Activist Agenda

Saturday, February 4, 2012

In this issue...
• February 3rd, 2012
February, 2012
• February 4, 2012: Raw Vegan Potluck
• February 06, Monday, 2012 @ 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Fair Voting 101
• February 06, Monday, 2012 @ 7:15 PM - 9:00 PM: The Why’s and How-To’s of A Raw Food Diet
• February 09, Thursday, 2012 @ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Meet Your Meatless Mate Speed Dating
• February 11 - 12, 2012: Permaculture Design Course in Edmonton 2012
• February 12, 2012: Vegans & Vegetarians of Alberta (VVoA) monthly potluck
• February 15, Wednesday, 2012 @ 12:01 AM - 11:59 PM: Alberta Ecotrust Letter of Intent Deadline!
• February 15, Wednesday, 2012 @ 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM: Honey 101: The Story of Honey
• February 20, Monday, 2012 @ 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Moving Beyond The Automobile
• February 22, Wednesday, 2012 @ 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM: Net Zero Energy Buildings, How Are They Working? - An Owner's Perspective
• February 23, Thursday, 2012 @ 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM: Off-Grid Solar Systems
• February 28, Tuesday, 2012 @ 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM: Solar Energy - Direct Uses
• February 28, Tuesday, 2012 @ 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM: Solar Seminar - T'Sou-Ke First Nation Solar Community
March, 2012
• March 3, 2012: Raw Vegan Potluck
• March 08, Thursday, 2012 @ 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM: Beekeeping for Beginners
• March 10 - 11, 2012: Permaculture Design Course in Edmonton 2012
• March 11, 2012: Vegans & Vegetarians of Alberta (VVoA) monthly potluck
• March 13, Tuesday, 2012 @ 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM: Grow Your Own - Start Your Garden Plants Indoors From Seed
• March 20, Tuesday, 2012 @ 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM: Get Growing - Gardening Tips and Strategies for Beginners

Information
• Permaculture Cuba 2012!

Employment
• Full-Time Produce Staff

February 3rd, 2012

Good Day!

Things are humming along nicely at Earth's General Store. We are getting in more frequent produce orders that reduces us running out of stock on certain items. Unfortunately the walk in cooler did not materialize as I wanted but that is being resolved and it is now my intentions that we will have one in place next Monday.

I am a little anxious about Organic Food Market opening up on the corner of 102^nd street and Whyte Avenue. This may be very damaging to our business. I used to shop at Organic Roots when it was over by the University Hospital and very much appreciated the manager - Sonya. When I thought I would go into food I checked with the owners of Organic Roots and they said they would never go back into food and I bought quite a bit of their equipment (bulk bins, coolers and freezers). They were telling me the truth.

They themselves are not going to be selling food at their new space. My understanding is that it will be a ‘market place’. It would be a space where several companies would operate in a shared space. Do you remember Debaji's market? Kind of like that. The groceries is to be taken care of by Blush Lane (out of Calgary – kind of like Amaranth doing the food out at the Enjoy Centre in St. Albert), a bakery and supplements and such by Irene with Organic Roots (originally Herbs & Health). So needless to say I do expect a downturn in business as people go over there to explore what they have and such but I HOPE that people will return sooner rather than later. It is going to tough for all of us in the same general area – Planet Organic, Organic Roots Market and Earth’s General Store competing for the organic shopper. Variety is the spice of life and competition is good but it can drive some out of business – and it sometimes has nothing to do with prices.

We will see what happens though I am a pessimistic sort of person and figure that it will be quite detrimental for our store. Also they have broken ground for a new Whole Foods Market on Jasper and 123^rd Street (directly west of Planet Organic – previously it was the Big Fresh). Lots of opportunities for the consumer and hopefully this will encourage more people to become organic shoppers.

Please consider ‘Liking’ Earth's General Store on Facebook. It really does help people to find us. I would like to have over several thousand people that ‘Like’ the store by the end of 2012.

Thank you,

Michael Kalmanovitch

February 4, 3, 2012:Raw Vegan Potluck

Raw Vegan Edmonton hosts monthly potlucks.  Bring a raw vegan dish to serve at least 6 people (2 dishes or a double serving if you are bringing a partner or guest) plus your own serving utensil,  plate, bowl, cutlery, cup and napkin. If you are unsure whether an ingredient is raw please contact us.  Anyone interested in a raw vegan diet is welcome to attend.

