I have size 8-9 feet, but they are a 'D' width. I spent a summer as a child in bare feet on doctor's orders and naturally they got wider. I like my feet, they do present a problem when I'm trying to find 'pretty' shoes, but that just makes shoe shopping a challenge, that should be accepted and faced with bravery and frequency.
Having said that I also don't leave the smallest environmental footprint.
Yesterday I met a young woman who was a slip of a girl and a non-car driving vegan. While I'm no vegetarian I do eat some vegan foods as I have a dairy allergy and if it's labeled vegan I'm pretty safe. So we discussed food and it was in that conversation she mentioned she doesn't have a car.
What a small impact on the environment this woman has.
I'm travelling right now and one of the things I do treat myself to, in a hotel, is fresh towels daily. I don't ask for clean sheets everyday, but I just love the fresh towels. Not the most environmentally friendly approach, but a small indulgence on my part.
That and the Globe and Mail!
I read 3 newspapers online daily, the Sun Times, The Toronto Star and the Globe and Mail. I tell myself I read online to reduce the use of paper, but actually if I had to pay for it, I wouldn't read them, well the office does have a subscription to the Sun Times so I read it in paper as well.
But when I'm away they always leave a paper on the door overnight. I wake up to a copy of the Globe and Mail and once I'm dressed and sipping my tea, before the day is public, indulge in a real newspaper.
Not the smallest footprint, and it doesn't happen often, and I may have to revisit it in the weeks and months to come, but for today, I have to shut off the laptop and go read the paper.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
90 of 'something'
I'm hotly pursuing '90 of somethings'. I am putting together 90 grab-gift bags for the Women's Gathering (details below). So if anybody has 90 of something that would be a real treat, has some information, or can educated then get it to the United Way building by Friday at close of the day.
It's going to be a really fun day!
The Rural Women Take Action on Poverty Committee is pleased to launch Phase 3 of the Rural Women and Poverty project, a multi year initiative to understand and address the unique issues facing poor women living in rural communities.
The work began in 2001 with a Phase One action research project with poor women and their advocates in Huron, Grey and Bruce Counties and the completion of a report called Rural Women Speak About the Face of Poverty.
Phase Two (2004-2005) was a direct follow up on recommendations from the research project. Women and their advocates came together to create a resource handbook for rural women and rural communities on poverty. The How We Count Handbook, updated in 2006, contains a wealth of resources on poverty, community services, and strategies for women and community members in Grey, Bruce, Huron and Perth. Copies are available at the Grey Bruce United Way in Owen Sound and at Women Today of Huron in Goderich.
Phase Three of the Rural Women and Poverty project starts with a Women's Gathering on June 6th at the Wescast Community Centre in Wingham.
The focus of Phase Three is to change community attitudes towards poor rural women. We are planning a number of projects and activities for 2007 and 2008 and want to consult with women and engage them in discussion about plans to address poverty and rural attitudes in Grey, Bruce, Huron and Perth.
An invitation and registration form is attached. The following is a brief overview of the Women's Gathering on June 6th
Counting Women In – The Voice of Rural Women in Poverty
A one-day gathering of women who live with poverty and women’s advocates from Grey, Bruce, Huron and Perth Counties to develop:
o Leadership for rural women taking action on poverty
o Strategies to change rural community attitudes about women and poverty
o Celebrating women’s expertise and contributions to community and family
o Building networks for action across Grey, Bruce, Huron and Perth
The Women’s Gathering will include:
o A great keynote speaker
o Small and large group workshops
o Discussion groups and plans for action
o Music, fun, information, resources
o Good food and good company!
The Women’s Gathering has space for 80 participants from Grey, Bruce, Huron and Perth. There is no cost for this event and lunch is provided. Honorariums are available for women needing assistance with childcare and/or transportation costs. Women who need transportation should contact the organizers for assistance.
It's going to be a really fun day!
The Rural Women Take Action on Poverty Committee is pleased to launch Phase 3 of the Rural Women and Poverty project, a multi year initiative to understand and address the unique issues facing poor women living in rural communities.
The work began in 2001 with a Phase One action research project with poor women and their advocates in Huron, Grey and Bruce Counties and the completion of a report called Rural Women Speak About the Face of Poverty.
Phase Two (2004-2005) was a direct follow up on recommendations from the research project. Women and their advocates came together to create a resource handbook for rural women and rural communities on poverty. The How We Count Handbook, updated in 2006, contains a wealth of resources on poverty, community services, and strategies for women and community members in Grey, Bruce, Huron and Perth. Copies are available at the Grey Bruce United Way in Owen Sound and at Women Today of Huron in Goderich.
Phase Three of the Rural Women and Poverty project starts with a Women's Gathering on June 6th at the Wescast Community Centre in Wingham.
The focus of Phase Three is to change community attitudes towards poor rural women. We are planning a number of projects and activities for 2007 and 2008 and want to consult with women and engage them in discussion about plans to address poverty and rural attitudes in Grey, Bruce, Huron and Perth.
