Be the Change Community Update January 21, 2022
What's In This Issue:
Lots of news and events:
> Simply Share Your Passion
> First Friday with Sustainable Columbus
> New Discussion Course on Path to an Ecological Culture
> Tell Columbus YOUR vision for Our City's Future
> Sustainable Living Webinar: Lessons from Ecovillage Ithaca
> New Inside Community Podcast from the Federation for Intentional Communities
> See New EVs in the Plug In America Newsletter
> Jane Fonda's Fire Drill Friday is back Saturday at 2 pm
> Bill Cohen's Valentine Concert is ONLINE on Friday Feb 4th 7:30 - 9 pm
> New sustainable products at the Bexley Natural Market
> Hemp Versus Cotton? Check out the Infographic
> Don't forget to browse all events on our Calendar here

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Simply Living Events
Simply Share New Monthly Meetup Sun Jan 23 @ 3 pm

What's that podcast you can't stop listening to? The new documentary you've been dying to discuss with someone? That YouTube video with the gardening tips that blew your mind? Simply Living invites you to share whatever is inspiring you at Simply Share, a monthly salon and media exchange.
We're starting on Zoom but may switch to in person or hybrid in the future. It's free for members. Register here. Not a member? Join here. Free will donations support the work of Simply Living. Thanks!
February First Friday
First Fridays
Columbus Climate Action Plan and Equity Initiatives
Fri Feb 4 @ Noon

Last year Columbus released its Climate Action Plan, committing to reducing carbon emissions 45% communitywide by 2030. But what's in the plan? What areas does it address? What are its goals?

Join Simply Living and Sustainable Columbus to learn more about the Columbus Climate Action Plan and new initiatives Columbus is pursuing to increase equity. Speakers include Erin Beck, Assistant Director of Sustainability, and one more TBA. There will be one or two short presentations followed by Q and A.

This event kicks off Simply Living's 2022 First Fridays series exploring sustainability initiatives in Columbus and beyond. We hope to see you there! Register here
NEW Discussion Course:
A Path to a New Ecological Culture
Wednesdays 7 - 8:30 pm
Feb 16, 23, March 2, 9


This is a 4 week discussion course based on the 4-part article “The Path to an Ecological Future for Humanity.” The article links here. It is not necessary to read the article but it will be helpful. It is not necessary to attend every class session.

Week 1: The Cultural Creatives – a Third Force in the Radical Middle
Week 2: Literacy, Traditional Science, and the Problem of Dualistic Thinking
Week 3: The Relational Shift to Ecological Sciences
Week 4: A New Era for Humanity: Technozoic Age or an Ecozoic Age?

Instructor: Chuck Lynd will begin with a short slide presentation and then facilitate the discussion of each topic.

The goal of the course is to deepen our understanding of what it means to co-evolve a new culture rooted in ecological values and understand the role of Simply Living in building sustainability in central Ohio.

Graphic credit: Yes! Magazine Issue on What Does An Ecological Civilization look Like?
Simply Living News
Tree of the Month:
Oak (Quercus sp)
Oaks, the trees of the genus Quercus, are among the most important hardwood trees. There are approximately 500 species of oaks worldwide and a little under 100 in the United States, but they are found primarily in the northern hemisphere. Oaks provide a huge percentage of the edible mast for wildlife, and of course oak is tremendously useful as lumber. They are among the longest lived trees and can survive for four or five centuries in favorable conditions.
Community Events
20th Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival Ends Sunday Jan 23
Considered one of the nation’s premier environmental and adventure film festivals, this year’s films combine stellar filmmaking, beautiful cinematography and first-rate storytelling to inform, inspire and ignite solutions and possibilities to restore the earth and human communities while creating a positive future for the next generation. Festival-goers can expect award-winning films about nature, community activism, adventure, conservation, water, energy and climate change, wildlife, environmental justice, agriculture and more.

