seniors $10.00, Adult $20.00 <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Thursday Oct 1st 7-9pm<br />Raw Food 101</span> - Central Library<br />When you think Raw Food do you think salad...salad...and more salad??? Well, think again! Think soup (yes,warm), think noodles and sauces, think chocolate brownies... Delicious! All of these tasty favourites have been created raw-food-style! Imagine, healthy, raw vegan cuisine the whole family will enjoy! Want to learn more? Join us as we embark on a Raw Food Journey. Location: Central 1st Floor Stevenson & Hunt A. Speaker: Therese Van Es. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Saturday Oct 3rd<br />Nutritional Herbalism Workshop</span> @ The Living Centre <br />Let thy kitchen be thy apothecary; and, Let foods be your medicine. ~Hippocrates<br />Nutritional Herbalism is for the beginning herbalist and those interested in understanding the nutritional content of plants and how you can apply it to maintain or regain good health. Nutrition is the root to physical wellness; every living cell depends on it! For more information visit www.thelivingcentre.com. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Saturday Oct 3rd 6:30pm<br />'British Columbia' - Provincial Dinner Night @ Carolinian Winery</span> <br />Welcome to our culinary exploration of the province of British Columbia. The facts that spurred and inspired our dish selection for this meal are courtesy of the Culinary Tourism Society of BC and the Government of BC Ministry of Agriculture & Lands. Menu: Salad - Apple-Cranberry Greens, Appetizer - West Coast Grilled Mini Pizza, Refresher - Beef Consomme, Main - BC Salmon, Varietal Roast Potatoes & Blueberry Slaw, Dessert - Pumpkin Swirl Brownies with Pumpkin Ice Cream (everything but the salmon is sourced locally). Dinner Price of $35 pp includes two complimentary wine samples before the meal, mealtime wine pairing suggestions, live entertainment, as well as post-meal coffee or tea choice. Subject to taxes and 15% gratuities. Contact (519) 268-2000 for reservation. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wednesday Oct 7th 7-9pm<br />GAIA GROOVES II - "Honouring the Waters of our World"</span><br />Performers: Ogiichiidaw Kwe Wag Singers(Mary-Lou Smoke & Warrior Women), Pulse Dancers(Ruth Douthwright), The Sudanese Women Singers/Dancers, Las Chicas(Afro-Cuban Rhythms), Joyful Noise(A choir of worldly songs), PHOENIX Drummers <br />Venue: Wolf Performance Hall, Central Library<br />Admission: Free <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Thursday Oct 8th 7:00-8:30pm<br />Ontario’s Reptiles at Risk </span>- Hosted by: Friends of the Coves <br />Friends of the Coves Subwatershed invite you to a talk on Ontario's Reptiles at Risk by presenters from Sciensational Snakes. Join us to learn about reptiles and reptile conservation. Assisting the presenters will be live reptiles including native Ontario species and some common pet species. At the close of the presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to touch, hold or even wear live snakes. This is a completely voluntary activity and there will be rules to ensure the safety of the animals and participants. This will be a great opportunity for all ages to gain a greater understanding of this illusive and often misunderstood group of animals. Of especial interest to Coves residents will be a chance to see a live Snapping Turtle, a Coves species that has been listed as at risk. With most reptile species in decline in Ontario, it is important to be educated on how we can all play a part in reptile conservation. For more info visit http://www.thecoves.ca/event-item.php?id=149<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Thursday Oct 8th 7:30-9:30pm<br />Wind: A Source of Power - Mayor's Sustainable Energy Council </span><br />Speakers: Dr. Jim Salmon - Zephyr North, Dr. Greg Kopp - UWO - Boundary Layer<br />Wind Tunnel, Richard Duffy - Ontario Power Authority<br />Venue: Museum London, Community Gallery<br />Admission: Free <br />For more information visit www.london.ca/energysaver<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Saturday Oct 10th-12th <br />Fall On The Farm</span> - Hosted by: Fanshawe Pioneer Village <br />Watch as farm families prepare for the coming winter with the harvest of the corn crop, textiles arts and wood stove cooking. Thanksgiving dinner available at the Pioneer Village Café all three days. For more information please call Fanshawe Pioneer Village at 519-457-1296 or visit the website www.fanshawepioneervillage.ca for additional information. