The Free Press -- Independent News Media

Tue Jan 06 2009

Calendar

January 6, 2009

Amnesty International group 87 Meeting

7:00 PM.

Location: Summit Methodist Church, 82 E. 16th Avenue
Email: bshosey@columbus.rr.com

January 6, 2009

Downshifting Learning Group

7:00-9:00 PM. Are you too busy to attend this activity and want to change that? Do you have time for the things that are really important, or are just plain tired of the "rat race"? This group may be for you! We are discussing and discovering ways to "right size" our work, to become more focused on living our highest values. Please join us on the second and fourth Tuesdays (other weekday nights are possible), 7-9 PM, for tea and sharing. We may invite speakers from time to time, but will be mostly participant-led. You are welcome to drop by once or regularly.

Phone: Kirsten at 447-0169; or Jane at 670-4050
Email: adagioalpacas@wowway.com

January 8, 2009

Ohio Fair Schools Campaign meeting

11:30 AM – 2:00 PM.

Location: First Congregational Church, 444 E broad St. in Columbus
Phone: (740) 592-2866
Website: www.ohiofairschools.org

January 8, 2009

Interfaith Prayers for Peace: Suffering and Conflict in the World

12 noon - 1 PM. This prayer service will provide an opportunity for shared quiet prayer concerning specific situations of suffering and conflict in the U.S. and around the world. The service will be led by Rev. John Wagner and Mrs. Mariam Wagner. All are invited to attend.

Location: St. Thomas More Newman Center (near OSU campus), 64 W. Lane Ave., Columbus OH 43201.
Phone: 614-210-0591, 614-844-6200

January 8, 2009

Understanding Energy Efficiency and Conservation at Home

7:00-9:00 PM. Learn the basics of building science, and identify the most important things you can do to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of your home. Adding conservation measures to energy efficiency, you can dramatically reduce your home energy use and utility expenses as well as minimize your carbon footprint. SL member Kevin Eigel, certified Building Analyst and President of Ecohouse LLC, will present. This is the monthly

Location: Northwood Bldg, 2231 N. High St. Rm. 100
Phone: 447-0296

January 9, 2009 Until January 10, 2009

Solar Technology and Its Application Today

6:00 PM - Jan. 9, 12noon - Jan. 10. Find out how the sun can provide power, heat and even cooling, yet never send you a bill. We will cover the issues, the costs and the tremendous benefits of solar energy in its many forms. Hands-on examples of several systems will be available to see up close. Bring your questions and curiosity, all materials will be provided. Come see the latest energy-saving products and leave with ideas you can implement to save energy at home and work. The classes are appropriate for homeowners, businesses, architects and design professionals, students and anyone interested in alternative energy and/or living more efficiently. (RSVP appreciated, but not required). Free.

Location: Watt~Works, “The Energy Savings Store” 1078 Goodale Blvd. Columbus, OH 43212
Phone: 614-458-1162
Email: green@wattworks.com
Website: www.wattworks.com

January 9, 2009

Friday Night Film: The Future of Food

7:00 PM. A revolution is happening in the farm fields and on the dinner tables of America - a revolution that is transforming the very nature of the food we eat. The Future of Food offers an in-depth investigation into the disturbing truth behind the unlabeled, patented, genetically engineered foods that have quietly filled U.S. grocery store shelves for the past decade. Snacks to share and donations are welcome.

Location: Simply Living office, 2929 N. High St.
Phone: 447-0296

January 10, 2009

Wonderful World of Wiggly Worms

11:00 - 11:45 AM. Series. We'll use our worm bin to explore the worm's habitat, behavior, needs and place in our lives. Be sure to make it back on the second Saturday of each month in 2009 to take part in new projects and fascinating programs.

Location: Dawes Arboretum on Ohio Rt. 13, the Discovery Center.
Website: www.dawesarb.org

January 10, 2009

Free Press Second Saturday Salon

Visit with fellow progressives for socializing, networking and refreshments! Music, art, and more! Watch the documentary "911: Dust and Deceit at the World Trade Center." 6:30pm-midnight. Sponsored by the Central Ohio Green Educaiton Fund.

