Blue Heron in snow

My first video posted on YouTube.



Enjoy!
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Technorati Tags: vancouver, burnaby, bc, blue, heron, bird, snow, youtube, bokashiman
ooo

Holiday Market 2006 - December 9 & 10

Holiday Market 2006 - December 9 & 10: December 9 & 10, 2006
10am - 5pm both days
Heritage Hall, (Main Street and 15th Avenue) Vancouver
Admission: $2 each day Children under 13 FREE
Each day is different! Shop at familiar summer market vendors and new vendors you may have never met before.

All products are juried for quality, made in BC and sold by the producer only. Get the finest in food and gift items for the holidays at this eagerly anticipated market! Contact your favourite vendors below to place advance orders to avoid sell-outs and disappointment. This is a very popular event and lineups are common - but it's worth the wait!

Market members get free admission and front of the line access - show your membership cards at the door.
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Technorati Tags: vancouver, bc, event, eatlocal, 100, mile, diet, 100-mile-diet, sustainable, shopping, business

Green Homes, Realtors, and News in British Columbia

Since our homes are probably the largest producers of greenhouse gases [the power that runs them & the things made we buy to put in them comes from the power grid] this makes sense. It concerns me that the price of greening real estate will make it even more unattainable in Vancouver's over-priced housing market. I want this project/effort to do well.

Green Homes, Realtors, and News in British Columbia

GreenerHomes.ca is a free online resource of green* related news, tips, opinions, and directories of green products, organizations, and more organizations pertaining to homes and property. In addition to it's presence on the web, the GreenerHomes.ca team offers a 'green' realty service throughout British Columbia for both Buyers and Sellers of real estate.

Be sure to check it out. Looks promising. The use of the word "green" is so generic, I seached the site for sustainable and am pleased by the results.

And, if you are not coming to the C.A.N./Solar Power Roadshow event tomorrow, go to this one:

This Saturday, please join us for a fun and informative presentation by James that explores what a greener home is; the benefits of greener homes; and provides tips on how to green your home including leads for green-home grants and financing. Learn about how the real estate market is greening and how to get ahead of the curve. Packed with firsthand stories and website links to access more information, the presentation concludes with an inspiring slideshow of incredible 'natural' BC homes that have been built for less than $75,000!

which is announced on James Rodgers' blog

Location: Light House Sustainable Building Centre
1575 Johnston St, Granville Island (above Rogers Chocolates)
Time: Saturday, December 9, 2-4pm
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Technorati Tags: bc, real, estate, sustainable, development, green, changeeverything, building

BBC NEWS: Canada upholds gay marriage law

Well, Canada made the grade over at the Beeb:

BBC NEWS: Canada upholds gay marriage law

Canadian MPs have rejected a proposal by the governing Conservative party to overturn a law allowing gay marriage.

Twelve Conservative MPs, including several members of the cabinet, joined Liberals and Canada's other opposition parties to defeat the motion 175-123.

Read it all.

In a universe parallel to this blogiverse, I talk to people on the phone encouraging them to make a donation to a non-profit/charitable organization. When that group's support of same-sex marriage is a deal breaker and no further support is likely, I usually end the call in this way:

I understand how you feel and I want to leave you with this thought: 150 years ago, slavery was legal. 100 years ago, women couldn't vote. Have a good day.

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Technorati Tags: canada, politics, same-sex, gay, marriage

Patterson-Gimlin Footage Stabilization at Cryptomundo.com

And now for something completely different.

Bigfoot. Walking. On level ground. Looking like a man.

Patterson-Gimlin Footage Stabilization at Cryptomundo.com

Dressed in a monkey suit.

Or is he....?

Gaisma - Vancouver, Canada - Sunrise, sunset, dawn and dusk times for the whole year

A graphical view of Vancouver's light/dark time....

Vancouver, Canada - Sunrise, sunset, dawn and dusk times for the whole year

The graph adjusts for Daylight Savings Time.


