Newsletter - December 14th, 2012
At this time of year, it is often easy to get caught up in the buying and consuming that happens in the Holiday season. However, often all we really need is to take a look around and realize how much we already have. Gratitude for the gifts that are already a part of our lives turns everything we have, into enough. We hope you take time this season to be grateful – for family and friends, delicious local food options, clean water to drink, and this beautiful part of the world that we live in. We are grateful for all of the above, and most of all for YOU – the people who support us in all that we do, to make our world a healthier and happier place to be.
Happy Holidays, from all of us at The Environment Network
In the Shoppe:
Holiday Gift Packages - The Gift that Keeps on Giving!
The Environment Network is ready for a "green" Holiday season with our Holiday Gift Packages. When giving the "Gift of Green" from the Environment Network you will now that each item in the package has been researched extensively to ensure that they are truly sustainable and manufactured in a way that supports the people and communities they are created in. These items help support a healthy environment and strong society today and long into the future. The added benefit is that when you choose to purchase from the Environment Network 100% of the proceeds from our shoppe are returned to our community through programs and services
Custom orders are welcome.
20% off toys!
The Toy Maker of Lunenburg
The Toy Maker of Lunenburg designs practical, durable toys to challenge a child's imagination and provide safe enjoyment. Canadian-made, hand-crafted products are produced with great care, including well-rounded corners, no splinters or rough spots and non-toxic paints and finishes. The wood used to make The Toy Maker of Lunenburg products is harvested within 30 km. of their facilities from companies using sustainable wood practices. Local hobby farms use most of their shavings, and the sawdust is recycled for compost.
Thorpe Toys
Thorpe Toys is a Canadian business that produces and sells wooden toys for kids of all ages. They have been hand crafting wooden toys from their own, original designs for over 30 years. The toys are all made from Canadian woods and are left unpainted. This allows you to finish them in any way you desire.There is a variety of toys - ranging from games of skill, boats, planes, swings, trains, bug boxes, cradles, ride on toys, stools, flower presses and many more. The toys are all very durable and are often passed from child to child.
BE THE CHANGE Documentary Film Series
Living Downstream
January 16, 2013
This poetic film follows ecologist and cancer survivor Sandra Steingraber PhD during one pivotal year as she travels across North America, working to break the silence about cancer and its environmental links. Living Downstream highlights research on two pervasive chemicals: atrazine, one of the most widely used herbicides in the world, and the industrial compounds, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and follows these invisible toxins as they migrate to some of the most beautiful places in North America. Living Downstream is a powerful reminder of the intimate connection between the health of our bodies and the health of our air, land and water.
Live Music (+ dinner) 6:30pm - Music: Jason Redman
Dinner by the Mediterranean Catering Company – $15 (Available at the door.)
Film 7:30pm
Admission – $8.00, Students – Free with Valid Student ID.
Click here to see all films in the series and to buy tickets
www.livingdownstream.com
www.jasonredman.com
AUCTION and FUNDRAISER - Green Beer for a Green Planet
March 20th, 2013
In the spirit of St. Patrick's day, we again celebrate with a fundraising auction and green refreshments prior to the film. SILENT AUCTION! This year's event will have a silent auction for most items, and a live auction for 6 hot ticket items. Last year's evening was a great success and raised over $4,125 in support of Elephant Thoughts and the Blue Mountain Watershed Trust's delivery of local environmental programs in schools. These hands-on workshops encourage the conservation of our ecologically sensitive wetlands, the promotion of alternative energy choices and the ability to make informed decisions on living in a way to protect our planet for future generations. Taught by skilled teachers, students participate in a number of interactive science-based activities, such as building solar cars, generating electricity using bikes, interacting with live native animals and using models to simulate the effects of pollution on the watershed system. We believe that the future of this planet depends on our children, and therefore promote their active involvement in this series. Students are free and we encourage their volunteerism as much as possible. So dust off your kilts and join us with musical guest Strange Potatoes, our local celtic music band, to support these important school programs.
