Community Update Monday January 4, 2010

Community Update

>>>Natural Foods, Simple Living, Good People, Building Community<<<

Monday, January 4, 2010

"Today is a new day. You will get out of it just what you put into it... If you have made mistakes, even serious mistakes,
there is always another chance for you...for this thing that we call "failure" is not the falling down, but the staying down." ~ Mary Pickford

Selected NewAdditions to the Calendar...

Free Yoga Classes for the Unemployed at Yoga on High Tuesdays from Jan. 5 - Feb. 9 from 3:45 - 5 p.m.
       There’s never a better time to take care of yourself and to expand your  perspective than when you’ve lost your job.  Join Yoga on High teacher Martha Marcom for breathing, stretching, strengthening, relaxing and contemplation. Meets weekly on Tuesdays through Dec. 1. Class is free, but requires pre-registration. 291.4444.  Location:  Yoga on High, 1081 North Street 43201. Classes are offered through February 9.

Peach District Collective Launches "The Greatest Show" Series to Promote Community Activism Fri. Jan. 8  at 9 pm
        The Peach District is a slow but steadily growing informal collective of artists, performers, and community organizers who are developing a concept they call Performance Activism, designed to be entertaining, engaging, and easy to digest.  The idea is to have fun, be silly, and do serious work towards building community all at the same time. A new series of performances titled "The Greatest Show" will feature a variety of local talent presented as a modern nterpretation of old style vaudeville.  Each show will feature a theme that promotes local community and progressive ideas, and the performers will be interviewed on stage in between sets on ways the issue relates to them and how it might affect our community as a whole.  The is that these ideas will take root and encourage more people to build coalitions and work towards the collective good and betterment of Columbus as a whole. The first show, Anarchy and Community Development," will take place Dragonfly Neo-V, 247 King Ave.  Doors open 8:30.  Show starts at 9 pm.  Burger Beer is only a $1.  Cover is $5. For more info and for future updates, visit: http://www.peachdistrict.com/the-greatest-show/show-1-anarchy-and-commun... An email list serve is coming soon.

Recreational Folk Dancers Mid-Winter Party at Clinton Heights Lutheran Church Sat. Jan. 9 from 7:30 - 11 pm
        Every year, the various folk dance groups in Columbus get together for a party!  All dances will be taught. Expect American Contra, English Country, Scottish Country, International Folk Dancing, Irish Country Sets, and Welsh Country Dancing! Location: Clinton Heights Lutheran Church, 15 Clinton Heights Ave., Columbus 43202. Info: www.recfolkdancers.webs.com

OSU Prof Dr. Peter Mansoor Talk on Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan at Central Ohioans for Peace Program Mon. Jan.11 at 7 pm
         Dr. Mansoor will discuss the evolution of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the prospects for these conflicts from this point forward.  What is the prognosis for a reasonably stable and united Iraq?   Will the troop surge in Afghanistan enable the United States to achieve its objectives of combating Al Qaeda and stabilizing Afghanistan?  Dr. Peter Mansoor, Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired), is the General Raymond E. Mason, Jr. Chair in Military History at the Mershon Center, Ohio State University.  He assumed this position in September 2008 after a 26 year career in the U.S. Army that culminated in his service as the executive officer to General David Petraeus, the Commanding General of Multi-National Force-Iraq.  Col. Mansoor commanded the 1st Brigade, 1st Counterinsurgency Center in 2006, and served on the Joint Chiefs of Staff “Council of Colonels” that reexamined the strategy for the Iraq War.  Dr. Mansoor is the author of Baghdad at Sunrise:  A Brigade Commander’s War in Iraq, an account of his brigade’s operation and the difficulties of the U.S. war in Iraq during the crucial first year of the conflict.   Location: Columbus Mennonite Church, 35 Oakland Park Avenue, Columbus, Ohio.  Directions can be found at http://www.columbusmennonite.org/streetmap.htm  For the latest information on COFP meetings: http://groups.google.com/group/central-ohioans-for-peace

(Free) Introduction to the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program Tues. Jan. 12  from 6 - 7:30 pm
       The internationally-recognized and researched eight week "Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Program" is indeed a powerful and often life-changing experience for those who experience it.   It is the starting point for something 'quite large' and lays a solid  ground for this path of awareness.  Consider attending this Free Introductory Program that is intended to provide you with a taste of the work; sense of the content and a deepened understanding of what is offered. Location: The Elizabeth Blackwell Center/Ohio Health, North of Riverside Methodist Hospital, 3635 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, Ohio 43214.  The dates of the winter quarter series are:  Tuesdays, 6:30-9pm, January 26 - March 16. No registration required for the Introductory Program.   Call Cheryl Rapose, M.Ed, LISW at 566-4448 with any questions you may have.

The Franklin County Master Gardeners, OSU Extension, offer the Home Gardener Series (HGS), January through November 2010
        HGS includes twenty-one classes in four series (winter, spring, summer, and fall. Some examples of the twenty-one classes are: growing fruit, small space vegetable gardening, landscape design, rain gardens, sustainable gardening, fall vegetable gardens, dry landscaping, fall lawn care, and composting. All classes are 3 hours in length, and will be held 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays at OSU's Wittmeyer Conference Room, 2490 Carmack Rd.(Access from W. Lane Ave.) Cost is $40 per class. Register for four classes in a single e-mail or phone call and save $10 on total registration fee. Register by e-mail or phone: 614-247-6046 or skurdal.1@osu.edu. Winter classes: Jan. 23, Perennial Gardening; Jan. 30, Pests: Insect, Weed, and Invasive; Feb. 13, Annuals; Feb. 20, Herbs; Mar. 20, Growing Fruit, Mar. 27, Pruning.  Full details online: http://franklin.osu.edu/topics/master-gardener-volunteer-program.