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Technorati Tags: solar, calendar, dawn, dusk, sunrise, sunset, vancouver, bc

Event - Cooperative Auto Network / Solar Power Roadshow - December 9th

GreatEvent - Cooperative Auto Network / Solar Power Roadshow - December 9th:

I will be attending this event.

Help celebrate Cooperative Auto Network's newest branch location at Oarkridge Centre, on December 9, 2006 from 1pm-4pm, at the mall's auditorium. The public is invited to this free event. Please drop in to inquire about the advantages of car sharing, at the C.A.N. booth. Everyone is welcome.

Read it all...
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Technorati Tags: solar, power, roadshow, renewable, energy, sustainability, CAN, Co-operative, auto, network, changeeverything, vancouver, bc, canada
ooo

:: Path to Feedom :: The Urban Homestead

Positively inspiring. Visit this site and see how they grow their own food and more in Pasadena, CA!

:: Path to Feedom :: The Urban Homestead:

"We regard our 1/5 acre urban homestead as a sustainable living resource center where we are setting out to live by example while also inspiring others to 'just do it!'

Our objective is to live as sustainably and self-sufficiently as possible in an urban environment in harmony with nature and each other, while also inspiring others to 'think globally, act locally.' Our homestead supports four adults, who live and work full time on a 66' x 132' city lot (1/5 acre).

The yard has over 350 varieties of edible and useful plants. The homestead's productive 1/10 acre organic garden now grows over 6,000 pounds (3 tons) of produce annually. This provides fresh vegetables and fruit for our family's vegetarian diet and a source of income."

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Technorati Tags: pathtofreedom, urban, farming, food, landscaping, gardening, pasadena, california, sustainable, sustainability, changeeverything

Broadway & Cambie

Broadway & Cambie
Originally uploaded by urbanwild.

This is in my neighbourhood. An article about what developments are being built can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/yxcb8o

Arthur Laing Bridge at sunset

Arthur Laing Bridge at sunset
Originally uploaded by urbanwild.

A visual reminder that the city's sinew is made up of corridors of communication, transporation and power.

Algae Bloom

Algae Bloom
Originally uploaded by urbanwild.

Blue Heron in Burnaby

Blue Heron in Burnaby
Originally uploaded by urbanwild.

A ditch separates the road from the houses and this Blue Heron was looking for some dinner. This was taken near Marine Dr in South Burnaby close to the New Wesminster border.

Links to sites regarding emergency preparedness | ChangeEverything.ca

I wrote this on a local community website:

So, in the Lower Mainland the boil water advisory has been lifted and the snow is melting. We once again return to normal. People need to be ready to stay normal when things are not normal. If people went into a panic about water, imagine what Vancouver and The Lower Mainland, GVRD would be like if the snow and cold followed a few days after an earthquake. That is what being more prepared for emergencies is all about.

Here is a list of sites that I've found that have very good information about being prepared for emergencies. The opinions expressed on some of these sites deal with Survivalism and do not necessarily relect my own. Many sites have their own links section for more information.

Read it all...

Technorati Tags: changeeverything, emergency, preparedness, boil, water, advisory, snowfall, warning, vancouver, bc, canada

Flickr: North Shore Sun & Snow

North Shore Sun & Snow
Originally uploaded by urbanwild.

There is no way to describe the magical view that is created when the snow comes down to sea level in Vancouver. You simply have to see it. All the "empty" space below the tree line is housing in West Vancouver.
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Technorati Tags: vancouver, bc, snow, cityscapes, sun, mountains, pic, north, shore, west, vancouver, flickr

BambooSnow26Nov06

BambooSnow26Nov06
Originally uploaded by urbanwild.

This is my first published photo with my new digital camera: Samsung Digimax D53.

A simple process for composting fall leaves

"A simple process for composting fall leaves"

From The News Leader - Staunton, Va.

It never hurts to repeat the obvious....

Step 1: Chop autumn leaves with a lawn mower and rake into a pile.

Step 2: Contact a local farmer and ask if you can purchase a bushel or two of chicken litter or dried cow manure. If you can't locate a farmer, dehydrated manure is available by the bag at most garden centers.

