Local Energy Convergence

Monday, January 30
Olympia Center, 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia

Local Energy for Local Business, 1:30-4:30, $30/person

Local Energy Celebration, 4:30-8:30, free for customers and friends of Thurston Energy and Buy Local South Sound

Details at localenergynow.org

see flyer

Theme: The Economic Crisis -- Thriving Through Building Community

Saturday, January 28
Olympia, Washington

Our daytime meeting will be held at the Friends Meeting House in Tumwater, 219 B Street SW just off Rt 101S. Doors will open at 8:30 AM and our final session will end at 5:00 PM.

Cost of the day is $20, or $30 - $45 if you wish to hear Nicole Foss in the evening. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Our program for the day:

• 8:30/9:30 - Breakfast and meet old/new friends
• 9:30/10:15 - Presentation by Dick Burkhardt: What Happens When You Hit The Limits To Growth
• 10:30/12:00 - Introductory talks by the afternoon panel participants, on:
  • Local currency use -- Francis Ayley (Seattle)
  • A State Bank for Washington State -- Senator Bob Hasegawa (or staffer in case of emergency)
  • Voluntary Simplicity -- Jody Grage (Seattle)
  • Food Security -- T.J. Johnson (Olympia)
  • The Happiness Index (the anti-GDP) -- Marie Poland (Olympia)
  • The Community Rights Ordinance -- Molly Gibbs (Olympia)
• 12:00/1:00 - Lunch at the Meeting House: soups, sandwiches, and salads
  • Plus a chance to interact with our many panel participants
  • (potluck contributions graciously accepted)
• 1:00/3:00 - Afternoon Sustainability Panel, with question and answer period.
• 3:15/4:15 - Electoral workshop:
  • Sources of information on running campaigns
  • Examples of Green Party state and local campaigns
  • Small party ballot access strategies for 2012
• 4:15/5:00 - Business meeting:
  • Bylaws amendment proposals
  • Green Party of the U.S. Presidential Nomination, Baltimore, July 2012
• 5:00 - End of daytime portion of the Convention

Nicole Foss in the evening!

"Roadmap for the Coming Years of Crisis"

Nicole will give us an overview of how to survive and thrive in the next few difficult years. Nicole has a deep understanding of finances and energy, and how the evolving trends will interact over the next few years.

A taste of her thinking: While peak oil will be the greatest driver of contraction in the long term, we will notice the financial crunch first, because credit will essentially dry up. With credit as the source of most money today, currency itself will become scarce -- as in, "depression." Depression results in less demand for oil, so for a short time we will (counter-intuitively) experience an oil glut, followed by a collapse of oil supplies as oil companies' revenues fail to keep up with the expense of new exploration or even maintenance of the current system. Nicole explores what this scenario will mean to ordinary Americans and what they can do to prepare.

She says the key defense is building community, so that local systems can function even if top-down, centralized services are cut back. She adds that a strong community will give us the inner resources we need to adjust to a new reality.

Nicole's presentations are complete with many details which a short summary cannot do more than hint at. An evening with Nicole Foss will be richly rewarding.

Details at www.gp-wa.us (click on Winter Gathering)

Strategy to Respond to Sea Level Rise

Monday, January 23, 6:45-9:00 pm
Olympia Center, Room B
222 Columbia St. NW

Andy Haub will present an annual update to the community on the effects of sea level rise in Olympia. Haub will give a presentation featuring Olympia's long-term strategy to respond to up to 50 inches of sea level rise. Mr. Haub is the Planning and Engineering Manager for Olympia's Public Works Department.

Please bring your own mug and arrive at 6:45 for refreshments. Program starts at 7:00, and is free and open to the public.

Sponsors:
City of Olympia: http://olympiawa.gov
Transition Olympia - Climate Action

see flyer

Economics of Local Food

Thursday, January 12
4:30 – 8:30 pm
Huber's Gasthaus, Olympia

Enterprise for Equity is hosting their "Economics of Local Food" event that will be fun, informative and delicious!

There will be food demonstrations and excellent perspectives on our local food systems. Farmers, food venders, restaurant owners, hospital representatives, and policy makers, etc. will all be in attendance. If you, or someone you know, might be interested in starting a food business we will also have information about Enterprise for Equity's Food, Fish and Farm based Business Training Program starting this month.

Here is a link to the event where you can also buy tickets. Tickets are $12.00: http://www.enterpriseforequity.org/economics_of_local_food.html

Sponsored by Enterprise for Equity http://www.EnterpriseForEquity.org

In Transition - the movie

Monday, January 9, 2012,
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
MIXX 96 Meeting Room
Corner of State & Washington, Downtown Olympia

A film about the Transition Movement where communities around the world are responding to peak oil and climate change with creativity, and humor. It's about rebuilding local economies, creating local currencies, growing food locally - celebrating local-ness. It is positive and solutions focused. It is a call to action and a story of hope.

Find out how to get plugged in to the local Transition initiative that's working to make our community more resilient in the face of the coming changes.

Please bring your own mug and arrive at 6:45 for refreshments. This program is open to the public, but seating is limited. Donations are appreciated.

Sponsored by Transition Olympia - Climate Action.

see flyer

Saturday, December 31st, 2011 10:00am -12:00 noon (12:00 noon is also a World Peace Prayer)
Meet at TRADITIONS Fair Trade Cafe, 5th & Water Street

Perhaps we'll explore and discuss the adaptive neuro-net of the mind and emotions.

OPTIONAL BOOK: "Molecules of Emotion" by Candace Pert, PhD formerly with NIH.
OPTIONAL BOOK: "Mysteries of 2012" by Sounds True Publishing: Excerpts from 24 Credentialed Authors and Career Scholars provide scientific data to verify esoteric writings about this current era.

