Be the Change Weekly Community Update June 25, 2021

Simply Living 2021 Sustainable Living and Garden Tour
Saturday, July 24 from 10 am – 3 pm Tickets $10 or $25 with Membership Included.  Register Now

Mort Schmidt presented again this week, covering 50 Ohio trees! You can watch the recording HERE and the recording of Part 1 covering the basics of tree identification, including resource guides, is available HERE. Your elderly editor is working on his YouTube editing skills, The first 2-3 minutes include some logistic glitches with Zoom and later this weekend they will be trimmed. Until then, just fast forward at the beginning!
Big thanks to Rita Haider for recruiting Mort – he is a fount of useful info and anecdotes about trees.
Mort also leads nature walks with groups in wooded areas in and around Columbus. If you would like to join one, email MortSchmidt@yahoo.com.

COLUMBUS GROCERIES – LOVE LOCAL, LIVE LOCAL
by Kyle Garvey in our series of locally owned stores
.
16 Markets covered, sample below. Read about them
https://tinyurl.com/44nt6e45

To honor Susann Castore and John Blanc….
Susann in her role of A-OK Lady (Acts of Kindness)

For many years, Susann and John were two of Simply Living’s most dependable and capable volunteers, always helping at our large gatherings, including annual meetings and our fundraising event, A Gift to Be Simple. They were generous in sharing their care and commitment to a more loving community, being of service in many ways over the past many years. Susann was especially known as the A-OK (Acts of Kindness) Lady. Last October, they were tragically killed. Because of the pandemic, no gathering was held to honor and celebrate them.

Becky Allen and Marilyn Welker have been planning a celebration and remembrance of them. You are invited to join in an informal gathering at Stratford Ecolological Center on Saturday, July 17th, to remember and honor them. As memorials, two butternut walnut trees have been planted in their memory, and we will place a plaque for each at the trees’ base. John’s celebration will be held at noon, and Susann’s will take place at 1 p.m. For more information, call Marilyn at 937-484-6988.


Break Free From Plastic Pollution Teach-In & Actions
Wednesday, June 30 @ 7 pm

Elissa Yoder Mann, Sierra Club
No more plastic from fracked gas.
Free the turtles, lose the plastic

Register Now for this TEACH IN on the #BREAKFREEFROMPLASTIC federal legislation. Learn how we can begin to phase out throwaway plastics made from fossil fuel, hold the plastic industry responsible for its waste, and pause construction on any new plastic-making plants.
ACTION TOOLKIT. Sierra Club provides us with Actions we can take now! Who to contact, talking points and eye catching, persuasive social media graphics. Connect to Actions NOW.


Paul brings a unique perspective as a psychologist and a former science educator to explore the deeper reasons why we are not acting on the climate crisis, and he offers insight into the opportunities for acting now to preserve the quality of life for generations to come. Learn more about the book here. You can purchase the book for $12.99 (PB) or the ebook is $3.99.
To be notified and reserve a seat as soon as registration is available, email chuck@simplyliving.org.

The old Lakota was wise. He knew that man’s heart, away from nature, becomes hard; he knew that lack of respect for growing, living things soon led to lack of respect for humans too. – Luther Standing Bear



HIGHLIGHTS FROM SIMPLY LIVING’S BE THE CHANGE COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Learn how to get your city to 100% clean energy at the Ready for 100 Ohio conference June 25-26

When the Ready for 100 campaign launched in Ohio in 2017, no cities were committed to 100% renewable energy. Now we have commitments from Cleveland, Cincinnati, Lakewood, South Euclid, and most recently Dayton, as well as Community Choice Aggregation for 100% renewable energy in Worthington, Columbus, and Grove City. Dozens of new clean energy projects are being proposed in Ohio, and leaders across the state are taking note.
  As more and more Ohio cities look toward moving their electricity supply or even their entire energy use to 100% renewable, Ready for 100 Ohio will convene its Clean Energy for All Ohio Conference 2021 on Friday-Sat, June 25-26.
 Register here:
https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=7013q000001lJtoAAE
 Friday, June 25, at noon:
Hear city leaders from across Ohio discuss how they are moving their cities to 100% renewable energy. From community choice aggregation to working to municipal utilities to transportation for the future, learn how Ohio cities are moving forward with clean energy despite a hostile legislature.
 Saturday, June 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Learn all you need to know for running Ready for 100 campaigns in your city or town. Sessions include:
·        Centering Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the Ready for 100 movement
·        Climate disparities in public health
·        The Ready for 100 Accountability Framework
·        How volunteers like you have moved their cities to 100% renewable energy
·        Organizing for action on clean energy for all


