Be the Change Weekly Community Update 1-1-2021

Take a Class and
Support Simply Living


NOTE: You may now register for each class on Eventbrite. Updates will be available on Facebook.

Archetypal Astrology 101

Sun Jan 17th 2:00pm – 3:30pm 2021 
Join Chuck Lynd for a very basic but also fun introduction to the symbols that underlie the signs of the zodiac.
$10. Register on Eventbrite

DIY Cleaners/Household Sustainability Class

Share this event with friends and take the class together.

Tue Jan 19th 6:00pm – 7:30pm 2021
Meet in the Zoom Classroom. Learn with Amy Ceccoli how to lessen your impact on the planet and your wallet by making your own nontoxic cleaners and personal care products. Get some tips on reducing your plastic consumption.
$10. Register on Eventbrite

Cook Along with Chef Del

Tue Feb 9th 6:30pm – 8:30pm 2021
Join Chef Del Sroufe for an online cook along. We will gather remotely, and recipes will be sent in advance to give you 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. $25. Register on Eventbrite.


Simply Living Action Alert: Save Award Winning Community Garden

Children and Youth participate in the Community Garden programs and harvest.

One of our brightest community jewels is under attack. Kossuth Street Garden, winner of the Franklin Park Conservatory Growing to Green Award, sits on property recently purchased by a developer who wants to plow it under to build 10 houses.

TAKE ACTION! Visit our blog post here for more info + pics & a LETTER YOU CAN SEND (and personalize) to make your voice heard before the Zoning Commissioners meet on Thursday, January 14. Please use the FB and Twitter links on the blog post to share this with your friends. Thank you!

New 4-Week Course on Foundations of Compassionate Nonviolent Communication

Simply Living members recommend our local Central Ohio Center for Compassionate Communication. We are pleased to announce their new online series on the the foundations of compassionate nonviolent practice. The 4 week course starts January 17. More here. Full schedule and registration here.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SIMPLY LIVING’S
BE THE CHANGE COMMUNITY CALENDAR


Grassroot Ohio With Carolyn Harding: Organic/Regenerative Farmers, Mick Luber + Emily Pek. (Fri 1-1 at 5 pm & Sun 1-3 at 2) https://tockify.com/simplylivingsu/detail/127/1609538400000

Refresh Your Wardrobe with Natural Dyes (Sat 1-2 at 1 pm)
https://tockify.com/simplylivingsu/detail/328/1609610400000

Real Organic Symposium (Sundays in January)
https://tockify.com/e/simplylivingsu/detail/317/1609704000000

Real Progressives Book Club – The Deficit Myth (Stephanie Kelton – learn about Modern Money Theory (Jan 5)
https://tockify.com/simplylivingsu/detail/326/1609896600000
+
Modern Monetary Theory Study Group
4 Part series starts Monday, Jan 11
https://tockify.com/simplylivingsu/detail/325/1610400600000

Solar PV Training – Books, Training, Certification (Jan 11-17)
https://tockify.com/simplylivingsu/detail/220/1610341200000

The Power of LABOR in a GREEN ECONOMY (Jan 12)
https://tockify.com/e/simplylivingsu/detail/318/1610481600000

Conversations For A Preferred Future-Series: Permaculture Rising
A series of 7 zoom conversations with local leaders around the US whose work explores permaculture, urban ecovillages, year round gardening, and more. Hosted by Jan Spencer of Eugene Oregon. Recommended based on Jan’s presentation at a recent Simply Living meetup.
https://tockify.com/e/simplylivingsu/detail/315/1611273600000

Arc of Appalachia’s
Favorite Photos from a Most Unforgettable Year
Celebrating Nature & Art – 2020

THE QUINTESSENTIAL ROCKY FORK GORGE in the magic light at the Highlands Nature Sanctuary. Photo by Sarah Sells.
BUTTERFLY BOUQUET. Here at the Arc, we have a strong attraction to photos that capture a multitude of species. Adams County naturalist, Dave Kuehner, took this handsome photo of three species of butterflies on one milkweed plant: Tiger Swallowtail, Zebra Swallowtail, and Great Spangled Fritillary.
SPEAKING OF A MULTITUDE OF SPECIES, field researcher Aaron Crank was performing a herpetological study in one of the Arc of Appalachia Preserves and decided to showcase a few of his shining discoveries. In this photo three species are represented: marbled salamander, four-toed salamander, and mud salamander. All the salamanders were safely returned to their homes after the photo was taken.

