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Dear Friends of Simplicity,
This is the Simplicity Matters Earth Institute Monthly Announcement for September 2006. It is going out to over 1,035 people. If you do not want to receive this once-a-month email in the future, simply hit "reply" and ask to be removed.
Please also remember that if you prefer not to read this announcement in email form, you can always access it on the web at www.simplicity-matters.org/announcements/
The announcement is organized into six sections:
There's plenty to do in September! Educate yourself, take action, and join friends and neighbors in celebrating simplicity at one of the many events this month. Plan ahead and check out the October Preview.
Special thanks to this month's editor, Lauren Walton.
Please scroll down for to the "Community Events" section for detailed information about the following, or click on a description for detailed information about a specific event:
Sunday, September 10, 6:30 - 8:30 PM
"Carbon Offsets, Green Power and Living a ZeroCarbon Life"
With Eric Carlson, Executive Director of the Silver Spring based Carbonfund.org
Foundation
The rising temperatures, droughts, and receding glaciers of global warming are all around us. We contribute to this unwelcome change by using fossil fuels -- coal, oil, and gas -- to heat and electrify our homes, travel, and produce food and consumer goods. On average every man, woman and child in America is responsible for 140 pounds of CO2 emitted into the air each year. Come meet with Eric Carlson to learn how we can all reduce our impact on global warming to zero.
To prepare: Visit http://carbonfund.org/site/pages/calculator/, to calculate your carbon footprint.
Where: in a private home in Bethesda, within walking distance of the Medical Center metro (Red Line), close to I-495 and Wisconsin Avenue.
To RSVP (required): Call Marney at (301) 652-0492, or e-mail forum@simplicity-matters.org. Please include your phone number in your message.
Please help publicize this event with a downloadable, printable flier (PDF, 61 KB) available at www.simplicity-matters.org.
Please note the following abbreviations: "Voluntary Simplicity" (VS), "Choices for Sustainable Living" (CSL), "Discovering a Sense of Place" (DSOP), "Exploring Deep Ecology" (EDE), "Healthy Children-Healthy Planet (HCHP), "Globalization and Its Critics" (GiC), "Your Money or Your Life" (YMOYL) and "Simplicity Lessons" by Linda Breen Pierce (LBP).
For more info, contact the person listed … or Lore at SimplicityGrpsMD@aol.com.
This fall, Lore will continue "matching" and/or "pointing" people into circles. In neighborhoods where circles are already forming, she will point you in the direction of a circle nearby. In those areas where there is not a circle already being planned, she will "match" people into home-based groups. Current "matchmaker" neighborhoods include:
For more information about our discussion circles, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page, www.simplicity-matters.org/faq.htm, or email Lore at SimplicityGrpsMD@aol.com.
New Deal Cafe, 113 Centerway, Greenbelt, MD
We work to educate individuals and organizations to reduce greenhouse emissions in our community. Non Greenbelters welcome in order to learn to do the same for their communities. Contact: Steve Kane, sr.kane@verizon.net, 301-437-8814. (call or email for future meetings)
Saturday, Sept. 2 from 7 - 10 pm, 21300 Heathcote Road, Freeland, MD - www.Heathcote.org
DanceFree is freestyle dancing that's smoke-free, alcohol-free, and shoes-free. Kids are welcome. Call 410-343-1779 or email Paul@Heathcote.org for more information. $5-$20 donation.
Sunday, Sept. 3 from 10 AM, Paint Branch Unitarian Universalist Church, 3215 Powder Mill Road, Adelphi, Maryland
How many of us approach the life around us with a sense of reverence? When Native Americans speak of "All Our Relations," they refer to a way of relating to the lifeforms and even stones around them as equal to humans and all embodying a sacredness. Professional gardener, writer, and student of a Native American teacher, Mare Cromwell will speak on worldviews, sharing some lessons learned on the path of "Right Relationship" with all the life around her -- including her garden. More information: Phone: (301) 937-3666 or www.pbuuc.org/
Tuesday, Sept. 5 at 7:30 PM, White Oak Library, 11701 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD.
All are welcome. Call 301-946-5599 for questions.
