I have been thinking of starting a gift circle here in Perth for a while and thought it would be great to do it through Transition Perth.

A gift circle is a group of people who come together regularly to help each other, and share their needs and services. People share their services and help as a gift, without expectation of anything in return.

What kinds of things do people share in a gift circle? Most gift circles share services mainly. These could range from anything like company on a hike, a haircut, a ride to Ottawa, empathy, a meditation buddy, help making business cards…

We will be starting our gift circle together and shaping it the way we all want. It will be a beautiful experiment in local gift economy, right here in Perth! :)

Watch this short video showing a typical gathering of the Oakland Gift Circle:
http://youtu.be/aUPZvU1y_v0

Please join us on June 5, 2013 for our first meeting. 7-9pm, 28 Church St. Perth. Please bring a snack to share (if possible).

RSVP at 613-267-1926 or email bas2bach(at)gmail.com

The gift economy represents a shift from consumption to contribution, transaction to trust, scarcity to abundance and isolation to community.
       - Charles Eisenstein

I am attaching some links below with more information about gift circles and how to start one.
http://opencollaboration.wordpress.com/2009/11/28/gift-circle-faq
http://midlifexpress.com/rebuilding-community-the-gift-circle
http://www.shareable.net/blog/charles-eisenstein-gift-economy-gift-circles
http://www.shareable.net/blog/how-to-legally-open-a-gift-economy

Looking forward to gifting! :)

Sébastien.

An attentive crowd of over one hundred including half of Perth's Town Council filled the Perth Legion Hall on April 15 to hear from local politicians and environmental authorities about climate change in our area, specifically on what can and needs to be done. The event was organized by the Perth Canadian Federation of University Women in collaboration with the Friends of the Tay Watershed Association and moderated by Lynn Preston from the Centre for Sustainable Watersheds.

The five panelists, left to right: Jackie Oblak, Bruce Reid, Paul Lehman, Lanark County Warden Bill Dobson and Mayor John Fenik.

Environmental Consultant Jackie Oblak emphasized that climate change is an indisputable reality, and that actions that are both remedial (to avoid adding more climate change contribu-tors) and adaptive (to manage what is already happening), will decrease our vulnerability and increase resilience, so both are absolutely essential. She also stressed that widespread collabora-tive efforts by all government agencies and conservation authorities, industries, business and local organizations and individuals are needed.

Citing the Lake Simcoe climate change plan as a possible model for this area, Jackie explained that "what is unique about this plan is the level of protection that has been mandated by the Lake Simcoe Protection Act passed in 2008 by the Ontario government. It identifies short and long term priorities, includes targets, (setting for example a goal of 90% storm-water retention for that area), indicators and policies with the objective of promoting natural systems resilience in the entire Lake Simcoe ecosystem."

She added, "Locally, we need to focus on protecting natural corridors and linkages as the cli-mate changes, supporting biodiversity and healthy ecosystems, practicing water conservation, protecting water quality and making wise land use choices. Such sustainable options can be considered 'no regret' actions as beginning steps in adaptation and will be good investments for our future."

Bruce Reid from the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority confirmed that data collected locally since the 1940s shows evidence of climate change with gradually increasing amounts of precipitation, average temperature increases of 0.1 degree Celsius per decade, increasing amounts of run-off with earlier spring thaws, and decreasing maximum daily flows in our rivers. These realities have necessitated increased focus on better flood control, protection of our conservation areas, reforestation and "never enough" monitoring.

Mississippi Valley Conservation's Paul Lehman outlined similar challenges, emphasizing that "the science is clear, and local leadership and action are critically needed because climate change is an economic, social and environmental issue."

He said that while we can expect up to 10% more precipitation over the next century, due to increased heat and then evapotransportation, there will likely be 25% less water available to replenish lakes, streams and aquifers. And despite a lack of political direction and support from our federal government, both conservation authorities are working together to identify potential vulnerabilities to begin to address the challenges brought to us by climate change locally.

