Choose Today, a humurous stop-motion animated short; GoodWood, a look at sustainable forestry and its effects on different global communities; Lurking in the Trees, a film about devestating invasive insects in the northeastern United States; Ascending the Giants, featuring two climbers searching for Oregon's largest Sitka spruce; and Taking Root, the biography of Nobel Peace lauriate and Green Belt Movement founder Wangari Maathai. There will be a short intermission before Taking Root. 7 p.m. at the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater. Suggested donation $5. |
Apr 20: Urban Forest film festival
Apr 15-24: Forest garden design workshop
Edible Ecosystems Emerging: Food Forestry for the 21st Century, a nine-day forest garden design intensive with Dave Jacke and friends.
April 15-24, 2011 at Wild Meadows Farm, 456 Smith Road, Schellsburg, PA 15559. Sliding scale fee of $850-$1100 includes course instruction and materials, as well as wholesome vegan/vegetarian meals. Lodging is not included and scholarships are available. For more information, contact Kim Walsh via e-mail info@wildmeadowsfarm.com or call 814-839-4962. To register, go to http://wildmeadowsfarm.com
Forest ecosystems exhibit many beneficial properties we humans would be wise to emulate in our culture, agriculture and horticulture: they maintain, renew, fertilize and propagate themselves without human inputs; they build, store, and conserve clean air, clean water, nutrients, soil quality, and biodiversity; and they exhibit stability, resilience, and adaptability. These qualities emerge from the dynamics of the forest as a whole system, not from any one or more of the elements that comprise the forest alone. To design productive edible ecosystems that express these same qualities, we must understand forest structures, functions, patterns, and processes and use this knowledge wisely.
In this nine-day intensive course, you will dive deeply into the vision, theory, and practice of designing wholesome, dynamic, and resilient edible ecosystems using temperate deciduous forests as models. Dave Jacke and his Pennsylvania-based teaching team will offer lectures, site walks, and experiential exercises to help you understand how the architecture, social structure, underground economics, and successional processes of natural forests apply in the design of edible ecosystems of all kinds. You'll learn a variety of ecological design processes while designing a range of food-producing ecologies at our host farm. We'll also engage with issues of garden management, economics, and the deep paradigmatic shifts required to succeed at cocreating “humanatural” landscapes and cultures. You will leave inspired and empowered to design food forests at home for yourself, and your friends, neighbors and clients.
A collaboration of CHEARS, Dynamics Ecological Design, Pittsburgh Permaculture, and Wild Meadows Farm
Apr 15-21: Do Something Reel film festival
Whole Foods Market presents the Do Something Reel™ Film Festival, a collection of six provocative, character-driven films focused on passionate people making a world of difference.
From the Coal River Valley of West Virginia to the inner city of Detroit, from vanishing bee populations to the evolution of the National School Lunch Program, from farmers and active everyday citizens to doctors and scientists, the Do Something Reel line-up provides a moving, eye-opening look at how the choices we make can have a huge impact on our bodies, our economy, and our environment. We hope these films will inspire you to reflect on what you're passionate about, and how you can make a difference!
This nationwide traveling festival will be presented in 70+ cities throughout April, in celebration of Earth Month. From April 15th through April 21st, the Melwood Screening Room will play host to Whole Foods Market's "Do Something Reel" Film Festival.
April 15-21 at the Melwood Screening Room. Individual tickets $5.00, series pass $25.00. For more information,
http://www.pghfilmmakers.org/exhibition/wholefoods.html or http://www.dosomethingreel.com/ .Apr 13: Rainwater Harvesting class
Celebrate the rain! Rain Water Harvesting and Watershed Awareness
“Between Earth and Earth’s atmosphere, the amount of water remains constant; there is never a drop more, never a drop less. This is a story of circular infinity, of a planet birthing itself. “
The water molecules that we use and treasure today are the same water molecules that have always been on Planet Earth. We never get new water; therefore conservation and protection are essential.