Thursday, Sept. 7 from 7 PM till 9 PM, 7130 Marshy Point Road, Baltimore, MD
The Corn Moon celebrates the Indians' most important crop. Join us for a moonlight nature walk. Free. For more information visit www.marshypoint.org
Sept. 8 - 10, 21300 Heathcote Road, Freeland, MD - www.Heathcote.org
lease check the website (http://www.heathcote.org/visiting.shtml) for what to bring and a weekend schedule. Come for all or part of the weekend. Contact Carol at 410-343-1779.
Saturday, Sept. 9 from 1 PM till 6 PM, Paint Branch Unitarian Universalist Church, 3215 Powder Mill Road, Adelphi, MD
Discover what Earth, Air, Fire, and Water have to teach us and connect with the Spirits of the Land. How can we give back to them to restore wholeness? What does it mean to walk in harmony? Come and find your place in the universe. To register, contact tyrtle@earthlink.net
Please bring a blanket to lie down on, a pen, and paper or a journal. Rattles and frame drums are welcome but not necessary. Meditation or Shamanic Journey skills required. Cost: Sliding Scale: $20-$40.
Saturday, Sept. 9 at 1:30 pm, 21300 Heathcote Road, Freeland, MD - www.Heathcote.org
Join us for games and a tour of Heathcote. We'll light up the grill at 6 PM. Please bring a vegetarian potluck dish or a grill item to share, games, and/or musical instruments!
Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 9 & 10 from 1 PM till 4 PM, Dundee Creek Marina, Gunpowder Falls State Park, Chase, MD
A short fall cruise out on the Chesapeake Bay sponsored by the Marshy Point Nature Center. Cost $5 per person.
Sunday, Sept. 10 from 4 PM till 5 PM, Lockhouse 8 on the C&O Canal
Eco-historian Hayden Mathews will tell stories of the people who lived alongside the Potomac river in times past. In particular, Mathews will share the "River Story" detailing the failed escape of the 76 slaves aboard the sailing ship Pearl in 1848. The events preceding and following their escape highlight the gross injustices and hypocrisy of slave trading openly thriving in the Nation's capital prior to the Civil War. The audience will also be able to choose from among several shorter stories relating to events on or near the Potomac. More info: http://www.potomac.org/directions/lock8-minnies.html or Judy Welles, River Center Director, welles@potomac.org
Sunday, Sept. 10, Washington, DC
In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Gandhi's birth. In a powerful statement reminiscent of Gandhi's walks; every church, synagogue, mosque, temple and gurdwara on Embassy Row will open their doors to each other, and people of all faiths will come together for a Unity Walk - sending a dramatic message of unity to the world from Washington, DC. http://www.911unitywalk.org
Monday evenings Sept. 11 and 25 from 7:30 - 8:30 pm, 21300 Heathcote Road, Freeland, MD - www.Heathcote.org
World Music Drumming draws from the musical and cultural traditions of Africa and Latin America. Call Charles Curtiss at 410-357-0978 or email Charles_Curtiss@hotmail.com
Tuesday, Sept. 12th: 6:15 pm at 1215 Connecticut Ave, NW (Dupont Circle Metro).
Working session: Festival of the Building Arts volunteer preparation. Free and open to all. Erin Christensen, AIA/echristensen@tortigallas.com/301.588.4800 x1203/www.tortigallas.com
Friday Sept. 15 to Sunday, Sept. 17, Marriottsville, MD
Some of the workshops being offered are: Spiritualitiy of knitting (crafts), The Labyrinth - walking the path to healing and wholeness, Changing self-sabotaging patterns, We are all survivors, Journaling with Nature. Keynote speaker - Susan Reimer, the columnist with The Baltimore Sun.
For more info, contact: Mary E. Miller, Publicity Coordinator, Bon Secours Spiritual Center, 1525 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, MD 21104, 410-442-1320, Mary_E._Miller@bshsi.com, www.BonSecoursSpiritualCenter.org
Friday, Sept. 15 and Sunday, Sept. 17 at 7 PM, Columbia, MD
About One - http://www.onethemovie.org/film.html. Showing is a benefit for Maryland NSP. Donation requested $10. See http://nspmd.blogspot.com/2006/08/nsp-md-showing-of-one-movie.html for more information.
Saturday, Sept. 16 at 8 PM, Sangha, 7015 Westmoreland Avenue, Takoma Park, MD
About One - http://www.onethemovie.org/film.html. Showing is a benefit for Maryland NSP. Donation requested $10. See http://nspmd.blogspot.com/2006/08/nsp-md-showing-of-one-movie.html for more information.
