Simply Living Garden Tour Facebook Photo Contest!
ACTION: Attend the Simply Living 2021 Sustainable Living Garden Tour on July 24.
Register here: bit.ly/SLGardenTour Take a selfie or other photo at one of the sites. Post to the Simply Living
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SimplyLivingohio Get the most likes!
WIN: Leafy Toilet Paper —- Made with 100% bamboo and biodegradable packaging.


Raffle Prizes for $25 Ticket Owners at the Garden Tour
Register Now
Have a $10 Ticket? Upgrade here to enter the raffle.
Raffle prizes for lucky $25 Ticket holders include baskets from the North Market Spice Company, Bexley Natural Market, Wild Birds International (east), 3 Movie Passes to Studio 35, 2 Gift Certificates ($25 each) from Portia’s Cafe, Native Plants from Sunny Glen Garden, a Complimentary Float at True Rest Float Spa, and more coming! Chances of YOU Winning? Excellent! So MANY Donations!

Sat Jul 17th 12:00pm – 3:00pm (EDT)
Location: Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Square, Columbus.
In February, Sunrise Columbus and Sunrise hubs across Ohio launched a campaign for transit justice. We delivered over 100 letters to Senator Sherrod Brown, who, as Chairman of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, is uniquely positioned to impact transit in our country. We demand that Senator Brown champion public transit and secure federal funding for expanded, accessible, and green public transit. Why should you care about public transit?Transit is an economic engine. Tens of millions of people in the U.S. rely on public transit to get to work every day, while every dollar invested in transit offers a five-to-one return. Ohio alone boasts over 200 manufacturers in the transit vehicle supply chain, and over 10,000 essential transit workers. Transit is a civil right. Investing in public transit is an investment in racial justice. Sixty percent of transit riders are people of color. Yet over the past several decades, the federal investment in transportation has consistently neglected public transit. Register here.
Mark Your Calendars! The Democracy Film Series returns
The New Corporation: The Unfortunate Necessary Sequel
Film + Q&A Sat-Sun August 28-29
Co-Sponsored by Simply Living and the
Ohio Community Rights Network

The film will be available for a 24 -hour period before the Q&A, which starts promptly at 2:00 pm EST on Sunday the 29th.
The New Corporation reveals how the corporate takeover of society is being justified by the sly rebranding of corporations as socially conscious entities. From gatherings of corporate elites in Davos, to climate change and spiralling inequality; the rise of ultra-right leaders to Covid-19 and racial injustice, the film looks at corporations’ devastating power. Countering this is a groundswell of resistance worldwide as people take to the streets in pursuit of justice and the planet’s future. More on the festival series here Link to the trailer here.

To be notified and reserve a seat as soon as registration is available, email chuck@simplyliving.org.

Join us for an hour-long “Plastics Pub Quiz” from the comfort of your home. Compete with friends (tell them to sign up too!) and win fun prizes (Green Columbus t-shirts, tote bags, reusable straws). BYOB. All you need is a device to join the zoom call and a phone/tablet/laptop to participate in the game (it’s easy and we’ll show you how at the beginning). It’s free, it’s going to be a little challenging, and you can test your knowledge of plastics. Sign up here. Brought to you in partnership with SWACO.
“Effective community organizing must be rooted in truly authentic relationship building, deep listening and understanding, and 1-1s are the “bread and butter” of effective organizing work — and it takes time! Don’t rush it.” ~ Kristerfer Burnett, Baltimore City Councilman, Progressive Governance Academy Alum
“The roots of a lasting relationship are mindfulness, deep listening and loving speech, and a strong community to support you.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SIMPLY LIVING’S BE THE CHANGE COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Grand reopening at YogaSix‘s Upper Arlington location (1600 W. Lane Ave.) this weekend. Free classes and workshops! More here.

Fri Jul 16th 11:00am – 12:30pm
Start your journey to better health and balance. More info here.




