Community Calendar

Either way, change will come. It could be bloody, or it could be beautiful. It depends on us. ~ Arundhati Roy

Fri May 3 Clean Air Fair in Arena District 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Simply Living will have a table at the Mid Ohio Regional Planning Commission’s Clean Air Fair. CD102.5 will have free ice cream, raffles, and a photo booth encouraging people to briefly share what they do at home and at work to improve air quality! For more information: www.cleanairfair.org Location: Arena District’s Batelle Plaza, 200 West Nationwide Blvd., 43215.

Fri May 3 Pinchflat Bicycle Poster Preview Party at Wild Goose Creative 5 – 7:30 pm
Join us to get a first look at the 2013 Pinchflat posters – and have the first chance to buy them! – as well as for food, drink, and conversation with artists. Thanks to Commonwealth Kitchen for providing food! This is a ticketed event. After the event you can feel free to stay for Fuse Factory’s Frequency Fridays event or stop by Paradise Garage, where we’ll be hanging the posters for Gallery Hop. $10. Tickets here. Location:Wild Goose Creative, 2491 Summit St, Columbus 43202; 614-859-WILD. See also March 4 Pinchflat event (free).

Fri May 3 Central Ohio Folk Festival at Battelle Darby Metro Park 6 – 10 pm
Sponsored by the Columbus Folk Music Society, this festival is always held on the first full weekend of May and is held at the Battelle-Darby Creek Metro Park. The festival features 30 or more mini-concerts and teaching workshops, with a main-stage concert Saturday evening. The workshops are for various traditional instruments, music and other folk arts. Kids activities available, vendors, and friendly atmosphere. Location: Battelle Darby Metro Park, 1775 Darby Creek Dr, Pleasant, OH 43119. See also Sat and Sun dates. More info including the full schedule for all three days here.

Fri May 3 “Understanding and Appreciating Folk Music” with Scott Alarik at 1st UU Church 7:30 p.m.
A public forum by Scott Alarik, author of “Revival: A Folk Music Novel,” a folk music critic and a folk musician. Pete Seeger has written that Scott Alarik is “one of the best writers in America.” Dar Williams has said, “Scott is the finest folk writer in the country. While Garrison Keiller has written: “I’ve rarely seen an audience in such a good mood as when Scott has just been there.” Scott Alarik will help the audience to understand and to
appreciate folk music within America today. If you would like to know more about folk music, this is the program you should attend. This forum is free and open to the broad Columbus community. Location: First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Rd, Columbus OH 43214. Free admission.

Fri May 3 The Center for Wholeness Open House 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Celebrate the opening of our new space at 4041 N. High Street, Clintonville. Join us for food, community, music, dance performances. There will be a drawing for free yoga classes, massage, gift certificates from local businesses. Refreshments provided by Smith’s Deli, Del Sroufe of the Wellness Forum, and Patty Cake Bakery. The Center for Wholeness is a non-profit organization supports wellness in communicated outreach through holistic arts, science and educational events. Location: 4041 N. High St., Cbus 43214.

Fri May 3 Bug Hounds Back at India Oak Grill in Clintonville 8:30 – 12 midnight
No cover. Come early to get a table and have a sub! Location: IndiaOak Grill, 590 Oakland Park Ave, Columbus, OH 43214 (just N of the intersection of East N. Broadway and Indianola Ave.) (614)261-9355.

Sat May 4 Market to Market Bicycle Adventure 8 am – 2 pm
Location: North Market Downtown to Hills Market in Worthington. Registration is $20 in advance and $25 at the door. The cost includes breakfast, a scoop of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream (at either location), an event t-shirt and a drawstring backpack filled with goodies and coupons from both locations with up to $50 worth of savings on Ohio foods. Breakfast will be served at both locations from 8 – 10 a.m. to allow for riders to eat and set out on the trail at their leisure. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams will be available at both locations upon ride completion. Riders who arrive at the North Market will each receive a $10 token sponsored by Chipotle that is applicable towards the purchase of Farmers’ Market goods on Saturday, May 4 only. And more still! The Hills Market Downtown will play host to a Market to Market After Party on Saturday, May 4th from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Market to Market riders that present their Passport from the ride will receive special pricing on Hills Own Brats and Luna Burgers ($1 each). The free event will also feature $2 beers and live music. More info here.