Rainwater harvesting is an effective, ecological and economical method for the conservation and protection of this precious natural resource. By catching, storing and re-directing your roof water for on-site usage you can take advantage of this free source of precious water while at the same time contributing to a reduction in the combined sewer overflow (CSO) problem that plagues the Greater Pittsburgh and Philadelphia areas, helping to reduce flooding and nonpoint source pollution, and contributing to recharging our groundwater supply. You’ll also have a free source of non-chlorinated water for use in your yard and garden.
Learn how to harvest rainwater from your roof and divert it for on-site usage in the landscape. Attend a rain barrel workshop and return home equipped with the knowledge and hardware needed (not the 55-gal. drum) to assemble and install a rain barrel. It’s easier than you might think.
6:30-8 p.m. at the CCI Center on the Southside (64 South 14th Street, 15203). You can register online by clicking here. $35/person and $45/couple.
For more information please call (412) 488.7490 ext. 247 or email Nancy Martin. For information on workshop gift certificates, click here. Additional workshops in the series are listed below:
Wednesday, May 4th
Phipps Garden Center
7pm to 8:30pm
Tuesday, May 11th
Mt. Lebanon Library
7pm to 8:30pm
Tuesday, May 19th
East End Food Co-op
6:30pm to 8pm
Apr 11: Transition workshop at Pitt
Transition Trainer Tina Clarke will teach about the Transition movement and how we can participate in our communities to create a better, more sustainable future!
7-9 p.m. at 540 William Pitt Union (at Fifth & Bigelow in Oakland).
Apr 9-10: Training for Transition
This course is packed with imaginative and inspiring ways to catalyze, support and engag e your community Training4Transition delves into both the theory and practice of Transition that has worked so well in hundreds of communities in the U.K. and around the world.
• Explore ways of increasing community resilience
• Learn to describe the challenges of Peak Oil, climate change, and economic instability in ways that bring people together and inspire action
• Receive tools for community outreach, education and creating shared vision
• Learn ways to work with obstacles that have prevented our communities from responding to the challenges
• Learn how to facilitate community collaboration -- supporting existing activities and expanding the number and diversity of people involved
• Meet others in your region who share your concerns and want to transition to greater stability and security
• Become a part of a rapidly growing positive, inspirational, global movement!
Who should attend: People interested in learning ways to transition their community, people already creating a Transition Initiative, and communities wishing to become an internationally-recognized Transition Initiative.
Instructors: Tina Clarke, certified Transition Trainer will be making her forth trip to Pittsburgh! She will be joined by Fred Brown, of the Kingsley Association in Pittsburgh and certified TransitionUS trainer.
9am-5pm on both Saturday and Sunday at Cedars of Monroeville. We will be setting up carpools from the city. Cost: $160. Refreshments and study materials included. All food is Potluck! (Lodging not included.) If you can donate extra money for scholarships, your generosity will help those with low incomes to attend! A small amount of work-trade spots and scholarships are available.
Registration: Send an Email with your info (name, neighborhood, affiliations) to Jeff Newman: jnewman11@gmail.comApr 8: Women business leaders on energy strategies
The Women Business Leaders Breakfast Series features prominent regional women business leaders speaking on a variety of progressive business topics. Casual networking and a continental breakfast precede engaging and interactive presentations on topics essential for women in business such as innovative entrepreneurship, strategic business growth, unique marketing strategies, and logistical business planning. On April 8, Janet Lauer, director of Three Rivers Clean Energy, will present "How Energy-Related Strategies and Investments Can Bring Value to Your Bottom Line."
The rising cost of energy can place a heavy demand on business owners, many of whom want to become savvier about what they can do to better manage this increasingly scarce and expensive c o mmodity. Further, energy scarcity and security issues have prompted businesses to look carefully at what risks they face if they continue to depend upon the current energy infrastructure. In light of these challenges businesses need to take a hard look at the way they are using energy and identify strategies to utilize it more efficiently.
Apr 5: Law of Marcellus symposium
The University of Pittsburgh Law Review and the Innovation Practice Institute present Developing the Law of the Marcellus Shale: Innovation for a Prosperous Community, a Safe Environment, and a Common Law. Join an innovative group of national scholars and practitioners as this symposium addresses the recent developments in the law of the Marcellus Shale as well as whether government rebulation and moratoriums are necessary in light of innovations within the field.
