At this new Simply Living forum, you will hear from a panel of climate and environmental activists about the draft Columbus Climate Action Plan. Led by Cathy Cowan Becker. Get all the details here, including access to the Draft Climate Plan & new Action Alert
NEW DATE!
Cook Along with Chef Del
Tuesday, February 23
6:30 – 8 pm
Join Chef Del Sroufe for an online cook along. Participants will receive recipes in advance to allow time to shop for ingredients. Del will lead you at a slow and easy pace while he shares his secrets for making plant based food delicious. You will prepare an entrée, a side dish, and a dessert. Limited to 8 individuals. Liminted Tickets! Register and more info here.
NEW DATE!
Guided Nature Walk Sunday, February 28
2 – 4 pm
Reconnect with nature during a guided walk in the woods with Cindy Lanese. More Info and Register. $10 and limited to 10 participants.
NEW DAOCUMENTARY FILM SERIES
Simply Living is partnering with the Columbus Community Bill of Rights and the Ohio Community Rights Network in a new Film Series. The first two have been scheduled for March and April. Registration will be announced soon!
Sunday, March 28, 2 pm
What Is Democracy? Documentary Film
Virtual Event – Link to watch the film 24 hours in advance will be provided. Discussion and Q&A will include Astra Taylor
Director Astra Taylor digs deep in this film to explore democracy in ancient Athens to capitalism’s roots in medieval Italy; from modern-day Greece grappling with financial collapse and a mounting refugee crisis to the United States reckoning with its racist past and the growing gap between rich and poor. Featuring a diverse cast—including celebrated theorists, trauma surgeons, activists, factory workers, asylum seekers, and former prime ministers—this urgent film connects the past and the present, the emotional and the intellectual, the personal and the political, in order to provoke and inspire.
Sunday, April 25 at 2 pm
Invisible Hand (Rights of Nature Documentary)
Virtual Event Link to watch the film 24 hours in advance provided after Registration.
From Executive Producer Mark Ruffalo comes the world’s first documentary film on the Rights of Nature Movement, a “plot-twisting, eye-opening” story about the current global battle between capitalism and democracy where the fight for our survival is at stake. Invisible Hand tells the story of 3 different communities and the residents of those communities standing up to challenge the current environmental laws and system to protect their health as well as nature’s. The Q&A discussion after the film will include the Director Josh Pribanic (Not yet confirmed) as well as Tish O’Dell, Board member of the Ohio Community Rights Network, and Markie Miller of Toledoans for Safe Water.
Details here.
Feb 21st CSTB Gathering on Community Solar 6:30 8 pm
After introductions, we will take about 15 minutes to watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVSqLjqhh-E a video to bring us all up-to-speed about community solar. What is it? How is it different from rooftop solar panels? What could it mean as we transition to clean energy? If you don’t think it can work for your situation, then watch this short videso” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VS0fCWPsts4. The speaker, Cathy Cowan Becker, will explain challenges in Ohio. and will respond to questions.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM SIMPLY LIVING’S BE THE CHANGE COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Raise your voice: Tell President Biden to use the power of his office to reject Line 3.
Join this week’s Fire Drill Friday! I’ll be talking with climate activists Tara Houska and Nalelli Cobo on the frontlines about the history of these pipelines and how our movement can stop them.. More HERE
Enjoy Chihuly Nights, open 7-10pm Feb. 12-14
more HERE
Sun Feb 14th 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Free. More HERE
Agape love is…profound concern for the well-being of another, without any desire to control that other, to be thanked by that other, or to enjoy the process.
~ Madeleine L’Engle
Delicious raspberries and blackberries are the bramble fruits most commonly grown in residential backyards. Get details and registration here.
Get details and registration here
Get details and registration here.
Gotta love our Simply Living Calendar of Community Events
Search by keyword, scroll and browse, or display by month.
“Most human beings don’t want to believe that there is a global shift in consciousness taking place simply because it’s going to have to take all of us out of our comfort zone. It’s going to have to force all of us to think again about who we are and why we’re here and what we’re here for”
~ Charles Eisenstein
NEWS + RESOURCES
FOR LIVING LOCAL
The 19th ANNIVERSARY ISSUE of Naked Sunfish is HERE! And Webmaster Dan Eley has assembled a beauty! There’s the artwork of C. Mehrl Bennett, Amy McCrory, Morris Jackson and Anna Wellman Rybat! A new recipe by Jim Eaton! Non fiction by Gerry Greenberg and Karen Bell! A football tale by Rick Brown! Poetry by Ted Kane, John Bennett and Dennis Toth! Onion City by Sue Olcott! Top 5 music pick and much more!! Check it out at: www.nakedsunfish.com
Speakers include:
Bill Cohen with a promotion of his upcoming concert and a song.
Marty Stutz with new Comfest updates.
Stu Nicholson from All Aboard Ohio on the prospect of trains in Ohio – even Columbus!
Rachel Coyle from How Things Work at the Ohio Statehouse.