Sat May 4 Central Ohio Folk Festival at Battelle Darby Metro Park 8:30 am – 9 pm
Sponsored by the Columbus Folk Music Society, this festival is always held on the first full weekend of May and is held at the Battelle-Darby Creek Metro Park. The festival features 30 or more mini-concerts and teaching workshops, with a main-stage concert Saturday evening. The workshops are for various traditional instruments, music and other folk arts. Kids activities available, vendors, and friendly atmosphere. Location: Battelle Darby Metro Park, 1775 Darby Creek Dr, Pleasant, OH 43119. See also Sun date-time. More info including the full schedule for all three days here.

Sat May 4 Clintonville Farmers Market 9 am – 12 noon
Love your garden & plant some plants! Loren and Alex of The Local Gardener help you plant all the veggie, fruit, flower, and herb starts you’ll find at the market. Sour Cherry Pie plays at the south tent. Location: N. High Street, between Orchard Lane and W. Dunedin Road in Clintonville. More info here.

Sat May 4 Worthington Farmers Market Features Chef Del Signing Forks Over Knives Cookbook 9 am – 12 noon
Over 70 vendors! Shop for fresh, local Ohio grown seasonal fruits and vegetables interspersed with flowers, plants and homemade foodstuffs that vendors display on downtown sidewalks. Linger at historic Worthington’s outdoor eateries and discover quaint, downtown shops offering unique clothing, gifts and collectibles. Mr. Del Sroufe, the author of “Forks Over Knives – The Cookbook” will be on hand, signing books and talking food! Location: Downtown Worthington OH 43085. Use convenient parking behind the Worthington Inn and the Methodist church just one block south of the intersection of Routes 23 and 161.

Sat May 4 Historical Walking Tour of Hilliard 10 am – 1 pm
Docents lead groups of 25 or less through downtown Old Hilliard talking about the historical past of Hilliard including where the first bank robbery took place. Three of the buildings are on the National Registry. $6. Location: Meet at the Archival Library, 5274 Norwich St, Hillard. – More info here.

Sat May 4 Fiber Circle at Stratford Ecological Center 10 am – 1 pm
The 1st Saturday of every month. For anyone interested in fiber and all things fibery. If your interest is spinning, knitting, felting, weaving, crocheting, dyeing or any other fiber art, then please join our group. Bring your projects, wheels, looms and play for three hours as we share and learn from each other. Although this is a casual group we may have short study sessions to learn about a specific subject depending on the interest of the group members. The farm is a perfect setting to share your love and enthusiasm of fiber. All skill levels welcome! $10/year. Location: Stratford Ecological Center, 3083 Liberty Rd., Delaware, OH 43015; <www.StratfordEcologicalCenter.org>. Call 363-2548 or email info@stratfordecologicalcenter.org.

Sat May 4 “The Clouds Should Know Me By Now” Qi Gong Workshop 10 am – 6 pm
Coiling Silk Qi Gong – A workshop to elevate the spirit, unblock energy, and increase freedom of movement. Coiling silk or silk-reeling emphasizes movement that unlocks joints, creates spirals and the circular flow of vital force or qi throughout the entire body. Increase flexibility, agility, physical power, and freedom of movement without pain or strain. Decrease stress, tension, and improve the relaxation response. Includes a full set of more than 21 silk-reeling qigong exercises, Daoist meditations, and two styles of energy-building self massage and patting exercises. A special added experience for those interested will be a pre-athletic acupressure tune-up to be done with partners.This workshop is presented by Steven J. Rendina, LICDC, LMT who practices tuina Chinese medical massage and teaches qigong for healing to numerous recovery groups and classes in the Columbus area. The techniques are brought together from various teachers and disciplines including the renowned educator, Kenneth Cohen and will provide you with a very substantial experience of the benefits of qigong practice. Location: Shift Grandview 1520 W. 1st Avenue, Grandview Heights 43212. Cost: $90 ($75 for Simply Living members) Contact: srendina@gmail.com (614) 284-0100 <finetunehealthcare.com>.

Sat May 4 5th Annual Ecochic Craftacular at Whetstone Rec Center 10 am – 7 pm
This is a great time, featuring eco-friendly arts and crafts, performance, hands-on activities, community groups, food, fun and games! Location: Whetstone Recreation Center,3923 N. High St. Columbus OH 43214.