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Thursday Oct 15th 7pm<br />Film Screening: FOOD Inc.</span> (Hosted by: Slowfood & GreenDrinks London)<br />Food Inc. exposes America's industrialized food system and its effect on our environment, health, economy and workers' rights. In Food, Inc., filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the veil on our nation's food industry, exposing the highly mechanized underbelly that has been hidden from the American consumer with the consent of our government's regulatory agencies, USDA and FDA. Our nation's food supply is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers and our own environment. We have bigger-breasted chickens, the perfect pork chop, herbicide-resistant soybean seeds, even tomatoes that won't go bad, but we also have new strains of E. coli—the harmful bacteria that causes illness for an estimated 73,000 Americans annually. We are riddled with widespread obesity, particularly among children, and an epidemic level of diabetes among adults. <br />Venue: Hyland Cinema <br />Cost: $6.50 cinema members, $9.00 non-members<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Friday Oct 16th 3:30pm<br />The Nuclear Question - The Acute and Chronic Dangers of Nuclear Power and Nuclear War</span> <br />Speaker: Dr. Helen Caldicott<br />Venue: Natural Sciences Centre, Room 1 - The University of Western Ontario <br />As the subject of the 1982 National Film Board of Canada’s Oscar-winning documentary “If You Love This Planet,” Dr. Helen Caldicott inspired a generation to work toward nuclear disarmament. Dr. Caldicott continues her mission with her most recent books Nuclear Power is Not the Answer and War in Heaven. Everyone welcome. Sponsored by the Faculty of Information and Media Studies, the Centre for Environment and Sustainability, the Global and Ecosystem Health Interest Group at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Physicians for Global Survival, and the McConnell Family Foundation. For more information, please call 519-661-3542.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Friday Oct 16th 7pm<br />Age of Stupid - UWO Screening</span> Fundraiser for C-Day (October 24th)<br />Venue: UWO Campus, UCC, Council Chambers (3rd floor rm 315)<br />For more information email Dan at scalpitch@hotmail.com. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Friday Oct 16th 7:30pm<br />“THE LAST STAND; A JOURNEY THROUGH THE ANCIENT CLIFF-FACE FOREST OF THE NIAGARA ESCARPMENT”</span> Peter Kelly, Professor of Botany at the University of Guelph and author of the book “The Last Stand; A Journey Through the Ancient Cliff-face Forest of the Niagara Escarpment” will speak about how the most ancient and least disturbed forest ecosystem in eastern North America clings to the vertical cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment. Contact number: (519) 649-4168. Where: Civic Garden Complex, Springbank Drive, west of Wonderland Road. Hosted by: McIlwraith Field Naturalists. FREE <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"> <br />Saturday, Oct 17th 1-4pm <br />Tree Planting</span> - Briscoe Woods, Briscoe Street and Highwood Ave. <br />Join Friends of the Coves and ReForest London as we naturalize an area of Briscoe Woods, part of the Coves ESA. By bus: Emery Street bus (11) to Highwood Ave. Limited street parking in the neighbourhood. ReForest London invites people of all ages and abilities to join us planting 2,000 trees and shrubs this fall. Please bring water, wear proper footwear (no sandals), and dress for the weather. Bring a shovel if you can, but we have lots of tools to share. Planting trees with us is a great way for secondary students to earn volunteer hours. You don't need to sign up to volunteer -- just come ready to work and have some fun. For more information call 519-936-9548. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Saturday Oct 17th 1pm<br />McIlwraith Field Naturalists - Walk:SIFTON BOG ESA</span>. Meet the leader at the entrance to the bog on Oxford Street, west of Hyde Park Road for a walk through this unique environment. For more information call 519-657-2424. FREE<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Saturday Oct 17th 7:00 pm <br />Film Screening: "Be the Change" documentary about </span>a group of grassroots citizens in the Ottawa area who are attempting to live more lightly on the earth. Venue: Hyde Park United Church. Hosted by: Waste Free World. Admission: by donation.