Saturday, Sept. 16 from 11 AM till 3 PM, Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA
Visit www.vnps.org for more information.
Saturday, Sept. 16 from 9 AM till 4 PM, Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA
Support one of Virginia's most innovative and exciting public gardens by joining in a day of adult and family fun festivities. Proceeds go towards the gardens and add to Green Spring's educational efforts. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/gsgp/butterflyfling.htm or call 703 642 5173 to register.
Saturday, Sept. 16 from 7:30 AM to 10 AM, Greenbelt, MD
Check out the sights and sounds of our fine feathered friends with Woodlands Committee naturalist Peter Blank. This all-ages hike will navigate Greenbelt Lake while looking for signs of fall migration. Wear hiking boots/shoes and dress for the weather. This will be a rain or shine hike. Meet at Braden Field near the tennis courts. RSVP to mberres@ghi.coop for head count.
9:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, 2006
How to get tax credits (money back) for making your home more energy efficient!
$39 - Members / $59 Non members (before Sept. 5th)
Green Building Institute, 7761 Waterloo Rd., Jessup, MD 20794, (443) 733-1234
Register : www.greenbuildinginstitute.org
Saturday, Sept. 16, 10 am to 7 pm
Learn what your grandmother knew about keeping the harvest - making pesto, sweet-roasted tomatoes, applesauce, chutney, jam, and peppers. Prepare and share a lunch and dinner of home-made soup, breads, and special dishes that showcase the preserves we've made. $60 per person, including class-prepared lunch and dinner. Call Jan Richter at 540-948-3272 or email jan@connectforkids.org.
Spring Lake Farm is a half hour north of Charlottesville.
Sunday, Sept. 17 at 10 AM, Great Falls, VA
Spring ephemerals are long gone, but summer blooming perennials are now putting on their own show in the Potomac Gorge at Great Falls Park, Virginia. Third Sundays of the month from March until October, Marion Lobstein, assisted by Joe Metzger of the Maryland Native Plant Society, leads wildflower walks there to discover what is currently in bloom. The leisurely two and a half-hour walks begin outside the Visitor Center, lower level.
Sunday, Sept. 17 from 6 PM till 9 PM, Woodend Sanctuary, 8940 Jones Mill Road, Chevy Chase, MD
Guest speaker: Jonathan Adams, a conservation biologist and program director of conservation knowledge and communities with The Nature Conservancy in Washington, DC, will discuss his most recent book, The Future of the Wild: Radical Conservation for a Crowded World. Visit http://www.audubonnaturalist.org/cgi-bin/mesh/annualmeet06 for full details.
Sunday, Sept. 17 at 5 PM, River Road Unitarian Church, Bethesda, MD
All over age 10, join us to celebrate the upcoming fall equinox. The theme is finding peace within to share without. How can each of us manifest inner peace in an out of balance world? Bring you own cup and snack to share. Call Helen Popenoe for more information: 301-229-0549.
Sunday, Sept. 17 (rain date Tue. Sept. 19) at 7:15 PM, Mill Center, 3000 Chestnut Avenue, Baltimore, MD.
Free. On past migration count, 7,000 birds entered Mill Center chimneys in one evening! Between Sept. 8-10, choose a chimney, an evening (or do all 3!) and report your counts to the BBC. For more information, discuss potential chimneys, or report results, contact Joan at cwijs@battelle.org or 410-467-5352. For more information on chimney swifts, go to www.chimneyswifts.org. For a list of BBC events, go to http://baltimorebirdclub.org/schedule.html.
Sept. 19 (prep day Sept. 12) from 9 AM to noon, Centreville, MD
Volunteers are needed to help create demonstration rain gardens in Centreville. Tools, gloves, and refreshments provided. These are rain-or-shine events. Join the Corsica River Conservancy in this pilot project and learn more about how you can sign-up your own front yard to receive a similar free renovation to help reduce stormwater flow into the Corsica River. RSVP to the Corsica River Conservancy, Steve Sharkey at (410) 758-8756 or Kate Dowling kdowling@acb-online.org.
Tuesday Sept. 19 at 7:00 PM, Faith Community United Methodist Church (formerly St. John's), 5315 Harford Road, Baltimore, MD
Learn about local solutions to global warming, bring Baltimore into compliance with the Kyoto Protocol, meet other concerned citizens. Contact: Claire Douglass at 301-891-6833 or Claire@chesapeakeclimate.org. Visit www.chesapeakeclimate.org for more information.