Sat May 4 Pinchflat Bicycle Inspired Poster Blowout at Wild Goose Creative 12 – 5 pm
Join us for the third annual Pinchflat Bike Poster Show! We’ll be featuring 30 new locally-designed posters, bike rides, music, food, printing demonstrations, and more. We’ll be collecting your cycling stories on an interactive wall of bike parts and giving you a chance to mark your favorite bike route on a map of Columbus. Pinchflat features limited-edition posters, inspired by bikes and cycling, designed by central Ohio artists, designers, and illustrators. These fresh posters will each be available for the super-affordable price of $30, so you can adorn your walls and celebrate bikes without breaking the bank! Location: Wild Goose Creative, 2491 Summit St, Columbus 43202; 614-859-WILD. Facebook invite here.

Sat May 4 The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party and Silent Art Auction 2 – 5 pm
Don’t be late for the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party! Stop by and bid on beautiful works of art from local and national artists to benefit the Ohio House Rabbit Rescue. We will have all types of art available including jewelry, painting, prints, textile art, and much more.$15. Location: Galleria Evangelia, 4269 N High St in Clintonville 43214. More info and tickets here.

Sat May 4 Gallery Hop in the Short North 4 – 10 pm
Every first Saturday. Dozens of galleries and non-traditional exhibit spaces celebrate art. More info and pictures here.

Sat May 4 In Spirit Ministries May Chant Features Jan Garrett & JD Martin at 1st UU Church 5 – 6 pm
Jan Garrett and JD Martin are coming to Columbus this weekend and bringing with them a powerful message: Love wins. This song title captures in a nutshell the message of truth and hope that comes through their music. Whatever challenges we face, whatever demons we battle, “love’s got our back.” Don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired and uplifted by Jan and JD’s music in person at the Chant this Saturday. Click below to listen to their beautiful “I Dreamed of Rain,” an award-winning favorite they’ll surely do when they come to town. Jan & JD Singing “I Dreamed of Rain” In Spirit Ministries is a non-denominational ministry, and a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization, dedicated to fostering wholeness through the healing power of word and song. Come sing with us! Performs on the first Saturday of the month. Location: First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Road, Columbus OH 43214.

Sat May 4 Big Scioty Contra Dancing at the First Congregational Church 7:30 – 11 pm
Beginners Welcome! Contra dance is an easy-to-learn traditional American dance with roots in English country dances. We dance in long lively lines to live music in genres ranging from Appalachian to New England, with touches of Irish, swing, and more. Callers teach every dance, and we offer a beginner’s lesson from 7:30-8:00. No need to bring a partner, just clean non-marking shoes for our nice wood floor. Location: First Congregational Church, 444 East Broad St., Columbus, Ohio 43215. Beginner’s lesson 7:30 – 8:00, dancing from 8:00 – 11:00. Admission: $8 adults 25 and up, $4 ages 12-24, under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. More info at www.bigscioty.com or call 614-395-2196. Band: Gallimaufry from Oberlin, OH. Caller: Michael Hamilton from Akron OH. No open band practice tonight.

For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream. ~ Vincent Van Gogh

Sun May 5 Central Ohio Folk Festival at Battelle Darby Metro Park 9 am – 3 pm
Sponsored by the Columbus Folk Music Society, this festival is always held on the first full weekend of May and is held at the Battelle-Darby Creek Metro Park. The festival features 30 or more mini-concerts and teaching workshops, with a main-stage concert Saturday evening. The workshops are for various traditional instruments, music and other folk arts. Free. Location: Battelle Darby Metro Park, 1775 Darby Creek Dr, Pleasant, OH 43119. More info including the full schedule for all three days here.

Sun May 5 Downtown Powell St Market 9 am – 4 pm
Three Sundays a year, vendors line the streets of downtown Powell with antiques, collectibles, hand-made arts & crafts, edibles, specialty products, and so much more! Discover items from chic to unique while you peruse the Street Market vendor booths and downtown Powell establishments. You won’t want to miss this exciting family friendly shopping event! Free. Location: Downtown Powell OH 43065. More info here.

Sun May 5 Buddhist Christian Mother Church (BCMC) Service 9:30 – 11 am
The Buddhist Christian Mother Church is an opportunity for individuals, couples, friends, and families to come together in prayer, meditation, reflection, song, & joy in order to grow together spiritually and to support each other in our spiritual growth. It is a place where we blend Buddhism, Christianity, & Mother Earth Spirituality in order to water the beneficial seeds of compassion, understanding, presence, authenticity, & awareness. It is a space for us to meet our Blood Ancestors, our Spirit Ancestors, & our Land Ancestors. It is a church grounded in the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh & his Five Mindfulness Trainings, encouraging us to enter what another teacher has called “the pure awareness of nowness.” Upcoming Wednesday services are Wednesday, May 15 and May 29. During Sunday services doors open at 9:00 am. The Sunday service is from 9:30 – 11:30 with community hour following. Remaining Spring Sunday schedule: May 19 and June 2. For more information and location please call Michael or Ali Malley at (614) 267-2177 or email <MichaeltheStoryteller@gmail.com>.