Location: 1021 E. Broad St., side door, parking in rear
Phone: 614-253-2571
Email: truth@freepress.org

January 10, 2009

National March on Washington. LET GAZA LIVE! Stop the U.S./Israeli War

Assemble at the White House (north side) at 1:00 PM. Against the Palestinian People. Sponsoring organizations: ANSWER Coalition, Muslim American Society Freedom, Free Palestine Alliance, American Muslim Task Force, National Council of Arab Americans, Al-Awda - International Palestine Right to Return Coalition, and hundreds of others Flyer for the DC demonstration (click on the link to view a PDF that you can print and reproduce). There will be coinciding West Coast demonstrations in San Francisco (11 am at Civic Center) , Los Angeles (12 noon at Westwood Federal Building), San Diego (details TBA) and elsewhere.

Location: Various locations
Phone: (202) 544-3389 x14
Email: dc@answercoalition.org
Website: www.ANSWERcoalition.org

January 10, 2009

Wild Ones Program: Backyards and Beyond: Plant Locally, Save Globally

10:00 AM. Jim McCormac will present a program on the role of habitat restoration. In an increasingly urbanized landscape, in backyards or bigger projects, the role of habitat restoration is of major importance, and the use of native flora is vital to the success of such projects. Jim has botanized, birded, and explored nature throughout Ohio, North America, Central America and beyond. He is author of Birds of Ohio and numerous other publications, including his new book, Wild Ohio: The Best of Our Natural Heritage.

Location: Innis House at Inniswood Metro Park, 940 S. Hempstead Rd. in Westerville

January 11, 2009

Lecture: “Economic, Political, and Religious Causes of Terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan.”

3 – 5:00 PM. Dr. Alam M. Payind, Director, Middle East Studies Center at OSU. An informal reception will follow the lecture at 5:00 PM. Sponsored by Brookwood Presbyterian Church Education Committee and PSV Peacemaking and Justice Committee. The event is free and open to the public.

Location: Brookwood Presbyterian Church, 2685 East Livingston Avenue, Columbus
Phone: Dr. Frank Banks, 614-442-1692

January 12, 2009

Columbus Raw! Sharing Circle

7:00 - 8:30 PM. This is a loving, sharing circle for those interested in raw vegan foods and abundant health in all aspects of life. Everyone has some personal experience to share, so bring a goal and an insight! Vibrant refreshments will be provided.

Location: 2929 N High St.
Email: shawnalovesgod@gmail.com

January 13, 2009 Until February 17, 2009

Waging Peace in Somalia

T6:00-7:30 pm. A 5-6 week study designed by the group to consider the long-running conflict in Somalia. Come the first evening prepared to talk about the geography, history, and culture of Somalia. Toward the end of the evening, we’ll take time to list our questions and develop the agenda for our remaining sessions. We plan to invite one or more individuals from the local Somali community to share their knowledge about Somalia or about the local community. Free and open to the public. Sponsors: Columbus Mennonite Church, North Broadway United Methodist Church, and Global Gallery.

Location: Global Gallery at the corner of N High Street and Dunedin Road in Clintonville
Phone: 747-3662
Email: peacegathering@aol.com

January 14, 2009

Liquid Assets: The Story of our Water Infrastructure

7:00 - 8:30 PM. Sierra Club Program. Join us for a screening of the documentary, . Combining a 90-minute documentary with a community toolkit for facilitating local involvement, Liquid Assets explores the history, engineering, and political and economic challenges of our water and sewer infrastructure. Many of the issues spotlighted are applicable to Columbus and communities across Ohio as we struggle with aging water and sewer infrastructure.

Location: Progress Ohio Offices, 251 South Third St.
Website: www.liquidassets.psu.edu

January 15, 2009

Bolivia - Witness for Peace

7:00 – 9:00 PM. Democratic Socialists of Central Ohio Meeting. Local activist and professional photographer Bob Studzinski will show slides of his recent trip to Witness for Peace trip to Bolivia (December, 2008) and discuss Bolivian politics and recent history and the role of U.S. policy after Bolivia’s return to indigenous rule for the first time in 500 year. Open to the public.

Location: Northwood High Building, 2231 North High Street (2 blocks north of Lane Avenue, Room 100 - Ample Parking in Back.
Email: smorgen@juno.com
Website: www.dsco.org

January 15, 2009

SPAN Ohio Meeting

The Franklin County chapter of SPAN Ohio, seeking passage of health care for all Ohioans, will meet on Thursday, January 15th at 7 PM at the Whetstone Library, 3909 N High St., Clintonville. Presentation by Chris Collins, SEIU, on the current Ohio legislature and members of Congress to pass health care reform. Discussion of opportunities to follow. All are welcome.