A preliminary look at Bob Fitrakis’ new book!
Q & A included. More here.
What Is and Is Not Our True Nature
I recently featured in Valeria Tules’ podcast, Fit For Joy on the theme of The Essence of Awakening. It was a rich and lively dialog, and afterwards she created an entertaining animated video of a section from it, “What is and is not our true nature,” focusing on what lies behind our egoic-thinking and behavior.
You can watch the video Here.
Or listen to the full podcast on Fit For Joy
The only way love can last a lifetime is if it’s unconditional.
The truth is this: love is not determined by the one being loved but rather by the one choosing to love.
~ Stephen Kendrick
Skip the roses and mass-produced cards; show your love without taking a big toll on the planet. Check out our suggestions! more…
How Sustainable Is Lab-Grown Meat?
The possibility of lab-grown meat is closer than ever. Will it be the eco-friendly and humane protein source we’ve been promised? more…
HONOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH
From Experience Columbus
Since its designation in 1976, the United States has celebrated Black History Month annually in February. Honor the accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history. From exploring sculptures throughout the city by African American artists to supporting black-owned businesses, there are plenty of ways to do just that in Columbus. LEARN MORE
Notes of a Native Son
by James Baldwin
Beacon Press (an independent press)Notes of a Native Son inaugurated Baldwin as one of the leading interpreters of the dramatic social changes erupting in the United States in the twentieth century, and many of his observations have proven almost prophetic.
Listen on your radio or online anytime!
CALENDARS!
LIVE LOCAL, BUILD COMMUNITY #SIMPLYLIVING
In This Issue…
- Schools Out! President’s Day Weekend
- Kelton House Museum: 19th Century Life and Underground Railroad Stop
- Build-a-Bear Count Your Candles Birthday Treat Bear
- Over 115 free or cheap events this weekend in Columbus
- Whole Foods Valentine Deals: 2 Dozen Roses for $19.99 and virtual cooking experiences
- All Ohio Reptile Show with dragons, pythons, and frogs (oh my!)
- Grab your sled: Best Sledding hills in Columbus
- Big list of snow day activities for kids in Columbus
- Take a romantic ride around the Town with Easton Winter Carriage Rides
- Galentine’s Day Trivia and Crafting with Characters with Junior League of Columbus
- Valentine’s Day in Columbus
- Valentine’s Day restaurant deals
- Free Admission at Columbus Zoo on President’s Day
- Indoor and Outdoor Ice Skating in Columbus
- Franklin Park Conservatory Community Day and Chihuly Nights plus other discounts
- Kids Eat Free on Valentine’s Day at Rusty Bucket
- Celebrate the Chinese New Year and Year of the Ox starting Feb 12
Sign up with Columbus on the Cheap on Facebook HERE
edited by Connie Hammond (pictured above).
Email cmhammond11@att.net to subscribe to her Community Calendar or share meeting info.
Friday, February 12, 2021, 5:00 – 5:30 PM. GrassRoot Ohio With Carolyn Harding. Our mission is to profile every-day people working on important issues and to connect them with other folks who want to help. Conversations with every-day people, working on important issues here in Columbus and all around Ohio Justice: environmental, social, racial, economic, w/ folks on the front lines. LISTEN TO 94.1 FM and stream US online at WGRN.com. You can find all GrassRoot Ohio podcasts/shows on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-42674753. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grassroot-ohio/id1522559085 and YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAX2t1Z7_qae803BzDF4PtQ.
Friday, February 12, 2021, 12:00 PM. ACLU Webinar: Ohio’s Cash Bail System And the Path to Reform. Join us for an overview of the cash bail system and a path to reform in Ohio! This CLE will provide an overview of the current state of Ohio’s cash bail system and the path to reform. We will briefly cover the history of the pretrial period, what happens currently across Ohio, the consequences of these practices, and what can change. 1.25 CLE hours will be offered for this program. This event is free and open to the public. Register here.
Sunday, February 14, 2021, 3:00 PM. Voices from the Holy Land Film Salon: We All Live in Gaza. During the 2009 Israeli invasion of Gaza, Mohammad Obied lost everything. Mohammad asks, “Why? Why did they bulldoze my home, slaughter my cattle, destroy our barn, gun down my parents? We are peaceful farmers.” We All Live in Gaza responds to his cry by telling the story of what has happened and what is happening in Gaza from the perspective of the 2,000,000 women, men, and children living there under siege. The documentary seeks to answer the big question, “Why does the siege continue without end?” Marla Schrader, Director of Communications for United Palestinian Appeal, will lead a question-and-answer session with Maurice Jacobsen, filmmaker and co-producer of the film, and Issam Adwan, Gaza Coordinator for We Are Not Numbers. Note: Registrants will receive links for viewing the films via the registration confirmation email. Register here.