Contact: Diane Grace, (360) 705-2026

Monday, December 12, 7-9 pm
MIXX 96 Meeting Room - Corner of State & Washington, downtown Olympia

A film by Helena Norberg-Hodge, Stephen Gorelick and John Page

Voices from six continents including:
Vandana Shiva, Bill McKibben, David Korten, Zac Goldsmith, Michael Shuman, Samdhong Rinpoche, Andrew Simms, Richard Heinberg, Chris Johnstone, Juliet Schor, Clive Hamilton, Keibo Oiwa, and Rob Hopkins.

Please bring your own mug and arrive at 6:45 for refreshments. This program is open to the public, but seating is limited.

Sponsored by Transition Olympia - Climate Action

Tuesday, November 15th, 7-9 pm
Mixx 96 Meeting Room - Corner of State and Washington, downtown Olympia

Wednesday, November 2, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
The Evergreen State College, Seminar 2 E1105

The Food Summit on October 14-15 was the kick-off for our effort to build a just and sustainable local food system. At the follow up meeting on November 2, we are very interested to hear your feedback on what worked and what didn't about the Food Summit, and your suggestions for making future events even better.

In addition, we will be presenting a summary of the outcomes of the Visions and Actions identified in the Whole Measure breakout sessions, and beginning to talk about the next steps in developing the Local food System Action Plan.

Everyone interested in the future of our local food system is invited to this followup meeting, even those who didn't attend the Summit.

For more information, contact:

TJ Johnson
Food Summit Coordinator
tjjohnson@scattercreek.com
360-943-4596 (home)

Sunday, October 30th, 2011 3:00pm - 5:00pm
(Meet at TRADITIONS Fair Trade Cafe, 5th & Water Street)

Cerebral Book Report Club: Neurology, Body-Mind, Consciousness, and Science of Emotions and Esoteric teachings

OPTIONAL BOOK: "My Stroke of Insight" by Jill Taylor Bolte MD - Neuroscientist observes her own stroke and enlightening.
Join us for an intellectually stimulating "Conversation Cafe", sharing and discussing scientifically verifiable writings by Credentialed Authors. Using non-fiction books of current relevance as our source, this social and interpersonal group aims to inspire and inform, in a safe, open environment, encouraging individual responsibility and choice, to "take what you like and leave the rest"!

Contact: Diane Grace, (360) 705-2026

Understanding our Energy Futures

Thursday, October 20 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Urban Onion Ballroom - 116 Legion Way SE

(downtown Olympia, across from Sylvester Park)

Program begins at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early to order from the menu.

With growing demand and a volatile, shrinking supply of fossil fuel energy, the Alliance for Community Transition is exploring how conservation, efficiency and renewable energy sources can help our community adapt to an uncertain future. What are the possible solutions, what's feasible and what's already happening? A panel of energy experts will offer answers, and invite discussion of our possible Energy Futures - including representatives from Puget Sound Energy, South Sound Solar, Sunset Air, and members of the Energy Working Group.

For more information on this event call 360-754-6152.

Sponsored by the NW EcoBuilding Guild www.ecobuilding.org and the Alliance for Community Transition

On-site PASSIVE HOUSE Tour

Tuesday, October 18, 7-9 pm
For location, email barb@scavezze.com

PICTURE THIS...
You're heating your beautiful new home with less energy than it takes to run a hairdryer...
You're enjoying fresh indoor air and relaxing in comfortable, stable room temperatures day and night...
Oh, and paying 90% less on your heating bill!

BENEFITS OF A PASSIVE HOUSE

Come To The Table

Food Summit - South Puget Sound - Oct. 14th and 15th

The goal of the Food Summit is to bring our community together to celebrate, network and develop an action plan for a safe, local and sustainable food system. The Food Summit will take place over two days, October 14 & 15. The first day will feature a giant community pot-luck on the streets of downtown Olympia, an environmental and agricultural expo, and a presentation by Mark Winne – author of Food Rebels, Guerrilla Gardeners, and Smart Cookin' Mamas: Fighting Back in an Age of Industrial Agriculture and Closing the Food Gap – at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts.

The second day will be a "roll up your sleeves" conference at the Thurston County Fairgrounds where we will learn about our current local food system, clarify our vision for the future, and start building the roadmap to get us from today to tomorrow.

The food summit will be the capstone of a series of events throughout the summer and fall that we are calling Focus on Food. Events leading up to the summit will include tours of local farms and gardens, events and programs at local Timberland Regional Libraries, discussion groups, and other opportunities to learn about the food system, our local food economy, and options for a more sustainable future.

For more information:
http://www.sustainablesouthsound.org/programs/local-food-systems-program/

To register:
http://cometothetablefoodsummit.eventbrite.com/

The Economics of Happiness

Sunday, October 9th, 5:00 pm
Harmony Hill, Nordstrom Great Hall

Moving Planet Day

...coming September 24th

By bicycle, by foot, by bus or by unicycle,
they're coming to downtown Olympia
for Moving Planet Day!

Once there, they will leave their wheels and walk from one interesting business to another. People can shop or just check out the ideas on display and greet friends.

• Vendors will be out in force.
• Hopefully, buskers will be performing too!
• Local organizers will have tables at strategic points. They'll display large maps of downtown with points of interest marked, as well as information on "sustainable cities" and on themselves.

Picnic in Sylvester Park, 5-8 pm, to the strains of local bands and a few inspiring speeches!
4:45 - Artesian Rumble Arkestra performs
5:45 - New Trail being built in NE Olympia – Jack Horton, Woodland Trail Greenway Assn President
5:55 - Alternative Transportation – Chris Hawkins, Sustainable South Sound
6:05 - Engineering to Reduce Car Traffic – County Commissioner Karen Valenzuela
6:15 - Benefits of Human Powered Transportation – Dave Griffiths
6:25 - Jennifer Witherspoon and her Bluegrass Band performs
7:00 - Back Porch Swing performs

Buy your food from a local vendor; if you can't afford to buy, Food Not Bombs will be handing out hot dogs at the library (3 blocks away).