Intro to Healthy Children - Healthy Planet Course at Sprout Soup Weds. Jan. 13 from 10:15 am - 11 am
        Looking for a way to start your parenting year off right?  Interested in discovering ways to create meaningful family times and healthful environments for children? Join Sprout Soup for a new session of the Northwest Earth Institute (www.nwei.org) course Healthy Children - Healthy Planet.  There will be an information session at Sprout Soup (Locattion: 4310 N. High Street, 43214).  Contact Sprout Soup (614.267.7768 or store@sproutsoup.com) to register for the information session or the course, which is set to begin on Wednesday, January 27, from 10:15am-11:30am.  Feel free to contact Missy Hintz at missy@simplyliving.org or 614.447.0296 with questions or further information or visit www.simplyliving.org/EarthInst.

Transition Central Ohio Planning Meeting to Develop Action Steps Thurs. Jan. 14  from 7 - 9 pm
        Learn about the Transition Central Ohio (TCO) initiative: http://www.simplyliving.org/transition. At its December meeting, the TCO group chose the following next steps: a) awareness building; b) building bridges to local govts.; c) great reskilling; d) use open space; e) let it go where it wants to go.  Tonight's meeting we will plan our next action steps. using an Open Space format. Location: 82 E. 16th Ave., Summit United Methodist Church. For more information, contact Beal Lowe, 284-4529. 

Shakespeare's Motleys Is Changing Days to Second Thursdays at Wild Goose Creative
        In order to improve the acoustics, Shakespeare's Motleys is moving to a different night of the week--- and month. Look for us at the same venue, Wild Goose Creative, on 2nd Thursday evenings at the same time, 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM.  The move gives us the place to ourselves, so we won't have to compete with the noise of other groups meeting at the same time. First new meeting date is January 14, 2010. In March, we'll have to make some other arrangements, as the space has been rented in advance, and I'll also be unavailable.  Contact: shakespeare@wowway.com

Start 2010 Out Right with "12 Months of Green Living Workshop" Sat. Jan. 16  from 10am - 4pm
        Eating, breathing and living green....If you're reading this you are probably already talking and attempting to walk a greener, more sustainable life.  Sometimes it takes more than just dreaming to take a bigger broader step into conservation. Spend a day with sustainability pioneers Annie & Jay Warmke of Blue Rock Station, exploring Green at Home, Green at Work, Green Family, Personal Green and more! They will also share how living a life of conservation--a simple honest way of living each day--takes planning and care. Annie and Jay's new book, Green Technology, has just been released, and they'll be sharing some information from their book.  Location: Simply Living, 2929 N. High St. Columbus. 43202. Cost: Simply Living member - $49; non-member $59. Contact Missy at 447-0296 or missy@simplyliving.org to register. Pre-registration necessary. Bring a brown bag lunch. In case of bad weather, the workshop will be held on 1/23.

 *** WCRS needs your support - please DONATE or consider underwriting one of our fine programs.  Call Jayme at 447-0296. ***

Chasing the Sun Concert Features The Sirens at Summit on 16th  Sat. Jan. 16 at 8 pm
        "The Sirens - creating community and great music at the same time. Their sound is unique, blending hip hop with folk, gorgeous vocals, and deep lyrics. Their live shows are a must see!" - Laura Shine WFPK, Louisville. The Sirens won a National Women's Music Festival award for best new artists for 2009! Location: Summit on 16th - 82 East 16th Avenue (OSU campus area). Contact Sandy alpha.beta@sbcglobal.net or see Cheryl in the office at Summit on 16th for presale tickets, or purchase at the door! (include Sirens as the subject if emailing).  Tickets are $15; presale tickets will include a new cd of the Sirens latest songs. Student ticket pricing on a sliding scale of $7.50 - $10 or as needed. Partial proceeds to benefit Summit on 16th.  Plenty of free off street parking available.

Recycle Columbus: Community Voices to Discuss & Brainstorm Citywide Recycling Program Tues. Jan. 19 at 7 pm
        Recycling, once a luxury, is now a necessity - and Columbus is behind the times. Community leaders and stakeholders are meeting to brainstorm what a City of Columbus recycling program might look like. We need your help to generate these ideas. Because this is a grassroots movement, it is about people, and the more we have the greater voice we have to our public servants. Please join us! We will have a presentation to set the stage and then have multiple activities to generate discussion. These ideas will then be taken before City Council and the Mayor's office in multiple venues. The City is approaching us in February, and the January meeting will help us prepare. Now is our opportunity to be heard about recycling.  Location; King Ave Methodist Church, 299 King Ave. (Entrance on the west side of the building and up steps to parlor.)

Green Drinks to Screen No Impact Man at Studio 35  Thurs. Jan. 21
        Green Drinks returns to Studio 35 for our annual movie event. The movie for the 2010 edition will (hopefully) be No Impact Man, which has been hailed as "Terrifically entertaining. Compelling and extremely funny." (Betsy Sharkey, Los Angeles Times). So, save the date, and be sure to tell your friends about it too. Location: Studio 35, 3055 Indianola Ave., Columbus 43202.

Ratifying The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) this Year !  Central Ohioans for Peace Program Mon. Jan. 25 at 7 pm
        Connie Gaddell Newton will talk about her work with the Friends Committee on National Legislation to organize faith leaders in Ohio to support Senator Voinovich in voting for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test ban Treaty.  The treaty would ban nuclear testing and put a monitoring system into place to notify the international community of any testing via nuclear explosions worldwide.  Location: Columbus Mennonite Church, 35 Oakland Park Avenue, Columbus, Ohio.  Directions can be found at http://www.ColumbusMennonite.org/streetmap.htm  More information at www.centralohioansforpeace.org