The Film: Reforesting Las Gaviotas
Marvel at the results of a 25 year reforestation effort in Colombia to transform a large swath of lifeless savannah as it gives birth to a new form of community and sustainability, regenerates biodiversity, produces drinking water and sustainably-farmed biodiesel, reduces national foreign debt and much more.
Click here to see all films in the series and to buy tickets
We want you to join our team!
The Environment Network is looking for two new volunteer board members! Specifically we are looking for one youth member (under 30), and one adult member. We meet 4 times a year to set direction and policy for the organization.
For more details please contact us at 705-446-0551 or mrich@environmentnetwork.org
Exploration Greens' March Break Day Camp
After last years discovery filled week about hibernation, winter survival and animals the Environment Network is excited to announce the return of Exploration Greens' March Break Day Camp. Taking place on March 11th to 15th, campers will engage in unique winter focused games and discover how animals find food, water and shelter in all that snow. The cost is $175 for the week, please no daily registrations.
Campers must be between 6 and 10 years old.
Registration will begin in January.
Click here to register.
Space is limited
Well Aware ONLINE COURSE - February 1st-22nd, 2013
What you don’t know about your well... can hurt your family. As a private well owner in Ontario, you are responsible for maintaining your well to prevent contamination. That’s the law. A substandard well can put your family’s health at risk. And it could cost you thousands of dollars to fix. That’s why you need to be a responsible well owner. Know how to recognize well problems – and how to take action to protect your family’s drinking water.
We can help.
Sign up for a Well Aware ONLINE COURSE - February 1st-22nd, 2013
For a special introductory rate of just $200, our course will give you the knowledge you need to protect your family's health. You'll learn:
-how to complete a self-assessment of your own well
-groundwater basics and how your well works
-why it's important to test your well water
-what to do if your water tests are bad
-steps you can take to prevent adverse tests
-what symptoms can be caused by drinking bad water
Upon course completion, based on information you submit about your own well, you'll receive a confidential report with advice from our Well Aware certified hydrogeologist. Graduates will also be eligible to win a free vermin-proof cap installed on their well (a $400 value).
Anyone with a computer and internet can participate.
Register today for Well Aware’s ONLINE COURSE at www.wellaware.ca <http://environmentnetwork.createsend1.com/t/r-l-uydhddt-iiijkuddr-d/>
Girlfriends
I am so proud to be part of the wonderful program Girlfriends that is so well supported in our communities. With longstanding volunteers and amazing mentors from the community we have created a program that is appealing to all girls in grades 7 & 8. We have been so fortunate to have some amazing mentors visit our two sessions already this year. Jessica Carson of Blue Mountain Fitness, Heidi Rumball of Blossom Yoga, and Aranka Jones Naturopathic Doctor. We also have a great line up of guests for the New Year! I would like to Thanks Dr. Aranka Jones and www.thenaturopathickitchen.com for donating $3 from each registration for their cooking class to the Environment Network for the GIRLFRIENDS program.
- Stephanie Hardy
Program Coordinator
Feature Volunteer
This month we would like to thank Erin Dunglinson for her volunteerism with the Girlfriends program at Mountain View Public School. Erin has dedicated her time to this program for the past four years. She brings and upbeat attitude and quirky sense of humour to our sessions. Erin is caring, loyal, and a wonderful mentor to these girls, her passion and warm heart makes her easy to be around.