Thursday, Sept. 21 from 10:45 AM till 12:15 PM, Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD
Breakout session on Green Affordable Housing at the FREE Governor Work Force Housing Conference 2006 at the Baltimore Convention Center. PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED. See: http://mdhousing.org/HousingConference/Index.aspx
8:00 am - 11:00 am Thursday, Sept. 21, 2006
Businesses receive up to $1.80 per square foot of improved space!
$73 - Members / $93 - Non-Members (before Sept. 8th)
Green Building Institute, 7761 Waterloo Rd., Jessup, MD 20794, (443) 733-1234
Register : www.greenbuildinginstitute.org
Saturday, Sept. 23 - Sunday, Sept. 24, Friends Meeting of Washington, 2111 Decatur Place, NW, Washington, DC
Author Lynn Miller may know as much about how to spend money as anyone in America today. He also knows where happiness comes from. So, how are those two ideas connected? Join us for a weekend to examine simplicity in 21st century living. Lynn is a master communicator and storyteller. Whether he is talking about old Volvos, his favorite movie line, building sailboats, or telemarketers, he leads us to think about money, stuff and faith in new and provocative ways. Visit http://fmw.quaker.org for more information.
Saturday, Sept. 23 from 9 AM to 11 AM, Greenbelt, MD
The woodlands committee is seeking volunteers to help restore the native woodland habitat of forest parcel V. Work will include pulling and cutting invasive plants such as English ivy and bush honeysuckle. Wear boots, long pants and shirts. Gloves and tools will be provided. Meet at overpass by 13ct Hillside. Please RSVP to mberres@ghi.coop for head count.
Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 7:30 PM, White Oak Library, Large Meeting Room, Silver Spring, MD
Check the web site for information about topic, directions and information about local chapter events. www.mdflora.org
Wednesday, Sept. 27 from 7 PM till 9 PM, Damascus Wildlife Achievement Center, 26430 Mullinix Mill Road, Mt. Airy, MD
This free workshop, provided by Montgomery County's Dept. of Environmental Protection and hosted by the Wildlife Achievement Chapter, will highlight options for improving the energy efficiency of your current or future home by choosing measures that provide a high rate of return for your investment and maintain a comfortable living space. Topics include insulation, windows, doors, heating systems, air-conditioning systems, lighting and changes in behavior.
Registration + more info: Eric R. Coffman at 240-777-7754 or eric.coffman@montgomerycountymd.gov.
8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, 2006
Introductory seminars on solar, efficient buildings & rainwater collection.
$35 - Members / $65 - Non-members (before Sept. 19th)
Green Building Institute, 7761 Waterloo Rd., Jessup, MD 20794, (443) 733-1234
Register : www.greenbuildinginstitute.org
www.carbonfund.org. To calculate your carbon footprint, go to http://carbonfund.org/site/pages/calculator/. Eric Carlson from Carbon Fund will be our speaker at the Second Sunday Forum.
We are looking for "pioneers" interested in creating a cohousing community for active adults 50 years old and older in Baltimore City. If you are interested in living in a safe, supportive urban community with fabulously fascinating, stimulating neighbors, if you are interested in helping to design the community and you if you care about sustainable living give me a call! Ann 202 291 7802 or zabaldo@earthlink.net
During the first annual Junk Mail Awareness Week, which coincides with both the third anniversary of the federal Do Not Call registry's implementation and the peak of junk mail season, New American Dream and our partners will draw national attention to tools that give Americans control over their private mail boxes. Take Action: Ask your Governor to endorse Junk Mail Awareness Week by clicking here: http://www.democracyinaction.org/dia/organizationsORG/newdream/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=5059&t=default.dwt
Sept 26/27, Sept 29/30, Oct 10/11, Community Tree Plantings, Request-for-Planting program, and the Schoolyard Planting Program: Discover how to take action for a greener community at www.caseytrees.org and 202-833-4010
Various The Network of Spiritual Progressives (www.spiritualprogressives.org) is supporting a new Spiritual Covenant with America, which includes the environment as one of 8 focus areas. We are both religious & secular folks who believe in ethical, aesthetic, and loving realities and whose spiritual values are not those of the religious right. See http://nspmd.blogspot.com for more information.