Location: Whetstone Library, 3909 N High St., Clintonville

January 16, 2009 Until January 17, 2009

Energy Analysis and How It Saves You Money

6:00 PM-Jan. 16, 12noon-Jan. 17. This will introduce how to do your own home energy analysis, and when to hire a pro. Learn what your utility bills are telling you. Discover effective ways to save energy and money in your home or business. Do-it-yourself forms will be provided. Bring your questions and curiosity, all materials will be provided. Come see the latest energy-saving products and leave with ideas you can implement to save energy at home and work. The classes are appropriate for homeowners, businesses, architects and design professionals, students and anyone interested in alternative energy and/or living more efficiently. (RSVP appreciated, but not required.) Free.

Location: Watt~Works, “The Energy Savings Store” 1078 Goodale Blvd. Columbus, OH 43212
Phone: 614-458-1162
Email: green@wattworks.com
Website: www.wattworks.com

January 17, 2009

Tour of Westerville's Water Treatment Plant

1:00-2:30 PM. Hosted by Friends of Alum Creek & Tributaries (FACT). Westerville is unique in Central Ohio because it is one of the few municipalities operating its own Water Division. The plant processes 7.5 million gallons a day, serving more than 15,000 homes and businesses. They received the Outstanding Public Water System award from the Ohio EPA. Plant location is 312 W. Main St. Entrance is at Collegeview, behind the COTA Park & Ride lot, north off W. Main St. Enter the open gate and park at the plant. Meet in the office, middle building. Dress for indoor and outdoor walking tour.

Location: Tour of Westerville's Water Treatment Plant
Phone: 614-409-0511
Email: kwilliams@friendsofalumcreek.org
Website: www.friendsofalumcreek.org

January 17, 2009

The Five Fundamentals of a Balanced Life Program Led by Jerry Lopper

1:00-3:00 PM. A well balanced life, a good life and a simply lived life all are built upon five fundamental components, each of which is critically important to a fulfilling, satisfying life--a balanced life. This program will introduce you to the five fundamentals, their importance to your life, how to clarify your understanding of them, and how to change those that may be contributing to an imbalanced life. This introductory program is offered by local author, freelance writer and life coach, Jerry Lopper. Cost: $20.

Location: Simply Living office, 2929 N. High St.
Phone: 447-0296
Email: ben@simplyliving.org

January 17, 2009

“Re-imagining Economics: Corporate-nomics versus Relocalization.”

9:30 AM – 3:00 PM. The program will consist of four presentations with discussion and networking toward practical applications for the relocalization of our community economies. How we got to where we are now as an economy? How can we move toward relocalization and a sustainable economic paradigm? Why - because we need to understand what is going on economically and act to support alternatives and initiatives which favor the relocalization of community economics? For more information contact the central Ohio Chapter of the Alliance for Democracy. Free to the public; donations to support publicity and support expenses accepted.

Location: The Northwood Community Building Room 100, 2231 N. High St., Columbus, Ohio
Phone: 299-4702

January 20, 2009

Downshifting Learning Group

7:00-9:00 PM Are you too busy to attend this activity and want to change that? Do you have time for the things that are really important, or are just plain tired of the "rat race"? This group may be for you! We are discussing and discovering ways to "right size" our work, to become more focused on living our highest values. Please join us on the second and fourth Tuesdays (other weekday nights are possible), 7-9 PM, for tea and sharing. We may invite speakers from time to time, but will be mostly participant-led. You are welcome to drop by once or regularly.

Phone: Kirsten at 447-0169; or Jane at 670-4050
Email: adagioalpacas@wowway.com

January 20, 2009

Herbal Study Group at Stratford Ecological Center

Tuesday, January 20, 2009, 1:30 - 3:30 PM. This month we'll have an herbal holiday social. Bring a tea or herbal dish to share. Explore the many uses of wild and cultivated plants. This is a hands-on group, getting close and personal with the plants that we use for food and medicine. This is a great place to get more comfortable using herbs! The 3rd Tuesday of every month from 1:30-3:30 PM. Beginners welcome! Participant led. $10 for the year. Your first experience is free. Please let us know you'll be coming.

