
Register here to get the Zoom link. You can also make an optional year-end donation to Simply Living. Register here


Online Solar PV Course Now Available

This course is designed for those new to solar. Ideal for folks wishing to install a system on their home or business, understand what they are getting into if they wish to hire someone to install a system, or enter the rapidly growing PV industry as a career.
This course tracks with the provided textbook (Understanding Photovoltaics). It is organized into 11 chapters, 71 major topic areas – with 11 review quizzes, 25 lab projects, over 550 narrated slides, dozens of integrated videos, links to online resources and materials for added comprehension and more.
This curriculum has been approved by ETA as preparing persons interested in obtaining the PV Level 1 Certification. It has also been approved by for 35 hours of LA CES health, safety, and welfare Professional Development hours.
More at Blue Rock Station!
Now Available… FREE Roadmap to Living the Simple Life short course

Many of us dream of chucking it all and building our little cabin in the woods… raising a few goats… growing what we need.
Well, what you may not realize (or maybe you know it… but don’t really KNOW it) is that living a carefree simple natural life can be a lot of work.
The intention of this quick course is to share some of our ideas and insights in how to make this possible. It is free because the best things in life generally are.

Ohio HB 450 could be the beginning of something good for renewable energy!
Read about it here.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SIMPLY LIVING’S
BE THE CHANGE COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Fri Dec 17th 2:00pm (EST)
It is a heartbreaking moment in our country right now with the devastating weather events that hit the midwest last week. My thoughts and solidarity are with tornado victims and their families in Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi and Tennessee.
As harrowing as it is, these disasters are a stark reminder that the climate crisis is here, already costing lives, destroying communities, and leaving families with nowhere to go. And our elected leaders must help these communities, going beyond relief efforts by committing to real climate action to prevent even more climate disasters like these destructive tornadoes.
That’s why this week’s show — the last Fire Drill Friday of the year — is so important. I’m honored to be talking with a true advocate of economic, social, and environmental justice — Kumi Naidoo. Join us as we break down the outcomes of the recent UN Climate Change Conference, COP26, and why it is so important that elected officials all around the world take urgent action now.
With all the distressing news of the week laying heavy on our hearts, I want to make sure we take a moment to step back, breathe, and reflect on all we’ve accomplished this year. At the end of the show, we will be debuting a look-back video with highlights of some of Fire Drill Friday’s most inspiring and meaningful moments of 2021 — I hope you look forward to it! More details on the SL Calendar here.

Every Friday 5 pm, ET on 94.1FM & streaming @ WGRN.org, Sundays at 2 pm EST on 92.7/98.3 FM and streams @ WCRSFM.org, and Sundays at 4:00pm EST, at 107.1 FM

We’ll host on this zoom channel, and feel free to curl up or gather by a fire with us… Get the full schedule on the Simply Living calendar here.

In addition, we’ll have a holiday photo booth set up and an ornament craft station for kids. Dennis Hodges and fan-favorite Milan of Peace Love and Freedom Farm will be providing live music. And finally, we have confirmation from head elf Hermey that the man in red will be making a stop at the market to refuel on the best homemade cookies and spread some holiday cheer.
What’s fresh: apples, beets, bok choy, cabbage, carrots, celery, lettuce, microgreens, mushrooms, onions, potatoes, spinach, winter squash
In Other News…Columbus-baesd food delivery service highlights eateries owned by people of color – NBC4
Recipes with holiday cheer – Edible Columbus
Registration now open for the 2022 OEFFA Conference: Rooted and Rising
~As always, eat well, be well.~
See the full newsletter here




Sun Dec 19th – Thu 23rd (EST)
>> join now for free

Starting Sunday, December 19, 2021, more than 30 world-renowned scientists, entrepreneurs, visionaries and medicine men & women will come together to share their wisdom on how to craft a sacred journey through this life in stewardship of mother earth. Earthkeepers Summit is an invitation to all of us to remember that we were brought to this world not only to fulfill a personal destiny but to serve our planet as well. The footsteps you take today, the decisions you make tomorrow, the way you chose to lead your life will leave an imprint on our greater collective.
After the amazing success last year with more than 150000 participants from all around the world we’ve put together a brand-new 5 day online conference
filled with inspirational teachings, sacred ceremony and practical tools to support you through this time of massive awakening and change.
>> Click here and join for FREE
“I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change.
I am changing the things I cannot accept.”
~ Angela Y. Davis




Sun Dec 19th 11:00am (EST) • Online
DM @mod_mortician on Instagram or email themodernmortician@gmail.com for more information. More here.

• Online More here.
DM @mod_mortician on Instagram or email themodernmortician@gmail.com for more information

Care and Share Time Bank Gathering
Sun Dec 19th 6:30pm (EST) Let’s talk about… The holidays!
Let’s take some time this month for celebrating with the Time Bank. We’ll have some music from Bill Cohen and Bob Roehm, a little information from a new affiliate, and a small presentation from afar. This would be a perfect time to meet new members and to reconnect current members! It will just be a low-key gathering for the holidays -join us!
Join Zoom Meeting here. More info on the SL calendar here.