Meetings are free and open to all:
Sunday, October 1 from 1 PM to 3 PM Volunteers are needed to help plant native trees and shrubs in forest parcel V. The young plants will help restore the native understory of this woodland area. Volunteers of all ages are welcome. Shovels, gloves, and other tools will be provided. Long pants and boots recommended. If you have an extra shovel, bring it along too. Meet at overpass by 13ct Hillside. Please RSVP to mberres@ghi.coop for head count.
Friday, October 6 at 6:30 PM, Lutherville, MD Join us for a fingerfood potluck and the film screening starting at 7:00, with an open-mike discussion afterwards. Towson UUC at 1710 Dulaney Valley Road, Lutherville, MD.
Saturday October 7th: 10:00 am - 4:30 pm. Join the COTEdc booth in the Great Hall of the National Building Museum, located at 401 F Street NW, between 4th and 5th Streets, across the street from the Judiciary Square Metro (Red Line). Family event to teach kids and their parents more about the craftsmanship of building. See www.nbm.org for more information. Free.
Saturday, October 7 from 6 PM till 9:30 PM, Mason Neck State Park, VA Please join EcoStewards Alliance for a special Nurturing Nature Outing. We will be picnicking and then taking a guided canoe trip up lovely Kanes Creek beneath a full moon (Sunset is at 6:40; Moonrise is at 6:55). You bring your picnic and EcoStewards Alliance will supply drinks and dessert. The cost of the trip is $45 per person, which includes the park admission, canoes, guides, drinks, and dessert. Limited to 10 participants, age 18 and older. No pets. Please RSVP no later than Saturday, Sept. 30th to Bob Root at bnbroot@aol.com.
Sunday, October 8 from 5 PM till 7:30 PM, Sherwood House, Cromwell Valley Park, 2002 Cromwell Bridge Road, Baltimore, MD Co-sponsored by Earthome & Hooked On Nature: a new non-profit that helps adults help kids develop a relationship with the natural world. For more info, e-mail Mary Hardcastle at maryhardcastle@comcast.net. The evening is designed to reawaken our own sense of awe and wonder as we learn how to introduce children to the joy and beauty of nature.
Sunday, October 8, Bethesda, MD Simplicity Matters Earth Institute (SMEI) is now an official partner of Greater Washington Interfaith Power and Light (GWIPL). We will be one of numerous churches and organizations showing the Al Gore movie, the week of Oct. 1-8. For more information on all the screenings, visit http://www.gwipl.org/spotlight.asp and http://www.gwipl.org/spotlight_participating.asp.
Tuesday, October 10th: 6:15 pm at 1215 Connecticut Ave, NW (Dupont Circle Metro). Speaker: Gregory Long of Bowman Consulting - Green Roofs. Free and open to all.Erin Christensen, AIA/echristensen@tortigallas.com/301.588.4800 x1203/www.tortigallas.com
Saturday, October 14 from 9:30 AM till 4 PM With Marney Bruce, Jeri Metz and Nancy Welch. Sponsored by Pomegranate Seeds. For more information go to ttp://www.pomegranateseeds.net/workshops/trees/tree_planting.htm
Saturday, October 14 from 9 AM to 11 PM, Greenbelt, MD Volunteers are needed to help plant native trees, shrubs, and perennials to help beautify various sections of GHI. Plants will be provided through the Gorgeous Prince Georges Program. For more details contact mberres@ghi.coop.
October 14th and 15th: COTEdc booth at this comprehensive festival and expo of all things green. To be held the Washington D.C. convention center, located at 801 Mount Vernon Place, NW, between 7th and 9th Streets and N Street and Mt. Vernon Place. See www.greenfestivals.org for more information.
Oct. 28-29, Nov. 18-19, Dec. 9-10, Mar 24-25, Apr. 21-22, May 19-20, Heathcote Community, Freeland, Maryland Permaculture Design is the tool for integrating natural and human patterns into life-supporting, functionally-connected, sustainable systems that benefit all of creation. Learn the permaculture design process; techniques for restoring and managing energy, soils, water and cycling "wastes" without pollution; organic gardening, forest gardening and edible landscaping; and more! For more information contact Karen Stupski at karen@gaiauniversity.org or 410-343-3478. Cost: Sliding scale: $600 - $1,200 (A payment plan may be negotiated.)