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sunday Oct 18th 1:30<br />McIlwraith Field Naturalists - Walk:SPRINGWATER CONSERVATION AREA</span>. Meet in the southwest corner of the parking lot at the Flying J on Highbury Avenue just south of Highway 401. From there, the group will proceed to the conservation area near Aylmer to enjoy the fall colours. For more information call 519-680-7250. FREE<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tuesday Oct 20th 11am-9pm <br />The ROBERT BATEMAN Art Show</span> event will feature: <br />• Extensive collection of Robert Bateman art for sale, spanning 35 years<br />• 2:30pm Presentation by Earth Day Canada on environmental education<br />• 3:00pm Robert Bateman will speak on environmental issues and campaigns he leads<br />• 7:30pm Presentation by Dr. Jeremy McNeil, Professor - UWO, "Chemical Ecology: Listening to Mother Nature."<br />• Personalization of all art purchased at the show by Robert Bateman<br />• Viewing of latest Robert Bateman releases<br />• Raffle of Robert Bateman limited edition framed print<br />Venue: Carousel Room - Western Fairgrounds <br />For more information email eagleart@bellnet.ca or call 905-642-2279. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Thursday Oct 22nd, 6:30 arrivals, 7pm speaker<br />GREENDRINKS LONDON - Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre</span> (NOTE: DIFFERENT DAY)<br />Join us as we welcome Brian Salt and explore how our everyday actions can make a big difference in the lives of animals and the preservation of our natural environment. Brian’s presentation will introduce us to the uniqueness and diversity of Ontario wildlife and the work that Salthaven does to help sick, injured or orphaned wild animals. The presentation is well laid out within the context of a power point and is replete with pictures and stories of past patients and their releases back to the wild. For more information visit www.salthaven.org. Venue: The Morrissey House, 359 Dundas Street in the heart of downtown London. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Saturday Oct 24th <br />International Day of Climate Action</span> <br />Visit 350.org for more information on climate change, the significance of "350", and the International Day of Climate Action. You can search there for Climate Actions taking place in our city or find ideas on how to plan your own action for the day. Local Events: <br /><br />-350 Climate Action Gathering - Organizer: Maryanne M - maryanne.macd@gmail.com <br />-Here comes the sun - 350 Solar Installations - Organizer: Cory M (Council of Canadians) <br />-350 Run / Speaker Series - Organizer: Margo R - mritchie@csj.london.on.ca <br />-C-Day: Fill the Hill - Organized Bus Trip to Ottawa (Parliament Hill) http://www.climateday.ca + http://www.facebook.com/event.php?invites&eid=170273650336<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Monday Oct 26th 7-9pm <br />The Gift of Loose Tea - Central Library </span> <br />Sample the wonderful taste and aroma of tea, and discover the environmental and health benefits of loose tea. Learn how tea is grown, graded and properly brewed, as well as the history behind various types and traditions. Embrace tea as it was meant to be. Venue: Central 1st Floor Stevenson & Hunt B <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tuesday Oct 27th 7:30 - 9:00 pm <br />SPEAKER: Paul Hawken, Enviromentalist, Entrepreneur, Journalist and Author</span><br />Topic: "The Growing Global Movement of Groups Confronting Environmental Damage and Economic Injustice: What’s Going Right in the World?" For more information on Paul visit www.paulhawken.com . <br />Beyond Tinkering: Growing an Inclusive Community - Lecture 2 of 4 Part Series<br />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<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sunday Nov 1st 1:30pm<br />McIlwraith Field Naturalists - STROLL at FANSHAWE CONSERVATION AREA </span><br />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 519-438-5879 for more details, if required. FREEGreenDrinks Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094205522476280802noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6318784759839694040.post-59655640877531104642009-10-02T11:50:00.005-04:002009-10-04T18:02:26.253-04:00London’s Environmentally Sensitive Areas set to be PAVED!!!!CITY STAFF SET TO PAVE A PATH THROUGH THE MEDWAY VALLEY HERITAGE FOREST<br /><br />I am writing to solicit your assistance with stopping the City, in its infinite wisdom, from vandalizing Environmentally Significant Areas in London. The next target - the Medway Valley Heritage Forest. <br /><br />Although this Forest may not be in your neighbourhood it is important to all London citizens and to future generations. City staff have plans to put ASPHALT multi-use pathways in all Environmentally Significant Areas. http://www.london.ca/d.aspx?s=/Parks_and_Natural_Areas/Park_construction.htm <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Please help in the following ways:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">1.