Step 3: Mix together five parts leaves with one part manure in alternating layers.

Step 4: As you build your pile, moisten the mixture with a garden hose so that it has the consistency of a wet sponge. The pile should be constructed at least 4 feet by 4 feet in order to build heat and compost correctly. The compost pile should be about three feet tall. When you finish that pile and still have leaves remaining, simply start on the next one.

Step 5: Wait three weeks, turn the pile over with your garden fork (this is great exercise on a brisk December afternoon and provides aeration for the compost). Wait three more weeks and turn the pile again.

That's all there is to it. Volumes have been written about the science and various techniques for making compost, but the process can be as simple as the five steps listed above.

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Technorati Tags: compost, composting, leaves, mulch, manure

Musicovery - interactive Webradio

Found this through my del.icio.us popular sites section the other day.



It looks simple. The builders have collected hundreds [thousands?] of songs from different musical genres from rap to classical and everything in between.

What you do is click on the fading grey matrix on the left to determine the mood combination of the music you would like to play/hear: Dark, Positive, Energetic or Calm and it makes a selection of songs from all the genres for that area of the grid. You can also choose the dance tempo of the music you want to hear.

What is neat is that each music genre is respresented by a colour and as it goes through the playlist the song playing, the colour is animated. You can select or deselect music genres that you want included. Finally, if you click only on the music genre you get all that music for the mood/beat you selected.

I've spread news of my discovery around by email and the most enthusiastic response comes from my mother - in her mid-70s - who writes:

"...I just can't get over it. I have been entertaining myself for an hour now - I...[can't] believe how much of this music, so far, is so appealing to me."

Possible reason: When the energy/beat of the music is pleasing to your ears, then all the music that fits that tempo/mood is a positive listening experience - even if it is something you would not normally listen to.

My own musical horizons are being broadened and I am planning to seek out some of the artists featured either online or by CD/DVD.

At this moment, I'm listening to a Calm / Positive selection, my button is flashing to the right and slightly above the "m" in Calm. Miles Davis' "All Blues" is playing. Next up will be Archive's "Beautiful World". A few tracks later, the Door's "Riders on the Storm" will play. Ry Cooder and Cafe Del Mar also are in this compilation.

My only beefs with the service is that there is no on-page Mute button - I have Mute my whole system and there is no way to save your current playlist if you want to hear it again. There is no mood mixing either, but if you keep all music genres selected, then you will get a wide variety of musical stylings that make up for it.

The site is free in LoFi and you can subscribe to HiFi content.

Very impressive.
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Technorati Tags: musicovery, web2.0, online, music, player, mood, tempo, energy, genre, playlist, web, design

Wanted: Bun Pan Cabinet / Food Warmer on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Wanted: Bun Pan Cabinet / Food Warmer on Flickr



Wanted: For keeping food warm at low temperature. Runs on standard household power. Temp must not rise above 100F/38C for my purpose. Vancouver, BC area. Can travel to pickup.
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Technorati Tags: vancouver, bc, shopping, food, bakery, equipment, warmer, cabinet, used, wanted

46 bookmarks tagged with "whokilledtheelectriccar" on del.icio.us

UrbanWild's bookmarks tagged with "whokilledtheelectriccar" on del.icio.us

The official site of Who Killed the Electric Car? is a macromedia site. I cannot bookmark the link page, so I tagged every link separately.
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Technorati Tags: whokilledtheelectriccar, linksite, electriccar, electricvehicle, electric, car, green, activism, sustainability, documentary, film, movie,

The Legislature Raids

Blog: "Why did R.C.M.P. and Victoria police raid the B.C. Legislature on 28 December 2003? Why is the public left without answers to that question? Let's share what we know."
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Technorati Tags: bc, government, court, politics, bcrail, trial, basi, virk