The Green Party of South Puget Sound and Transition Olympia/Olympia Climate Action have teamed up to bring Moving Planet Day To Olympia.

This special day is the brainchild of 350.org, the premier organization working to limit climate change, and is being celebrated all over the planet. In Olympia, it will take the form of a day for people to come downtown, support their local economy, and move themselves one step closer to a car-free city.

Every city's Moving Planet Day plan is different. In Everett, people are biking/back-packing/ pulling wagons to bring their backyard produce to the local food bank. In Accra, Ghana, people will bike to a wind-blown site where they will plant trees. In Annapolis, Maryland, bikers will rally to visit their state capital and demand more offshore wind energy. There are many more plans. Go to 350.org's list (scroll down the page) to check it out.

Why have a Moving Planet Day?

One purpose is to begin the process of lowering our Olympia carbon footprint. In Washington, transportation is the leading consumer of energy, followed by the industrial and residential sectors. This makes transportation a prime target for carbon reduction efforts. We'll demonstrate we can have fun in Olympia just walking around.

The other purpose is to support local businesses, since these are the ones that pump dollars back into other local enterprises to keep our local economy ticking. Local businesses provide more family-supporting jobs than chain stores, and sell products with more of a local flavor. Local enterprise have more resilience in an economic downturn.

Eventually, the sponsors of this event hope for a walkable downtown, served also by free public transportation, inviting all citizens to leave their carbon producing engines behind and join the fun.

see flyer

Tuesday, September 20, 7-9 pm
Mixx 96 Meeting Room - Corner of State and Washington, downtown Olympia

We need you!
Open discussion on how you can help transition our community toward a resilient and sustainable future, in response to climate change, diminishing resources, and economic uncertainty.

For more information, contact Barb at 878-9901 or barb@scavezze.com

Canning Class - Sponsored by Helsing Junction

When: Saturday, August 27th 2011 from 10am to 4pm

Where: At the Lincoln Creek Grange. (About 45 minute drive south west of Olympia, just 10 minutes from the farm)

What: Learn how to can pickles, tomatoes, green beans, plum or apple sauce, and peaches, pears or apricots depending on what is the freshest at the time of the class. Produce is organic and from Helsing Junction Farm. The fruit is organic and comes from either local trees or OPMA, a organic fruit growers cooperative in the Okanagan. This is a hands-on class where participants will prepare the fruit and vegetables and can them using two different methods: steam canning and pressure canning. Participants will take home literature on the basics of canning, the recipes for each item and a jar of each product made. The instructors are Selma and Sharron. Many of you know Selma from Bone Dry Ridge Farm. Sharron is a long time canner and a fabulous baker who knows how to can just about everything.

Cost: $75.00 per person, Paid in advance. Sign up and pay at the Helsing Junction Farm web site http://www.helsingfarmcsa.com/ in the webstore section. Sign up soon - 10 slots remaining.

What to bring: A dish for a potluck lunch, an apron and a sharp knife. Canning jars and produce will be provided.

Saturdays in August and September - 11:00 am - noon
Westside Farmers' Market, one block off Harrison on Thomas St NW

Saturdays in August - 11:00 am - noon
Westside Farmers' Market, one block off Harrison on Thomas St NW

Thurston County Food Bank Produce Program
with David Murphy

Tuesday, August 16, 7-9 pm
MIXX 96 Meeting Room, Corner of State & Washington in Olympia

Featuring:

• Gleaning (collecting leftover crops from farmers' fields)
• Kiwanis Food Bank Garden
• School Gardens
• Local Farms

Please bring a mug to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea along with other refreshments. This program is open to the public, but seating is limited. Donations are appreciated. For more information, contact Barb at 878-9901 or barb@scavezze.com

Sponsored by Transition Olympia - Climate Action

Slow Food - Learn how Slow Food member Greg Hamblin prepares Summer Squash & Tomatoes and Basil

When: Sunday August 14 10:30

Where: Olympia Farmers Market stage.

What: Slow Food members and others in the community have joined together as Market Produce Promoters for this educational effort. Taste the recipe Greg will prepare and pick up copies of recipes shared in past weeks. What's up next? Jerusalem Artichokes are on tap Sunday Aug 21. Come every Sunday at 10:30.

Sponsored by: Slow Food Greater Olympia, Olympia Farmers Market and Friends of Olympia Farmers Market.

For more information about Slow Food Events see our website at http://slowfoodolympia.org

Slow Food - Catch a film Thursday evening and Summer Squash & Tomatoes and Basil demonstration at the Market on Sunday

When: Thursday evening, August 11 at 7- pm

Where: The Red Room at The Mark Restaurant (http://www.themarkolympia.com/) downtown Olympia

What: Vanishing of the Bees -No charge for this 90 minute film. Fine to combine great items from The Mark's menu for dinner or refreshments withyour movie.

Sponsored by: Slow Food Greater Olympia and The Mark.

For more information about Slow Food Events see our website at http://slowfoodolympia.org

Tuesday, July 19, 2011, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
MIXX 96 Meeting Room, State and Washington, downtown Olympia

Presented by Robin Lee and Jalene Smith

What is a Time Bank? A tool by which a group of people can create an alternative economic model where they exchange their time and skills rather than acquire goods and services through the use of money or any other state-backed value.

Easy Web Interface - No Paperwork - No Taxes

Please bring a mug to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea along with other refreshments. This program is open to the public, but seating is limited. Donations are appreciated.

Tuesday, June 21st, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
MIXX 96 meeting room, State & Washington, downtown Olympia

Invite your neighbors and join Transition Olympia - Climate Action and Village Building Convergence to create a visual of our community support system.