Details & links on the SL Calendar here
Jane Fonda FIRE DRILL FRIDAYS: Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance during COP26 - Jan 21 at 2 pm
RSVP on FacebookTwitterYouTube, or Twitch

I’m thrilled to kick off the year with some amazing guests — Catherine Abreu, Founder and Executive Director of Destination Zero, and Romain Ioualalen from Oil Change International — to talk about the launch of the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance during COP26. This is the first-ever diplomatic alliance dedicated to keeping oil and gas in the ground, and a huge step in the fight against the growing climate emergency. We’ll learn what exactly the alliance entails, how it came to be, and how it will help us end the era of fossil fuels. I hope you’ll tune in!

Romain Ioualalen is the Global Policy Campaign Manager at Oil Change International, based in Paris. He works to push countries to ban new oil and gas projects and to plan a just and equitable phase out from global fossil fuel production.

Catherine Abreu is the Founder and Executive Director of Destination Zero, a new organization focused on building community for a fossil free future. An award-winning campaigner and coalition builder, Catherine has spent 15 years developing creative strategies that put people and community at the heart of climate action.
Grassroot Ohio with Carolyn Harding
Every Friday 5 pm on 94.1 FM and streaming @ WGRN.org, Repeats on Sundays at 2 pm on 92.7/98.3 FM and streams @ WCRSFM.org.

Conversations with everyday people, working on important issues here in Columbus and all around Ohio. Justice: environmental, social, racial, economic, with folks on the front lines.

Details on Facebook here. Listen to Podcast archives here.
Bike Commuters - All Seasons

Who are these intrepid commuters? Rain, Snow, Heat, Dark & Traffic? They aren’t deterred. We’ll talk with several committed Ohioan bike commuters and find out some of the secrets, tricks, inspiration & gear needed for this hard core commitment.

Carolyn Harding interviews Karyn Deibel, Steve Palm-Hauser, Jerry Ulibarri and Catherine Girves.

Rebroadcast from Feb 2020. Enjoy!
FREE hike in the Hocking Hills from 9-11 am Sat Jan 22. Details here.

Additional Information
Grab a buddy if 6 miles is long and leave a car at the halfway point (The Nature Center). The trail will be well-marked and ready for a self-guided hike if that is the participants preference. There are some hills particularly on the west side of the lake. The east side of Turkey Creek is relatively flat.
COMMON GREENS:
Inside the Market
Saturday, January 22
9 am - 12 Noon
When the temperature dips into the teens and low twenties at night, it can be hard to remember that fresh greens and carrots are still being harvested in greenhouses and hoop houses across Central Ohio. I get excited when I see heads of bok choy, leeks, scallions, and vibrant bags of spinach, lettuce mix and baby kale on farmers tables in January. These are the champions of winter, seasonal powerhouses delivering vitamins A and C, both of which boost your immune system (a crucial benefit during cold and flu season!). Embracing them does a body good, literally.

If you need some leafy green inspiration, check out these recipes:
Caldo Verde (Portuguese Kale Soup)

Adding a handful of chopped greens to fried rice, scrambled eggs or even mac n' cheese is an easy way to up a dish's health factor. Just remember they will cook down quite a bit, and sauteing them will preserve their nutritional value!

Click here to view the market map and list of scheduled producers. New this week: Hinton Apiaries and Mondale Collections!

In Other News...

See the full Newsletter here and meet the new Winter Market Manager, and more!
Foundations of Compassionate Nonviolent Communication (Virtual)
Sat Jan 22, 2 pm - Sat Feb 26, 4 pm

This six-week, online foundations class is perfect for people new to Compassionate Nonviolent Communication (NVC) or refreshing their practice with the basics. Plan to meet from 2-4 pm (EST) every Saturday from January 22 through February 26, 2022. We've reimagined our classic 4-week training into a 6-week training to meet your needs as well as ours.
See the full 6 week breakdown here. More info and Registration link here.
What is a Fibershed?
Mon Jan 24 at 6 pm
What is a Fibershed? A collaborative network of local fiber farmers, processors, weavers, designers, shop owners, and consumers that are building a community to create local textiles in a way that decreases consumption of fast (plastic) fashion, supports a local circular economy, works to restore the soil and the environment, and even transforms your closet.