Sun May 5 Garrett-Martin at the Columbus Center for Spiritual Living 10:30 am
Jan Garrett and JD Martin (see May 4 Chant) will provide the message and music at the morning service of the Columbus Center for Spiritual Living (CCSL). Location: 2436 W. Dublin-Granville Rd., Columbus 43235. For details and directions, see the Center’s website.

Sun May 5 Pre-Graduation Rally to Tell Obama: No KXL Pipeline 10:30 – 11:30 am
OSU students are calling on community members to support them in telling the President to protect our future and reject the Keystone XL pipeline. At a rally before graduation there will be student and community speakers, and will be cheering on students as they walk into commencement. Will you join us? Location: St. John’s Arena on OSU’s campus. Co-organized by the Ohio Student Environmental Coalition and supported by CREDO, Sierra Club, and Friends of the Earth — together we’ll send an unavoidable message from the OSU community that we can’t afford Keystone XL. You just need to come fired up and ready to go — there will be signs and visuals already on hand.

Sun May 5 First Sunday Free Admission to Wexner Center for the Arts 11 am – 8 pm
Admission is free on the first Sunday of every month. Location:1871 N. High St Cbus 43210.

Sun May 5 Cinco de Mayo Festival @ Los Jalapeños 11 am – 9 pm
For food, fun, drinks, games, prizes, music, and more to go around! With some of the Columbus’ best vendors, this outdoor bash celebrating CINCO DE MAYO will be a day you never forget! Simply Living and the Think Columbus First campaign are helping to promote this exciting event. Join us! Location: Los Jalapenos Restaurant, 8134 E Broad St. Reynoldsburg. Facebook invite here.

Sun May 5 North Market Artisan Sunday 12 – 5 pm
Columbus’ creative class of artisans and crafters converges on the farmers’ market every Sunday from May through October peddling their handmade wares. Free. Location: North Market, 59 Spruce St. Cbus 43215. Click here for a list of vendors.

Sun May 5 Socrates Café Meeting at Panera Bread on Bethel Road 5 – 7 pm
The Socrates Cafe in Columbus is affiliated with over 400 gatherings around the world where people from different backgrounds get together and exchange thoughtful ideas and experiences in conversations that give everyone an opportunity to participate. Free and open to the public. Meets the first Sunday at 5 p.m. and third Friday at 6 p.m. Topics are determined at each meeting by participants. Location: Panera Bread, 875 Bethel Road, Columbus 43214, Phone 457-6800. Contact Carol Bradley <bradley_carol@hotmail.com> for more info.

Mon May 6 Motive Monday at Brothers Drake 6 – 11 pm
Every 1st Monday of the month, Brothers Drake hosts an innovative new event which combines elements of networking events along with live artist workshops & demonstrations, and places them in the relaxed atmosphere of the popular Short North nightlife spot.No cover. Location: Brothers Drake Meadery, 26 E. 5th Ave. Cbus 43201. Programming begins at 7:30 p.m. The May Motive will feature presentations from local inventor/ industrial designer Chris Hawker, improv troupe members Daniel Fox & Barbara Allen and photographer Genevi Schindehutte. Food by Polish Nose Pierogies. The May edition will also be the debut of the new host, Tim Fulton. Facebook invite and more info about the speakers here.

Tues May 7 Science Pub: Tales of a Corpse at the Shrunken Head 7 pm
A representative from the coroner’s office will come talk to us about the science of forensic pathology! The Columbus Science Pub, part of the global ‘Science Cafe’ movement (http://sciencecafes.org/), aims to present scientific issues of general interest to the public in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. No science background? No problem!! Everyone is welcome and encouraged to be active in the discussion. Location: The Shrunken Head, 251 W. 5th Ave. Cbus 43215. Facebook invite here.

Tues May 7 Free Laughter Yoga at Bexley Public Library 7 – 8 pm
Usually meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month. Location: Bexley Public Library, 2411 E. Main St. 43209. Contact Gail 235-7369.