</span> Read the entire e-mail to understand what you are asked to do and then send a letter to Jeff Bruin (jbruin@london.ca). Please do so by October 20th to state your concern over the construction of this pathway and bridge. Copy your city councillor, the Mayor, the controllers and all the other councillors. They represent all of Londoners and need to hear from you. Incorporate the information from this e-mail into yours using your own words. Jeff is the city planner leading this project. <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">2.</span> Forward this e-mail to others on your mailing list asking them to also respond to the 1st point. <br /><br />The addresses below are for : Anne-Marie DeCicco, Bill Armstrong, Bernie MacDonald, Paul Hubert, Bud Polhill, Cheryl Miller, David Winninger, Gord Hume, Harold Usher, Joni Baechler, Judy Bryant, Nancy Branscombe, Paul VanMeerbergen, Roger Caranci, Susan Eagle, Stephen Orser, Tom Gosnell, Gina Barber, Walter Lonc. <br /><br />You can find out who your councilor is at: http://www.london.ca/d.aspx?s=/City_Council/default.htm<br /><br />Like the Mayor, Gosnell, Hume, Barber and Polhill represent the entire city on Board of Control. <br /><br />adecicco@london.ca, barmstro@london.ca, bmacdona@london.ca, phubert@london.ca bpolhill@london.ca, cmiller@london.ca, dwinning@london.ca, ghume@london.ca, husher@london.ca, jbaechler@london.ca, jbryant@london.ca, nbransco@london.ca, pvanmeer@london.ca, rcaranci@london.ca, seagle@london.ca, sorser@london.ca, tgosnell@london.ca, gbarber@london.ca, wlonc@london.ca. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Issue:</span><br /><br />* City staff are proposing to construct a 3-meter wide (with a one meter clearance on both sides) asphalt-multi-use pathway and bridge through the Medway Valley and Elsie Perrin Williams Estate. <br />* This path will go right through the middle of an Environmentally Significant Area (ESA). <br />* A 3-meter wide path is as wide as right-turn lanes on major roads in London, 5 meters wide is wider than most double driveways. <br />* Vegetation will be cleared - including shrubs and large trees.<br />* Reptiles will sun themselves on the asphalt and end up being hit by fast moving bikes<br />* Small mammals will not cross the asphalt due to the fact they will be out in the open and susceptible to predation by hawks etc.<br />* Compaction of the soil due to construction will destroy the root systems and natural decomposers<br />* The City has laid out the objective to put pathways in all ESAs in its draft Recreation Master Plan update. ESA's are not parks and should not be treated as parks - they need to be free of or have minimal manmade structures. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">WHY is this happening? </span> <br /><br />The Planners get paid to plan and this is their plan so they want to proceed - they are not environmentalists or naturalists - they like to see roads and development. <br /><br />The Parks and Recreation Department takes care of parks so they want to see "parks". But Parks staff use trucks to enter pathways for maintenance and the Upper Thames Conservation Authority under contract to the city cuts down “hazard” trees that are too close to the pathway and generally become an added expense (YOUR TAX PAYING DOLLARS) when the number of parks that require maintenance increase. <br /><br />The City says that they are doing this according to the recommendations of the Bicycle Master Plan. This plan is about accommodating bicycles not about protecting the natural environment. I am aware of one individual who has ridden his bicycle on every bike path in this city and seen every park that the current bike paths are connected to and he is adamant that the Medway should not be turned into a park and pathway for bicycles. <br /><br />ESA's need protection from those who are not forward enough thinking to see that the natural environment is more integral to our existence as a species than the built environment. <br /><br />The Place we want to Protect for all Londoners and for future generations: <br /><br />The Medway Valley is a very beautiful and essential