Monday, February 15, 2021, 7:00 – 8:00 PM. Peace & Justice Conversations: The Impact of American Exceptionalism on Culture & Policy. Please join NH Peace Action as we listen to a timely dissection and analysis of the impact of American Exceptionalism on culture & policy with Prof. Eric Cheyfitz and facilitated by NH Peace Action board member, Jeremy Love. Eric Cheyfitz, the Ernest I. White Professor of American Studies and Humane Letters at Cornell University, is a faculty member of the American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program (AIISP). Dr. Cheyfitz has served as director of theAIISP, the faculty coordinator of the Mellon-Mays Undergraduate Fellowship Program, and the director of the Mellon Post-doctoral Diversity Seminar. His scholarship and teaching focus on the force of settler colonialism on Indigenous peoples and their ongoing resistance in the form of alternative ways of thought and action to the predatory capitalism embedded in settler existence. Host Contact Info: info@nhpeaceaction.org. Register here.
Monday, February 15, 2021, 5:00 – 6:30 PM. Women of POWER Network Reception. The Women of POWER Network Reception introduces current leaders to the next generation of women who are ready to run for political office and take on leadership roles in their communities.At the reception, you will meet women who want to run for public office, current political leaders who want to share their experiences, and individuals and organizations that want to demonstrate support for women candidates. 100% of the proceeds from the reception are used to support nonpartisan Programs for Ohio Women Empowered to Represent (POWER) offered by the John Glenn College of Public Affairs throughout the year. Register before February 15. Cost: $25.00. More information and registration here.
Tuesday, February 16, 2021, 7:00 PM. Ohio Poor People’s Campaign Spiritual Council. Virtual meeting every third Tuesday. Register here.
Thursday, February 18, 2021, 5:30 pm. People for a Progressive Ohio Networking Series: Session 1. In conjunction with America Votes, we are presenting this great event! Join us for a gathering of progressive organizers, activists, staff, and movement leaders from across Ohio! This Series is being organized to help build connection and collaboration across our broad and diverse space. We’re excited to get to know you and learn alongside you in the coming months. The main purpose of this series is to provide a structure for those interested in progressive organizing and activism to make connections and foster conversations. The first session will primarily be a space for introductions and to build community. Please visit https://www.mobilize.us/ohioworkingfamilies…/event/374150/ to RSVP! Facebook.
Thursday, February 18, 2021, 3:00 – 4:00 PM. Advocacy Training: State Budget Process. In preparation for Ohio Council of Churches Advocacy Day March 2021. Nick Bates, Hunger Network Ohio. Facebook.
Thursday, February 18, 2021, 5:30 – 7:00 PM. What is “Social Movement Ecology?” In short, Social Movement Ecology is a theory which explains how we change society for the better. This expert training isn’t one to miss! SME lays a framework for organizations with different theories of change to recognize each other’s strengths and weaknesses and work together to produce large-scale social change. This training will provide participants with the skills, tools, and confidence to identify complex layers of approaches in social movement. Learn how organizations with different theories of change can recognize each other’s strengths and weaknesses and work together to produce large-scale social change. More information and registration here.
COLUMBUS UNDERGROUND
Mega Weekend
Valentine’s Day, House Sweet It Is, and More
Hope you have a fun weekend planned.
Pick up a Valentine’s Day gift.
MUSIC TO HEAR
Celebrate the Chinese New Year with Bob Weir and Wolf Bros. Tune in virtually to Angela Perley Valentine’s Day Show. The Columbus Symphony hosts An Evening of Romance. Dave Koz and Friends give you a romantic night! Sunday at Central features cello and piano music.
VALENTINE’S DAY EVENTS
Or a VDay meal at Lincoln Social.
Enjoy Exploring Art
Tonight, watch Guillermo Gómez Peña, WE ARE ALL ALIENS. Chihuly Nights are back at the Franklin Park Conservatory. Explore Franklinton Friday and Wild Goose’s new exhibit. BalletMet streams The Art of War this weekend. Short North Stage continues Bad Jews. CATCO’s New Works Festival closes this weekend.
Tune in for An Exhibition is Heartache.
What else can you do
this weekend?
You can run the Virtual Love 4 Miler whenever you want. How should we strengthen legacy cities? Go on a virtual Grand Canyon adventure. Help clean up Old Oaks. Volunteer to package cookies for seniors.Community Grounds has their annual House Sweet It Is. Learn how to do backbends.
The dog shelter is running a Valentine’s Day Special on dogs.
Hot Mikey’s Takeover gets started. Save the Kossuth Street Garden.
The Columbus Zoo has free admission on President’s Day (Monday).
Thanks for reading and enjoy your weekend!
MORE LOCAL CALENDARS
Columbus Free Press Activists Calendar Editor Bob Roehm
WCBE Arts & Life Calendar
READ OUR BE THE CHANGE COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Be the Change: Join Simply Living Individual membership rates have been reduced to $25 annually. Seniors, $20. Students only $10. Business memberships starting at $100 now include membership in the Ohio Sustainable Business Council.
Sign up online here or email HELLO@simplyliving.org