Program Proudly Supported by the United Way Agency
Transition Initiative
Transition Towns is a grassroots network of communities that are working to raise awareness of sustainable living & proactively transition the community away from fossil fuels by building local ecological resilience. Projects are community-envisioned, community-designed & community-implemented. The term 'community' may refer to local people, local institutions, local council, towns, villages, cities, neighbourhoods, townships or any group of people working towards a common intention. Initiatives may include local food production, community gardens & edible landscaping, water, skill sharing & education, community currency & bartering, sustainable energy, eco-friendly housing, clean transportation, energy descent planning, business waste exchange & repurposing of materials. Projects vary dependent on the needs & intentions of a given local community. If interested, please join us at out next meeting on January 8th, 2013 (details below). We are in the process of re-organizing & raising awareness. To aid in directing our focus, we would like to compile a data base of community members, skills/strengths & primary intentions/projects. For more information on how to become involved please contact Ivan Chan at 705-444-2684 or edeninseason@gmail.com.
NEXT MEETING
January 8 2013, 6pm
Potluck
Children are welcome
235599 Grey Road 13, 3km north of Kimberley
Ben Caesar/ Fiddlehead Nursery: 226 668 4234
Accessibility: several steps to house LINKS & RESOURCES:
www.transitionnetwork.org
The Transition Handbook: from oil dependency to local resilience -Rob Hopkins
www.transitionmeaford.org as a local example
Germinate Perspectives
Germinate Perspectives, a compilation of functional art, wearable art & photography by local artist, Shannan Alexandra, is now available in the Environment Network shoppe. Her photography centres on the resonance of nature, transitioning light, transformations & reclamation. Many images focus on the beauty & detail in the little things found in our surroundings. Her artistic works include wearable or functional pieces such as jewelry, clothing, bags, lamps, tables & mosaics. Her objective is to make each individual component of each art piece by using or transforming natural, repurposed, reclaimed & found materials. While hiking or traveling, Shan collects stones, shells, seeds, feathers & wood to incorporate in her projects. If outside resources are needed, she aims to find sustainable alternatives. Both in intention & practice, Germinate Perspectives is reflective of nature, growth, evolution & creating a new existence to quiescent elements.
Visit the Environment Network Shoppe to see what's on display or contact Shan at 705-445-2766 or germinate@ymail.com for custom orders
Environment Network
44 St. Marie St., Collingwood,
Ontario, Canada, L9Y 3Y9
Shoppe Holiday Hours:
December 22 10-3
December 23, 24, 25, 26 Closed
December 27, 28 10-5
December 29, 30, 31, Jan 1 Closed
January 2, 3, 4 10-5
January 5 Closed
Happy Holidays, from all of us at The Environment Network
In the Shoppe:
Holiday Gift Packages - The Gift that Keeps on Giving!
The Environment Network is ready for a "green" Holiday season with our Holiday Gift Packages. When giving the "Gift of Green" from the Environment Network you will now that each item in the package has been researched extensively to ensure that they are truly sustainable and manufactured in a way that supports the people and communities they are created in. These items help support a healthy environment and strong society today and long into the future. The added benefit is that when you choose to purchase from the Environment Network 100% of the proceeds from our shoppe are returned to our community through programs and services
Custom orders are welcome.
20% off toys!
The Toy Maker of Lunenburg
The Toy Maker of Lunenburg designs practical, durable toys to challenge a child's imagination and provide safe enjoyment. Canadian-made, hand-crafted products are produced with great care, including well-rounded corners, no splinters or rough spots and non-toxic paints and finishes. The wood used to make The Toy Maker of Lunenburg products is harvested within 30 km. of their facilities from companies using sustainable wood practices. Local hobby farms use most of their shavings, and the sawdust is recycled for compost.
Thorpe Toys
Thorpe Toys is a Canadian business that produces and sells wooden toys for kids of all ages. They have been hand crafting wooden toys from their own, original designs for over 30 years. The toys are all made from Canadian woods and are left unpainted. This allows you to finish them in any way you desire.There is a variety of toys - ranging from games of skill, boats, planes, swings, trains, bug boxes, cradles, ride on toys, stools, flower presses and many more. The toys are all very durable and are often passed from child to child.