Recently Announced
`   Friday Evening Neighborhood Potluck and Talent Show in Olde North Columbus Fri. Jan. 8  from 5:30 - 8 pm
    All Soles Contra Dance at First UU Church Fri. Jan. 8 at 8 pm
    Wild Ones Program Features Marilyn Logue on Native Plants Sat. Jan. 9 at 10 am
    Winter Watershed Walk at Deer Haven Preserve Sat. Jan. 9 at 1 pm
    Sierra Club Program "Population Growth: Sex and the Single Planet" (Rated PG-13) Weds. Jan. 13 at 7:30 pm
    Briar Rose Children's Center Presents  Discussion for Parents on Discipline at Karl Rd Library Thurs. Jan. 14 from 6 - 8 pm
    Single Payer Action Network (SPAN) Chapter Meets Thurs. Jan. 14  at  7 pm
    Composting! Workshop at Dawes Arboretum Sat. Jan. 16 from 10-11:30 am
    Peace Time Benefit Series Organized to Support Bus Transportation to National Anti-War March and Demostration in Washington DC
            Fri. Jan. 22  Peace Time Benefit Features Folk Music at Areopagitica Bookstore  7 pm
            Sun. Jan. 31  Peace Time Benefit Features Live Music at Espresso Yourself Music Cafe in Powell  2 - 4:30 pm
            Thurs. Feb. 11  Peace Time Benefit Features Live Music at Rumba Cafe  6 - 9 pm
    Special Event Movie "In Transition 1.0: From Oil Dependence to Local Resilience" at Drexel Tues. Jan. 26  at 7:30 pm

Website of the Week:  ProPublica: Journalism in the Public Interest  http://www.propublica.org/
        With the blizzard of sound bites and "news" stories from corporate and government announcements amplified daily in the mainstream media, it is a challenge to locate objective, investigative reports from serious journalists. Not any more: the nonprofit ProPublica produces their own stories and aggregates dozens of reports from other news sources.  With $10 million annual funding from Bay Area billionaires Herbert and Marion Sandler, this new website is off and running - bookmark it and check it regularly.  Hot topics are clearly identified and easy to follow.  See for example the recent lead story on natural gas drilling and its affect on water supplies. Thanks to Margaret Lynd for recommending this site.

Simply Living Healthy: For current information about meetings and activities,
contact Kris Keller: k_keller@wowway.com or 885-2964.

Cool Reads at the Simply Living Bookstore!
        Last chance to buy a 2010 calendar before they are returned to our distributor! 
        New children's books include How Zinnia Got Her Name (Ages 3+Up); No Eat Not Food: the Search for Intelligent Food on Planet Earth (Ages 9-12); A Child's Garden of Yoga by Baba Hari Dass - and I Love Yoga (Ages 5-8); and That's Why We Don't Eat Animals: A Book About Vegans, Vegetarians, and All Living Things by Ruby Roth.
        Send a message with this bumper sticker: "Sustainability is the Final Frontier"   The "Choose Love"  bumper sticker has been donated and is available free to our customers.
        As always, thank you for shopping at the Co-op and the bookstore!

Simply Living's Vision:

Creating a compassionate and sustainable world through personal, community and cultural transformation

Calendar of Community Events

"For last year's words belong to last year's language And next year's words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning." ~ T.S. Eliot

Mon. Jan. 4  Yoga Well-Being Class at Glen Echo Presbyterian Church  5:30 - 6:30 pm
       Yoga Well-Being is Hatha Yoga with smooth flowing movements (Vinyasa) that calms the nerves, and raises the spirit. The stretches are therapeutic and designed to release tension, create energy and relieve aches and pains in the body. The deep stretches relieve insomnia, headaches, back-pain and depression. Cost is $15.  Location: Glen Echo Presbyterian Church, 220 Cliff Side Dr., Columbus 43202.  Call Sipra Pimputkar at 614-266-1096 before showing up, just in case.

Mon. Jan. 4  Yoga Class Led by Kathleen Lewis at Unity Church  6 - 7:15 pm
       This popular, long running class led by Co-op and SL member Kathleen Lewis happens almost every Monday evening.  Come when you can, pay only when you do. $10.  Kathleen is a joyful, loving, and fun loving leader who is eclectic and pulls from many traditions to fashion a unique experience each week.  Location: Unity Church, 4211 Maize Rd, Columbus 43224.  Contact Kathleen for more info: <kslewisoh@aol.com> or call 614-294-3963. 

Mon. Jan. 4  Poetry Forum at the Rumba Cafe: Readings and Open Mic  7 pm
       The Rumba Cafe is known for its live music (Hoodoo Soul Band, Spikedrivers, et al) but Mondays are open for the poets and poetry lovers. Check it out.  Location: 2507 Summit St.  [The Poetry Forum was formerly held at Larry's bar on High St.]

Mon. Jan. 4  Holistic Moms Network – Columbus Chapter Parents Passionate about Holistic Health and Green Living  7 pm.
        Meets on the first Monday of every month at the Fire Station on the corner of Hard Road and Riverside Drive.  Each month we host a different topic and bring in local experts to present and lead the discussion.  Past topics have included homeopathy, Energy Flow Therapy, Yoga, cleaning your kitchen with a Pantry Purge, and understanding organic in personal care products.  For more information contact Stephanie Brua at 614.570.4266, or  sbrua@columbus.rr.com

Mon. Jan. 4  Social Dance at UU Church  7 p.m. Beginner Lesson; 8-10 p.m. Social Dancing
        Please join us on our beautiful air-conditioned wood dance floor for a light mix of swing, Latin, ballroom and line dancing. All ages and skill levels of dancers welcomed. Gender neutral lead/follow. Snacks provided. $5 for entire evening.  Meets every Monday Evening (including holidays).  Location: First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Rd., Columbus 43214.

Mon.  Jan. 4  Community Drum Circle at Columbus Pro Percussion  8 - 9:30 pm
        1st Monday of each month. Contact  Stephen Rupp <steve@columbuspercussion.com> or call 614.885.7372.  Location: Columbus Pro Percussion, N High St across from Graceland Shopping Center.

Tues. Jan. 5  Free Yoga Classes for the Unemployed at Yoga on High 3:45 - 5 pm
       There’s never a better time to take care of yourself and to expand your  perspective than when you’ve lost your job.  Join Yoga on High teacher Martha Marcom for breathing, stretching, strengthening, relaxing and contemplation. Meets weekly on Tuesdays through Dec. 1. Class is free, but requires pre-registration. 291.4444.  Location:  Yoga on High, 1081 North Street 43201. Classes are offered through February 9.

