Events

Arts & Culture, Documentary Films, Events

Simply Living’s Film Series Returns: BOMBSHELL

Join Simply Living’s Film Series at Gateway Film Center for a special screening of BOMBSHELL, a compelling 2026 documentary exploring how the story of the atomic bomb was presented to the public—and the courageous journalists who challenged official narratives and worked to uncover the human cost, even as government censorship limited what could be reported.

The Simply Living BOMBSHELL screening will take place at Gateway Film Center, 1550 North High Street in Columbus, on October 26 from 6:30–8:30 PM (doors open at 6:15 PM). Tickets will be available soon for $10 from Gateway Film Center.

Events, Support Simply Living

Simply Living Seeking Online Auction Items

Since last year’s Simply Giving Online Auction was such a rousing success, we’ve decided to do it again this year! The auction will be held during the last couple weeks of November, and purchased items will be delivered in early December. It will be a good opportunity to purchase some vintage Christmas gifts for your loved ones.

The Online Auction is also a good opportunity to do some clearing away of unwanted items in your home. Simply Living is seeking donations of household items to put in the auction. It can be almost anything of value that is small enough to be readily picked up & delivered: home décor, kitchen appliances, gift cards, books, artwork, knickknacks, so long as it is in good condition.

Events, Lifestyle, News, Social Justice

VOICEcorps in the Spotlight

VOICEcorps is an essential service for people with medical conditions that prevent them from using print material, providing a tool for independent access to information. Volunteers read aloud from current local & national newspapers, plus 200 other print publications & neighborhood shopping fliers. Check out the program listings and learn more about Audio on Demand.

Events, Health & Wellness, Lifestyle

President’s Message: Reasons for Optimism

Lately, I have been finding it difficult to maintain a good attitude about life. As if the news of current events isn’t bad enough, with the campaign season in full swing (yes, I know it’s only September), now I am forced to witness the smear campaign ads being run over and over and over. I’d stop watching the news, but I’ve always felt it is my duty as a responsible citizen to keep up with what is going on. And I won’t settle only for sources suggested by social media (which know me better than I am comfortable with) that just tell me what they know I want to hear. I wasn’t born with a naturally optimistic outlook. Yet, I realize it is important to my physical & mental health and spiritual wellbeing to stay positive. Recently, I’ve been to two events that have helped: the Columbus Arborfest and the Combined Charitable Campaign’s Kickoff Information Fair.

Action Alert, Environment, Events

Walhalla Ravine: A Gem at Risk

The City of Columbus has released its next major proposal in the modernization of its 70-year-old zoning code. The city-wide rezoning effort has the potential to threaten the wooded nature and quiet character of Walhalla Ravine, eliminating Walhalla’s current development restrictions. And the City has not said how it will protect green space in Walhalla or elsewhere. The threat starts with Phase 2, which would allow tall apartment buildings down to the first block of the Ravine.

Environment, Events, Lifestyle, Recycling, Transition

Celebrate with Sustainable Delaware Ohio

Sustainable Delaware Ohio (SDO) is a local, grass roots, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting environmental, social, & economic sustainability for the Delaware community through awareness, advocacy, & action. Sustainable Delaware Ohio is celebrating its 15th anniversary on Saturday, August 8th from 10 am to 1 pm at the Shale Hollow Preservation Park picnic shelter.

Culture, Events, Lifestyle

Want an Alternative July 4th Celebration?

Are you not feeling especially patriotic this semiquincentennial summer? Not entirely proud of our good old USA? Perhaps some satire would lighten your mood! Simply Living encourages you to watch (or better yet, march in) the 43rd Annual Doo Dah Parade on July 4th! Celebrate liberty & lunacy in the Short North Arts District with weird costumes, customs, and funny opinions. Afterward, relax in the shade near the Goodale Park gazebo during the free live-music after-glow party.

Environment, Events, Health & Wellness

Dr. Ira Helfand to Speak in Columbus

Ira Helfand, MD, recipient of two Nobel Peace Prizes, will be speaking in Columbus on Saturday, July 11th at 2 pm, at the First Unitarian Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Road. Dr. Helfand will outline the work of Back from the Brink. This organization brings communities together to prevent the growing threat that nuclear weapons pose to our health and environment, transmuting fear & anxiety into meaningful action.

Business, Economy & Finance, Culture, Events, Social Justice

Celebration on May Day

For much of the world, May 1st is International Workers’ Day, a public holiday dedicated to labor rights. It commemorates the 1886 Haymarket Affair in Chicago, where workers striking for an 8-hour workday clashed with police. Today, millions of people participate in rallies, marches, and strikes to advocate for better wages and working conditions. It is a day to celebrate the contributions and achievements of workers in all sectors of the economy. From the factory worker to the teacher, from the healthcare professional to the farmer, this day honors the dedication, hard work, and sacrifices of individuals who labor tirelessly to build and sustain our communities.

Documentary Films, Environment, Events, Recycling

Look for Simply Living Events Coming in May

Want to take a behind-the-scenes look at how recyclable waste is processed? You may remember that, back in October 2025, 20 members of the Simply Living Community toured the facility. We are going back again! If you missed the tour in October, here is another chance to check it out. The Spring Tour will take place on Thursday, May 21st at 1:00 pm. Simply Living Simply Living will present Queen of the Sun: What Are the Bees Telling Us? on Thursday, May 28th at 5:45 pm, at the Columbus Public Library’s Whetstone Branch, 3909 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43214.

Climate, Environment, Events

Celebrate the Earth on Earth Day and Every Day

Earth Day is an annual global event on April 22nd dedicated to environmental protection and sustainability. It mobilizes more than 1 billion people in over 190 countries to fight climate change, reduce waste, and support green energy through education, activism, and volunteering. The purpose of Earth Day is to raise awareness about environmental issues and to encourage action to protect the planet. Activities vary from large-scale marches to local community actions. The theme in 2026 is “Our Power, Our Planet” focusing on accelerating the transition to clean energy, promoting clean air and water, and ensuring climate stability.

Arts & Culture, Events

Spotlight on Global Gallery

Global Gallery is a fair-trade nonprofit coffee shop located at 3535 North High Street in Clintonville. It is dedicated to promoting fair trade, handcrafted products from around the world while developing cultural enrichment through educational workshops and social events. Beyond retail, it serves as a community gathering space, hosting free live music, art exhibitions, and educational events that create accessible entry points into global culture and fair-trade practices. On April 17th, Global Gallery is holding a Music Series Fundraiser & Silent Auction to raise money for this year’s musical line-up. As a community-focused nonprofit organization, Global Gallery is committed to supporting local artists and keeping live music accessible to everyone.

Education, Events

Columbus Schools Transitioning to Clean Energy

Safe Green Schools, in collaboration with Parents United for Public Schools and the Ohio Organizing Collaborative, hosted a Building Safe Green Schools Together Roundtable on March 25th at the Columbus Mennonite Church, to discuss the Columbus City Schools’ transition to cost saving green energy infrastructure. The conversation featured State Senator Bill DeMora, School Board Vice President Sarah Ingles, School Board Member Jennifer Adair, Assistant Director of Sustainable Columbus Erin Beck, and parents & students who led the effort.

About Simply Living, Events

Simply Living Salutes Its Volunteers!

Volunteer with Simply Living as an event helper, writer, classroom or workshop instructor, or outreach ambassador. Or provide administrative & tech support. It’s a way to connect with like-minded people who care about sustainability & community; learn skills & deepen your knowledge of simple, ecological living; support local efforts to create a more just, regenerative, & resilient world; earn time credits through our partnership with the Care and Share Time Bank; and be part of something bigger right here in central Ohio.