Come enjoy some good old fiddle/banjo dance music! http://www.timbrewolvesband.com/

See the JC Update here that includes local art gallery, local Lunchbox Concerts, and future live music at JC
FYI, Open Mic sessions happen every Friday evening.


Our thoughts, our words, our actions are all medicine. (don Oscar Miro-Quesada)

Our July meeting will feature Moriah Flagler and KJ Dye giving some tools to help us in our pandemic crisis.
More info and login here.


Attend a virtual class to receive your rebate voucher! In the online class you’ll learn about different actions you can take to improve water quality like installing rain barrels and rain gardens, planting native plants, using proper lawn care techniques, and composting to improve soil conditions. More info and registration links here.



National Radon Action Month: Best Practices for State and Tribal Radon Programs
More info and registration link here.
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

Learn about the Memorial event Saturday July 17 at !2nonn and 1 pm
at Stratford Ecological Center here.
Columbus friends remember kindly ‘A-OK Lady’ after couple’s brutal double homicide in Lincoln Village COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — There was nothing Susan Castore loved to do more, say her friends, than give kindness to everyone — without exception. ““She was on a mission. She spread compassion kindness, and hope around Ohio, and she was very organized about this, and determined,” said Becky Allen, who knew Castore as the A-OK Lady through Simply Living, a group that aims at “creating a compassionate and sustainable world” in central Ohio..www.nbc4i.com |

Happenings at or around Blue Rock Station |
We have a number of in-person and online events planned for the coming months: July 24th: Tour make-up for people signed up for 2020. |
August 14th: Earth Oven weekend at Blue Rock Station. Have you been here before, are fully vaccinated and have a passion for learning how to build an outdoor earth oven at the Overlook at BRS? Send me a note via email or messenger to register. Cost is $55 includes instruction, meals & overnight camping. August 16th-21st: Solar Installer Certification Level I class, Zane State College, Zanesville OH August 28th: Buffalo Gals Round Up spot welding class at Cherokee Valley Bison Ranch Thornville OH (email Annie to register) August 30th – October 9th: Six week Solar Installer Certification Level I class, University of Dayton, Dayton OH |
Last year wasn’t a “lost year”. It was a time of reframing our lives
and setting new priorities. ~ Annie Warmke

Watch our film The Condor &The Eagle here, until Sunday, July 25th.

Overall Economic Impact Study of ECDI’s Lending to Ohio Entrepreneurs by Bill Lafayette, Ph.D.
Research shows that spending more time in nature can improve your health, happiness and lead to better environmental decisions. ~ the Nature Rx
Research articles can be found here.

Columbus is the occupied land of the Kaskaskia,Shawandasse Tula (Shawanwaki/Shawnee), Myaamia, and Hopewell ~ Elissa Yoder Mann’s Esig
Time to Reconnect with Mother Nature?
Independence Dam State Park Campground

Reservations are required; they can be made online or by calling (866) 644-6727.
There are no lines in nature, only areas of colour, one against another.
~ Edouard Manet
COMMON GREENS OHIO