Location: Stratford Ecological Center, 3083 Liberty Rd. outside Delaware
Phone: 740-363-2548
Email: treebeing@aol.com

January 22, 2009

The Columbus Council on World Affairs invites you to: Who Speaks for Islam? What a Billion Muslims Really Think featuring Dr. John L. Esposito

11:30 AM registration & networking; 12 noon to 1:15 PM program. Dr. Esposito is an author and professor at Georgetown University and the Founding Director of Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding. Dr. Esposito specializes in Islam, political Islam from North Africa to Southeast Asia, and Religion and International Affairs. He is editor-in-chief of the four-volume The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern Islamic World, The Oxford History of Islam, The Oxford Dictionary of Islam, The Islamic World: Past and Present, the six-volume The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Islamic World and Oxford Islamic Studies Online. His more than thirty five books include Who Speaks for Islam? What a Billion Muslims Really Think (with Dalia Mogahed), Unholy War: Terror in the Name of Islam, The Islamic Threat: Myth or Reality, and Women in Muslim Family Law. His writings have been translated into more than 28 languages. Lunch & Lecture: $25 Members, $30 Non-Members; Lecture Only: free to Members, $5 Non-Members; Table of 8: $250; Register online. Presented with the support of Battelle, Nationwide and in partnership with CAIR and CMC.

Location: The Athletic Club of Columbus, 136 East Broad Street
Phone: 614) 229-4599 ext. 401

January 23, 2009

Friday Night Film: Why We Fight

7:00 pm. Why We Fight is an unflinching look at the anatomy of the American war machine, weaving unforgettable personal stories with commentary by a "who's who" of military and beltway insiders. The film launches a bipartisan inquiry into the workings of the military industrial complex and the rise of the American Empire. Snacks to share and donations are welcome.

Location: Simply Living office, 2929 N. High St.

January 23, 2009 Until January 24, 2009

Geothermal Heat Pump Systems – How and Why

6:00 PM on Friday, 12noon on Saturday. Geothermal heat pumps can cost one fourth as much to operate as a typical HVAC system! We will explore how you can apply this efficient technology to your situation. Free. Bring your questions and curiosity, all materials will be provided. Come see the latest energy-saving products and leave with ideas you can implement to save energy at home and work. The classes are appropriate for homeowners, businesses, architects and design professionals, students and anyone interested in alternative energy and/or living more efficiently. (RSVP appreciated, but not required)

Location: Watt~Works, “The Energy Savings Store” 1078 Goodale Blvd. Columbus, OH 43212
Phone: 614-458-1162
Email: green@wattworks.com
Website: www.wattworks.com

January 26, 2009

Whites Taking Action Against Racism

6:30 - 8:00 PM. A practice group meeting the 4th Monday of each month. In each of us lie the seeds of action. In our communities we find support for those seeds to take root. Have you considered speaking up or taking action about racism but want information, support and community? Group facilitation will rotate among members and include time for information sharing, support and strategy building.

Location: 2929 North High St.
Phone: (614) 447-2084
Email: doro@copper.net

January 27, 2009

"Meat the Truth: The massive impact of livestock farming on cliimate change" Free movie

7:30pm. Sponsored by the Drexel East Theater, the Free Press, the Columbus International Film and Video Festival and the Central Ohio Green Education Fund. "Meat the Truth" is a high-profile documentary, presented by Marianne Thieme (leader of the Party for the Animals in the Netherlands). The environmental films have consistently ignored one of the most important causes of climate change, namely: intensive livestock production. "Meat the Truth" has drawn attention to this by demonstrating that livestock farming generates more greenhouse gas emissions worldwide than all cars, lorries, trains, boats and planes added together. Discussion to follow in the Radio Cafe.

Location: Drexel East Theater, 2254 E. Main St., Bexley
Phone: 614-253-2571
Email: truth@freepress.org
Website: www.meatthetruth.nl

January 27, 2009

Columbus Raw! Potluck

6:30-8:30 PM. Join us monthly for an organic, vegan, rawluck. This is a great introduction to the living foods lifestyle. Sample simple and gourmet dishes, bring your favorite organic-raw-vegan creation, and connect to loving community!

Website: rawfood.meetup.com/446

January 29, 2009

Gahanna Progressives Meeting

6:30 PM. Program at 7:00 PM.