Join us Monday, January 24 at 6 pm.
Hosted by Ohio Past Plastic with guest speakers Jess Boeke and Sarah Pottle, co-founders of Rust Belt Fibershed, who will speak on textile impacts, both locally and globally.

RSVP for Zoom Webinar: tinyurl.com/5xkhjdyb
Beyond GDP: Measuring Genuine Progress
Mon Jan 24, 7 pm 
The Genuine Progress Indicator is a more comprehensive indicator for economic progress that factors in environmental and social indicators next to traditional economic indicators. Tune in to learn and talk about the advantages of the GPI over the GDP. More info here. Register here.
Audubon: Restoring the Great Lakes
Tue Jan 25 at 6:30-8 pm
The National Audubon Society recently released an ambitious new report titled, Audubon’s Vision: Restoring the Great Lakes for Birds and People, which offers a blueprint for how to best conserve indispensable coastal areas to address the threats facing the Great Lakes region. This vision is aligned with delivering goals for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and H2Ohio. More info/registration link here
Why Progressives Need to Fight for
Small Business - with experts + Q&A
Wed Jan 26, 1-2:15 pm 

As the country grapples with the effects of concentrated corporate power — from the breakdown in our supply chains, to crippling inequality and an ailing democracy — many progressive leaders have begun to make small business a central part of their policy agenda and politics.

This focus could not be more urgent. Small businesses are in crisis. Decades of neoliberal and pro-monopoly policies have fueled consolidation and triggered a sharp decline in small, independent businesses across nearly every sector.

Join ILSR for a conversation with Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, White House Advisor Tim Wu, and leading experts and advocates to discuss the importance of small business to achieving a vibrant, equitable economy where all people and communities can thrive.

More information and Registration link on the SL Calendar link here.
Virtual Book Event:
The Power of a Virtuous Woman
Thu Jan 27, 7 pm (ET)
Join the Conversation & Paula Penn Nabrit as we discuss her book The Power of A Virtuous Woman!

Not everyone agrees on the definition of a Virtuous Woman, and that is okay. We will lead a healthy discussion using the questions from the book.

Some of you know Paula from her Community Garden that was featured in Simply Living's Sustainable Living and Garden Tour last year.

Reading the book is not a pre-requisite, but if you would like to purchase it prior to the discussion, find it here. More info on the SL calendar here.
Acclaimed Singer/Songwriter Heather Pierson Gives Online Concert Especially for Columbus
Sat Jan 29 at 8 pm

For years, New Hampshire’s Heather Pierson’s original songs and albums have been near the top at the nation’s folk music radio stations and performing venues. And Saturday January 29, she’ll bring her compelling music to us ... virtually. Her online concert is sponsored by the Columbus Folk Music Society.

5 years ago, Heather performed for us in person, so we know what her website says is true: “From New Orleans traditional jazz to blues to rousing Americana and poignant folk, Heather’s songs and musicianship embody joy, honesty, and a desire to share from the heart.” Her voice is sweet, and she’s also excellent on several instruments: piano, guitar, tenor banjo, ukulele, and melodica. Heather will be backed up in this exciting performance by her partner and bass player, Shawn Nadeau.
To link into the concert at 8 pm Eastern time on January 29, go to:

During the ONLINE ONLY program, you’ll be told how you can contribute $ to Heather in appreciation of her music. The suggested donation is $15 for the general public and $10 for CFMS members.
Valentine Concert Goes Online Tells the Ups and Downs of Love
Fri Feb 4, 7:30-9 pm

Serious love songs and humorous trivia questions will highlight the 13th annual Valentines concert by Simply Living member Bill Cohen and friends. But Covid-19 has moved the concert online.