part of London and a natural jewel in the heart of the City. We have photographed over 80 bird species within 600 metres of the proposed bridge. There are fox, deer, wild turkeys, weasels, skunks, muskrat, beaver, squirrels, chipmunks, groundhogs and cottontails and several other small mammals making the Medway Valley their home. Trilliums, dogtoothed violets, jack-in-the-pulpit, skunk cabbage, marsh marigolds and several other beautiful wildflowers are visible in the spring. With increased human activity each of these species of flora and fauna retreat to smaller and smaller spaces and will eventually disappear unless the area remains undeveloped and protected. <br /><br />With the proposed changes, what I see happening in a few years is that the Medway will be another Springbank Park where the City will use your tax dollars to cut the grass and plant flowers rather than letting you enjoy nature as it was intended - without manmade structure and interference. <br /><br />Each year there is more and more proof about the benefits of naturalization - it is even noted on the back of page 16 in the new London Waste Reduction and Conservation Calendar that you received this week. It states: "Naturalization is planting and designing green spaces (both public and private) using native species in an effort to restore the natural environment." <br /><br />But Medway....it is ALREADY a natural environment and it will soon be compromised so bikers can get from one neighbourhood to another faster. <br /><br />It seems in this City the desires of the human species take precedence over the needs of other species and the need to protect the environment that is designed to freely give us what we need to live. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Some questions:</span> <br /><br />* When will we learn that once it is gone it is gone forever? Introducing more bikes into the Medway Valley will do nothing but destroy the ecology.<br />* There is already a bike route around the Valley. Why is this one needed? <br />* Why not spend more energy and money on wider and safer bike routes on our city streets? <br />* Does the environment always have to take a backseat to our human wishes for convenience?<br />* Canadian Federation of Municipalities estimates that a good ratio of forest canopy, to be a truly balanced community, is 35-40% - in London we have a paltry 11% cover.<br /><br />This bike path is being put in mainly for pleasure. Just imagine how pleasurable it will be to have increased numbers of humans on bicycles if you are an animal or plant living in the valley. The bike although better transportation than a car is still a vehicle that is capable of doing a lot of damage and does not belong in a sensitive natural area. <br /><br />The city cites that they want a more active community of citizens. Then the + $200,000 dollars could be spent on getting people active in their own neighbourhoods, making the neighbourhoods walkable and safe for children to ride their bikes, rather spending the dollars on a pathway that the environmentalists, naturalists and other concerned citizens do not see as needed or helpful to future generations. <br /><br />By the way this is not a Not In My Back Yard issue …. this is an issue for the entire community of London. If this bridge and pathway go through then the other ESAs are compromised as well. If this bridge and pathway go through then our future generations will not have access to a beautiful natural environment. The City's DRAFT Parks and Recreation Master Plan calls for 3-meter paved paths through all the city's ESA's. NO NO NO we cannot let them do this........ <br /><br />Link to further information: http://medwayvalley.wordpress.com/ and http://www.london.ca/d.aspx?s=/Parks_and_Natural_Areas/MedwayValleyBridge.htm <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Once it is gone it is gone....they are NOT making any more natural areas. </span><br /> <br />In the words of Joni Mitchell let's not "pave paradise" <br /><br />PLEASE communicate with the City staff and councillors and tell them to stop this unnecessary destruction of our natural environment and wanton waste of our taxpaying dollars. <br /><br />The planet thanks you and so do I.<br />-- <br />Maryanne MacDonald<br />www.wastefreeworld.org<br />www.wastefreeworld.blogspot.com<br /><br />"Our best option is to become involved and take action. Otherwise we leave our destiny up to the decisions and actions of others."GreenDrinks Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094205522476280802noreply@blogger.com2