Location: Gahanna Library meeting room
Email: saw52@columbus.rr.com

January 31, 2009

Grafting the Right Way

8:30-Noon. Rich Larson, The Arboretum’s propagator, will show how to graft plants the right way in this hands-on class. Rootstock and scion wood will be provided so you can take home your own grafted woody plant. Cost is $30.

Location: Dawes Arboretum on Ohio Rt. 13, five miles south of Newark and 3 miles north of I-70, Exit 132
Phone: Zand Education Center Greenhouse Classroom
Website: www.dawesarb.org

February 1, 2009

Tent of Hope: a world in which many worlds fit. Memorial Tribute to Bill Barndt

1:30 - 7:00 PM. Join us for a day of working toward justice and peace in memory of Bill Barndt (1915-2008). Who was Bill Barndt? Bill was a prominent Christian peace and justice advocate in Central Ohio over several decades. Many have been inspired by Bill who co-founded countless organizations such as the Central Ohio Darfur Solidarity Network, Pastors for Peace, Central Ohioans for Peace, Worldwide Humanitarian Aid and the Interfaith Association of Central Ohio, groups that are co-sponsoring this event. Who will participate? You and many groups working on peace and justice issues – from local to global. What do we hope to do? To connect across generations, faiths, and issues To learn what other groups are doing around peace and justice issues To work toward new relationships that could lead to coalition-building To share a meal together (please bring bread or dessert) To have FUN! Our greatest tribute to the life of Bill Barndt is to continue working together for social justice with renewed commitment and greater collaboration! Please RSVP to Sue Simon: or tofusue52@aol.com.

Location: Noor Islamic Cultural Center, 5001 Wilcox Rd. Dublin, Ohio 43016 (Exit I-270 at Tuttle Crossing Blvd, East to Wilcox Rd.)
Phone: 614-891-0222, 614-882-0043
Email: hchurchwj@aol.com

February 3, 2009

Creating Your Own 15-minute

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. You know you need a web page for your small business - but haven't a clue how to begin. Jay Warmke of Blue Rock Station will share with you the secrets that web developers would just as soon keep to themselves. This stuff is really pretty simple, and you can have or create a pretty good web page for just a little bit of money. Obviously you will not create a website from start to finish in 15 minutes, but this is not as hard as you may think. Registration: $45.

Phone: (740) 674-4300
Email: annie@bluerockstation.com

February 4, 2009 Until February 6, 2009

Good Jobs, Green Jobs National Conference

February 4-6, 2009. Over 2000 elected officials and leaders from labor, business, environmental & community organizations will meet to create an agenda for realizing the "new green deal" proposed by President-Elect Obama. The conference is coordinated by the Blue Green Alliance, a strategic partnership between the United Steelworkers and the Sierra Club. Over 90 organizations are conference conveners. Choose from 46 workshops. Registration is $125.

Location: Marriott
Phone: 614-461-0734 ext. 305
Email: mackenzie.bailey@sierraclub.org
Website: www.greenjobsconference.org

February 7, 2009 Until February 8, 2009

Ohio RootsCamp

(Time TBA). It's time for RootsCamp again! Progress Ohio, America Votes, and others are teaming up to bring you the third annual Ohio RootsCamp. We had high attendance in 2007 and 2008, with an overwhelming number of session topics. So we would like to make 2009 a two-day event - but we need your feedback. What is RootsCamp? It's an opportunity for open dialogue between Ohio's activists, field organizers, leaders, techies, fundraisers, bloggers - the whole team. We'll share innovations, failures, old wisdom and new discoveries. How does RootsCamp work? RootsCamp is Participant-Driven. Anyone who wants to lead a session writes their topic on a large index card and tapes it to the day's schedule. Participants may add more sessions throughout the day as ideas are generated - a session may inspire an additional sub-topic, etc.

Location: Columbus, OH (exact location TBA)

Regular Demonstrations

End the War and Occupation/Peace Presence. Every Saturday Noon-1pm. Locations: North Broadway and High St., 161 and North High St.

Stop the Iraq War demonstration, every Sunday, 5pm, 15th and High Streets, OSU campus. 614-252-9255.

Second Saturday Salon, every second Saturday of the month, 6pm-midnight, 1021 E. Broad St., parking in rear. Progressives meet to talk, network, socialize, with music, art, food and films. 614-252-9255.