Weds May 8 Economics of Happiness Screened at the Simply Living Office 6:30 – 8:30 pm
‘Going local’ is a powerful strategy to help repair our fractured world – our ecosystems, our societies and ourselves. Far from the old institutions of power, people are starting to forge a very different future… the film features Vandana Shiva, Bill McKibben, David Korten, Michael Shuman, Juliet Schor, Richard Heinberg, Rob Hopkins, Andrew Simms, Zac Goldsmith, Samdhong Rinpoche! Don’t miss this one! Discussion to follow. Location:
Simply Living offices, 2350 Indianola, Columbus 4320. Contact Carol at fisherbaer@earthlink.net with any questions.

Thurs May 2, 9, 16 Experiential Anatomy Series With Dianne Kadonaga 7:30 – 9 pm
The 3-class Experiential Anatomy Series will look at honing the accuracy of perception of the joints of the jaw, neck, head & shoulders, the low back / lumbar spine, and on the pelvis & hip joints. We will identify our habits of excessive tension and tightness in these areas, learn ways of working them out, and see how to implement this new found freedom and efficiency of movement in everything we do. $20 per class or $50 for the 3-class series ($10 discount) if pre-registered. Register here. Location: Maynard Avenue United Methodist Church, 2350 Indianola Ave, Columbus, Ohio, 43202.

Fri May 10 Yoga on High Wellness Retreat for Cancer Patients and Oncology Nurses 10 am – 5 pm
When the diagnosis is cancer, the effects go beyond the physical challenges to impact a person emotionally, spiritually, mentally and often financially. This retreat will provide a calming environment, as restful as it is invigorating, in which cancer patients and oncology nurses may experience the Urban Zen approach to holistic healing. Through this restorative day, the Yoga on High Foundation will give men and women a chance for respite, renewal and healing. While there is a charge for people who are able to pay, the Yoga on High Foundation will offer scholarships to anyone who needs a full or partial scholarship. Lunch is included. For more information, Contact Marcia Miller <marcia@yogaonhigh.com>or call 614-291-4444. Location: Yoga on High,1081 N. High St, Columbus, OH 43201. For additional details, cost, etc. visit here.

Fri-Sat May 10-11 Union County Master Gardener’s 5th Annual Spring Plant Sale in Marysville 4 – 7 pm Fri; 8 am – 2 pm Sat
Just in time for Mother’s Day Weekend. Featuring: Perennials, Hanging Baskets, Natives, Herbs, Ground Covers. Location: Plum and 4th Street parking lot in Marysville OH 43040.

Fri May 10 Simply Living Social Explores “Dental Alternatives” in May 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Simply Living Business Member, Dental Alternatives of Worthington, is hosting this month’s Social at their Fluoride-Free, Mercury-Safe and Mercury-Free office. Dr. Richard & Patti DeLano will share with us about the practice of an environmentally-friendly dentist. We will learn why Simply Living members appreciate what this unique practice has to offer. It’s always “good green fun” at our monthly socials and a wonderful opportunity to meet, greet, and network with our eco-aware community. Join us, bring a friend and introduce them to our Simply Living community. More info contact Mary <maryc@simplyliving.org> or call Chuck at 354-6172.

Fri May 10 See You Thursday Improv at Wild Goose Creative 8 – 9:30 pm
See You Thursday is the resident troupe of Pull The String Productions, a non-profit organization developed to promote the awareness, education and creative development of improvisational performance in Central Ohio. Nothing is scripted out; everything that happens between the performers on stage is entirely spontaneous. The scenes are character-driven, and with the exception of a suggestion given at the top of the show, audience participation is non-existent (with the hopeful exception of laughter, of course). $5 at the door! Location: Wild Goose Creative 2491 Summit Street Columbus, OH 43202. More information:info@pullthestring.net or http://www.pullthestring.net.

Sat May 11 Union County Master Gardener’s 5th Annual Spring Plant Sale in Marysville 8 am – 2 pm
Just in time for Mother’s Day Weekend. Featuring: Perennials, Hanging Baskets, Natives, Herbs, Ground Covers. Location: Plum and 4th Street parking lot in Marysville OH 43040.

Sat May 11 NEW- Growing Up to be a Wild One- Barbara Kay Velez Barbosa 10 am
Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian for this event. Columbus Wild Ones Members will be bringing plants, seeds and materials. Children and adults will be doing hands on activities. Please bring a small hand trowel and a pair of gloves. Activities: Propagating Native Plants and putting them into pots. Seeds will be taken home and seedlings transplanted plant into their flower beds. Sharing information on creating a Monarch Waystation and how to maintain it to attract butterflies. Children will also receive a FREE poster. Location: Innis House ( Inniswood Metro Park) 940 S. Hempstead Road, Westerville, OH 4308.