Virtual ComFest will feature live and recorded performances by Columbus’ best bands and artists, workshops, community activism and other events you look forward to every year. In addition, ComFest will host “virtual” Street Fair as well as the 2021 Merch Booth, all online! More coverage in Columbus On the Cheap and of course Comfest!
Rewilding your Life with Soulcraft:
An Online Retreat June 25-27

This weekend program offers an introduction to the foundations of Soulcraft, a set of nature-based tools and practices to support adults to discover and embody their unique, innate niche in the earth community. We’ll explore and engage in practices to cultivate four dimensions of human wholeness essential to becoming fully alive, generative participants in the wild reciprocity of the living world. This collaboration between Animas Valley Institute and the Inner Resilience Network is being offered in a hybrid online-outdoor format to make it convenient and accessible for all. We’ll meet online in four Zoom meetings over three days, with time in between to engage in nature-based practices outdoors near where you live. Fees, schedule and registration on Eventbrite.


Why Materialism Is Baloney
June 25, 2021 2 am – 3:15pm Eastern Register Now (Free)
IONS Chief Scientist, Dean Radin, will interview Bernardo Kastrup, author of Why Materialism Is Boloney: How True Skeptics Know There Is No Death and Fathom Answers to life, the Universe, and Everything.

Dairy-Free Made Easy
The Afro-Vegan Society Dump Dairy Workshop is Sunday, June 26th!
Afro-Vegan Society marks June as National Anti-Dairy Month. Our annual FREE workshop featuring cooking demos, recipes, giveaways, and education sessions showing you how and why to remove dairy from your diet for good. RSVP

Java Central is located at 20 S. State St. in Westerville 43081

June 29 at 11 am: Be The Rescue – Learn How to Rescue Food In Our Community
SWACO’s monthly webinar series helps answer your waste related questions. Register

Hidden greenspaces. There are many parks you may not have heard of and if you know where to look, it’ll be a whole new experience. Join Tim Moloney and Peg Hanley from Franklin County Metro Parks and Tina Mohn and Rosalie Hendon from Columbus Recreation and Parks to hear about these hidden wonders.
When: Tuesday, June 29th Time: 11-11:45am
Register: email GreenSpot@columbus.gov with “parks” in the subject line.
Free weekly Zoom Meeting with Instructors answering your questions about Solar
Join us each week (Tuesdays at 12 noon ET) for discussions with instructors and PV installers, focused on the latest solar news or whatever technical questions come up. Contact us and request the meeting login details.

June 30, 5 p.m. Gut Check –The Gut-Mind Connection and How We Can Enhance It – presented by Jess Henning, APRN-CNP, Ohio State Center for Integrative Medicine
Wellness Wednesdays in Franklin Park is a collaboration between The OSU Wexner Medical Center’s Total Health and Wellness, Center for Integrative Medicine, The OSU College of Nursing, and Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
Every Wednesday, May through September, the public is invited to attend a walk led by an expert who will discuss different topics related to nature and health.
This is a free program and there’s no need to register

From food scraps to garden gold. Thursday, July 1st Time: 10-10:45am
Still throwing away food scraps in the trash? If so, you are throwing away money, increasing your carbon footprint, and filling up the landfill. Take the next step on your sustainability journey and hear about the landfill, how to reduce your food waste, and how to compost in your backyard the right way.
Special guests include Sara Ernst from Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District and Amy Densborn from the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO).
Register: email GreenSpot@columbus.gov with “compost” in the subject line.


Love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is done well.
~ Vincent Van Gogh


“ECDI’s impact on the Ohio economy comfortably exceeds $1 billion annually, stemming from locally-owned, locally serving businesses.”
Overall Economic Impact Study of ECDI’s Lending to Ohio Entrepreneurs by Bill Lafayette, Ph.D.

Find many more events posted on our Community Calendar.
Browse now.
Select the Monthly View to find events quickly.
HINT: Search using keywords like FOOD, ENERGY, SUSTAINABLE, YOGA, MEDITATION, MUSIC, SUMMIT, ETC.


NEWS + RESOURCES
FOR LIVING LOCAL



A Visit To Cantwell Cliffs Is Like Taking A Hike Through A Magical Wonderland

Hocking Hills is a place with a special kind of magic. The beauty of nature is on full display. Cantwell Cliffs features a deep valley, imposing cliffs, and a stunning rock shelter where you can cool off and enjoy the views. The trail itself is short, just about 1 mile, but the journey is challenging. It makes you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. The narrow stone staircases and winding passageways transport you to another world where Mother Nature is queen.
Cantwell Cliffs is located at Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio 374, Rockbridge, OH 43149. The trail takes about 40 minutes to hike.
Featured in Columbus Navigator, with more beautiful pictures. Learn more while anticipating a visit right here.

BEXLEY NATURAL MARKET
NEW! July/August PRODUCE BOX Begins!