Tues. Jan. 5  Blue Heron Sangha Meditation Group 7:15 - 8:45 p.m.
         The group meets for meditation and dharma activities every Tuesday at the Martin de Porres Center near Ohio Dominican University, 2320 Airport Drive, Columbus, OH 43219.  Directions:  http://www.columbusdominicans.org/whoweare/ourhome/map.htm or more info from Sandy Coen <scoen@columbus.rr.com>.

Weds. Jan. 6  Intentional Community Group - Newcomers Always Welcome!   6:30 - 9 pm
        Exploring community and personal development and living simply. Hosted this month by Eve Catus, 128 Sheffield Road, 43214.  Contact Eve Catus <vecatus@safe-mail.net> 614.517.2639.

Weds. Jan. 6  Columbus Raw! Sharing Circle  7 - 8:30 pm
        This is a loving circle for sharing personal experience with eating vegan living foods and creating abundant health in all aspects of life.  Meets every 1st Wednesday of the month. Location: Simply Living Offices, 2929 N. High St. 2nd Floor; 43202. Email Shawna <shawna@rawshawna.com> or call 359.0997 for more info or visit ColumbusRaw.org.

Weds. Jan. 6  Writers' Block Poetry Night at Kafe Kerouac  8 p.m.
        Open mic and poetry slams on Wednesdays. Come get inspired. Columbus's most diverse, irreverant and nationally lauded nights of poetry! Host and MC Scott Woods <sewoods1@yahoo.com>. $5. Location: Kafe Kerouac, 2250 N. High St. (north of Lane / south of Hudson).

Thurs. Jan. 7  Noble Creek Meditation Group Meets Thursdays at Unity Church on Maize Rd  11:30 am - 1 pm
        Based on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, this new group is suitable for those new to or experienced in meditation. Location:  Unity Church, 4211 Maize Rd, Columbus 43224. Meets weekly on Thursdays.  For information contact Art Yoho <art@lovebarbecue.com>.

Thurs. Jan. 7  Bliss Run Mindfulness Community Meets Every Thursday  7 -  8:45 pm
        Based on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, this group is suitable for those new to or experienced in meditation. We meet at the Brookwood Presbyterian Church, 2685 E. Livingston Ave. Columbus, OH 43209 For information contact Art Yoho <art@lovebarbecue.com>.

Thurs. Jan. 7  Clintonville Area Commission (CAC) Meeting  at Whetstone Library  7:30 pm
        Meets the first Thursday evening of each month at the Whetstone Library, 3909 N. High Street, in the Multi-Purpose Room at 7:30 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend to learn about projects affecting the neighborhood.  Individuals, neighborhood groups and contractors working in conjunction with the City of Columbus often present status reports regarding ongoing infrastructure improvements and current issues or concerns. More info online at  http://www.clintonvilleareacommission.org

"Sometimes our flame goes out, but is blown again into instant flame by an encounter with another human being." ~ Albert Schweitzer

Fri. Jan. 8  Friday Evening Neighborhood Potluck and Talent Show in Olde North Columbus  5:30 - 8 pm
        Warm Food, Good Company in Olde North Columbus! As the cold weather sets in it's harder to spend time together as neighbors and friends, the East Maynard United Methodist Church and Simply Living's community on East Maynard Ave. is hosting a monthly Friday evening neighborhood potluck. Bring your own place settings, a potluck contribution to feed 4-6 people.  Play space for small children is available.  The gym will be open to older children so long as adults are willing to help with supervision. Location: 2350 Indianola Ave. Phone 614-263-5145. Future Friday dates are February 12 - Potluck, Valentine's Party (date subject to change) and March 19 - Potluck, board games & open gym.

Fri. Jan. 8  All Soles Contra Dance at First UU Church  8 pm
        Stump Juice Trading Co. with Frank Buschelmann.  Cost: $7 ($4 for those under age 25) to fairly compensate our talented bands and callers. Please bring your own refillable water bottle, and dress in lightweight, loose clothing. Homebaked snacks, free childcare, and warm, welcoming dancers. Children who are able to join in the dancing are welcome. Instruction for beginners at 7:30 pm, dancing at 8 pm. Location: First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer, Columbus  43214. Info: http://Firstuucolumbus.org/AllSoles 

Fri. Jan. 8  Peach District Collective Launches "The Greatest Show" Series to Promote Community Activism  9 pm
        The Peach District is a slow but steadily growing informal collective of artists, performers, and community organizers who are developing a concept they call Performance Activism, designed to be entertaining, engaging, and easy to
digest.  The idea is to have fun, be silly, and do serious work towards building community all at the same time. A new series of performances titled "The Greatest Show" will feature a variety of local talent presented as a modern nterpretation of old style vaudeville.  Each show will feature a theme that promotes local community and progressive ideas, and the performers will be interviewed on stage in between sets on ways the issue relates to them and how it might affect our community as a whole.  The is that these ideas will take root and encourage more people to build coalitions and work towards the collective good and betterment of Columbus as a whole. The first show, Anarchy and Community Development," will take place Dragonfly Neo-V, 247 King Ave.  Doors open 8:30.  Show starts at 9 pm.  Burger Beer is only a $1.  Cover is $5. For more info and for future updates, visit: http://www.peachdistrict.com/the-greatest-show/show-1-anarchy-and-commun... An email list serve is coming soon.

Sat. Jan. 9  Yoga Well-Being Class at Glen Echo Presbyterian Church  9 - 10:30 am
              Yoga Well-Being is Hatha Yoga with smooth flowing movements (Vinyasa) that calms the nerves, and raises the spirit. The stretches are therapeutic and designed to release tension, create energy and relieve aches and pains in the body. The deep stretches relieve insomnia, headaches, back-pain and depression. Cost is $18. Location: Glen Echo Presbyterian Church, 220 Cliff Side Dr., Columbus 43202.  Call Sipra Pimputkar at 614-266-1096 before showing up, just in case.