The event will be held at Woodland Altars Sugar Grove area, 33200 State Route 41, Peebles, Ohio. Preregistration can be made on Eventbrite.
The cost is $10 for event admission or $30 for an overnight
bunk and admission combined. Contact curanderasongs@aol.com for the combination. Onsite admission will be available as well. The Facebook event page will continue to post updates here. The event site is a scenic retreat nestled in the beautiful hills of Adams County, only 6 miles from The Great Serpent Mound. It is located on an ancient sea bed that is centered in a 320 million year old meteor Impact Crater. More info on the SL calendar here.

Please join us in the Cloud Zendo or on Zoom for the New Year’s Eve Sit
and a special talk by Roshi Joan Halifax, PhD about the coming year.
We will be live streaming on our YouTube channel as well as on zoom.
Register here for the New Year’s Eve Sit

The Clintonville tradition continues…online once again. Join Simply Living member Beaker Prince for a mindful yoga practice to center and let go of 2021. Location will be in your living room via Zoom; class will be by donation with all proceeds going to Impact Community Action in Columbus and Doctors Without Borders. Visit the FB link here or email Beaker at beakerprince@gmail.com for more information.

The Clintonville tradition continues…online once again. Join Simply Living member Beaker Prince for a yoga practice to bring intention , movement and breath into the New Year. Location will be in your living room via Zoom; class will be by donation with all proceeds going to Impact Community Action in Columbus and Doctors Without Borders. Visit the link above or email Beaker at beakerprince@gmail.com for more information.

Blue Chip Economic Forecast
Wed Jan 5th 11:30am (EST) 2022
Lunch is Served11:30am Program12:00pm The Boat House and CMC YouTube Channel 679 West Spring Street Columbus, Ohio 43215
Join CMC for our annual first forum of the New Year featuring Bill LaFayette, Ph.D., Owner, Regionomics, Doug Buchanan, Editor in Chief, Columbus Business First, and Fadhel Kaboub, Ph.D., Associate professor of Economics, Denison University, and President, Global Institute for Sustainable Prosperity, with host Mark Williams, Business Reporter, The Columbus Dispatch.
JOIN US IN THE ROOM for this discussion on January 5th, in person audience seating is available. Please make reservations by Tuesday, January 4th. We cannot accommodate walk ins.
You can also join us on the CMC YouTube Channel to view and participate during this livestream event. We encourage you to register and support CMC by purchasing a virtual seat. When you register, you can submit questions in advance.
NEWS + RESOURCES
FOR LIVING LOCAL

Conservatory Aglow for the Holidays

Thousands of holiday lights illuminate the botanical gardens. A colorful tunnel welcomes visitors, a light show combines music and color and a menagerie of glowing topiaries are placed throughout the gardens. Step inside to enjoy Holiday Blooms and don’t miss the starry night and winter wonderland displays in the courtyards. Conservatory Aglow will not take place on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. All guests are strongly encouraged to reserve tickets in advance. RESERVE TICKETS
Presented by American Electric Power Foundation and lighting partner Ahlum & Arbor Tree Preservation.

The truth is that bugs are exquisite in their evolutionary design and they should be able to exists for their own sake, not just for the value in service they give us. But they should be revered for all the vital roles they do play in keeping our only and shared home inhabitable.
READ the excerpt here. Access more excellent resources from The Post Carbon Institute and more on Rebugging at Resilience.org.
Healing Through the Deep Unconscious with Stan Grof

Choose your preferred day and time to watch this FREE virtual event here: https://shiftnetwork.infusionsoft.com/go/nhseg/a23003
In this mind-expanding mini-workshop with Gregg, you’ll find out how these new scientific discoveries have the potential to change the way you think about yourself, your relationship to your body, to others, to the earth, and even to Spirit.


We are all earthlings. The earth is more important than any nation, religion, or other group. It is only in our lifetime that we are beginning to understand the extent of the universe, and where we are in it. It is also in our lifetime that many of the secrets of life have started to be unlocked. It is the responsibility of our generation to embrace the discoveries of this age and to give up the ancient superstitions that were born out of ignorance. If you like it, give it a thumbs up and subscribe to their channel.


Phone: +1 614 400 5779

OCA’s Breaking the Chains Campaign is focusing consumers’ attention on how each purchasing decision can lead to a safer, greener, and more equitable society. Millions of green minded consumers around the world have broken the chains of corporate control in their own lives, by supporting organic, Fair Made, and locally produced products and businesses. More…

We offer several Discussion Courses for facilitating small or large group dialogue as engagement programs, introducing and discussing various topics within sustainability. Complimentarily, our Building Bridges toolkit works well as a stand-alone program session, or as an additional session to any of our Discussion Course books. Enjoy!
DOWNLOAD THE BUILDING BRIDGES COMMUNICATION TOOLKITDOWNLOA


Growing interest in regenerative land practices and demand for organic food have led to consistent expansion of acres devoted to organic farming. Read YES! magazine article here
We are dependent on each other. Therefore, replenishing the soil, replenishing society and being part of one continuum – that’s the new story. ~ Satish Kumar