People say to me so often, ‘Jane how can you be so peaceful when everywhere around you want books signed, people are asking these questions and yet you seem peaceful,’ and I always answer that it is the peace of the forest that I carry inside. ~ Jane Goodall

Sat May 11 RainFresh Harvests Offers Free Tour of Clean Energy Farm 10 am – 3 pm
You are invited to check out how we are using renewable energy to grow crops year-round at our greenhouses and get answers to your questions – no charge, it’s all free. See how Clean Energy is helping to grow crops year-round, off-the-grid, in a biointegrated greenhouse that is powered by renewable energy. You will be able to see solar photovoltaic panels (2.1 kW) and a wind turbine (1.0 kW) produce electricity, as well as a solar thermal system for heating. Also featured are aquaponics, worm composting and other sustainable agriculture practices. New this year are in-ground aquaponic fish tanks. Directions and more information may be found on our website www.rainfreshharvests.com Thanks to all of the support by customers that are asking for fresh locally grown food, and to the grocers and chefs that make the effort to buy locally.

Sat May 11 400 Farmers Market in Franklinton 11 am – 2 pm
It’s happening in Franklinton every 2nd and 4th Saturday! Lots of local vendors, fresh food items, live music, and food trucks via Dinin’ Hall. All indoors, in an interesting industrial space filled with creative artist spaces. Location: 400 West Rich St. Columbus 43215. More info here. Click here for the list of vendors.

Sat May 11 Como Yarden Plant Sale 11 am – 3 pm
Heirloom variety tomatoes, peppers, and basils lovingly raised by your local Clintonville yardeners. Grow your own wholesome, gourmet food from plants we selected for prolific yields, pest/disease resistance, and hardiness in our climate zone. (See our “Notes” link on our Facebook page for a list of what we are growing.) These plants are beautiful and healthy. All varieties are only $3/each. (Rain Date: May 12th) Location: Como Yarden, 268 W Como Ave Cbus 43202.

Sat May 11 Simply Living’s 20th Annual Meeting & “The Best Potluck of the Year” 5 pm
This year we are Honoring Our Founders and Celebrating Our Community. Please bring a dish to share, your own tableware, your family and friends, and your spirit of celebration. And something NEW: Bring some fresh cut flowers to decorate the tables! There will also be a children’s program this year. Requested donation is $10 per family. Doors open at 5pm, Poluck begins at 6pm. Location: Fellowship Hall of Maynard Ave. UMC, 2350 Indianola Ave., Columbus, 43202. Due to the limited venue, we request that you RSVP by calling 614-447-0296 or emailing hello@simplyliving.org.

Sat May 11 Free Press 2nd Saturday Salon 6:30 pm – 12 Midnight
Join progressive friends for food, fun, drinks, music, art, socializing and networking. Location: 1021 E. Broad St., east side door, parking in rear. Contacts: <truth@freepress.org> or call 614-253-2571 .

Tues May 14 Simply Living Board Meeting 7 pm
The board meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month. Members are welcome to attend and asked to contact Jim Coe at 614-440-1445 if you are coming. Location: 2350 Indianola Ave. (in Maynard Ave. United Methodist Church; parking across the street).

Weds May 15 Columbus Writers’ Network – A Linkedin Group 6 – 8 pm
Our meetings include freelance writers, novelists, storytellers, and editors. These networking evenings provide an encouraging atmosphere for talking about the publishing business, troubleshooting, and your writing path. Come chat about your work, exchange email addresses, swap stories, and enjoy the venue. Meets Third Wednesdays. The winery will be able to serve light snacks if you’re coming straight from work. You can also explore the building, built in the 1800s, and ask questions about the barrel room. Please Mapquest the winery, capture my phone number (614-579-3479) or take down the following directions. The winery isn’t on most GPS services, and you can go around in circles. If you park in the alley, parking is free, otherwise you will pay the lot attendant $3. Location: Via Vecchia Winery, 485 South Front Street (German Village) DIRECTIONS: From South Front Street, turn into Liberty Street and pass the Eiffel Tower at Outland. Turn right into the parking lots. Go straight through the first lot, head into the second lot, and make for the alley. The winery is the pale green brick building with dark green trim. Call if you get lost. Contact: Cynthia Rosi 614-579-3479 or visit website at: http://www.cynthiarosi.com.