February 06, Monday, 2012 @ 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM:Fair Voting 101

Would you like to learn more about how proportional representation works, and discuss some myths and facts about electoral reform? Edmonton Chapter of Fair Vote Alberta is holding "Fair Voting 101", an information session on proportional representation and a discussion to try to build a roadmap of how we can make change happen.

February 06, Monday, 2012 @ 7:15 PM - 9:00 PM:The Why’s and How-To’s of A Raw Food Diet

Learn the reasons behind a raw or high raw diet and how to easily incorporate more raw food into your diet.

A green smoothie and several other simple dishes will be demonstrated and sampled.

Pre-register: You must pre-register and pre-ay Earth’s General Store on or before February 3^rd. Space is limited.

February 09, Thursday, 2012 @ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM:Meet Your Meatless Mate Speed Dating

February 11 - 12, 2012:Permaculture Design Course in Edmonton 2012

Check out the website for a whole lot of information about a Permaculture Design course happening right here in Edmonton.

February 12, 11, 2012:Vegans & Vegetarians of Alberta (VVoA) monthly potluck

Vegans & Vegetarians of Alberta hosts monthly potlucks. 

Bring a vegan, vegetarian or raw vegan potluck dish to serve at least 8 people (per person attending) plus your own plate, cutlery, cup and serving spoon.

Potlucks are open to anyone interested in a vegan/vegetarian diet.

February 15, Wednesday, 2012 @ 12:01 AM - 11:59 PM:Alberta Ecotrust Letter of Intent Deadline!

 The deadline to submit a Letter of Intent for our Major Grant program is 11:59 pm Wednesday, February 15! Please share.

 Is your non-profit or charity working on an environmental project on the themes of air/climate/energy, water, or wilderness conservation? Would $30,000 help you towards achieving your project goals?  Apply today to Alberta Ecotrust Foundation’s Major Project grant program! Click here for more info: http://www.albertaecotrust.com/grants/major

Alberta Ecotrust supports grassroots organizations working on meaningful projects that seek to improve Alberta's environment. Applying organizations must be based in Alberta. See our website for addition eligibility requirements. We fund operational costs!

We offer the following grants:

Major Grants - receive funding up to $30,000 for projects that will lead to meaningful change.  These grants are for projects or programs with a broad scope or work towards long-term change.  Visit our website for all the guidelines and forms.  Deadline to submit a Letter of Intent to apply is February 15, 2012.  Only successful applicants for our Letter of Intent process will be invited to submit full proposals.

We also offer Community Grants - smaller, grassroots, community-based environmental projects are encouraged to apply for up to $7500 through our Community Grants program.  Visit our website for the guidelines and forms.  Visit http://www.albertaecotrust.com/grants/community for more information. Deadline to submit a Community Grant is April 17, 2012.

Note: We provide applicants with a half-hour of coaching FOR FREE (!) on developing your proposal or project.  However, to receive the coaching you must contact us prior to February 10th if you plan to submit a Letter of Intent. 

New to writing grants, or want to brush up on your skills?  We've posted our Fundraising 101 webinar, which has dos, don'ts and other tips when applying to Ecotrust or other funders.  Visit the following webpage and scroll down to Past Webinars. http://www.albertaecotrust.com/capacity/resources/webinars

It’s our 20^th Anniversary Year! Congratulations to all our current, past, (and future!) grantees, partners, and supporters for 20 incredible years of creating positive change!!

Warmly,

Jayme

Ms. Jayme Nelson | Program Coordinator | Alberta Ecotrust Foundation
*NEW ADDRESS* 1020, 105 12th Avenue SE | Calgary AB T2G 1A1
Phone: 403.209.2245 ext 103 | Fax: 403.209.2086
Toll free: 1.800.465.2147
j.nelson@albertaecotrust.com
www.albertaecotrust.com

…because it’s our home.

 Stay connected!  Monthly e-news via EcoBreak, and like us on Facebook!
Twitter hashtag #abecotrust

Alberta Ecotrust is a registered charity: Donate Now!

February 15, Wednesday, 2012 @ 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM:Honey 101: The Story of Honey

Honey 101: The Story of Honey

In this two-hour session you will take a peek into that rich sweet history and learn about honey in the world today. Topics covered will include: how honey is good for you, what is the most expensive honey on the planet, what is the healthiest honey in the world, the difference between a dark and a light  honey,  where to find different honeys to taste. You will spend two hours immersed in everything honey and emerge from this class with an in-depth understanding of this wonderful bee-made product. You will never look at honey the same way again.