Attendees will participate in an interactive "community mapping" exercise, for an evening of meet & great & explore where you live with your neighbors.

What are the benefits of community mapping?
Presents a visual document to catalyze local community, sustainability, resilience, and human scale solutions by:

• Identifying resources; the environment, individuals, organizations, or institutions.
• Describing assets of those resources.
• Identifying existing or potential partnerships.
• Identifying needs.
• Helping with long-term planning by recognizing community power.

VBC envisions Olympia as a network of neighborhood villages that share, preserve and celebrate culture, skills and resources; honoring the earth and building resilience for future generations.

Interested in learning more? - http://www.olyvbc.org - olyvbc@gmail.com

This program is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Please bring your own mug to enjoy coffee or tea. Donations are appreciated.

Tuesday, May 17, 7-9 pm
MIXX 96 Meeting Room, Corner of State & Washington

Rebels By Bus will share their slow travels with a low carbon footprint.

Sponsors Transition Olympia and Climate Action suggest that the cost of gas could be a good reason to give the vacation this summer to your car. The Rebels on-the-bus adventures around the greater Puget Sound area range from simple, low-cost, near-by, one day explorations to more complex two or three day trips around the Olympic Peninsula and beyond - no car needed. Information on our local trail system and suggestions for great evening and week-end bike trips around the County will also be presented.

This is an open-to-the-public program with refreshments. Donations are appreciated.

Tuesday, April 19, 7-9 pm
MIXX 96 Meeting Room, Corner of State & Washington

Featuring:

• Woodard Bay Co-Housing with Liv Monroe
• Living in 84 Square Feet with Dee Wiliams
• House Sharing Over 50 with Ellen Weaver
• Teens Build Small for Low-incomes with YouthBuild

Family size shrinking,
Population graying,
Housing market faltering,
Economy stalling ...

What's a person to do?

Come hear how local folks have said "no" to the McMansion trend and created unique homes and communities that meet their needs in beautiful, energy efficient ways.

This program is free and open to the public. Please bring a mug for coffee or tea.
For more information: Barb at 878-9901 or barb@scavezze.com
Sponsored by Transition Olympia - Climate Action

Friday, April 15-17

6:00 pm, Opening Night Celebration of the Environmental Film Festival
Kick off the festival with a delicious organic meal at The Gyro Spot and an opportunity to meet and mingle with representatives from local environmental organizations, including Transition Olympia - Climate Action, GRuB, SPEECH, NW Ecobuilding Guild, and more!

7:00 pm, Carbon Nation
With filmmaker Q & A via Skype plus live panel discussion with local environmental stewards.following film.

Setting out to look at how people are addressing the realities of carbon and its environmental impacts today, director Peter Byck freely roamed the country to examine solutions in the process of being implemented now, from the world's largest wind farm to a refrigerator recycling plant and more. Virgin magnate Richard Branson, former CIA Director R. James Woolsey Jr., Earth Day founder Denis Hayes, and others are interviewed for this documentary. Los Angeles Times critic Gary Goldstein writes that the film offers us "a stirring cross-section of pioneers, researchers and innovators committed to helping the world reduce its carbon footprint."

Also scheduled:

• April 15, 11:00 pm: Silent Running: Classic 1971 sci-fi vision of a technological future in 2008.
• April 16, 6:30 pm: Into Eternity: Managing the Long-term hazards of nuclear waste.
• April 16, 9:00 pm: End of the Line: Future concerns of over-fishing and future food.
• April 17, 5:00 pm: Earthwork: Multi-acre environmental art piece, with short: Grandma's Bottle Village - Large folk art project in Simi Valley
• April 17, 7:30 pm: SoLa: Louisiana Water Stories w/ Presentation by Dr. Alan Wilson, Aquatic Ecologist from Alabama
• April 18, 9:00 pm: Into Eternity (also shown on April 20 and 21)

*Advanced Tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com or at box office before each film. This screening is a part of the OFS Annual Environmental Film Festival, Friday, April 15 to Sunday, April 17.

Check Olympia Film Society for details: http://www.olympiafilmsociety.org/calendar

Tues, March 15, 7-9 pm
MIXX 96 Meeting Room, Corner of State & Washington

As a local backyard beekeeper, Kellie Shincke will share her experience with bees in her backyard. She will discuss both honeybees and mason bees as pollinators, different kinds of hives, and plants to attract bees to your yard, and will bring samples of honey and hives. Could beekeeping be in your future?

This program is free and open to the public. Please bring a mug for coffee or tea. For more information: Barb at 878-9901 or barb@scavezze.com
Sponsored by Transition Olympia - Climate Action

Monday, March 14th, 7:00pm-9:00pm
MIXX 96 Meeting Room, Corner of State and Washington, downtown Olympia

The Alliance for Community Transition of South Sound (ACTSS) is a network of organizations and individuals working to coordinate and strengthen local citizen action in response to economic uncertainty, diminishing resources, and climate disruption. Our purpose is to accelerate our community's transition toward a resilient and sustainable future dependent upon human resourcefulness, renewable energy, and a healthy natural environment. Our goal is to organize community participation in developing and implementing an Action Plan that will strengthen our economy, reduce our carbon footprint, and increase our capacity to adapt to a changing climate.

Our work is done in Working Groups: Food, Energy, Transportation, Land Use and Housing, Water and Environment, Solid Waste, Economy and Finance, Inner Transition, Media, and indicators. Each Working Group wil develop a chapter of the Action Plan.

March 9th, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Traditions Cafe, 300 5th Avenue, Olympia

Something remarkable is happening in the fields and orchards of the Pacific Northwest. They're growing much healthier food, much more per acre and using less energy and water than factory farms. An excellent film.

Part of the "Ethical Eating" series co-sponsored by Earth Care Catholics of Olympia and Interfaith Earth Stewardship Committee.