Beginning July 2nd – August 27th – Pick up are Fridays each week! 
We compile a variety of local produce each week from our local farms. Each week, included in the box will be produce that is not necessarily available at the store, but will be exclusively for the box! The box includes salad greens, and a different selection each week based on what is harvested in the days prior to you receiving the box. You will receive a weekly email from the Produce Manager and you can communicate directly on any questions on the produce, agriculture, and food preparation. Bexley Natural Market will fill boxes with produce from local farms including mainly Front Axle Farm, Three Creeks Farm, Sunbeam Farm, and Yoder Family Farm.
 How it Works:
 1. Choose a box size. Please order 3 days prior to pick up or for the entire 5 or 9 week season.
 2. Pick up on Fridays!
Small Box (2-3 people): $30/week or $145/5 weeks or $265/9 weeks
Large Box (4-5 people): $50/week or $245/5 weeks or $445/9 weeks
ORDER PRODUCE BOX NOW

🤔 Why join Plastic Free Ecochallenge?
 HAVE FUN. Choose your own adventure and get creative. Do group activities. Explore!
❤️ DO GOOD. With every action, you’ll help our environment and everyone who lives here — wildlife, plants, and people.
💡 DISCOVER. Learn something new about plastic and share sustainability tips.
🌱 BUILD BETTER HABITS. Hold yourself + your team accountable. Consistency is key!
🌏 CHANGE OUR FUTURE. While any one action may seem like a micro-step in the grand scale of things, don’t underestimate the power of your thinking + action + influence. You matter, and our planet needs you more than ever. 
REGISTER NOW

Tom and Jocelyn offer eco-conscious and award winning service in Clintonville.

Read Our Summer 2021 Issue here.
Want to find a copy of the Summer 2021 issue? We’re dropping off complimentary copies to lots of
local businesses throughout Central Ohio. Visit our “Find a Copy” page to find one closest to you!
(But the only way to make sure you’ll get every issue is to subscribe!)

Have you watched The Need To GROW yet? It’s an epic film about one of the most critical issues of our times (how we grow our food!) — and it’s also an incredibly moving story.
>> Find out all about it, and watch it for free here.
June Member Spotlight
CLohre
Susan Weber | SITES AP, LEED Green Associate  Principal, Integrity Sustainable Planning and Design 
Sustainability Passion:
My work is all about growth—planting the seeds of compassionate beauty and supporting them so they flourish and grow.
I love helping clients connect through a shared passion for creative sustainability, including landscape design,
natural outdoor play spaces for children, urban farmsteads and sustainable businesses. 
Most meaningful experience with USGBC:
Our community service days at local schools—it’s fun and rewarding to come together as a sustainable community
and offer our combined professional skills and services to projects in at-risk neighborhoods. 
What will most impact the future of green building:
Prioritizing strategies that allow ‘green’ development to happen in diverse cultural and socio-economic environments. 
Favorite LEED Project: Grange Insurance Audubon Center 

Holistic Horticulture is practiced by Simply Living’s newest member.
Check out Wes Williams and the landscaping services he offers:
https://www.plantconnections.net/

“The spiritual journey is individual, highly personal. It can’t be organized or regulated. It isn’t true that everyone should follow one path. Listen to your own truth.” ~ Ram Dass


How to Get Rid of Throwaway Culture
SARAH LAZAROVIC
 First things first: Waste is built into modern culture; it’s not your fault, and you alone can’t fix it. We need equitable policies and systems change. But everyone is a consumer, and taking steps to consume wisely is still very important: Individual actions empower us to demand more from corporations and governments and ultimately change social norms. So let’s get started. Read the full story

3 Simple Earth-Friendly Summer Recipes

You can make these nutritionally dense summer recipes in under five minutes with just a few ingredients.
Easy to make and good for you! more…

Soil Your Undies … To Find Out How Healthy Your Soil Is

It sounds like a disgusting internet challenge, but “Soil Your Undies” is a fun summer science project for the kids … and you!
Discover just what you can learn by burying a pair of tighty-whities in your yard. more…
Which Car Brands Emit the Most Carbon Dioxide?
How do your car’s CO2 emissions compare to those emitted by other cars?
A recent study investigates which brands are the biggest polluters. more…
Good, Better, Best — Eliminating Plastic Waste
Plastic won’t biodegrade, but it can break down and release toxic chemicals in landfills.
Here are some steps you can take to reduce this problematic waste. more…



FRIENDS OF PUBLIC BANKING WEBSITE
As the public banking movement continues to surge forward, everyone can now learn about banking in the public interest
and declare your support for the creation of public banks. Check it out now

The Columbus Free Press Network includes two awesome community radio stations! WGRN.org 94.1 and WCRSFM.org 92.7 / 98.3
Listen on your radio or online anytime!