See these and many other beautiful nature photographs and a short wintry introduction from Arc co-founder
Nancy Stranahan. See the full Newsletter here.

NEWS + RESOURCES FOR LIVING LOCAL

Adrienne Raimo blogs at One Bite Wellness


 Is Your Water Safe? 

With many resolutions around improving health in the new year, one of the specific goals people mention is to “drink more water.” While that is a foundational aspect, you might want to consider first the quality of the water you’re drinking before you increase the quantity. Why?

Water’s unique properties and qualities are what make it essential to us. It helps the human body use minerals and nutrients so that we can:

  • Digest food and eliminate waste products
  • Oxygenate our blood
  • Manufacture hormones and neurotransmitters in the brain
  • Lubricate our joints as well as protect our brain and spinal cords.

    Water is essential for the body’s tiny cells so that they can grow and perform their specialized functions.

    Read the rest of the blog here.

How to Turn Your Yard Into an Ecological Oasis

One of the most read articles in Yes! Magazine in 2020
How to Turn Your Yard Into an Ecological Oasis
by TYLER WELLS LYNCH

For years, Toni Genberg assumed a healthy garden was a healthy habitat. That’s how she approached the landscaping around her home in northern Virginia. On trips to the local gardening center, she would privilege aesthetics, buying whatever looked pretty, “which was typically ornamental or invasive plants,” she says. Then, in 2014, Genberg attended a talk by Doug Tallamy, a professor of entomology at the University of Delaware. “I learned I was actually starving our wildlife,” she says. Read the full story



All thinking worthy of the name must now be ecological.
~ Lewis Mumford

20 Green Things in 20 Minutes
Even the small changes you make can help the planet. Check out these 20 little things you can do to reduce your environmental impact. more…

5 Tips to Safeguard Against
Electromagnetic Radiation

Wireless router and kids using a laptop in home. router wireless broadband home laptop computer phone wifi concept

Your cellphone, microwave, television, and many other electronics emit electromagnetic fields — exposing you to electromagnetic radiation. Do you know how to reduce your exposure to these EMFs? more…

New Year’s Charity Fundraiser Yoga classes
The decade-plus Clintonville tradition continues…
online via Zoom for 2020/2021.
Sat Jan 1 2021 10- 11:15am  
New Year’s Day Slow Flow Yoga Class 
Donation links are in the discussion posts of the Facebook events;  If you are not on Facebook, contact Beaker to arrange donation. Register and get the Zoom information by emailing Beaker at beakerbee@yahoo.com

Classes are by donation, and all donations will go to Impact Community Action in Columbus, which provides emergency financial assistance to individuals and families in need and Doctors Without Borders, providing humanitarian aid worldwide.  
 


“A new human story founded on connection and diversity is emerging. It’s called localization.” ~ Local Futures
Increasingly, people are seeing through the false promises of the global consumer culture. They are recognizing the limitations of the rat-race, and the emptiness of conventional ideas about “success” and “progress”. Not surprisingly, there is a corresponding surge of interest in indigenous knowledge to guide the creation of healthier, more localized futures.

Simply Living has been talking with Denise Bailey about a brief presentation on Trade Policy and the Climate Crisis. Stay tuned for a Meetup later in January. Stay tuned.

CALENDARS!
LIVE LOCAL, BUILD COMMUNITY #SIMPLYLIVING

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. 

Sunday, January 3, 2021, 2:00 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

Tuesday, January 5, 2021, 5:30 – 6:30 PM.   What You Need to Know About: The Fraternal Order of Police Contract.  Locally, two key inflection points have risen to the top of public conversation when talking about police reform: the City of Columbus’ 2021 budget and the renegotiation of the Fraternal Order of Police union contract. To shed light on these processes and how they form the parameters of what’s possible, the New Leaders Council of Columbus is (virtually) assembling activists, policymakers, and other experts for a deep-dive conversation on the FOP contract. Panelists will explain how these labor contracts work, what’s in them, and answer questions from viewers. Join New Leaders Council Columbus on January 5th, 2021 at 5:30 pm via Facebook Live for this much-needed discussion.  Facebook.