All events are free and open to the public.

Donations are appreciated.

Sat. March 5, 6:30 pm
Capitol Theater, 206 5th Ave. SE, Olympia

Opening Night - Filmmaker Q & A plus local Beekeepers Demonstration
In recent years, colony collapse disorder, a phenomenon in which worker bees abruptly disappear, has affected more than 5 million hives (each with 50,000-60,000 bees) worldwide. Given that bees pollinate 40% of the food humans eat, their vanishing signals huge repercussions for the planet. A large cast of biodynamic beekeepers, scientists, and authors, explore some of the reasons for colony collapse and suggest ways it might be remedied, including things the average person can do to improve the situation.

Simultaneous premier in Olympia, Bellingham, and Seattle.
Check out The Capitol Theater's website for exact show times for March 6 and beyond http://www.olympiafilmsociety.org/calendar/

Feb 27th thru Mar. 20th at Wild Thyme Farm, Oakville, WA

Globally, we are experiencing unpredictable changes in climate, economy, and resources. Through intentional design, we can anticipate what adaptive skills will be necessary for a joyful and abundant future. In this permaculture design course, students will be immersed in strategies to build community resilience and respond to uncertainties of the future. Through presentations, slides, games, lectures, field trips, and hands-on opportunities, this permaculture course will offer diverse learning styles to emphasize ways that students can design their lives and engage their communities in strategies for a sustainable future. For More Information: http://www.herbnwisdom.com Marisha Auerbach (360)273-7117

February 15th, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
MIXX 96 meeting room, Corner of State and Washington, downtown Olympia

"Deep Green" is an eye-opening film that travels the globe, unearthing ingenious solutions to get humanity off its fossil fuel consumption and reduce civilization's footprint.

The film will be screened at 7 pm, followed by a discussion. This program, sponsored by Transition Olympia Climate Action, is free and open to the public. Please bring a mug for coffee or tea.

For more information, contact Barb Scavezze 878-9901 or barb@scavezze.com.

Thursday, February 11th, 7:00 pm
Thurston County Courthouse, Bldg #1 Room 280

Sponsor: Thurston County League of Women Voters

A JUST, SUSTAINABLE and RESILIENT FOOD SYSTEM for THURSTON COUNTY

Date: Monday, January 17, 2011
Time: 7:00PM - 9:00PM
Location: Olympia Unitarian Universalist Church
2200 East End St NW, Olympia

Where our food comes from, how it's produced, and how it gets to our table has tremendous implications for our ability to create a secure and sustainable future for ourselves and future generations. The cumulative pressures of Peak Oil, climate change, and economic uncertainty cast serious doubt on the ability of the current globalized, corporatized industrial food system to ensure adequate healthy food for the future.

What can we do locally to cultivate a food system that is just, sustainable, and resilient? How can we use our existing assets – fertile farmland, an educated population, and a strong environmental and social justice ethic – to provide wholesome, local food to all members of our community, while also creating good jobs, a strong local economy, protecting farmland, beautifying our urban spaces, and preparing the community for an uncertain future?

TJ Johnson, local food activist and Director of the Urban Agriculture Program at Sustainable South Sound, will present information about the current food system, identify opportunities for re-localizing food production, and offer ideas for moving forward. Following the presentation there will be an open discussion and a chance for everyone in attendance to begin envisioning solutions.

Sponsored by Transition Olympia - Climate Action, Sustainable South Sound, and the OUUC Ethical Eating Committee

For more information, contact Barb at 878-9901 or barb@scavezze.com

Wednesday, January 12, 7-8:30 pm
Traditions Fair Trade Cafe 5th and Water Streets, Olympia.

A discussion will follow.

This is the third event in the Earth Care Series 2010-2011 entitled: Ethical Eating: Healthy Planet, Healthy Food, Healthy People, co-sponsored by Earth Care Catholics and the Interfaith Works Earth Stewardship Committee.

Date: Tuesday November 16, 2010

Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Location: MIXX 96 meeting room

Street: Corner of State and Washington

City/State/Zip: Downtown Olympia

Phone: Barb: 878-9901 or barb@scavezze.com

This video offers an intimate look at the farmers, ranchers, and businesses that are creating a more sustainable food system in the Pacific Northwest.

For decades Northwest agriculture was focused on a few big crops for export. But climate change and the end of cheap energy mean that each region needs to produce more of its own food and to grow it more sustainably. Good Food visits farmers, farmers' markets, distributors, stores, restaurants and public officials who are developing a more sustainable food system for all.

Discussion will follow. Free and open to the public. Please bring your own mug.

Sponsored by Transition Olympia - Climate Action (TOCA), with appreciation to Earth Care Catholics for graciously loaning the film.

Date: Tuesday October 19, 2010

Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Location: MIXX 96 meeting room

Street: Corner of State and Washington

City/State/Zip: Downtown Olympia

Phone: Barb: 878-9901 or barb@scavezze.com

Learn the basics of home heat loss, and how to identify cost and energy-saving measures with a PSE-certified HomePrint energy assessment. Panel includes homeowners who have had a HomePrint and what measures they are taking to cut their heat loss.

Panel includes:

• Joseph Becker, IonEcoBuilding
• Ramsey Zimmerman, Thurston Energy
• Barbara Scavezze, Thurston Energy
• Joanne Lee, The Natural Coach

Question and Answer session will follow the panel's presentation. Please bring your own mug to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea along with other refreshments.

Sponsored by Transition Olympia Climate Action (TOCA)

Tree Planting along McLane Trail (West Olympia)

When: Sunday, October 10, 2010, from 11:00-3:00

Meet: McLane Elementary School, 200 Delphi Rd. SW (off of Mud Bay Road)

Wear: Work clothes, work boots, work gloves

RSVP: Elaine at (360) 495-4323

Tools, Snacks and Water provided

We will be planting between 150 and 200 trees, so join your neighbors, pick up a shovel, and make a difference in your world!