Weds May 15 Buddhist Christian Mother Church (BCMC) Service 7 – 8:30 pm
The Buddhist Christian Mother Church is an opportunity for individuals, couples, friends, and families to come together in prayer, meditation, reflection, song, & joy in order to grow together spiritually and to support each other in our spiritual growth. It is a place where we blend Buddhism, Christianity, & Mother Earth Spirituality in order to water the beneficial seeds of compassion, understanding, presence, authenticity, & awareness. It is a space for us to meet our Blood Ancestors, our Spirit Ancestors, & our Land Ancestors. It is a church grounded in the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh & his Five Mindfulness Trainings, encouraging us to enter what another teacher has called “the pure awareness of nowness.” The next Wednesday service is May 29. During Sunday services doors open at 9:00 am. The Sunday service is from 9:30 – 11:30 with community hour following. The remaining Spring Sunday schedule is Sunday May 5, May 19 and June 2. For more information and location please call Michael or Ali Malley at (614) 267-2177 or email <MichaeltheStoryteller@gmail.com>.

Weds-Thurs May 15-16 Harmony Project Choir Spring Concert at Southern Theater 7:30 pm
Columbus’ 200-voice Harmony Project Choir will offer their “Peace, Love + Harmony” Spring Concert at the Southern Theatre. Under the dynamic direction of David Brown, this choir has a special energy to inspire, energize, and delight. Tickets are $25 or $50 and are available through CAPA (box office: 614-469-0939). Accompanying the choir will be the dynamic Harmony Band, including: Vernon Hairston, Dwight Bailey, Christopher Brown, Brandon Chapman, Reggie Jackson, Jim Masters, Bryan Olsheski, and Lee Savory. Location: Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St. Columbus 43215.

Thurs May 16 Sustainable Clintonville May Meeting at City Folks Farm Shop 6:45 – 8 pm
Please join us. Post your ideas for discussion and action on sustainable-clintonville@googlegroups.com. Not a member? Contact Suzanne Csejtey <suzanne@cedar-waxwing.com> if you would like to join the group. Location: City Folks Farm Shop, 4760 N. High St. in Clintonville (south of Morse Rd) 43214.Fri May 17 Cause Collaborative 2013 Brings Nonprofits Together 8:30 am – 5 pm, Happy Hour to follow
Fulcrum Creatives & Community Shares of Mid-Ohio are partnering on an upcoming event: the third annual Cause Collaborative. This conversational event brings together experts and peers working in nonprofits in Columbus to share advice. Four conversational discussions on customer relations management software & database management, pathways to online giving & peer to peer fundraising, operational support funding & board development (panelists will be announced in a few weeks. Location: Seventh Son Brewery, 1101 North 4th St. Columbus, OH 43201. Tickets: Buy online $30. Happy hour starting at 5pm is free and open to the public. Help Promote.Tweets about ticket sales, event topics, or just your general enthusiam for our event (@causecollab). Share about our event on Facebook. Post on your LinkedIn profile. Print and hang fliers – download an 8.5 x 11 pdf here. Get a group together of 5 and get a group ticket discount.

Fri May 17 RainFresh Harvests Offers Free Tour of Clean Energy Farm 2:30 – 4:30 pm

A second free tour this spring will be in coordination with Green Energy Ohio’s Spring Tour. This second tour will focus on the renewable energy systems.This spring marks 8 years of operation of the renewable energy systems. See how Clean Energy is helping to grow crops year-round, off-the-grid, in a biointegrated greenhouse that is powered by renewable energy. You will be able to see solar photovoltaic panels (2.1 kW) and a wind turbine (1.0 kW) produce electricity, as well as a solar thermal system for heating. Directions and more information may be found on our website www.rainfreshharvests.com Thanks to all of the support by customers that are asking for fresh locally grown food, and to the grocers and chefs that make the effort to buy locally.Fri May 17 Socrates Café Meeting at Panera Bread on Bethel Road 6 – 8 pm
The Socrates Cafe in Columbus is affiliated with over 400 gatherings around the world where people from different backgrounds get together and exchange thoughtful ideas and experiences in conversations that give everyone an opportunity to participate. Free and open to the public. Meets the first Sunday at 5 p.m. and third Friday at 6 p.m. Topics are determined at each meeting by participants. Location: Panera Bread, 875 Bethel Road, Columbus 43214, Phone 457-6800. Contact Carol Bradley <bradley_carol@hotmail.com> for more info.