Thursday, January 7, 2021, 5:00 PM.   A Deadly Shame Part 2: Nurses on the frontline of the pandemic – Examining the physical and mental health impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.  Led by Michelle Mahon, registered nurse and NNU Assistant Director of Nursing Practice, this webinar will examine the physical and mental health impact of Covid-19, particularly amongst nurses, care givers, and other frontline health care workers. We make sure to utilize groundbreaking research and materials developed by NNU staff to lead the discussion — and our workshops will provide the tools and information needed to advocate for nurses and amplify the life changing work we do in our communities. This webinar is part of NNU’s Nurse Advocacy Network Winter Workshop series.  Register for the workshop here

“We don’t have a right to ask whether we are going to succeed or not. The only question we have a right to ask is what’s the right thing to do? What does this Earth require of us if we want to continue to live on it?”
~ Wendell Berry

Monday, January 11, 2021, 7:00 – 9:00 PM.  New England Film Premiere: Noam Chomsky– Internationalism or Extinction.  A Fundraiser for Massachusetts Peace Action “No one but Noam so passionately links the twin, man-made threats to organized human existence–catastrophic climate change and nuclear doomsday machines–and no previous communication of his warnings and challenge to action has presented them so impressively. The brilliantly chosen visuals transform what might otherwise be an almost unbearable recitation of horrific facts–and the institutional failures to move toward changing them–into a presentation with a potential to inspire and motivate public activism.  Link for more information and registration here

Saturday, January 16, 2021, 10:00 AM.  Virtual COWC New Member Orientation.  What can you do to build power for low wage and immigrant workers in Columbus? Join us for an online new volunteer and membership orientation. In this training you will learn about the key issues facing workers and immigrants today, understand the Central Ohio Worker Center’s mission and strategy for making Columbus a place for all people, and learn what you can do to have an impact. The orientation is a prerequisite for COWC membership but is open to all residents who wish to learn more about the COWC and about grassroots social justice organizing. Please RSVP on Facebook so we can make sure to get you the details of the call!

Monday, January 18, 2021, 9:00 AM.  Join the Celebration Event! 36th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Breakfast. “Now Is the Time.“”We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of Now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God’s children.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Excerpt from I Have a Dream at the Washington D.C. Civil Rights March 1963.  In the wake of COVID-19 this is a virtual event open to the public, but attendance is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Advanced registration is required.  Cost:  $20.00.  More information and registration here

Columbus on the Cheap Good, Cheap, Fun

In This Issue…

Keep up with Columbus on the Cheap on Facebook here.

COLUMBUS UNDERGROUND

Mega Weekend: NYE, Gallery Hop, Free Weekends at CMA

Celebrate New Year’s safely

Bye-Bye 2020! Make sure you see the Columbus Monolith, who knows how long it will be up! Are you enjoying this year’s Best Of’s? We’ve got a last call sale going on Coffee Festival Bundles and Hot Sauce! Enjoy your weekend.

Enjoy Some Live Music

Image design by Nicholas Nocera
The Beatles Marathon is going on today. Find out more about the artists behind it.Tune in to Teeny Tucker’s New Year’s Eve Celebration.

Ring in the New Year

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with cocktails to go! There’s also some seating at Cameron Mitchell RestaurantsBarrel & Boar has a take home meal, Grandview Cafe has limited seating, and Funny Bone welcomes Damon Williams. SŌW Plated has a special New Year’s Day Brunch. Here’s some ways to celebrate safely.

Start the Year with Art

The Columbus Museum of Art will be free on Saturdays and Sundays in January, but you’ll need a timed ticket in advance, and the Raggin’ On exhibit has special pricing. Gallery Hop is still virtual and this one’s theme is Reflecting on 2020 and Women’s Work. Your time to see Conservatory Aglow is running out. It’s the final weekend for Holiday Lights at Columbus Commons and for Wildlights. You can still go Home for the Holidays with JAGtv. Enjoy the Hilltop Art HopAn American Sunrise starts Saturday at The Vanderelli Room.

What else can you do this weekend?

Recycle your Christmas Tree with Alum Creek State Park to help make fish habitats. Recycle your polystyrene in Hilliard on Saturday. Spend the weekend catching up on the Best Films of 2020. Union Cafe’s showing the new season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Get outside to Inniswood Metro Gardens and snap a #cbusparkie. Watch OSU take on Clemson.


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


READ OUR BE THE CHANGE COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Each of us has a spark of life inside us, and our highest endeavor ought to be to set off that spark in one another. ~ Kenny Ausubel

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

Love what we’re doing? Share our passion for nature and sustainable community living? How about volunteering? Love to research, write, communicate? Email Hello@Simplyliving.org or call Chuck Lynd @ 614- 354-6172.

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