Sat. Jan. 9  Free Press Second Saturday Salon  6:30 - Midnight
       Find out about the origins of the Free Press back in the late 60s and early 70s.  Join local progressives to meet, network, and socialize, with music, art, food.  Refreshments.  Sponsored by the Free Press and the Central Ohio Green Education Fund.  Location: 1021 E. Broad St., parking in front or rear, come to the side door.  Info: 253-2295, truth@freepress.

Sat. Jan. 9  Wild Ones Program Features Marilyn Logue on Native Plants  10 am
        Gardening with Ohio’s Native Plants Wild Ones member Marilyn Logue will talk about the history of using native plants in American landscaping and highlight some of Ohio's best native plants for the garden and wildlife. She will give advice about selecting, purchasing, and planting appropriate plants for three major habitats, including prairie/meadow, woodland, and wetland. Location: Innis House at Inniswood Metro Park, 940 S. Hempstead Rd. in Westerville.

Sat. Jan. 9  Winter Watershed Walk at Deer Haven Preserve  1 pm
        Interpretive hike led by a Preservation Parks naturalist. Co-Sponsored by FLOW and Preservation Parks. Location: Deer Haven Preserve, 4183 Liberty Rd. south of Delaware.

Sat. Jan. 9   New-Beginner Drop-In Yoga Class at Balanced Yoga  1:15 - 2:15 pm
         Please join us for a "Community Yoga Class" that is focused on yoga basics. The class is appropriate for both those new to Yoga and for experienced students looking to refine their poses. The class is taught every Saturday by Balanced Yoga's skilled, supervised teacher trainees. The drop-in rate is only $5, or free with any Balanced Yoga Membership or pass.  Studio Location: Clintonville, 3526 N. High St, 43214. More info 265-9642 or visit http://www.balancedyoga.net. Meets weekly but no class on Dec. 26.

Sun. Jan. 10  Shape Note Singing at St. James Episcopal Church in Clintonville  4 - 6 pm
        Shape note singing  is intense, religious folk music sung in four-part harmony without instruments. No musical training is required, and beginners are welcome.  Singings are held the  second Sunday of the month from 4-6 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church, 3400 Calumet St.  Contact Eric Conrad at (614) 725-5186 or econrad@math.ohio-state.edu for more information or visit http://www.math.ohio-state.edu/~econrad/fasola2.html.

Sun. Jan. 10  Sitting with God Meditation Circle at Global Gallery in Clintonville  6 - 8 pm
        Meet on Sundays to do "meditation yoga."  Yoga means "union with God".  And in our meditation yoga  we "unite" with God and "contemplate" this experience. It is quite blissful and satisfying. If meditation were not "blissful" we just wouldn't do it. Meditations are generally guided and last for 20 - 35 minutes and then we have wonderful discussions of what just happened! People have wild experiences just sitting on their rumps and it's a joy and learning experience to sometimes share them. It's easy to get a meditation buzz on in private, but we pick a public place to do our meditations because when you get your "meditation buzz on" you'll already be in public and you can more readily maintain it.  Led by Frank Tennyson <frank.tennyson@gmail.com> or call 487-1111.  Location: Global Gallery, 3535 N. High St. 43214.

"A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues." ~ Havelock Ellis

Mon. Jan.11  Yoga Well-Being Class at Glen Echo Presbyterian Church  5:30 - 6:30 pm
       Yoga Well-Being is Hatha Yoga with smooth flowing movements (Vinyasa) that calms the nerves, and raises the spirit. The stretches are therapeutic and designed to release tension, create energy and relieve aches and pains in the body. The deep stretches relieve insomnia, headaches, back-pain and depression. Cost is $15.  Location: Glen Echo Presbyterian Church, 220 Cliff Side Dr., Columbus 43202.  Call Sipra Pimputkar at 614-266-1096 before showing up, just in case.

Mon. Jan.11  Central Ohioans for Peace Program:  OSU Prof Dr. Peter Mansoor's Talk on Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan  7 pm
         Dr. Mansoor will discuss the evolution of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the prospects for these conflicts from this point forward.  What is the prognosis for a reasonably stable and united Iraq?   Will the troop surge in Afghanistan enable the United States to achieve its objectives of combating Al Qaeda and stabilizing Afghanistan?  Dr. Peter Mansoor, Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired), is the General Raymond E. Mason, Jr. Chair in Military History at the Mershon Center, Ohio State University.  He assumed this position in September 2008 after a 26 year career in the U.S. Army that culminated in his service as the executive officer to General David Petraeus, the Commanding General of Multi-National Force-Iraq.  Col. Mansoor commanded the 1st Brigade, 1st Counterinsurgency Center in 2006, and served on the Joint Chiefs of Staff “Council of Colonels” that reexamined the strategy for the Iraq War.  Dr. Mansoor is the author of Baghdad at Sunrise:  A Brigade Commander’s War in Iraq, an account of his brigade’s operation and the difficulties of the U.S. war in Iraq during the crucial first year of the conflict.   Location: Columbus Mennonite Church, 35 Oakland Park Avenue, Columbus, Ohio.  Directions can be found at http://www.columbusmennonite.org/streetmap.htm  For the latest information on COFP meetings: http://groups.google.com/group/central-ohioans-for-peace

Tues. Jan. 12  (Free) Introduction to the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program  6 - 7:30 pm
       The internationally-recognized and researched eight week "Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Program" is indeed a powerful and often life-changing experience for those who experience it.   It is the starting point for something 'quite large' and lays a solid  ground for this path of awareness.  Consider attending this Free Introductory Program that is intended to provide you with a taste of the work; sense of the content and a deepened understanding of what is offered. Location: The Elizabeth Blackwell Center/Ohio Health, North of Riverside Methodist Hospital, 3635 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, Ohio 43214.  The dates of the winter quarter series are:  Tuesdays, 6:30-9pm, January 26 - March 16. No registration required for the Introductory Program.   Call Cheryl Rapose, M.Ed, LISW at 566-4448 with any questions you may have.