April 5, 2011 - 8 am – 5 pm at the University Club, 123 University Place, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260. This event is open to the public, but space is limited! Click here to RSVP ->
The morning session of this symposium includes the following topics and speakers:
Opening Speaker Lieutenant Governor Jim Cawley
Lt. Governor Cawley was inaugurated as the 32nd Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on January 18th, 2011.
The Lt. Governor will be speaking about the Corbett Administration’s efforts to promote prosperous communities and safe environments relative to the Marcellus Shale.
"What a Short, Strange Trip It's Been: Moving Forward After Five Years of Marcellus Shale Development"
Professor Ross H. Pifer, Pennsylvania State University, Dickinson School of Law
"Developing a Common Law of Hydraulic Fracturing"
Professor David E. Pierce, Washburn University School of Law
"Recent Decisions Affecting the Development of the Marcellus Shale in Pennsylvania"
Attorney Kevin C. Abbott, Partner, Reed Smith LLP
Attorney Nicolle R. Snyder Bagnell, Partner, Reed Smith LLP
Kathryn Z. Klaber, President and Executive Director of the Marcellus Shale Coalition, will deliver the lunchtime Keynote Address.
The afternoon session of this symposium includes the following topics and speakers:
"Legal and Commercial Models for Pore-Space Access & Use for Geologic CO2 Sequestration"
Professor Owen L. Anderson, University of Oklahoma College of Law
R. Lee Gresham, Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, Carnegie Mellon University
"Finding Environmental Solutions Through Innovation, Regulation, and Prohibition: A Pittsburgh Case Study" -- a Panel Discussion
Panel Moderator: Attorney Matthew McK. Mohn, Senior Associate, Reed Smith LLP
Panelists: Professor Jules Lobel, University of Pittsburgh School of Law
Professor Radisav D. Vidic, University of Pittsburgh School of Engineering
Professor Emily A. Collins, University of Pittsburgh School of Law
Attorney Blaine A. Lucas, Partner, Babst Calland Clements & Zomnir PC
Apr 4: WE ARE ONE rally
“We Are One” Rally for Workers Rights, Civil Rights and Environmental Rights: Join a nation-wide Day of Action to commemorate the 43rd anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, as he marched for economic and social justice for Memphis sanitation workers.
“Today, Dr. King’s vision of a just, equitable America is under attack by corporate polluters and their political allies across the nation,” said Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune. “The Sierra Club is marching on April 4 in solidarity with the working families of America, and we are committed to protecting Americans’ fundamental rights to bargain for good jobs and fair treatment, to breathe clean air and drink clean water.”
Gather at noon at EQT Plaza (6th St. and Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh, 15222), and then march from EQT Plaza to Gov. Tom Corbett’s downtown office. Followed at 1 p.m with a Free luncheon at United Steelworkers headquarters (Stanwix and Blvd. of the Allies).
Apr 3: PennFuture's Clean Energy conference
PennFuture will host two global warming conferences at opposite ends of the Commonwealth. First, we’ll be in the Southwest talking about how clean energy can lead to a cool Pittsburgh. Then we’ll be in the Northeast to discuss global warming and its potential to wreck recreation. Details on our region's event are below.
Southwest Pennsylvania Clean Energy for a Cool Pittsburgh Sunday, April 3, 1:00 - 5:30 p.m. Registration, networking and refreshments from 1:00-1:30 p.m. Duquesne University Power Center, 1015 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Space at this conference is limited, so register today. For information about exhibit space, contact Tiffany Hickman at 412-258-6682. (free for allied public interest organizations) Changing how we use energy and what kinds of energy we use are the most important things we can do to combat global warming and clean our air. The Pittsburgh region can lead and build our clean energy economy and create green jobs or we can ignore the problem and lag behind, continuing our legacy of creating deadly pollution that causes our children and jobs to leave the area. This conference provides a road map for a cleaner future, with national and local experts in clean energy, electricity generation, transportation and buildings leading the charge. You’ll leave the event empowered with the information you need to take action personally and to create the vitally needed new policies in the Pittsburgh region, statewide and nationally. Our speakers include:
Conference is free to PennFuture members and students (with ID); $10 for all others. Space is limited and registration is required. Parking is available at the facility. Click here for full details. Register today so you don’t miss it! |
Apr 2: Resource, Job & Unity fair
Are you out of work, facing a lay-off, or under-employed? Know someone who is? Join us at the PA Wants To Work! Resource, Jobs, and Unity Fair: We’re Working Together for Jobs and a Fair Economy! Join us to discuss your concerns,connect with resources that exist to help unemployed workers and their families, and take action on critical issues to bring real change for working families.