Lanark Warden Bill Dobson is an organic beef farmer who respects the importance of whole ecosystems protection. He mentioned concerns about climate-change-related damage to local maple syrup production and to local farming from increased flooding and droughts. "With this past summer's drought, farmers from out West donated many bales of hay but the actual transportation costs worked out to $350 per round bale." He also mentioned that with increased freeze-thaw events as already experienced, there will be more damage to asphalt roads and concrete bridges. Lanark County has an Energy Conservation Committee committed to sharing ideas and best practices, is doing energy audits and decreasing energy usage for a smaller energy footprint.

Perth Mayor John Fenik listed some of the ways the Town has started to make changes includ-ing waste recycling, tree planting and filtering of the alum effluent from the drinking water plant as it enters the Tay River. He also decried the lack of leadership from the federal govern-ment on coping with climate change.

Many meeting participants indicating their clear understanding of what needs to be done about climate change .

Comments from the audience included concern about the lack of storm-water treatment in Perth, the high number of local lakes and rivers that are choked with vegetation — "is it edible?" — the and the need for better monitoring of ground water levels and wells.

Transition Perth's Bonita Ford asked: "So how many of us now have a clear idea of what needs to be done about climate change?" Many attendees raised their hands and over fifty followed up by leaving their contact information so as to be kept in the loop about future initiatives on climate change and/or to help with the formation of a local climate change action network for an official plan of our own.

Peggy Land, CFUW Environment Committee Chair closed the event by noting that "it will take the efforts of all of us and more to come up with an official climate action plan anything like the Lake Simcoe watershed, an 82 page document.

She added, "Right now, all we have in our 2012 Lanark Sustainable Community Official Plan under climate change is one line that says 'opportunity for collaboration with local partners.' This plan is only reviewed every five years."

However, with such strong interest shown at the meeting in working together, the goal of an official climate change action plan for this area is one step closer.

Power point slides with more information from all of the panelists are posted at www.cfuw-perth-district.com/meetings/presentations and at www.tayriver.org.

Submitted by Perth CFUW and Friends of the Tay Watershed

Hunger Awareness Week runs from May 6th – 10th this year. The CFC has organized several events throughout the week to inform community members young and old about the real culprit behind hunger; poverty.

The Table is kicking off the week with a challenge put out to several high profile community members; to live for 5 days on a hamper from the Good Food Bank. On May 6th challenge takers will meet at the Good Food Bank to collect a 3- 5 day supply of food. The rules are easy; challenge takers can make use of any of the free community meals available in and around town and can use up to 5 staples from their pantry (flour, cooking oil, sugar etc.). They may NOT accept free meals from friends and family or eat anywhere where they are required to pay for their food or drink. If they follow the rules can they make the hamper stretch for a full five days? To hear more about the challenge, listen in on Lake 88.1 on Tuesday May 7th at 5:30 PM and on Monday May 13th at 4:30 PM.

Also happening on Monday May 6th, the Table CFC is pleased to host a visit with Senator Hugh Segal. Listen in on Lake 88.1 at 4:30 PM as the Senator discusses his visit to Perth and then join us at the Table for a community meal with the Senator. After dinner it is on to the P.D.C.I auditorium at 13 Victoria St. where Mr. Segal will discuss poverty and income disparity in Canada from 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM, doors open at 6:30 PM. This event is free and open to all community members.

On Thursday May 9th the Table is running a school event with over 100 grade 5 students. Students from St. John's Elementary, Queen Elizabeth, and the Stewart School will be meeting at the Crystal Palace for an eye opening lunch and fun, educational, activities that will shed a light on poverty and hunger. Keep an eye out for the students as they leave the Crystal Palace at 1:30 bearing handmade signs promoting good food for all.