CALENDARS!
LIVE LOCAL, BUILD COMMUNITY #SIMPLYLIVING


Columbus on the Cheap Good, Cheap, Fun

In This Issue…


COLUMBUS UNDERGROUND
Mega Weekend
Franklinton Pride, Comfest, Speakeasy & More!

Comfest is virtual, but you can still party! Photo Photo by Wendy Wei from Pexels.

Pride events continue this weekend! Have a great weekend!

Pride

District West is looking for Mr. and Miss DW, could it be you?
Land Grant hosts a Sold-Out Family Pride Festival featuring Nina West. Franklinton will be exploding in Franklinton Pride events on Saturday.
AWOL hosts FEVER Pride. Go on a Pride Ride on Sunday.

Fun Things to Do

Speakeasys are back at Samson’s!
New literary journal Tomorrow and Tomorrow has a launch party.
Enjoy some yoga at Gravity with LIT Life + Yoga.
BEAT Lounge returns to The Oracle.
Comfest goes virtual this year, with shows all weekend.
Enjoy the German Village GartenTour.
Maroon Arts Group has yoga on Saturday morning.
Shop the Westgate Neighborhood Yard Sale. Get a Funfetti Latte at Stauf’s.
The Four Peel Fest makes its return at Watershed.

ENJOY EXPLORING ART

Eve Warnock in M O T H E R. Photo courtesy of OBLSK.
Music in the Parks continues in Upper Arlington.
Richard III is at the Schiller Park Amphitheater.
Attend the We The Creatives: Art, Culture, & Resistance Un-Summit.
There’s a Style Walk in the Short North, and you can check out the new public art!
Dive-In Movies start at Zoombezi Bay with Trolls, World Tour!
The experiential, walkthrough performance M O T H E R happens Thursday at The Vanderelli Room.
Columbus Symphony has a Free Performance of PATRIOTIC POPS for Healthcare Workers, First Responders, and Veterans. See how some of your favorite cartoons are made as The Animation Academy opens at COSI. Take a look at neon art pieces from New York City and hear from the artist at Glass Axis.

WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO
THIS WEEDKEND?

The Clippers play St. Paul Saints all weekend and will have fireworks on Saturday.
Do you know the Environmental Impact of Demolition?
Watch the Save the Crew movie.
Shop the Goodwill Columbus sale on Friday.
The Lights of Liberty drive-thru light show starts.
Learn to plant pollinator friendly plants.
Shop the German Village Makers Market.
Are you running the Columbus Crew Black & Gold 5K?
North Market Bridge Park has a Crawfish Boil. Watch the Columbus Eagles.
Support PitchBlack Columbus on Sunday.

Thanks for reading and enjoy your weekend! A great community is an informed community. Want to help keep our news free for all and support our small, local company? Your support helps Columbus Underground further our mission.

Thanks for reading and enjoy your weekend! A great community is an informed community. Want to help keep our news free for all and support our small, local company? 
Your support helps Columbus Underground further our mission.


GET ACTIVE!  Items below are selected from the Columbus Peace Newsletter 
edited by Connie Hammond (pictured above).
Email cmhammond11@att.net to subscribe to her Community Calendar or share meeting info. 

Saturday, June 26, 2021, 11:00 AM. Pressuring the Nuclear Weapons Profiteers.  Divestment, Direct Action, Media, & International Law.  Massachusetts Peace Action webinar.  Register here

Wednesday, June 30, 2021, 7:00 PM.  Break Free From Plastic Pollution Teach-In & Actions. Join the Sierra Club’s Elissa Yoder Mann to learn about new Federal legislation that finally takes on the crisis of plastic pollution. Find out how we can make it the Law going forward!  Suggested donation $5.00.  More information and register here

Wednesday, June 30, 2021, 7:00 PM.  Break Free From Plastic Pollution Teach-In & Actions. Join the Sierra Club’s Elissa Yoder Mann to learn about new Federal legislation that finally takes on the crisis of plastic pollution. Find out how we can make it the Law going forward!  Suggested donation $5.00.  More information and register here

Saturday, July 10, 2017, 7:00 PM.  Columbus Free Press Second Saturday Salon.  Since we aren’t getting together in person, we can gather for a couple hours on the second Saturday night of each month. Join Zoom Meeting. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83906590837. Meeting ID: 839 0659.


Shall I wear plants or plastic?


MORE LOCAL CALENDARS
Columbus Free Press Activists Calendar Editor Bob Roehm
WCBE Arts & Life Calendar 


BE THE CHANGE: READ OUR COMMUNITY CALENDAR


Be the Change: Join Simply Living
Individual membership rates have been reduced to $25 Seniors, $20. Students only $10. Business memberships starting at $100 PLUS membership in the Ohio Sustainable Business Council.
Sign up online here or email HELLO@simplyliving.org

Like what you’re reading? Share with your friends.
It’s free to subscribe right here.

Comments are closed.