Special Events, New Producers, Announcements & More!
Upper Arlington: Musical entertainment by Scott Brooks. Food truck: Biscuit Boss. Producer list & market map.
Bexley: Musical entertainment by KaTanya Ingram: The Gallery Hop Singer. Food truck: Pitabilities.
Community table: Bexley CHAT. Producer list & market map.
Clintonville: Musical entertainment by The Half Suns. Community table: Experience Columbus. Producer list & market map.
Market SCHEDULE
Upper Arlington Wednesdays: 4-7 pm at 2850 Tremont Rd
Bexley Thursdays: 4-7 pm at E Main St and S Dawson Ave
Clintonville Saturdays: 9 am-12 pm at the Ohio History Center
It’s all about the berries. The sweetness of Ohio summers are accented by the current abundance of raspberries, blueberries and black berries at the market. Not to be overshadowed by the veritable rainbow of veggies on producer tables right now, the berries are here for their moment in the sun as well. July is actually National Blueberry Month, a monthlong celebration as tasty as it is timely. Whether you prefer them baked into a pie, plopped into an icy drink or providing a sweet note on a summer salad, blueberries are easily one of the most versatile fruits.
Fun Facts About Blueberries
- There are two types of blueberries, highbush and lowbush. Highbush berries are the types you commonly find at grocery stores and farmers markets. Lowbush berries are smaller, sweeter blueberries often used for processing into juices, jams, blueberry muffin mixes, etc.
- North American highbush blueberry production has increased by more than 500 million pounds since 1998.
- Peak blueberry season in most of the country runs from mid-June to mid-August. We start to see them at markets in Ohio starting in July.
- Blueberries freeze in just 4 minutes.
- Blueberries have high levels of antioxidants, such as anthocyanins – the compounds that color the fruits blue.
How to preserve blueberries
Blueberry and beet salad with savory berry vinaigrette
Blueberry chutney + goat cheese

Check out Wes Williams and the landscaping services he offers:
https://www.plantconnections.net/

It would cover all necessary medical care at 100% of costs for all of US, with no copays or deductibles…no out of network; no pre-existing conditions; no sign up or annual renewal needed; no insurance administrator deciding what care your can or can’t get; see any medical licensed provider, including hospital… covers dental, vision and hearing care; covers long term care…95% of Americans will spend less on healthcare..Issues like disparity of healthcare due to race, mental illness, and long term rehabilitation are addressed in the legislation.
Speakers available for small or large groups. ZOOM available.
To get a yard sign, ($5 donation requested) contact Bob Krasen, SPAN Ohio Columbus Coordinator
614.261.0754 (please leave a message) brkrasen@gmail.com


Experienced EV driver of 20 years, Bill Nye the Science Guy takes us on a virtual test drive of his Chevy Bolt.
Hear first hand why he loves to drive electric! Watch now >> Video credit: Sierra Club
You must not ever stop being whimsical. And you must not, ever, give anyone else the responsibility for your life.” ― Mary Oliver, Wild Geese


This World Population Day (7/11), the decades-long hesitancy to link reproductive rights and climate is getting the spotlight it deserves. Drawdown Lift Director Kristen P. Patterson says it’s time for folks to “blend these vital, complex and interconnected parts of an equitable and sustainable life on Earth.” Explore Patterson’s Ms. Magazine op-ed to learn why supporting universal reproductive rights alongside climate action will help save lives.
“The time is ripe to include women’s reproductive rights as part of our climate solutions toolbox. Doing more, together, is the best path to a more healthy, equitable climate future for women and girls around the world, particularly the most vulnerable among us.” ~ Kristen Patterson Full article via Ms Magazine here.

The Power of Local Money for a Thriving Economy by JACKIE BROWN
Read the full article in YES! Magazine here.
It is a serious thing just to be alive on this fresh morning
in this broken world. ~ Mary Oliver


Good Better Best – Reducing Textile Waste

We throw out a lot of clothing in the U.S. We can blame cheap, “fast fashion” for our textile waste,
but what about all of the bedding, furniture, carpets, and other textiles piling up in our landfills?
Can we do better? Let’s look at some steps you can take to reduce textile waste. more…
Recycling Mystery: Toothbrushes & Toothpaste Tubes
3 Big Reasons ‘Wishcycling’ Is Always a Bad Idea

Learn the real damage caused when we put wrong things in the recycling — and how to avoid it. more…



Get the low-down on how to avoid adding these items to your landfill waste. more…

Listen on your radio or online anytime!