Sponsored By: Olympia Climate Action – Transition And 350.org

flyer

Monthly Meeting

Tuesday September 21st
(3rd Tuesday of each month)

7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

MIX96 Meeting Room – Corner of Washington and State

We'll be viewing In Transition: The Movie and have a community conversation following the DVD.

Transition Olympia's Summer Salons – Food, Fun & Fabulous People

You will have an opportunity to OFFER something you have (for sale, for barter, for free), ASK for something you need, make ANNOUNCEMENTS and CELEBRATE with your community.

• June 15th
• July 20th
• August 17th

From 7:00pm – 9:00pm at MIXX 96 meeting room – corner of State & Washington

Bring a dish to share (for 4 – 6), your own plate / utensils and your friends. We'll focus on local food – from your garden, from your CSA, from the Farmers Market. And let's have zero waste. Call Joanne @ 360-352-6224 with questions.

Thursday, June 17th, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Olympia Center (Room B), 222 Columbia St NW

This is YOUR CHANCE to comment on the climate implications of Olympia's comp plan. Following a brief update on the progress of the comp plan by Keith Stahley, attendees will break into separate groups to discuss one of the focus areas recommended by the Planning Commission and suggest measurable outcomes, and then report their conclusions to the whole group.

Focus Areas recommended by the Planning Commission:

• Downtown (including Capitol Campus and Port of Olympia)
• Neighborhoods
• Shoreline/Waterfront/Critical Areas (Integrated with the Shoreline Master Program Update Process)
• High Density Corridors (HDC)
• Environmental Stewardship

Refreshments served at 6:45 - please bring your own mug. The program will start promptly at 7:00 pm. This is a free public meeting.

Sponsors: Olympia Climate Action -- Transition Olympia -- City of Olympia

For more Information: Barb at 878-9901 or barb@scavezze.com

Please note the change from our usual meeting day and location.

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Tuesday, May 25th, 7:00-9:00 pm
Traditions Cafe

Growing food and flowers in the greater Olympia area with Marisha Auerbach. Sliding Scale $7–10, no one turned away for lack of funds. For more information or to register contact: Marisha at 360-273-7117.

In Transition: The Movie showing May 22nd at SYNERGY at The Evergreen State College

In Transition: from oil dependence to local resilience

'In Transition' is the first detailed film about the Transition movement filmed by those that know it best, those who are making it happen on the ground. The Transition movement is about communities all over the world responding to peak oil and climate change with creativity, imagination and humor, and setting about rebuilding their local economies and communities. It is positive, solutions focused, viral and fun.

Please join us on Red Square at our table or in SEM II E1107 to see the movie. Showing at 10am and Noon

Wednesday, May 19th, 6:00pm - 9:00pm
TESC Longhouse. Free.

A panel of community members working towards sustainable and just food in Olympia, including TJ Johnson from Sustainable South Sound, Ann Vanderman from Left Foot Organics, Lisa Owen from the Mark will be followed by Cafe style conversations and a large group discussion to form connections and plan for future action.

Home Greywater System from Peak Moment TV with Trathen Heckman founder of Daily Acts in Petaluma, CA

Transition Olympia Salon
Tuesday, May 18th - Mixx96 Meeting Room

• 6:00 – 6:45 PM Orientation for Newcomers – Viewing In Transition: The Movie
• 7:00 – 9:00 PM Home Greywater Systems

This 28-minute video from Peak Moment is a great introduction to household greywater systems featuring Trathen Heckman of Daily Acts.

Heckman is doing a heroic act by blazing a trail through the permitting process for the system. It's important work; once a system is available as an example, it will be easier for others to get permits.

This video salon is a follow-up to Transition Olympia's April salon on the impact of climate change on freshwater availability and use in Thurston County. This month's salon begins to address the question, "What can I do?"

Free Admission - - Coffee, tea and cookies provided - - Please Join Us!

Evergreen State College May 17-22

A week of lectures, workshops, films and festivities geared towards a broad range of sustainability issues including: Permaculture workshops, Alternative Transportation Day, Talk With Your Mouth Full: A Forum on Olympia's Food Systems, a Biodiesel Production workshop, the Food Sovereignty Film Festival, a Sustainable Business Forum, A Frugal Cyclist's Guide to the Universe with Willie Weir, a lecture on Wild Edibles by John Kallas, Safe Food and Fertilizer with Patty Martin and a performance by well-known folk-singer Dana Lyons.

On Saturday, the Creative Community Festival will host over 40 local nonprofits, businesses, and campus organizations that will share their work with the community.

Most events are free and open to the public. More information at http://www.evergreen.edu/synergy

Friday, May 14th, 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Olympia Timberland Library

Author Novella Carpenter will read from her hilarious memoir. Books will be available for signing or for purchase.

Monday, May 10, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
MIXX 96 meeting room, corner of State and Washington in Olympia

The presentation and discussion will be led by Rachel Laderman, an education and outreach specialist with the Thurston County Public Health and Social Services Department, and Glen Patrick, Manager of the Environmental Epidemiology section of the State Department of Health.

The focus of the talk will be on the main climate impacts that are being measured and observed and their implications for health. For example, continued stronger local rain events leading to flooding are predicted. Flooding has many health impacts ranging from immediate injury and loss of life to disease from polluted drinking water and disease-spreading organisms.

"It's important to start talking about these health impacts, and to realize there's a human face on climate change," says Laderman. "The better we recognize what's coming, the better we can prepare. " She adds that it never hurts to be ready for a flood or heat wave – things we know are inevitable, but likely to be worse due to climate change.