Weds. Jan. 13  Intro to Healthy Children - Healthy Planet Course at Sprout Soup  10:15 am - 11 am
        Looking for a way to start your parenting year off right?  Interested in discovering ways to create meaningful family times and healthful environments for children? Join Sprout Soup for a new session of the Northwest Earth Institute (www.nwei.org) course Healthy Children - Healthy Planet.  There will be an information session at Sprout Soup (Locattion: 4310 N. High Street, 43214).  Contact Sprout Soup (614.267.7768 or store@sproutsoup.com) to register for the information session or the course, which is set to begin on Wednesday, January 27, from 10:15am-11:30am.  Feel free to contact Missy Hintz at missy@simplyliving.org or 614.447.0296 with questions or further information or visit www.simplyliving.org/EarthInst.

Weds. Jan. 13  Sierra Club Program "Population Growth: Sex and the Single Planet" (Rated PG-13)  7:30 pm
        Bill Myers, MD, will speak on individual responsibility in a society and economy of sustainable stability.  Bill was a practicing family doctor in Circleville, OH for 35 years, serving for 3 years as Pickaway County Health Commissioner. Location: Northwood-High Building, 2231 N. High St., Room 100. 

Thurs. Jan. 14  Briar Rose Children's Center Presents  Discussion for Parents on Discipline at Karl Rd Library  6 - 8 pm
        Is your child challenging your patience?  Is your child oppositional and difficult to understand sometimes?  Congratulations - you have a normal, healthy child!  Come learn how discipline can be transformed from punishment into nourishment and how you can create the kind of mood in which real growth can happen for children.  There will be plenty of time for discussion of your real-world issues!   Location: Karl Rd Branch, Columbus Public Library, 5590 Karl Rd, Between Morse and 161.

Thurs. Jan. 14  Single Payer Action Network (SPAN) Chapter Meeting  7 pm
        SPAN Meetings are open to all. Location: Northwood Building, 2231 North High St. (at the corner of Northwood and High) in room 100 on the first floor.   There is visitor parking behind the building and you can take an elevator to first floor.  Room 100 is in the front of the building across from the clinic entrance.  For more information, please contact chammon@columbus.rr.com. 

Thurs. Jan. 14  Practice Sessions Prepare Threshold Choir to Sing at Bedside of the Dying  7 - 8:30 p.m.
       Abbie Basile <abbiebasile@yahoo.com> directs this all-women choir that sings at the bedside of the dying.  The newly formed Columbus Threshold Choir is looking for members to join in the ancient tradition of singing at the bedsides of those who are sick or dying. If you are interested in learning more, visit  www.columbusthreshold.org.  The Choir meets twice each month on 2nd and 4th Thursdays.   Location: Columbus Mennonite Church, 35 Oakland Park Ave. Times, dates, and map to church are on the website: www.columbusthreshold.org

Thurs. Jan. 14  Transition Central Ohio Planning Meeting to Develop Action Steps  7 - 9 pm
        Learn about the Transition Central Ohio (TCO) initiative: http://www.simplyliving.org/transition. At its December meeting, the TCO group chose the following next steps: a) awareness building; b) building bridges to local govts.; c) great reskilling; d) use open space; e) let it go where it wants to go.  Tonight's meeting we will plan our next action steps. using an Open Space format. Location: 82 E. 16th Ave., Summit United Methodist Church. For more information, contact Beal Lowe, 284-4529. 

Thurs. Jan. 14  Shakespeare Reading Group Meets Second Thursdays at Wild Goose Creative  7 - 9:30 p.m.
        NOTE: Meeting day has changed to Second Thursdays (formerly first Tuesday). Did you really think Shakespeare's works survived for over 400 years merely because sadistic schoolmarms ever desired to inflict literary torture on unsuspecting children? Hogwash! Come join the Motleys to discover why them-as-knows say the Bard's words are truly immortal. Nervous? It's a non-judgmental environment where we're all acknowledged learners. We share what we know as we read through the plays, and we all stumble over the anachronisms and colloquialisms of Elizabethan speech. It's fun, it's funny, it's lively, and it's live! The Motleys read aloud, discuss and enjoy Shakespeare's plays in good company. We may supplement our readings with screenings of filmed productions, when available and time permitting. Who: Mature high school students on up.  Location: Wild Goose Creative, 2491 Summit Street, Columbus 43202 or Visit http://www.wildgoosecreative.com/Wild_Goose_Creative___Shakespeare_Group.html or contact Ben Gorman: shakespeare@wowway.com (In March, we'll have to make other arrangements, as the space has been rented in advance, and Ben will be unavailable.)

"Jealousy, that dragon which slays love under the pretense of keeping it alive." ~ Cicero

Fri. Jan. 15  Socrates Café Meeting at Panera Bread on Bethel Road  6 - 8 p.m.
        The Socrates Cafe in Columbus is affiliated with over 400 gatherings around the world where people from different backgrounds get together and exchange thoughtful ideas and experiences in conversations that give everyone an opportunity to participate. Free and open to the public.  Meets the first Sunday at 5 p.m. and third Friday at 6 p.m. Topics are determined at each meeting by participants.  Location: Panera Bread, 875 Bethel Road, Columbus 43214, Phone 457-6800. Contact Carol Bradley <bradley_carol@hotmail.com> for more info.

Sat. Jan. 16  Composting! Workshop at Dawes Arboretum  10-11:30 am
        Go brown in this very educational session on the merits, myths and methods of composting. Cost is $8. Location: Dawes Arboretum on Ohio Rt. 13, five miles south of Newark and 3 miles north of I-70, Exit 132. Visit www.dawesarb.org or phone 800.44.DAWES for information and to register.

Sat. Jan. 16  Start 2010 Out Right with "12 Months of Green Living Workshop"  10am - 4pm
        Eating, breathing and living green....If you're reading this you are probably already talking and attempting to walk a greener, more sustainable life.  Sometimes it takes more than just dreaming to take a bigger broader step into conservation. Spend a day with sustainability pioneers Annie & Jay Warmke of Blue Rock Station, exploring Green at Home, Green at Work, Green Family, Personal Green and more! They will also share how living a life of conservation--a simple honest way of living each day--takes planning and care. Annie and Jay's new book, Green Technology, has just been released, and they'll be sharing some information from their book.  Location: Simply Living, 2929 N. High St. Columbus. 43202. Cost: Simply Living member - $49; non-member $59. Contact Missy at 447-0296 or missy@simplyliving.org to register. Pre-registration necessary. Bring a brown bag lunch. In case of bad weather, the workshop will be held on 1/23.