CALENDARS!
LIVE LOCAL, BUILD COMMUNITY #SIMPLYLIVING

Good, Cheap, Fun
- Over 175 free or cheap events this weekend in Columbus!
- All Ohio Reptile Show with dragons, pythons, and frogs (oh my!)
- ‘Museums for All’ makes Columbus attractions accessible to all
- Trivia, live music, and special events at Taft’s Brewporium
- Fun at the Dams and Lakes with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and SACCA
- 2021 Short North Tour of Homes & Gardens
- Annual All Ohio Balloon Fest in Marysville
- Free and cheap family activities to beat the heat
- Over 15 Free Summer Reading Programs
- Cheryl’s Cookies Summer Bake Sale: up to 75% off
- Free Tea Day at McAlister’s Deli on July 22
- Columbus Clippers Games and Promotions
- Free Outdoor movies around Columbus 2021
- Sunflower Fields in Central Ohio – Lynd Fruit Farm and Circle S now in bloom!
- Columbus Jazz and Rib Fest presents BBQ Week
- Updated! Cool off at Free Splash Pads in Columbus in 2021
- Don’t miss the Taste of Powell Tour in 2021
- Tickets now available for Picnic with the Pops at Columbus Commons
COLUMBUS UNDERGROUND
Mega Weekend
Beach Boogie, Summer Wines, Ghostbusters, and More!

It’s going to be warm this weekend! Some sessions to the Columbus Coffee Festival are selling out! Have a great weekend, there’s lots of things to do.
Music & Nightlife

Take your dog to Endeavor for a Patio Pawty.
Music in the Parks has The Deeptones.
Polaris’ Music Series features Fleetwood Gold.
Head to Nelsonville for Dawna.
There’s comedy happening at Brothers Drake and at The Walrus.
Damn Girl! is back so pull out your beach outfits for a Beach Boogie party.
LeBoom! returns with Blunts & Blondes.
Tito Puente Jr. plays the Picnic with the Pops.
Catch The Talisha Holmes Ensemble at Natalie’s in Worthington.
Fun Things to Buy and Eat

Ohio Burger Week is going on! Shop the Elm & Iron Warehouse Sale.
Get some plants! North Market’s Night Market is back.
Shop the Bliss Home Market for some things for the home.
Saturday is another Record Store Drop Day!
Suzy Ultman has some new stuff and wants to do a Berry Zoom with you!
Try some CRMD ice creams and Columbus Brewing Company drafts.
Shop an Art Market at Taft’s.
Enjoy a Summer Wine Festival.
Shop the Sunlight Market downtown on Gay Street on Sunday.
Give Peanut Butter & Jenny a try at The Ohio Taproom.
ENJOY EXPLORING ART