5 Non-Material Holiday Gift Ideas

Your Guide to Winter Container Gardening

Green Your Holiday Décor With Upcycled Ornaments



Did you learn something new today?
Please Support Earth911 database updates so we can help others recycle!
“We are making possible today a way of life
people in the future will choose.”
~ Larry Harvey



Listen on your radio or online anytime!
CALENDARS!
LIVE LOCAL, BUILD COMMUNITY #SIMPLYLIVING

Good, Cheap, Fun
- Snow Trails Skiing and Snowboarding Opening Day and Season information
- Merriment Market at Land-Grant Brewing Company
- Ice Sculpture Tour and other Holiday fun in Uptown Westerville
- Holiday events and more at Grange Insurance Audubon Center
- Over 245 free or cheap events this weekend in Columbus!
- Get a fully-cooked Christmas Dinner to-go in Columbus
- Shop Local in Columbus for the Holidays
- Comfort Dental: Free dental care on Care Day
- New Year’s Eve Parties in Columbus 2021-2022
- Free Admission to Columbus Zoo Wildlights for Public Safety and Healthcare Employees
- The Best White Elephant Gift Exchange Ideas
- Your Guide to Christmas and Holiday Events in Columbus
- Christmas in Downtown Columbus
- Free winter fun at Preservation Parks in Delaware
- Skate Zone 71 Holiday and Winter Break Parties
- Upcoming free and cheap events for kids
- Safe Outdoor Dining: Igloos, heated patios, and more
- 2022 Columbus Winter Beerfest
- Santa’s Wonderland and Santa Pictures at Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops

Check out Wes Williams and the landscaping services he offers:
https://www.plantconnections.net/
COLUMBUS UNDERGROUND
Mega Weekend
Stellar Comedy, Ugly Sweaters, Ice Skating & More!

Here’s a rundown of fun things to do this weekend. Dublin and Easton have opened outdoor ice skating rinks. We’ve featured 60 gift ideas so far! Make plans for NYE. Enjoy your weekend!
Nightlife

Check out the lineup at tonight’s CBus Comedy! Beat Lounge takes over The Oracle.
Zaftig in Worthington brings back their Ugly Sweater Christmas Party.
The Guest Room has a stellar comedy lineup too!
Otherworld presents Tinlicker and more.
Comedian Chris Gethard performs at Woodland’s Tavern. Catch Herobust at Skully’s.
Double Happiness features OPE Collective and you can try w*nder’s new CBD seltzer.
The new Cave Bar features DJ Lord JayB.
Enjoy holiday whiskey and jazz at The Light of Seven Matchsticks.s at Rumba. Borgore performs at Dahlia.
Holiday Events

Feather Your Nest has a special holiday sip and shop tonight.
It’s the last Festive Fridays of the season at Columbus Commons (but the lights will be up for awhile).
Go on a tour of all of the lights downtown.
Go caroling during Songs on Sullivant.
Enjoy a baroque holiday collection.
Go watch …holiday… movie Killer Raccoons 2!
This weekend, enjoy performances of Black Nativity.
Shop a special Holiday Market Event at North Market Bridge Park.
Go on the Johnny Velo Santa Bike Ride! Or take that outfit to Skate Zone 71 for Bad Santa night.
Shop the Merriment Market at Land Grant.
ENJOY EXPLORING ART

Watch Santa Claus Conquers the Martians.
The Wex hosts the Found Footage Festival.
Opera Columbus presents Tosca.
WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO
THIS WEEDKEND?
Try Top Chef competitor Avishar Barua’s Talenti flavor.
Are you a man curious about barbecue? Join ManBQue tonight for a ‘meat’ing.
Do you have some books you no longer need?
Plenty O’Cookies is having a special holiday cookie and cocoa bomb sale!
Enjoy a Winter Solstice Vegan Popup.
Watch Spider-Man No Way Home and try paired beers.
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.


edited by Connie Hammond (pictured above).
Email cmhammond11@att.net to subscribe to her Community Calendar or share meeting info.
Sunday, December 19, 2021, 5:00 – 7:00 PM. Redbird Books to Prisoners. We collect, pack, and send books to Ohio prisoners every 1st and 3rd Sunday. Location: Thirdhand Bike Coop, 979 East 5th Ave, Columbus. Please wear a mask, and please don’t park in front of the building.
Tuesday, December 21, 2021, 6:00 – 7:00 PM. Memorial Service 2021. Remembering friends and family who passed away while homeless this year. Sponsored by Columbus Coalition for the Homeless With support from the ADAMH Board of Franklin County This year’s theme: Preventing overdose deaths For more information, please contact the Coalition at 614-228-1342. Location: Trinity Episcopal Church 125 E. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215. Also streaming live on Facebook during the event at https://www.facebook.com/columbuscoalitionforthehomeless.
MORE LOCAL CALENDARS
Columbus Free Press Activists Calendar Editor Bob Roehm
WCBE Arts & Life Calendar


BE THE CHANGE: BROWSE OUR COMMUNITY CALENDAR