With guitar and piano, Bill will sing favorites from the 1940’s through the 1980’s, made famous by John Denver, the Everly Brothers, Sam Cooke, Bette Midler, James Taylor, Bing Crosby, the Shirelles, the Eagles, the Beatles, Nat King Cole, Johnny Mathis, and others.

Ann Fisher will be on hand to add some romantic flute accompaniment on several songs. David Maywhoor will keep the beat on percussion, and Brian Szuch will add extra sparkle on lead guitar.

While the songs will reflect the ecstasy, warmth, heartache, and pain that love can bring, there will be a lighter side too, as Bill poses trivia questions about famous and infamous couples and love songs throughout the decades.

The online concert is FREE, but if the online audience appreciates the music, memories, and fun, they may make donations to help produce the upcoming Central Ohio Folk Festival in May.

IMPORTANT NOTE: To watch the Valentine concert, go to Facebook.com and search for the page titled “Bill Cohen Sings.” You don’t need to be a member of Facebook to access that website and enjoy the show. The livestream will be active ONLY JUST BEFORE the program begins at 7:30 pm Eastern Time.

For more information, call Bill at (614) 263-3851 or billcohen@columbus.rr.com.
Community News
Share Your Comments on the Columbus
Public Tree Code 
One of the most significant actions recommended in the Urban Forestry Master Plan (UFMP) is to strengthen policies to protect and preserve trees in Columbus. Share your comments about the public tree code in Columbus by Friday, Feb. 4! Learn more about the UFMP at columbusufmp.org.
Michael Coleman Wants Your Ideas For Downtown
Tues Jan 25 at 5:30 pm
In 2010, a plan produced by the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation (CCDC) in partnership with the City of Columbus laid out a series of 12 big ideas, including a suggestion to demolish the Main Street dam and create an additional 33 acres of urban parkland along the Scioto River.

Coleman, Mayor Ginther and Council President Shannon Hardin will be on hand for the first community workshop for the new 2022 strategic plan. See the Columbus Underground write-up here and submit your ideas online here.
Starting February 5, you can shop the
Worthington Farmers Market INDOORS!
The planned construction timeline will allow us to return to The Shops at Worthington Place (intersection of N. High Street and W. Wilson Bridge Rd.) on Saturdays beginning on **February 5 through March 26.** These are typically the coldest months in Ohio, and we're grateful to our friends at the Shops for providing a comfortable and warm farmers market shopping experience.
What is it? - Identification of Natural History Objects
By Dave Dyer
Many interesting natural objects can be found while out hiking, walking along a streambed, or digging on your property. Fossils, animal bones and teeth, unusually shaped rocks, minerals, shells, and colorful leaves in the fall are likely to be discovered. 

Read this fascinating article here
Stratford Ecological Center
2022 Family and Adult Programs - Now Open for Registration
Winter Seed Growing with Delaware Master Gardeners
Maple Sugar Tours
Edible Plant Walk ID & Lunch
Sustainability Resources
Top ten tiny home trends of 2022 Yankovic design
Sustainability has been running on everybody’s mind. Ever since the pandemic shook up our world, we’re trying to incorporate sustainability into every aspect of our life, including our homes! And, with everyone aspiring toward eco-friendly and mindful ways of living, tiny homes have completely taken over the world of architecture and cemented their place as sustainable, minimal, and economical micro-living setups. See all the designs here.
New electric vehicle models available now
As we head into the beginning of 2022, there are a number of exciting new electric vehicle models on the market. These highly-anticipated EVs have recently made their debut and are now available to consumers. From a truck that can handle any terrain to a luxury car with more than 500 miles of electric range, read more about these stunning new EVs, sorted by the manufacturer’s suggested retail price. Read more
Read the full Plug In America Newsletter here.
Sustainable Products at Bexley Natural Market
508 N. Cassady Ave., Bexley 43209 More info here
The Inside Community Podcast
It's here! The podcast that gives you an inside look at the beautiful and messy realities of creating and sustaining an intentional community.