An invitation and registration form is attached. The following is a brief overview of the Women's Gathering on June 6th
Counting Women In – The Voice of Rural Women in Poverty
A one-day gathering of women who live with poverty and women’s advocates from Grey, Bruce, Huron and Perth Counties to develop:
o Leadership for rural women taking action on poverty
o Strategies to change rural community attitudes about women and poverty
o Celebrating women’s expertise and contributions to community and family
o Building networks for action across Grey, Bruce, Huron and Perth
The Women’s Gathering will include:
o A great keynote speaker
o Small and large group workshops
o Discussion groups and plans for action
o Music, fun, information, resources
o Good food and good company!
The Women’s Gathering has space for 80 participants from Grey, Bruce, Huron and Perth. There is no cost for this event and lunch is provided. Honorariums are available for women needing assistance with childcare and/or transportation costs. Women who need transportation should contact the organizers for assistance.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Yard sale pay dirt
Saturday we hit the Owen Sound Animal Shelter's Yard Sale...hard. Three trips! The first was a great 'haul' for domestic purposes. The second was a return to pick up something we should have gotten the first time around but didn't. When we arrived the second time it was $5.00 per bag and they gave us a garbage bag! So we filled it with small appliances and extra plates for the United Way Centre as well as more stuff for home.
The third trip I sent my volunteer over (we were working on drywall stuff around the building), I was busy and I asked him to drop by and pick up a crock pot that I hadn't been able to fit into the bag.
I should clarify by the second trip we were down in cash hence the need to leave and come back for the third trip.
The irony of the shelter isn't lost on me. Here we have wonderful people, fully qualified, and yes you can get a college diploma in 'animal shelter management', looking after the abandoned, the abused and the homeless critters of our community. They also take in surrenders for people who can no longer keep their pet.
Yet what does our community have for the human homeless? What qualifications did we demand when we had a homeless shelter?
The contrast is ironic.
But hope is on the horizon, at least I hope it's hope. This was on this mornings news and I copied it from the Bayshore Broadcasting News website
Emergency shelters review
Written by Jody Johnson
Grey County is looking at the need for emergency shelters.
West Grey Mayor Kevin Eccles says the county has contracted Ken Thomson to research and prepare a recommendation on the emergency shelters issue in Grey County.
Eccles says Thomson has been involved in the non-profit sector and has a number of contacts that he can draw from.
Eccles says the county is hoping to be able to access some funding for the initative.
He says there is some funding available through the federal government rural infrastructure to address homelessness.
Eccles says there is pressure for emergency shelters since the closure of the Salvation Army hostel in Owen Sound.
He says there is an obligation for the county to provide options for replacing the hostel beds.
Eccles says the shelters will be predominately in urban areas, where there is the greatest need for them.
The third trip I sent my volunteer over (we were working on drywall stuff around the building), I was busy and I asked him to drop by and pick up a crock pot that I hadn't been able to fit into the bag.
I should clarify by the second trip we were down in cash hence the need to leave and come back for the third trip.
The irony of the shelter isn't lost on me. Here we have wonderful people, fully qualified, and yes you can get a college diploma in 'animal shelter management', looking after the abandoned, the abused and the homeless critters of our community. They also take in surrenders for people who can no longer keep their pet.
Yet what does our community have for the human homeless? What qualifications did we demand when we had a homeless shelter?
The contrast is ironic.
But hope is on the horizon, at least I hope it's hope. This was on this mornings news and I copied it from the Bayshore Broadcasting News website
Emergency shelters review
Written by Jody Johnson
Grey County is looking at the need for emergency shelters.
West Grey Mayor Kevin Eccles says the county has contracted Ken Thomson to research and prepare a recommendation on the emergency shelters issue in Grey County.
Eccles says Thomson has been involved in the non-profit sector and has a number of contacts that he can draw from.
Eccles says the county is hoping to be able to access some funding for the initative.
He says there is some funding available through the federal government rural infrastructure to address homelessness.
Eccles says there is pressure for emergency shelters since the closure of the Salvation Army hostel in Owen Sound.
He says there is an obligation for the county to provide options for replacing the hostel beds.
Eccles says the shelters will be predominately in urban areas, where there is the greatest need for them.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Granny
Yesterday afternoon we were treated to the first public production of "Ya Canna Throw Yur Granny Off a Bus".
I've asked for a detailed explanation from Sheater on how to explain this play. The play was commissioned by the Seniors Advocacy and Awarness Network (SAAN) to bring the issue of Elder Abuse into the mainstream. To raise awareness, to inform the public and to assit victims.
It's a great play with music, laughter and some pretty serious issues, all presented by two seniors who make it all work together.
I am hoping we'll be putting on the play here in the building in the next two weeks or so. June is Seniors Month and we're putting on a big push for this month.
I've asked for a detailed explanation from Sheater on how to explain this play. The play was commissioned by the Seniors Advocacy and Awarness Network (SAAN) to bring the issue of Elder Abuse into the mainstream. To raise awareness, to inform the public and to assit victims.
It's a great play with music, laughter and some pretty serious issues, all presented by two seniors who make it all work together.