BE THE CHANGE Documentary Film Series
Living Downstream
January 16, 2013
This poetic film follows ecologist and cancer survivor Sandra Steingraber PhD during one pivotal year as she travels across North America, working to break the silence about cancer and its environmental links. Living Downstream highlights research on two pervasive chemicals: atrazine, one of the most widely used herbicides in the world, and the industrial compounds, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and follows these invisible toxins as they migrate to some of the most beautiful places in North America. Living Downstream is a powerful reminder of the intimate connection between the health of our bodies and the health of our air, land and water.
Live Music (+ dinner) 6:30pm - Music: Jason Redman
Dinner by the Mediterranean Catering Company – $15 (Available at the door.)
Film 7:30pm
Admission – $8.00, Students – Free with Valid Student ID.
Click here to see all films in the series and to buy tickets
www.livingdownstream.com
www.jasonredman.com
AUCTION and FUNDRAISER - Green Beer for a Green Planet
March 20th, 2013
In the spirit of St. Patrick's day, we again celebrate with a fundraising auction and green refreshments prior to the film. SILENT AUCTION! This year's event will have a silent auction for most items, and a live auction for 6 hot ticket items. Last year's evening was a great success and raised over $4,125 in support of Elephant Thoughts and the Blue Mountain Watershed Trust's delivery of local environmental programs in schools. These hands-on workshops encourage the conservation of our ecologically sensitive wetlands, the promotion of alternative energy choices and the ability to make informed decisions on living in a way to protect our planet for future generations. Taught by skilled teachers, students participate in a number of interactive science-based activities, such as building solar cars, generating electricity using bikes, interacting with live native animals and using models to simulate the effects of pollution on the watershed system. We believe that the future of this planet depends on our children, and therefore promote their active involvement in this series. Students are free and we encourage their volunteerism as much as possible. So dust off your kilts and join us with musical guest Strange Potatoes, our local celtic music band, to support these important school programs.
The Film: Reforesting Las Gaviotas
Marvel at the results of a 25 year reforestation effort in Colombia to transform a large swath of lifeless savannah as it gives birth to a new form of community and sustainability, regenerates biodiversity, produces drinking water and sustainably-farmed biodiesel, reduces national foreign debt and much more.
Click here to see all films in the series and to buy tickets
We want you to join our team!
The Environment Network is looking for two new volunteer board members! Specifically we are looking for one youth member (under 30), and one adult member. We meet 4 times a year to set direction and policy for the organization.
For more details please contact us at 705-446-0551 or mrich@environmentnetwork.org
Exploration Greens' March Break Day Camp
After last years discovery filled week about hibernation, winter survival and animals the Environment Network is excited to announce the return of Exploration Greens' March Break Day Camp. Taking place on March 11th to 15th, campers will engage in unique winter focused games and discover how animals find food, water and shelter in all that snow. The cost is $175 for the week, please no daily registrations.
Campers must be between 6 and 10 years old.
Registration will begin in January.
Click here to register.
Space is limited
Well Aware ONLINE COURSE - February 1st-22nd, 2013
What you don’t know about your well... can hurt your family. As a private well owner in Ontario, you are responsible for maintaining your well to prevent contamination. That’s the law. A substandard well can put your family’s health at risk. And it could cost you thousands of dollars to fix. That’s why you need to be a responsible well owner. Know how to recognize well problems – and how to take action to protect your family’s drinking water.
We can help.
Sign up for a Well Aware ONLINE COURSE - February 1st-22nd, 2013
For a special introductory rate of just $200, our course will give you the knowledge you need to protect your family's health. You'll learn:
-how to complete a self-assessment of your own well
-groundwater basics and how your well works
-why it's important to test your well water
-what to do if your water tests are bad
-steps you can take to prevent adverse tests
-what symptoms can be caused by drinking bad water
Upon course completion, based on information you submit about your own well, you'll receive a confidential report with advice from our Well Aware certified hydrogeologist. Graduates will also be eligible to win a free vermin-proof cap installed on their well (a $400 value).
Anyone with a computer and internet can participate.