Sat. Jan. 16  Chasing the Sun Concert Features The Sirens at Summit on 16th  8 pm
        "The Sirens - creating community and great music at the same time. Their sound is unique, blending hip hop with folk, gorgeous vocals, and deep lyrics. Their live shows are a must see!" - Laura Shine WFPK, Louisville. The Sirens won a National Women's Music Festival award for best new artists for 2009! Location: Summit on 16th - 82 East 16th Avenue (OSU campus area). Contact Sandy alpha.beta@sbcglobal.net or see Cheryl in the office at Summit on 16th for presale tickets, or purchase at the door! (include Sirens as the subject if emailing).  Tickets are $15; presale tickets will include a new cd of the Sirens latest songs. Student ticket pricing on a sliding scale of $7.50 - $10 or as needed. Partial proceeds to benefit Summit on 16th.  Plenty of free off street parking available.

Sat. Jan. 16  Big Scioty Contra Dance  8 - 11 pm
            Kate Power from Columbus calling with ReelBop from the hills of Ohio. Open Band practice at 6 pm.  Admission: $8 Students $4, Children under 12 - Free.  Open Dance Band Practice 6:00 - 7:30 pm.  Location: First Congregational Church, 444 East Broad St. in downtown Columbus.  Info:  http://www.bigscioty.com/

Tues. Jan. 19  Herbal Study Group at Stratford Ecological Center  1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
        Come together in a sharing circle to explore the many uses of wild and cultivated plants.  Each month the group examines a different herbal topic and works together in the herb garden, tending, harvesting, and learning from the plants. In 2009 we’ll look in-depth at the wild weeds that are beneficial to our lives.  This is a hands-on group and a wonderful way to get more comfortable using herbs.  Herbal Study Group meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month from 1:30-3:30pm. All skill levels welcome!  $10/year.  (Your first time is free.) Contact Christa at 740-363-2548 or treebeing@aol.com  Location: 3083 Liberty Rd. outside Delaware. More info and directions: www.stratfordecologicalcenter.org

Tues. Jan. 19  Simply Living Board Meeting  7 - 9 pm
        Meets at the Simply Living offices, 2929 N. High St. 43202.  All members are welcome; please confirm your attendance at 447-0296.

Tues. Jan. 19  Recycle Columbus: Community Voices to Discuss & Brainstorm Citywide Recycling Program  7 pm
        Recycling, once a luxury, is now a necessity - and Columbus is behind the times. Community leaders and stakeholders are meeting to brainstorm what a City of Columbus recycling program might look like. We need your help to generate these ideas. Because this is a grassroots movement, it is about people, and the more we have the greater voice we have to our public servants. Please join us! We will have a presentation to set the stage and then have multiple activities to generate discussion. These ideas will then be taken before City Council and the Mayor's office in multiple venues. The City is approaching us in February, and the January meeting will help us prepare. Now is our opportunity to be heard about recycling. We hope to see you then. Location; King Ave Methodist Church, 299 King Ave. (Entrance on the west side of the building and up steps to parlor.)

Weds. Jan. 20  Columbus Rawluck!  Learn, Enjoy Living Foods Lifestyle  6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
        Join us every 3rd Wednesday at 6:30pm 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 conscious community! Held in the Simply Living Offices, 2929 N. High St. 2nd Floor. Contact Shawna at shawna@rawshawna.com

Weds. Jan. 20  Intentional Community Group - Newcomers Always Welcome!  6:30 - 9 pm
        Exploring community and personal development and living simply. Hosted this month by Eve Catus, 128 Sheffield Road, 43214.  Contact Eve Catus <vecatus@safe-mail.net> 614.517.2639.

Thurs. Jan. 21  Green Drinks to Screen No Impact Man at Studio 35 
        Green Drinks returns to Studio 35 for our annual movie event. The movie for the 2010 edition will (hopefully) be No Impact Man, which has been hailed as "Terrifically entertaining. Compelling and extremely funny." (Betsy Sharkey, Los Angeles Times). So, save the date, and be sure to tell your friends about it too. Location: Studio 35, 3055 Indianola Ave., Columbus 43202.

Fri. Jan. 22  Peace Time Benefit Features Folk Music at Areopagitica Bookstore  7 pm
        Peace Time Benefit.  Folk Music & refreshments.  Donations at the door.  Proceeds to go to helping arrange bus transportation locally to Washington DC for national antiwar march and demonstrations.  Location:  Areopagitica Bookstore, 3510 North High Street Columbus 43214-4033.  For more information, or to volunteer, contact lithag@aol.com

Mon. Jan. 25   Central Ohioans for Peace Program:  Ratifying The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) this Year!  7 pm
        Connie Gaddell Newton will talk about her work with the Friends Committee on National Legislation to organize faith leaders in Ohio to support Senator Voinovich in voting for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test ban Treaty.  The treaty would ban nuclear testing and put a monitoring system into place to notify the international community of any testing via nuclear explosions worldwide.  Location: Columbus Mennonite Church, 35 Oakland Park Avenue, Columbus, Ohio.  Directions can be found at http://www.ColumbusMennonite.org/streetmap.htm  More information at www.centralohioansforpeace.org

Tues. Jan. 26  Co-op Board Meeting at CRC  7 - 9 pm
       All members welcome.  Open forum for questions and comments from 7 - 7:15 p.m.  Location:  Community Resources Center, 14 W. Lakeview Ave. 43202.