This talk is free and open to the public; please bring your own mug for coffee or tea and be alert for delicious cookies. For more information, contact Barb Scavezze at 878-9901 or mailto:barb@scavezze.com or see http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OlyClimateAction/

Climate Change and Drinking Water: Are We at Risk?

Tuesday, April 20, 7-9 pm
Mixx 96 meeting room, corner of State and Washington

THE BIG PICTURE: Expected Climate Impacts to Drinking Water

RICH HOEY, Director of Water Resources, City of Olympia, will address the concerns over a changing climate, the anticipated threats to our drinking water supply and what we can expect to happen.

ON-SITE SOLUTIONS: What We Can Do at Home

DONNA BUXTON, Groundwater Protection Program Specialist, City of Olympia
ERIN CONINE, Water Conservation Program Coordinator, City of Olympia
will talk about ways we can help to recharge the aquifer as well as ways to reduce consumption and options for storing or re-using water at home including state rules on grey water.

Displays, freebies and rebates. Anyone experienced with rain barrels, rain gardens, composting toilets or catchment is invited to share.

For more information, contact Joanne Lee 352-6224.

"IN TRANSITION"

Saturday, April 17th, 10:30-11:30am
Olympia Library

This is a well-done film is a wonderful introduction to the Transition Movement. All are welcome.

Saturday March 20th
5-7pm at Fertile Ground Guest House

Welcome in the first day of spring and come learn the folk method for tincturing fresh nettles (alcohol or glycerin) and a few exciting food preparations for this rejuvenative and abundant herb. Facilitator TBA

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Tuesday, March 16th
7-8pm at Fertile Ground Guest House

Are you distracted, stressed, and feel like you are being pulled in all directions? What if you could bring more clarity into your life by simply updating your diet? Together, we will prepare a "Clarity Meal," and discuss how eating certain foods can help to bring you focus and an uplifting feeling of purpose. By making a few simple changes, the world can open up for you. Taught by nutrition counselor Ava Waits.

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Designing A Resilient Economy For A Post-carbon Future

Tuesday, March 16 from 7-9 pm Mixx 96

A Panel Presentation:

• Marie Poland, Sustainable South Sound, Buy Local Program;
• Larry Levine, local owner Oly Bikes;
• Lisa Smith, Executive Director, Enterprise for Equity;
• Peter Stroble, WELCO Lumber Co.

How will peak oil and climate change affect the local economy?
What defines a "local" business?
Why is supporting local important for us?

The focus for the evening will be on examining the expected effects on our local economy from both a changing climate and increased costs and reduced availability of fossil fuels. The panel presentation will be followed by a salon to discuss ways the community can begin to develop support.

This event will be held at the MIXX 96 meeting room, corner of State and Washington in Olympia. There will also be an opportunity to learn about the Transition Movement either by coming at 6 pm before the program or by attending a screening of "In Transition", the movie at the Olympia Library on either Saturday, March 13 or April 10 at 10:30 am.

All Transition Olympia events are free and open to the public. Refreshments will be available and donations are always appreciated. Contact: mailto:joanne@naturalcoach.com

"IN TRANSITION"

Saturday, March 13th, 10:30-11:30am
Olympia Library

This is a well-done film is a wonderful introduction to the Transition Movement. All are welcome.

Tuesday, March 9th
6-8pm at the GRuB Farmhouse

Need to flavor up your boring chicken and lack luster veggies? This class provides a cure for the kitchen blues. White Bean Hummus, Spring Green Pesto, Homemade Mayo, Apricot-Balsamic Spread, Asian Sesame-Soy sauce, Coconut Cilantro Cream, and Avocado Jalapeno Yogurt Sauce! Taught by nutrition counselor and "Getting Into Food" author Allison Imel Hamza

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Thursday, March 4th
6:30-8:30pm at the GRuB Farmhouse

Bread is supposed to be the staff of life, but what do you do when you are gluten intolerant or allergic to wheat? Make Gluten-Free bread of course! You can enjoy again the smells, taste and texture of fresh bread from the oven. Toast in the morning, sliced up for sandwiches at lunch, and a hunk with your soup at dinner. It's totally possible and totally delicious. Come empower yourself and learn the simple, but unusual techniques to master gluten-free yeasted bread. Taught by Co-op staff person Jenn Kliese

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Global Trends - - Local Choices

http://www.suburbanpermaculture.org

"Perspectives, Models and Tools for Redefining the Present and Future."

Thursday, March 4th,

• 12-1pm Sem2 E1105 at the Evergreen State College
• 7pm Traditions Cafe

* Economics * Power Shift * Permaculture * Urban Land Use * Neighborhoods * Human Potential * Faith Communities * Key Leverage Point

*Followed by a Permaculture Bike Tour Friday March 5th 10am-12pm **Meet at the west side coop**

Hosted By: Terra Commons, Transition Olympia

Sunday, February 28th
1:30-3:30 at GRuB Farmhouse

In this workshop we will demonstrate how to start seeds in your home to get a head "start" on the season. Taught by a former greenhouse manager, we go over basic planting, lighting, watering, and fertilizer, and how to make a greenhouse small enough for apartment dwellers. Product resource lists will be provided. Taught by Olympia Seed Saver Caitlyn Moore.

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Thursday, February 25th
7-8pm at Fertile Ground Guesthouse

This class is for those of you who are looking to improve the health of your mouth by using a natural dietary approach. You will learn about foods that strengthen the gums and teeth, and have been used to prevent cavities and reverse gum disease. Together, we will take a look at the benefits of both vegetarian and meatier diets for the health of our mouths. Taught by nutrition counselor Ava Waits

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Sunday Feb 21st
1-4pm at GRuB Farmhouse

This class will explore the different types of knives that are useful in the kitchen, the different material the blades are made with, and how to hold your knives for best comfort and safety. Then we will practice some cuts such as mincing, dicing, slicing, chiffonade, oblique, julienne, Asian julienne, & supremes to make appealing dishes. Fennel orange salad, Kinpira Gobo (Japanese Winter Vegetables), and more. Taught by Chef Chie Okazaki.