Join Rebecca for interviews with experts in a variety of topics related to living communally --- from governance and decision making to ownership models, from navigating co-parenting to navigating finances, from how to find your people to how to actually live with them. More here
What Rang True
in 'Don’t Look Up'
Don't Look Up already ranks as one of the biggest climate-themed movies ever. And it has certainly sparked plenty of discussion here at RMI. In a new blog, we gathered reactions from RMI’s in-house climate and energy experts. View Blog here
What Can You Do About Nonpoint Source Pollution?
Rain and snowmelt gather pollutants from multiple points — for example, pesticides from your yard and motor oil from the street. This runoff contaminates groundwater, lakes, rivers, and oceans. Learn how you can help protect our waterways from nonpoint source pollution. more
Avoiding Asbestos in Your Home
Even if it's newly constructed, your home may contain asbestos. Learn why you should avoid exposure to asbestos and what to do if you have it in your home. more
Earth911 Quiz: Getting a Greener Clean
What's your green cleaning expertise? Are some products and methods safer for you, your family, and the environment? Take the quiz and test your knowledge! more
 
Did you learn something new today?

Please support Earth911 database updates
so we can help others recycle
"We can’t save the world by playing by the rules, because the rules have to be changed. Everything needs to change – and it has to start today." – Greta Thunberg
Community Calendars
Orchids, Laughter, and Live Music

Have a fun weekend and eat a cookie! Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels

Here’s a rundown of fun things to do this weekend. The Franklin County Dog Shelter is in need of donations of large bags of dry dog food. Enjoy your weekend and be safe!

NIGHTLIFE

Comedian Darren Brand is at the Funny Bone. It’s 90’s Weekend at Howl at the Moon.
Dance at SWET at Double Happiness. Brian Regan performs at The Palace.
There’s comedy happening at The Walrus. OOKAY has a dj set at Dahlia.
The Oracle has some deep disco and funky house. Enjoy Nocterra’s Frosty Fest.
Hasan Minhaj (pic above) will make you laugh at The Palace.
The Parlor welcomes Ohio songwriters.
Henmick Brewery has live music. Fever celebrates three years at AWOL.

ENJOY EXPLORING ART
Orchids are blooming at the Franklin Park Conservatory.

The MAC has a special opening event for Lance Johnson’s POST NO ILLS.
Meet the filmmaker behind The Sleeping Negro at the movie premiere at the Gateway Film Center on Friday.
Orchids are blooming at the Franklin Park Conservatory.
Altar Boyz opens at Short North Stage. Jazz Arts Group presents the Pharez Whitted Quartet at the Lincoln.
The Columbus Symphony presents Russian Winter Festival II.
Grandview Theater has a beer tasting featuring Anchorman.
Saturday Cinema Classics get started at Studio 35.
Pianist Spencer Myer returns to the stage with ProMusica.


What else can you do this weekend?
Go on a pizza adventure. Go see some Giant Trolls.
Find a stop on the Columbus Distillery Trail.
Cheer on the Blue Jackets. Get your creativity flowing.
Understory opens.
Bliss Home Market has their first sale in their new space.
Volunteer to help clean up Glen Echo Ravine.
Find some woodpeckers. Those in need can get help vaccinating their pets.
Try a climbing gym.

Thanks for reading and enjoy your weekend!
Connie Hammond's Newsletter - Peace and Social Justice Events
To subscribe to weekly events newsletter or to have progressive events for peace and justice added to this list, please contact cmhammond11@att.net.

Friday, January 21, 2022, 3:30 PM. Help Fight for $15/HR and Better Conditions for Student Workers. We are demanding OSU increase the minimum wage for student workers to $15 an hour and improved working conditions for student workers. For information about the Student Worker Organizing Group, contact sdsohiostate@gmail.com. Location: OSU Ohio Union facing the South Oval.
 