On Friday May 10th the Table CFC is screening the movie "A Place at the Table". From the makers of Food Inc. this brand new documentary explores the connection between hunger and poverty. This event is free and open to all everyone. Movie time is 7:30 PM.

Finally on Saturday May 11th the Peer Advocates are hosting another FREE clothing giveaway from 10:00 - 12:00 at the Table, 190 Gore St. East. For more information on how you can donate please call 613-267-6428 ext. 29

Sustainable Eastern Ontario is a network organization that fosters partnerships and collaborations on sustainability activities throughout Eastern Ontario by

• Supporting sustainable capacity-building for organizations, businesses, institutions, and educational partners
• Enhancing administration, communications, and fundraising within the non-profit sector
• Promoting collaboration and community-building within the environmental sector
• Sponsoring and supporting projects in partnership with members on environmental themes and sustainability including capacity-building, environmental education, green economy and energy, eco-tourism, and other initiatives

http://www.sustainableeasternontario.ca

About the Book

Sacred Economics traces the history of money from ancient gift economies to modern capitalism, revealing how the money system has contributed to alienation, competition, and scarcity, destroyed community, and necessitated endless growth.
Today, these trends have reached their extreme - but in the wake of their collapse, we may find great opportunity to transition to a more connected, ecological, and sustainable way of being.

 You can read the book online and/or download it at http://sacred-economics.com

The people at the Worm Factory work with regional non profit organizations as a green solution to waste management. They provide worm composting kits to local educational programs, and have provided outreach to local waste management programs, conservation authorities, and public schools.

www.wormfactory.ca

or call 613 273-7595

A Town of Perth waste management program. The website provides information on GreenBins and composting, Blue and Yellow Box recycling, pick up schedules, waste and landfill site locations and hours of operation.

http://www.perthcomposts.com

CFUW is an organization that wants to change the world and is emerging as a leader amongst women's groups in Canada and Internationally. We have the ability to reach government representatives of all parties which is a feature that few women's organizations possess. We respond to many opportunities for advocacy. Equality; Poverty and Food Security; Housing and Homelessness; Violence against Women; Rights of the Child, Child care and early learning; Advocating for a better world for women and girls and Environmental issues such as Anti Idling, The Power of Local Food; Treasuring the Tay; Youth and Opiate Addiction.

http://www.cfuw-perth-district.com

EcoPerth is a not for profit organization with a strong focus on creating local projects to move the Perth community from "awareness to action on climate change". The many projects EcoPerth has created to date include an annual spring tree sale, a water saver program, rain barrel, solar hot water, and solar P.V programs, schoolyard and front yard naturalization and shading projects, as well as the creation of Lanark Local Flavour. EcoPerth also organizes on behalf of local farmers, practical skill related workshops on many interesting topics such as seed saving, root cellar building, small flock laying hens, and the like.

http://www.ecoperth.on.ca

or Bob and Cheryl 613 268-2907

The Table Community Food Center is a non-profit, community run agency serving Perth residents as a local food bank, a community kitchen, and an education center. The programs offered include an advocacy service office,a barter board service, dads and kids cooking, and healthy food for babies classes, and an after school program. The Table runs a community garden in the summer months, providing hands on gardening education, as well as fresh produce for use in the community kitchen and the food bank.

http://thetablecfc.org

Phone: 613 267 6428

ORGANIC GRAIN PRODUCTION, "JUST IN TIME" PROCESSING AND DIRECT SALES
Maberly
led by George Wright, Castor River Farm, Metcalfe
www.castorriverfarm.ca

George, his partner Kim and their family organically grow a very wide range of grains including oats, wheat, spelt, buckwheat, triticale, rye, barley, flax, mustard on their small farm located in Metcalfe.
These are sold at an Ottawa Farmers' Market and from their farm store.
George will talk about how they source seed, grow, harvest, mill various grains into products people can't live without.