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Thursday, February 18th
6:30-8:30pm at GRuB Farmhouse

Are you looking to incorporate more raw and living foods into your diet? Wondering how you can do that in the cold winter months? Would you like the transition and preparation to be quick and easy? Create delicious green smoothies kids love, gluten free sugar free treats and quick complete vegan meals. We will discuss preparing many items that are already in your kitchen Add even more healthy options into your already existing way of eating and create 2010 as the Best Year Ever! Facilitated by Rebeka Gentian Helmreich of Raw Alchemy Cafe and Jaydee Sperry

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Introduction to Permaculture: the Roots of the Transition Movement

February 16th, MIXX96 Meeting Room

6:00pm - 6:45pm Introduction to Transition Olympia

7:00pm – 9:00pm Introduction to Permaculture: the Roots of the Transition Movement
With Marisha Auerbach of HerbnWisdom http://www.herbnwisdom.com

Join us for a slide show and lively discussion about using proven methods to improve the health and productivity of our properties, our communities and ourselves.

Saturday, February 13, 9:00am - 1:00pm
Centralia College, Washington Hall

A free gardening workshop conducted by the WSU Lewis County Master Gardeners. It is open to anyone, there is no fee and no pre-registration is required. Classes are first come, first served basis so it is important to arrive a little early to ensure a seat.

9am to 10am
Room 103 - Mason Bees - nature's early tree fruit pollinators. How to attract them to your garden. ~Jim Thielges

Room 105 - Spring Weeds - Learn to identify the 10 "most wanted" spring weeds and how to rid Your garden of them. Bill Wamsley

10:15am to 11:15am
Room 103 - Safe Alternatives to Toxic Garden Chemicals - Bring your left over or unused pesticides and herbicides and have them safely disposed of. Then learn how to eliminate or substitute harmful garden chemicals with safer methods or treatments. ~Sarah Roebas and Joni Chambers, Master Recycler Composters of Lewis County

Room 105 - Summer Bulbs - Extend the beauty of the summer garden after the tulips and daffodils have faded with summer bulbs that will carry you al the way through Fall. ~Barbara Eastman

11:30am to 1:00pm
Room 103 - Pruning Fruit Trees - Proper pruning increases production in apple and pear trees and improves health. Learn proper techniques and then go over to the Borst Demo Garden to see a pruning demonstration up close and personal. ~ Mike Steadham

Room 105 - Plant to Preserve - How many garden vegetables do you need to plant to provide enough food to feed your family through the winter? What is the best preservation method for each? ~ Karen Edwards

Directions to Washington Hall: From the North take I-5 Exit 82, turn left. Travel east on Harrison. Turn right on Washington Avenue. Turn left onto Pear Street. From the south take I-5 Exit 81 and drive east on Mellen. Turn left onto Washington Avenue and travel 3 blocks.

Parking is available in the Pear Street parking lot.

For more information call 360-740-1212 or check out our web page at http://lewis.wsu.edu

Wednesday February 10th
6-7:30pm at Fertile Ground Guesthouse

Are you constantly craving sweets and want to understand why? Do you want to gain control without willpower or deprivation? If you've ever had cravings for sweets, this is the workshop for you. I've designed this class to permanently change your relationship with sugar. You will leave this class understanding the causes of your sugar cravings and you'll receive practical tools for dealing with them. Taught by nutrition counselor and Co-op staff person Summer Bock

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Sunday, February 7th
Noon-2pm at GRuB Farmhouse

This workshop is designed to help backyard gardeners plan their gardens for maximum yield, and to give an introduction to seed saving. After attending this workshop, gardeners will be able to understand the steps necessary to plan their own garden, be able to interpret garden catalog information and apply it to developing a garden design, and be able to incorporate seed saving into that design. Gardeners will leave with many helpful handouts, and a map of their own gardens to use when planting in the spring. Taught by Olympia Seed Saver Caitlyn Moore.

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January meeting of Transition Olympia

Tuesday, January 19th, 7:00pm-9:00pm
MIXX 96 meeting room, corner of State and Washington in Olympia.

Peak Oil will be the subject of the January meeting of Transition Olympia. A short film interview with Bart Anderson, former editor of EnergyBulletin.net entitled "Peak Oil: Adapting to Big Changes Ahead" will be followed by a salon discussion on preparing for a very different society with a descending supply of energy.

An introduction to the Transition Movement will be offered at 6:00pm.

This event, which is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact http://www.transitionolympia.com or Joanne Lee 352-6224.

Monday, January 11, 7:00-9:00pm
at the Olympia Center, 222 N. Columbia

Olympia Climate Action will host an evening of exploration into the expected impacts from climate disruption on both downtown Olympia and Washington State and an opportunity to share ideas about how these impending changes might be addressed in the Olympia Comprehensive Plan.

Andy Haub, City of Olympia Public Works, will address "Sea Level Rise: What We Can Expect" with an overview of recently completed work on various scenarios and potential impacts. Keith Staley, City of Olympia Planning Department, will talk about ways of "Putting the Climate in the Comp Plan", offering an opportunity to talk about how we would like to see climate addressed in a plan that sets the stage for the next 20 years in Olympia.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Barb Scavezze at 878-9901 or mailto:barb@scavezze.com

Monday, January 4, 8:15am
"The Kiss" on Percival Landing, corner of State St. and 4th Avenue.

Bundle up and join members of the Olympia City Council and Thurston County Commission to experience a normal highest tide and contemplate the impact of sea level rise on downtown Olympia.

Sponsored by OLYMPIA CLIMATE ACTION
http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/OlyClimateAction
or
mailto:barb@scavezze.com