It’s the last weekend to see Richard III by The Actors’ Theatre Co.
Catch Escape from New York at the South Drive-In.
Watch Jaws at the Green Lawn Abbey.
Grab an ectoplasm J-Pop at the showing of Ghostbusters in Goodale Park.
Zoombezi Bay shows Black Panther.
Trolls World Tour will play at Columbus Commons.
There’s a closing reception for Brothers 2021.
Secret Studio Cinema starts with The Seventh Seal. Image above from this classic Bergman film
WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO
THIS WEEDKEND?
Do you want solar panels?
The Sunflower Fields have opened.
Do some yoga at MPACC. Merion Village has a fitness series going too.
Columbus Crew SC takes on New York.
Enjoy a Black Widow Beer Tasting & a Movie.
Go on a history tour of Bronzeville.
Prepare yourself for next week’s BBQ WEEK!
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.
Friday, July 16, 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.
Saturday, July 17, 2021, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Central Ohio Labor Council’s Labor 2021 Pro-Act Canvassing Day of Action. Meet at the CLC office in the UFCW 1059 building, 4150 E. Main St., Columbus 43213. We will go door to door to talk with union members and supports about the PRO Act and collect PRO Act postcard signatures. Facebook.
Saturday, July 17, 2021, 12:00 – 3:00 PM. Columbus Rally for Public Transit and a Green Future. In February, Sunrise Columbus and Sunrise hubs across Ohio launched a campaign for transit justice. We delivered over 100 letters to Senator Sherrod Brown, who, as Chairman of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, is uniquely positioned to impact transit in our country. We demand that Senator Brown champion public transit and secure federal funding for expanded, accessible, and green public transit. Location: Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Square, Columbus. More information here.
Sunday, July 18, 2021, 3:00 PM. US Intervention in Nicaragua’s Elections Since 1984. This webinar will cover the most blatant US intervention in each election. Speakers Chuck Kaufman and Nils McCune will address the US funding of the opposition; the RAIN United States Aid for International Development destabilization project; US sanctions and other recent US interference. This will be the day before the July 19 celebration. Chuck Kaufman has been on the national staff of the Nicaragua Network/Alliance for Global Justice since 1987. He has led many delegations including one prior to the 2006 presidential election in which the US Ambassador admitted he had $17 million to spend on the election. Nils McCune has a Masters in Sustainable Agriculture from the Universidad Central de Las Villas in Cuba and a PhD in Ecology and Sustainable Development from El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR) in Mexico. He has carried out research on agroecology, food systems education and alternative economies in Cuba, Mexico, Nicaragua and Puerto Rico. He is currently a Research Associate at the University of Vermont, a Visiting Researcher at El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR) in Mexico, and the Regional Communications Specialist of La Vía Campesina North America. Register here.
Sunday, July 18, 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.
Monday, July 19, 2021, 5:30 PM. Clintonville Area Progressives Happy Hour and Meeting on Zoom. We decided to combine our usual happy hour and meeting. Holly Ningard, who is a Lecturer in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Ohio University, will join us to discuss police/community relations. Her expertise in this area is substantial. We look forward to hearing from her. The Zoom link is here: https://ashlanduniversity.zoom.us/j/95240019942. Meeting ID: 952 4001 9942 Dial by your location: +1 646 876 9923 US (New York). Pour yourself an adult beverage and tune in for a good discussion and some time to chat with fellow progressives.
Monday, July 19, 2021, 12:00 – 1:00 PM. Central Ohio Labor Council Action – Informational Picket Senate Offices. Gather at noon in front of Senator Sherrod Brown’s office, 200 N. High St., Columbus (corner of N. High and Spring St.) to thank him for standing with us and supporting the PRO Act. Then at 12:30 we will march to Rob Portman’s office, 37 W. Broad St., to on him to support the PRO Act. Facebook.
Tuesday, July 20, 2021, 7:30 PM. Defund Hate Training: Understanding how Congress funds ICE and CBP. For decades, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have separated countless families, caused the deaths of people seeking refuge, and terrorized our communities. Stopping the flow of money to these agencies is an important step to ending systems of cruelty against immigrants. Join our training to learn more about how Congress funds ICE and CBP with our taxpayer dollars—and how you can advocate to defund ICE and CBP. In this training, participants will learn: About the appropriations process and how it has led to the insane growth of ICE and CBP budgets: Specific concepts like continuing resolutions, reprogramming, and transfers of appropriated funds, omnibus, and other relevant terminology; How to make connections between the detentions and deportations in our communities and funding decisions made in Congress. How to advocate for significant cuts to ICE and CBP. Register here.
Wednesday, July 21, 2021, 1:00 PM. Introducing Jewish Voice for Peace. Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) is one of our strongest allies in opposing the occupation of Palestine and has had an impact worldwide. They will tell us their story. We’ll also hear from one of its most prominent members, Dr. Alice Rothchild, Harvard professor, filmmaker, and political analyst who will speak to the current situation in the Middle East. United Methodists for Kairos Response and Methodist Federation for Social Action Webinar. Register here.
Thursday, July 22, 2021, 6:00 PM. Ohio Sierra Club: Virtual Screening of The Story of Plastics. Plastic Free July is in full swing! This week you can view the film Big Plastic does not want you to see in the privacy of your own home. After registering, you’ll be able to view the film anytime between now and the discussion on July 22nd. We’ll be sharing what we learned and how we can take action! Register here.
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
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