Available Anywhere – LIVE Online

Feb 15, 2012

6:30PM - 8:30PM

$75+GST

February 20, Monday, 2012 @ 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM:Moving Beyond The Automobile

Join us for a film and discussion exploring the solutions to the problem of automobile dependency. Let’s move Edmonton beyond the automobile!

The film, "Moving Beyond The Automobile", is a visual handbook of concrete ways that citizens, policy makers and organizations can value pedestrian plazas over parking lots, active transportation over inactivity, and train tracks over highways for a more livable community.

Following the film, a panel of Edmontonians will discuss local examples and opportunities.

Doors open 3:30pm
Film 4:00pm
Admission is free / by donation

Hosted by the Edmonton Bicycle Commuters’ Society - Advocacy Committee http://edmontonbikes.ca/

February 22, Wednesday, 2012 @ 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM:Net Zero Energy Buildings, How Are They Working? - An Owner's Perspective

A panel discussion lead by net zero home owner Shafraaz Kaba of Manasc Isaac Architects. Net zero energy homes are becoming an increasingly popular option in Canada. These buildings are designed to generate as much energy as they require over the course of the year. Edmonton now has eight such homes. How is it to live in one?  Are they easy to live in?  Are they comfortable? Do they work? What are the utility bills? What about maintenance?  Did you have to change your lifestyle at all? What would the occupants change? Come hear the human perspective on these cutting edge experiments in northern climate sustainable living.

February 23, Thursday, 2012 @ 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM:Off-Grid Solar Systems

Off-Grid Solar Systems

This course will cover stand-alone solar system design including load assessment, component sizing and appropriate equipment choices. Details concerning battery care and safety will be offered along with guidance regarding back-up generators. You will get a sense of the on-going system maintenance and lifestyle requirements of off-grid living.

Available Anywhere – LIVE Online

Feb 23, 2012

6:30PM - 9:30PM

$95+GST

February 28, Tuesday, 2012 @ 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM:Solar Energy - Direct Uses

A six week evening class plus a tour of solar installations. Interested in “Going Solar”? Planning on building a new home? Interested in greening your job? What is the path to energy independence for the Alberta homeowner? Solar technologies are rapidly being adopted all over the world and most of them work very well in Alberta. Find out about the latest opportunities in the world of solar energy. In this class you will learn: -How to plan a solar electric system for your home or business including the basic components, costs and benefits as well as sources of equipment and installers. -The design principles and working parts of an Alberta off-grid cabin solar electric system. -How to choose a solar hot water system for your home including information on components, system maintenance and costs. -The elements of cold-climate solar home design from an energy efficient house on up to a full net zero energy building. -A solar greenhouse plan to grow fresh produce year round in Alberta. For further details and to register: www.solaralberta.ca

February 28, Tuesday, 2012 @ 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM:Solar Seminar - T'Sou-Ke First Nation Solar Community

LIVE Online Speaker Series (FREE):

Sponsored by the Council of Community Education Committees of Northern Lakes College.

Solar Seminar – T’Sou-Ke First Nation Solar Community

Following a year-long visioning process the T’Sou-Ke community embarked on a program to achieve energy autonomy, economic self-sufficiency and food sustainability while utilizing the ancient wisdom and skills still available within First Nations communities. Their ongoing achievements include three solar electric systems, 38 residential solar hot water systems and an ambitious energy efficiency program along with indigenous plant propagation and food-producing greenhouses. Join us in a conversation with Andrew Moore, project manager, to talk about how T’Sou’Ke First Nation became the most solar-intensive community in Canada,  what has been achieved so far, the training they incorporated and what the future is looking like for their community.

www.tsoukenation.com

Available Anywhere – LIVE Online

Feb 28, 2012

7:00PM – 8:30PM

FREE (you must register to participate)

March 08, Thursday, 2012 @ 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM:Beekeeping for Beginners

Beekeeping for Beginners

If you have a desire to keep bees--for fun or for profit--this two-hour seminar will give you an idea of the steps you need to take to set up your very own hives. We will cover costs, equipment, site selection, bee behaviour, and where/how you can get your hands on some bees!  Whether you are just curious and want to see if it's for you, or whether you are serious and want to get started, you will have the knowledge you need to go forward.

Available Anywhere – LIVE Online

Mar 08, 2012

6:30PM - 8:30PM

$75+GST

March 10 - 11, 2012:Permaculture Design Course in Edmonton 2012

Check out the website for a whole lot of information about a Permaculture Design course happening right here in Edmonton.