12pm to 2pm (doors open at 11:30am) at the Teamsters Temple, 4701 Butler Street, Lawrenceville. For more information, contact Dave Ninehouser at 412-370-5247 or dave.nine@hotmail.com
Live music by Smokestack Lightning, and community partners including:
Building Trades Apprenticeship Program: Information on union apprenticeship program, green jobs
PA CareerLink: Training and job seeking resources
Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank: Produce to People and information on accessing the Food Bank
North Hills Community Outreach: Employment coaching and computer training
Just Harvest: Earned Income Tax credit, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Advantage Credit Counseling: Credit counseling, budgeting and money management
Mon Valley Unemployed Committee: Unemployment comp and Homeowners Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program
Veterans Leadership: Housing and employment info for veterans
ACTION Housing: Housing counseling, resources
United Way of Allegheny County: Helpline, info linking to a range of resources
Pennsylvania Health Access Network: Consumer support, advocacy for state and federal healthcare issues
Consumer Health Coalition: Access to healthcare and human services
Allegheny County Dept. of Human Services: www.alleghenycounty.us/dhs
Catholic Charities: Social services network for families
Working families did not cause the downturn in the economy, but they’re the ones picking up the tab -- and the struggle is even more difficult for unemployed Americans and their families. Some in our country are getting huge tax breaks while the budget burden is breaking the backs of working families, job seekers, and those least able to afford it.
Unemployment isn’t just a personal problem, it’s a community problem. Don't go it alone -- getting connected is job one.
PENNSYLVANIA WANTS TO WORK IS A PROJECT OF THE PA AFL-CIO, ALLEGHENY COUNTY LABOR COUNCIL AND WORKING AMERICA
Apr 1: Fossil Fools Day Rally for Clean Air
Pollution from burning coal spurs a host of serious, life-threatening health problems, inflicting children with asthma, stifling childhood development and cutting short thousands of lives.
Join the Sierra Club and let our elected officials know we support the EPA and all it is doing under the Clean Air Act. Don’t be ‘fueled’ by the coal industry - if Pittsburgh is to be a truly ‘livable’ city, it needs to have healthy air for all.
The rally will feature City Council member Bill Peduto along with Heather Sage of PennFuture and Randy Francisco of the Sierra Club.
12 noon to 1 p.m. at Mellon Square, downtown (15222). For more information, contact Randy at randy[dot]francisco[at]sierraclub[dot]org or 412-802-6161.
Apr 1: International relations panel at CMU
Three Big Players Out of Sync: The United States, China and Germany in the Economic Crisis
Speakers: Lee Branstetter, CMU; Barry Naughton, UC San Diego; Stephen Silvia, American University
Sponsored by The Center for International Relations and Politics and the Global Studies Major
http://www.cmu.edu/uls/april/symposium.html
2:30-4:30 pm in the Connan Room, in Carnegie Mellon's University Center
Mar 31: Green Drinks on Marcellus
State Senator Jim Ferlo hosts this month's Green Drinks, titled Marcellus Shale: Confronting the Challenges, Embracing the Opportunities. County Council President Rich Fitzgerald (11th District)
5-9 p.m. at the Clemente Museum, 3339 Penn Ave. in Lawrenceville. Free admission, complimentary beer and snacks provided by Senator Ferlo; Engine House 25 Winery will also have a $5/glass special. For more information, email pittsburghgreendrinks@gmail.com or senatorferlo@gmail.com .
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)