Cost per participant: $20
To register, contact Cheryl at 613-268-2907 or cheryl@ecoperth.on.ca

http://www.shareable.net

Shareable is the online magazine that tells the story of sharing. We cover the people and projects bringing a shareable world to life. And share how-tos so you can make sharing real in your life. 

In a shareable world, things like car sharing, clothing swaps, childcare coops, potlucks, and cohousing make life more fun, green, and affordable. When we share, not only is a better life possible, but so is a better world.   

The remarkable successes of sharing projects like Zipcar, Wikipedia, Freecycle, Kiva, and Creative Commons show this. They tell a hopeful story about human nature and our future, one we don't hear enough in the mainstream media. 

They show what’s possible when we share. They show that we don't act merely for our own good, but go out of our way to contribute to the common good. They show that we can solve the crises we face, and thrive as never before. They show that a new world is emerging where the more you share the more respect you get, and where life works because everyone helps each other.

We tell this story because a shareable world might be just what's needed to enjoy life to the fullest today while creating a better tomorrow. And it's being built by people from all walks of life right now. Shareable is an invitation to join these everyday innovators.

Shareable sections:

• Life & Art
• Work & Entreprise
• Cities
• CivicSystem
• Science & Tech
• EcoSystem

The Perth and District Canadian Federation of University Women in collaboration with the Friends of the Tay Watershed Association presents: Local Perspectives on Climate Change: A Call to Action!

15 April, 2013 from 7:30 to 9:30 PM at the Royal Canadian Legion, 26 Beckwith Street East, Perth, Ontario. Doors open at 7 PM

Inspired by the communities in the Lake Simcoe Watershed who worked cooperatively together to produce a ground-breaking climate change action plan, this forum will start the dialogue to include citizens, politicians and environmental authorities in Lanark County. Find out what can be done on a local level to reduce climate change contributors and what must be done to prepare for the impacts of climate change.

Panelists:

• Bruce Reid, Director of Watershed Science and Engineering, Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
• Paul Lehman, General Manager Mississippi Valley Conservation
• Bill Dobson, Warden, Lanark County
• John Fenik, Mayor Town of Perth
• Environmental Consultant Jackie Oblak.
• Moderator: Lynn Preston, Centre for Sustainable Watersheds.

All are welcome, Free admission includes refreshments.

For more information:
Peggy Land 613.267.7597 allisconnectedeh@yahoo.ca
Taro Alps 613.273.8495 mandtalps@yahoo.ca

Join us at kricklewood Farm for a Sunday afternoon of soapmaking!  Using the cold process method,  we combine  goat milk, a variety of fats, lye, herbs and essential oils to give a high quality all natural bar of soap.  This is a hands-on worskhop with small groups making their own batch of soap.  All workshops begin with a lesson in hand milking so bring along your rubber boots! Sessions begin at 1:00 pm and run approximately 3-4 hours.  Classes are small and cost is $35 tax included. To sign up, complete the form on our  workshops page.

Other workshops scheduled for April 14th and 21st,  see a complete listing at

http://www.kricklewoodfarm.com/events-and-markets/calendar/

Thanks!

Dale and Brad

Permaculture is an eco-logical approach to design based on observing nature.  It can be applied to physical systems (eg. farms, gardens, cities) and to social systems (eg. organisations, businesses) anywhere.

Course Topics:
*Permaculture ethics and design principles
*Patterns in nature, zones and sectors
*Design process overview, mini design exercise
*Role of trees and forests
*Basics of edible forest gardens, guilds, polycultures, sheet-mulch
*Garden hands-on

This course will be held at the instructors' own site, which has been designed using permaculture.  This is an excellent opportunity to learn firsthand on the site.

Course Fee: $180 includes HST.
The class hours and a $180 credit can be applied towards the full Permaculture Design Course offered by the Permaculture Institute of Eastern Ontario in Ottawa in fall 2013.

For more info or to register: info@eonpermaculture.ca or 613-267-1926
http://eonpermaculture.ca/introduction-May2013