March 13, Tuesday, 2012 @ 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM:Grow Your Own - Start Your Garden Plants Indoors From Seed

Grow Your Own – Start Your Garden Plants Indoors From Seed

Learn how to start seeds indoors in time for planting this spring. Not only does starting your own seed save you money on the cost of buying bedding plants, it gives you access to a far greater variety of plants to grow in your garden. From when to plant, to what kind of potting soil pots to use, to light, heat and water needs, this session will get you started growing veggies, flowers and herbs for your garden. Collecting and saving seed from your garden will also be addressed.

Available Anywhere – LIVE Online

Mar 13, 2012

6:30PM - 8:30PM

$75+GST

March 20, Tuesday, 2012 @ 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM:Get Growing - Gardening Tips and Strategies for Beginners

Get Growing – Gardening Tips and Strategies for Beginners

This workshop will take you through all of the basic planning and skills you need to be able to produce your own fresh organic food right in your own backyard. We will explore the basics of edible garden design, preparing the soil, easy steps for converting lawn to garden, choosing annual and perennial vegetables, herbs and fruits for Alberta gardens, plant spacing’s, strategies for low-maintenance gardens, companion planting, community gardens and more.

Available Anywhere – LIVE Online

Mar 20, 2012

6:30PM - 9:30PM

$75+GST

Information - Permaculture Cuba 2012!

Permaculture Cuba 2012! An Immersion Experience in Sustainable Urban Agriculture in the Heart of Cuba

For seven weeks in May and June of 2012, ten Canadians will have the opportunity to live, work and learn within the thriving urban agriculture and permaculture movements in Cuba. Grounded in a model of partnership, experiential education, and collaborative learning, this program will offer you:

• Extensive orientations in Canada and Cuba
• Workshops and dialogue on a variety of urban agriculture, food sovereignty, and permaculture themes (including a Cuban Permaculture Design Certificate!)
• Visits to cutting edge urban agriculture and permaculture sites in Havana and Sancti Spirtus, Cuba
• Extensive work with local leaders in the design and implementation of a new project site in Sancti Spiritus, Cuba
• Spanish language learning
• Immersion in the rich cultural life and natural beauty of the Sancti Spiritus region of Cuba
• An incredible and transformative opportunity to work with a group of others on a valuable and meaningful project
• Optional graduate level credit through the University of Alberta, Faculty of Extension

Now in its third year, this project is a partnership of The Urban Farmer, The University of Alberta Faculty of Extension, and the Antonio Nunez Jimenez Foundation for Nature and Humanity in Cuba. Space is limited and application interviews are conducted on an on-going basis.

To view the Permaculture Cuba 2012 brochure on-line, please go to:http://theurbanfarmer.ca/cuba-programs/permaculture-cuba-internship/


For more information, please contact:

Ron Berezan, The Urban Farmer, theurbanfarmer@shaw.ca, 604 223-4800
Dr. Mary Beckie, University of Alberta, Faculty of Extension, marybeckie@ualberta.ca, 780 492-5163

Employment - Full-Time Produce Staff

Be Part of Something Good, Work at Earth’s General Store We are a community grocery store with a wide selection of certified organic and certified fair trade choices, offering the community information and products that support good health and reduce our ecological and social impact on the planet and all inhabitants. We are currently looking for a Full-Time Produce Staff (25-35 hours/week) While previous produce experience is an asset, those willing to learn are also encouraged to apply. This position offers the opportunity for advancement. Produce staff maintain the produce section, place and receive orders and provide customer service. Responsibilities v Displaying and providing ongoing care of produce v Placing and receiving produce orders v Maintaining good organization and display of products v Providing customer service in a specialized environment v Cleaning v Engaging in continuous learning in response to the increasing variety of products and development of the store. Required Competencies v Customer service orientation v Appreciation for and interest in food v Ability to create and maintain order and neatness v Self-motivation v Communication proficiency within a team environment v Proficiency with the use of Excel Competitive Wages $10.75 per hour starting wage. Higher wage offered to successful applicants with relevant retail produce experience. Wage review after 1 and 3 months. Higher Vacation Pay EGS employees receive 6% holiday pay instead of the required 4%. Benefits Package After 3 months, full-time employees are offered a benefits package that includes life insurance, dental, drug and extended health care (such as massage therapy) coverage. Staff Discount Staff are given a 10% discount on all store products. Hours 25-35 hours per week. Flexible scheduling available. How to Apply Send your resumé and cover letter to egs@shawbiz.ca or drop them off at the store. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.