I am hoping we'll be putting on the play here in the building in the next two weeks or so. June is Seniors Month and we're putting on a big push for this month.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Meeting night
Tonight is our board meeting night and I'm furiously printing of paper after paper of what's been going on since the last board meeting.
We had our Starlight Film Festival Galaxy event, 200 teens, we've started a fund through the Community Foundation, we presented at the HICK Tech conference, dropped in at Bruce Power, had the Labour Council event....no wonder I'm tired!
I'm so excited about our newest event - The Amazing Race!
August 2nd here in Owen Sound. 15 teams of 3 to 4 teens, aged 13 to 18, on the Owen Sound Transit system, following clues and just having fun.
Stops and clues are needed so if you have ideas let me know. EVERYONE is talking about this event!
We had our Starlight Film Festival Galaxy event, 200 teens, we've started a fund through the Community Foundation, we presented at the HICK Tech conference, dropped in at Bruce Power, had the Labour Council event....no wonder I'm tired!
I'm so excited about our newest event - The Amazing Race!
August 2nd here in Owen Sound. 15 teams of 3 to 4 teens, aged 13 to 18, on the Owen Sound Transit system, following clues and just having fun.
Stops and clues are needed so if you have ideas let me know. EVERYONE is talking about this event!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Fortune favours fools...
...and a fool he might yet still be!
I speak fondly of John Divinski who hosts Sounding Board on The Beach. One fateful day a month or so ago he called to invite me to be on his show, speaking about our poverty workshop we were hosting with NAPO. In that first conversation I dazzled him with my wit and charm and I joked I really wanted to host the show. He then mentions he was looking for guests hosts so he could go on vacation.
I quickly took him up on his offer and we set the date.
Then when I journeyed to Port Elgin for my first stint on air he tried to introduce me around the station. Didn't take long for him to catch on that I already knew everyone and that there was a lot of ribbing going on. Suddenly he seemed a bit concerned.
I was no longer the community activist that he was offering some air time to, I was an experienced media manipulator with an agenda.
Credit John as he shook off the doubts and stuck firm to his offer.
So tune in to 98 The Beach at 10 am Wednesday morning for a show I'm calling "Resource Poor - Community Rich"
I speak fondly of John Divinski who hosts Sounding Board on The Beach. One fateful day a month or so ago he called to invite me to be on his show, speaking about our poverty workshop we were hosting with NAPO. In that first conversation I dazzled him with my wit and charm and I joked I really wanted to host the show. He then mentions he was looking for guests hosts so he could go on vacation.
I quickly took him up on his offer and we set the date.
Then when I journeyed to Port Elgin for my first stint on air he tried to introduce me around the station. Didn't take long for him to catch on that I already knew everyone and that there was a lot of ribbing going on. Suddenly he seemed a bit concerned.
I was no longer the community activist that he was offering some air time to, I was an experienced media manipulator with an agenda.
Credit John as he shook off the doubts and stuck firm to his offer.
So tune in to 98 The Beach at 10 am Wednesday morning for a show I'm calling "Resource Poor - Community Rich"
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Energizing...it keeps going and going
Sometimes I just have sit back in awe of what goes on around the United Way Centre. Connections are made, what is surplus to one fullfills the needs of another.
Take the sand from the community garden for example. Most of the sand went to M'Wikwedong the Native cultural resouce centre, for thier day care. The rest went up to OSCVI for the track and field pits.
My initial thought was the sand would end up in a dump somewhere being cover for the garbage we throw away daily. Instead it's helped out two other organizations, with one more asking for sand.
I love that kind of energy.
Bruce Power was looking to renew thier sleeping bags so they gave us the 300 sleeping bags, blankets and some pillows they had. Hobart Food Equipment took delivery of them in Owen Sound (apparently a 'forklift' needs to be on my wish list of things the building needs) and from there the Metis, the Salvation Army and the United Way sorted them all out. About 70 went to southern Grey to Scouts, Beavers Cubs etc who needed them. Fifty went to Children's Aid and the rest went to the Salvation Army.
One donor, one supporter and boom - 4 organizations helped.
I find that kind of energy...well energizing! Makes my day
Take the sand from the community garden for example. Most of the sand went to M'Wikwedong the Native cultural resouce centre, for thier day care. The rest went up to OSCVI for the track and field pits.
My initial thought was the sand would end up in a dump somewhere being cover for the garbage we throw away daily. Instead it's helped out two other organizations, with one more asking for sand.
I love that kind of energy.
Bruce Power was looking to renew thier sleeping bags so they gave us the 300 sleeping bags, blankets and some pillows they had. Hobart Food Equipment took delivery of them in Owen Sound (apparently a 'forklift' needs to be on my wish list of things the building needs) and from there the Metis, the Salvation Army and the United Way sorted them all out. About 70 went to southern Grey to Scouts, Beavers Cubs etc who needed them. Fifty went to Children's Aid and the rest went to the Salvation Army.
One donor, one supporter and boom - 4 organizations helped.
I find that kind of energy...well energizing! Makes my day
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