Fri-Sat May 17-18 Rethinking Corporations/Rethinking Democracy: Conference in Yellow Springs Fri 6:30 – 9:30 pm Sat 9 – 5
Concerned about unsustainable energy production, e.g. fracking? Unsustainable food production, e.g. the use of genetically-modified seed? Want to know what you can do about it? Join us in Yellow Springs for The Democracy School, taught by the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund. Learn how more than 140 communities across the country – including Yellow Springs, Mansfield, and Broadview Heights – have elevated community rights over corporate privileges, asserting their rights to clean air, water, and a sustainable future through local law-making. Location: Unitarian Universalist Church on Route 68 approximately 2 miles south of Yellow Springs, Ohio. Teachers: Emelyn Lybarger and Chad Nicholson. Cost: $125 includes lunch & curriculum. Contact Dimi Reber, 937-767-1078 or dimireber@rocketmail.com. Click here to learn more. NOTE: Registration Deadline has passed; must call to see if seats still available.

Cooperation is the thorough conviction that nobody can get there unless everybody gets there. ~ Virginia Burden Tower

Sat May 18 Herbal Study Group at Stratford Ecological Center 9 – 11 am
Come together in a sharing circle to explore the many uses of wild and cultivated plants. Each month the group examines a different herbal topic and works together in the herb garden, tending, harvesting and learning from each other. This is a hands-on, participant-led group and a wonderful way to get more comfortable using herbs. $10/year – All skill levels welcome! Meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month: 1pm – 3pm and the 4th Saturday of each month (holiday months on 3rd Saturday): 9am-11am. Location: Stratford Ecological Center, 3083 Liberty Rd., Delaware, OH 43015;740-363-2548 ; <www.StratfordEcologicalCenter.org>

Sat May 18 Green on the Green Festival in Worthington 9 am – 2 pm
Simply Living is a sponsor of Green on the Green – a free, one day, community festival providing visitors with a sampling of ways to “go green” including opportunities to buy re-purposed or recycled items, learning to appreciate native plants and animals, and educating folks on how to use less energy, produce less waste or adopt sustainable practices. Location: Downtown Worthington on SW and SE Village Greens. For more information: www.greenonthegreen.com.

Sun May 19 Care and Share Timebank Community Potluck 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Meet your CSTB Community, share a potluck dish, join CSTB (if you haven’t already), add requests and offers, brainstorm growing the CSTB, earn 2 time credits, participate in our SHARING TABLE – bring something you want to give away / take something you would like to have, stay afterward for an extended “Q&A” about, conducting time credit transactions and using hOurworld / Time and Talents, invite your friends who might be interested. Remember: they receive time credits if they join and post an offer and you receive time credits for recruiting them! Table Service available in case you do not bring your own. Call 614-560-1732 (Alice) if you would like additional information. Location: First Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbus, 93 W Weisheimer, Columbus, OH 43214 – Fellowship Hall.

Mon May 20 Pagans in Recovery Meeting at Columbus Insight Center 7 – 8 pm
Pagans in Recovery is for anyone who is working any of the Twelve Step programs or considering doing so. You do not need to be Pagan to attend, but the focus will be friendly to Goddess-based or Nature-based spirituality. We will not be following a format particular to any of the Twelve Step programs, but anonymity will be expected. Please respect the confidentiality of anyone present. Meets third Monday of the month. Cost - Love Donation. Location: Columbus Insight Center, 4161 N. High St, Upstairs Columbus, OH 43214. Find out more here.

Weds May 22 Calumet Natural Foods Co-op Board of Trustees Meeting 7 – 9 pm
Now meeting on the 4th Wednesday of the month. Member owners are welcome to attend. Location: Clintonville Community Resources Center, 14 West Lakeview Ave, 43202.

Fri May 24 Book Talks at Stratford Ecological Center 6:30 – 8 pm
Join Librarian Liz Barker for an evening of thoughtful discussion of literary works on topics such as agriculture, nature, homesteading and much more. Come and share your thoughts. Meets every 4th Friday of the month. $10/yr. Location: Stratford Ecological Center, 3083 Liberty Rd., Delaware, OH 43015; <www.StratfordEcologicalCenter.org>. Call 363-2548 or email info@stratfordecologicalcenter.org.

Sun May 26 Peripatetic Poets Meets 4th Sundays at Whetstone Gardens 7 pm
Monthly featured readers, followed by an open mic. Location: Whetstone Gardens, 3700 Olentangy River Road, Columbus 43214. Phone: 614-457-1100 . Facebook page for more info.