Saturday, January 22, 2022, Climate Change and Nuclear War: What We Can Do About the Twin Existential Threats.  The webinar will focus on how climate change increases the danger of nuclear war and how a nuclear war would cause further catastrophic climate disruption. This case study of South Asia will show the way the twin existential threats of climate and nuclear risks interact in a way that threatens us all. Solutions such as the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) and the Green New Deal that enable us to confront the threats will also be addressed. Asha Ashokan will address the growing impact of climate change on the people of South Asia. Zia Mian will focus on the current dynamic (level of tension) exacerbated by climate change. Ira Helfand will talk about the medical consequences both locally and globally. A panel of the three experts will discuss some solutions followed by Questions and Answers. Register for the webinar here
 
Saturday, January 22, 2022, 6:00 PM. Raise the Kuffiyeh. Join us for our annual Palestinian cultural night featuring singer-rapper Waheeb Nasan & comedian Nina Kharoufeh!  Palestinians have a rich culture and we would love to share it with you! Join the Students for Justice in Palestine for our annual signature event "Raise the Kuffiyeh." A night of dabke, music and comedy! Show starts at 6 PM sharp in the Ohio Union Performance Hall: 1739 N High St, Columbus, OH 43210. The event will feature comedy, a dabke competition, student performances, singing, a Palestinian fashion show and more! General admission $15, OSU students $5, VIP $25. Tickets are on sale now!  Facebook Event. 
 
Monday, January 24, 2022, 7:00 PM. Meet the Big 5: How the Military-Industrial Complex Controls Politics. We talk a lot about the military-industrial complex, but what exactly is it, who makes it up, and why are they so important? A new coalition groups opposing their local war companies has joined together to form the War Industry Resisters Network, focused on corporate control over US foreign policy. The political influence of several weapons manufacturers has made these companies extravagantly wealthy, all while the United States has wasted trillions of dollars on military adventurism and destroyed large parts of the Middle East and Central Asia, killing at least hundreds of thousands and displacing tens of millions. The 5 major companies with the most influence and power are: Raytheon Technologies, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and General Dynamics. We’ll take a look at these companies, their partnership with the US government, and their influence over the US Congress and the Executive Branch, under both Democratic and Republican presidents. Why, despite public opposition, do military budgets continue to rise and arms sales to authoritarian governments continue? To answer these questions, we’ll be joined by experts including: William D. Hartung, Christian Sorensen, and more. Massachusetts Peace Action.  Register here.

Thursday, January 27, 2022, 3:30 - 5:00 PM. The Wires of War: Technology and the Struggle for Global Power.  Join the Mershon Center for International Security Studies virtually for a discussion with author Jacob Helberg on his new book The Wires of War: Technology and the Struggle for Global Power (Simon & Schuster, 2021).  From 2016 to 2020, Jacob Helberg led Google’s global internal product policy efforts to combat disinformation and foreign interference. During this time, he found himself in the midst of what can only be described as a quickly escalating two-front technology cold war between democracy and autocracy.  More information and registration here
 
Thursday, January 27, 2022, 8:00 PM. Nuclear Energy Information Service: Night with the Expert with Dr. Gordon Edwards. Uranium - The Deadliest Shape Shifter. Join the zoom meeting here
 
Thursday, January 27, 2022, 5:30 PM. ACLU of Ohio's 2022 Legislative Priorities: What to Expect at the Ohio Statehouse. Our policy experts will present an analysis of the issues and bills we've been advocating for, and a preview of our work ahead. You can expect to hear updates on bail reform, abolishing Ohio's death penalty, voting rights and redistricting work, attacks on abortion access, LGBTQ equality, protesters' rights, and more.  Register here
 
Friday, January 28, 2022, 4:00 - 6:00 PM. Free Resource Friday. Free Resource Fridays is our monthly free resource giveaways, hosted at on the last Friday of every month! Grab some resources, harm reduction supplies, clothes, hygiene products, and food!! We have plenty so please feel free to pick up items for loved ones in need. If you can’t make this time, hit us up for porch/door drop offs! Donations are welcome. Masks required. Location: Community Grounds: Coffee and Meeting House, 1134 Parsons Ave. Facebook Event. 
Contact Us
(614) 447-0296