Register today for Well Aware’s ONLINE COURSE at www.wellaware.ca <http://environmentnetwork.createsend1.com/t/r-l-uydhddt-iiijkuddr-d/>
Girlfriends
I am so proud to be part of the wonderful program Girlfriends that is so well supported in our communities. With longstanding volunteers and amazing mentors from the community we have created a program that is appealing to all girls in grades 7 & 8. We have been so fortunate to have some amazing mentors visit our two sessions already this year. Jessica Carson of Blue Mountain Fitness, Heidi Rumball of Blossom Yoga, and Aranka Jones Naturopathic Doctor. We also have a great line up of guests for the New Year! I would like to Thanks Dr. Aranka Jones and www.thenaturopathickitchen.com for donating $3 from each registration for their cooking class to the Environment Network for the GIRLFRIENDS program.
- Stephanie Hardy
Program Coordinator
Feature Volunteer
This month we would like to thank Erin Dunglinson for her volunteerism with the Girlfriends program at Mountain View Public School. Erin has dedicated her time to this program for the past four years. She brings and upbeat attitude and quirky sense of humour to our sessions. Erin is caring, loyal, and a wonderful mentor to these girls, her passion and warm heart makes her easy to be around.
Program Proudly Supported by the United Way Agency
Transition Initiative
Transition Towns is a grassroots network of communities that are working to raise awareness of sustainable living & proactively transition the community away from fossil fuels by building local ecological resilience. Projects are community-envisioned, community-designed & community-implemented. The term 'community' may refer to local people, local institutions, local council, towns, villages, cities, neighbourhoods, townships or any group of people working towards a common intention. Initiatives may include local food production, community gardens & edible landscaping, water, skill sharing & education, community currency & bartering, sustainable energy, eco-friendly housing, clean transportation, energy descent planning, business waste exchange & repurposing of materials. Projects vary dependent on the needs & intentions of a given local community. If interested, please join us at out next meeting on January 8th, 2013 (details below). We are in the process of re-organizing & raising awareness. To aid in directing our focus, we would like to compile a data base of community members, skills/strengths & primary intentions/projects. For more information on how to become involved please contact Ivan Chan at 705-444-2684 or edeninseason@gmail.com.
NEXT MEETING
January 8 2013, 6pm
Potluck
Children are welcome
235599 Grey Road 13, 3km north of Kimberley
Ben Caesar/ Fiddlehead Nursery: 226 668 4234
Accessibility: several steps to house LINKS & RESOURCES:
www.transitionnetwork.org
The Transition Handbook: from oil dependency to local resilience -Rob Hopkins
www.transitionmeaford.org as a local example
Germinate Perspectives
Germinate Perspectives, a compilation of functional art, wearable art & photography by local artist, Shannan Alexandra, is now available in the Environment Network shoppe. Her photography centres on the resonance of nature, transitioning light, transformations & reclamation. Many images focus on the beauty & detail in the little things found in our surroundings. Her artistic works include wearable or functional pieces such as jewelry, clothing, bags, lamps, tables & mosaics. Her objective is to make each individual component of each art piece by using or transforming natural, repurposed, reclaimed & found materials. While hiking or traveling, Shan collects stones, shells, seeds, feathers & wood to incorporate in her projects. If outside resources are needed, she aims to find sustainable alternatives. Both in intention & practice, Germinate Perspectives is reflective of nature, growth, evolution & creating a new existence to quiescent elements.
Visit the Environment Network Shoppe to see what's on display or contact Shan at 705-445-2766 or germinate@ymail.com for custom orders
Environment Network
44 St. Marie St., Collingwood,
Ontario, Canada, L9Y 3Y9
Shoppe Holiday Hours:
December 22 10-3
December 23, 24, 25, 26 Closed
December 27, 28 10-5
December 29, 30, 31, Jan 1 Closed
January 2, 3, 4 10-5
January 5 Closed