Tues. Jan. 26  Special Event Movie "In Transition 1.0: From Oil Dependence to Local Resilience"  7:30 pm
        This is the first detailed film about the Transition Initiative, a movement connecting communities around the world that are developing local responses to peak oil and climate change. It is a story of people setting about rebuilding their local economies and communities. The movie shows a practical vision for creating a post-consumer society. Sponsored by the Central Ohio Sierra Club, Simply Living, the Free Press and the Columbus International Film Festival.  The movie is free and open to the public.  Donations will be accepted. Location: Drexel East, 2254 E. Main St. in Bexley.  

Weds. Jan. 27  Intro to Healthy Children - Healthy Planet Course at Sprout Soup  10:15 am - 11 am
        Looking for a way to start your parenting year off right?  Interested in discovering ways to create meaningful family times and healthful environments for children? Join Sprout Soup for a new session of the Northwest Earth Institute (www.nwei.org) course Healthy Children - Healthy Planet. Location: Sprout Soup, 4310 N. High Street, 43214.  To register, call 614.267.7768 or email store@sproutsoup.com.  Feel free to contact Missy Hintz at missy@simplyliving.org or 614.447.0296 with questions or further information or visit www.simplyliving.org/EarthInst.

Fri. Jan. 29  All Soles Contra Dance at First UU Church  8 pm
        Special “Zesty” contra dance with Changeling and Kate Power (Zesty contras are more challenging, for dancers with solid knowledge of basic moves).   Cost: $7 ($4 for those under age 25) to fairly compensate our talented bands and callers. Please bring your own refillable water bottle, and dress in lightweight, loose clothing. Homebaked snacks, free childcare, and warm, welcoming dancers. Children who are able to join in the dancing are welcome. Instruction for beginners at 7:30 pm, dancing at 8 pm. Location: First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer, Columbus  43214. Info: http://Firstuucolumbus.org/AllSoles 

"We have to dare to be ourselves, however frightening or strange that self may prove to be." ~ May Sarton

Sat. Jan. 30  Gipson & Fitz Trio with Rachel Frank at Folkside Coffeehouse  8pm Open Stage; 9pm Feature
        The Columbus Folk Music Society presents a special treat tonight! The Gipson & Fitz Trio entertains audiences with an original blend of Bluegrass, Americana, Folk, and Southern Rock. Brant Gipson lends his voice, acoustic guitar, and banjo to an inspiring body of sound consisting of striking lyrics, strong vocals, and bold melodies.  Mark Fitzharris adds his unique vocal ability and his exceptional guitar and mandolin playing to create the fully developed sound of Gipson & Fitz. Bassist, Billy Cory has now joined Gipson & Fitz on stage and audiences of all ages will be thrilled by the fantastic fiddling of Rachel Frank. They are no strangers to the stage, having appeared in various venues and shared the stage with legendary artists such as Phil Lesh & Friends, Bob Dylan, Rusted Root, B.B. King, Koko  Taylor, Bo Diddley Jr., and Buddy Guy.  Doors open at 7pm with the featured performance at 9pm.  Location: Areopagitica Bookstore, 3510 N. High St. 43214. Suggested Donation is $5, $4 for CFMS members, plus a can of food for the Mid-Ohio Fook Bank.

Sun. Jan. 31  Peace Time Benefit Features Live Music at Espresso Yourself Music Cafe in Powell  2 - 4:30 pm
        Peace Time Benefit.  Live music, great food & beverages from the cafe'.  Donations at the door.  Proceeds to go to helping arrange bus transportation locally to Washington DC for national antiwar march and demonstrations.   Location:  Espresso Yourself Music Cafe', 50 West Olentangy St., Powell, OH.  For more information, or to volunteer, contact lithag@aol.com

Wed. Feb. 10  Sierra Club Program "First-Hand Report from the Copenhagen Climate Conference"  7:30 pm
        Melanie Braithwaite will speak about her experience as a representative of the Sierra Club at the UN Climate Change conference. Melanie met with delegates from non-governmental organizations and from the Obama administration.  She also attended the UN International Labor Organization’s Conference, "World of Work" and legal seminars at the University of Copenhagen dealing with Kyoto Treaty compliance and enforcement and exploring similar provisions for a new climate agreement.  Location: TBA

Thurs. Feb. 11  Peace Time Benefit Features Live Music at Rumba Cafe  6 - 9 pm
        Peace Time Benefit.   Happy Hour.  Live music. Cash bar. Donations at the door.  Proceeds to go to helping arrange bus transportation locally to Washington DC for national antiwar march and demonstrations.   Location:  Rumba Cafe',  2507 Summit St. @ Hudson, Columbus.  For more information or to volunteer, contact lithag@aol.com

Thurs. Feb. 11  Shakespeare Reading Group Meets Second Thursdays at Wild Goose Creative  7 - 9:30 p.m.
        Did you really think Shakespeare's works survived for over 400 years merely because sadistic schoolmarms ever desired to inflict literary torture on unsuspecting children? Hogwash! Come join the Motleys to discover why them-as-knows say the Bard's words are truly immortal. Nervous? It's a non-judgmental environment where we're all acknowledged learners. We share what we know as we read through the plays, and we all stumble over the anachronisms and colloquialisms of Elizabethan speech. It's fun, it's funny, it's lively, and it's live! The Motleys read aloud, discuss and enjoy Shakespeare's plays in good company. We may supplement our readings with screenings of filmed productions, when available and time permitting. Who: Mature high school students on up.  Location: Wild Goose Creative, 2491 Summit Street, Columbus 43202 or Visit http://www.wildgoosecreative.com/Wild_Goose_Creative___Shakespeare_Group.html or contact Ben Gorman: shakespeare@wowway.com (NOTE: in March, we'll have to make other arrangements, as the space has been rented in advance, and Ben will be unavailable.)

"If you dam a river it stagnates. Running water is beautiful water. So be a channel." ~ English Proverb

More Events Calendars...
WCBE Events  http://events.publicbroadcasting.net/wcbe/events.eventsmain
Free Press  http://www.freepress.org/calendar.php
Columbus Peace Network Calendar  http://www.columbuspeacenetwork.org/
Metro Parks : http://reservations.metroparks.net/programs/