Save Formosa Organic Blueberry Farm or a road will run through it

Formosa: "This local organic farm is in danger of being divided in two by the Gateway project. We urge you to read the following sample letter and background information and then send letters of your own to help save the farm. This is just one more threat to farmland in British Columbia. "
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Technorati Tags: vancouver, gvrd, organic, farm, ALR, agricultural, land, reserve, development, unintended, consequences, 100-mile-diet, 100milediet, bc, transportation

Winter Market

Winter Market: "I set up my display outside Winter Market which was held at the Wise Hall. My first location was at the alley between the Wise Hall and 'The Cultch', but there were two problems: First, the ground wasn't level, so my trailer was angled in a way that made everything slide off more easily. Second, way more people came from the north [Hastings St] than from Broadway. So after an hour of that, I moved to Adanac St."

Read it all....

Technorati Tags: biosa, bokashi, vancouver, bc, canada, composting, compost, ferementation, greatday.ca

YouTube - The Heavenly Tomato Plant That Eats Earthly Garbage

YouTube - The Heavenly Tomato Plant That Eats Earthly Garbage

More details here: http://rotheraine.com/video/ and here: http://rotheraine.com/tomato_hill.htm

YouTube - Coffee to Compost

YouTube - Coffee to Compost

A story about the Missoula Urban Demonstration Project (MUD) http://www.mudproject.org/

Biosa Bokashi profiled on Susan's Super Citizen Showcase

Great Day Bokashi Blog: Biosa Bokashi profiled on Susan's Super Citizen Showcase:

"Susan's Super Citizen Showcase:
Al's pleasantly scented compost solution

'It's changing the world - one bucket of compost at a time'.

That's why Al Pasternak likes selling Biosa Bokashi Bucket systems to folks like me - a person who really loves the idea of things that are 'hassle-free,' as Al describes his product. This alternative composting system is powered by beneficial micro-organisms that ferment kitchen waste (including meat and dairy products) into a soil conditioner that is buried directly into the garden.

Al, who promoted his product at the East Vancouver Farmers Market last season, says he has always been interested in sustainable living and a low impact life style. He's been educating people about using Bokashi - which means 'fermented organic matter' in Japanese - and offering it as a 'simple and easy' alternative for recycling kitchen waste.

'My main message is that composting can be done in a small space and it can be done with a minimum of fuss - which means that it can be done indoors and it won't attract flies and have odours,' he says. 'I wanted to find something that involved dealing with waste - stuff we have here anyways - and making it available to people when it otherwise wouldn't be available...."

Read it all....

Technorati Tags: biosa, bokashi, composting, compost

Stern Review Report

"The benefits of strong, early action on climate change outweigh the costs." - WorldChanging Blog Post: "How Climate Change is Revolutionizing Economics"

The entire report:

Stern Review Report: "The pre-publication edition of the Stern Review Report on the Economics of Climate Change is available to be downloaded below either on a chapter-by-chapter basis or in parts covering broader themes. The report is available in Adobe Acrobat Portable Document Format (PDF)."

See also Alta Vista News & Google News

YouTube - Worms can save our cities

Save our cities


Filmed at City Farmer's demonstration garden and elsewhere. Well done!!

Technorati Tags: worm, composting, vermicomposting, cityfarmer, video, vancouver, bc

Treehugger: How to Green Your Meals

Treehugger: How to Green Your Meals

A lot of practical advice. Take a look.

Vancouver Food Policy Council - weekly e-bulletin

Seasonal Update weekly e-bulletin

A compendium of food-related musings, information and happenings
www.vancouver.ca/foodpolicy || October 31, 2006

Please note: Opinions expressed in items carried through this information do not, unless explicitly stated, reflect the views of either the Vancouver Food Policy Council or the City of Vancouver.

Events:
November 2, 2006 Thursday, Salmonpeople In support of Rivershed Society of BC 10th Anniversary
November 4, 2006, Saturday - Winter Farmers Market at the Wise Hall
November 4, Saturday Salmon Homecoming and Sustainable energy edu-fun - NEW
November 7, Tuesday - Organic Dairy Production Seminar - NEW
November 8, Wednesday Edible Schoolyard Gardens Project NEW
November 17, 2006 - Seeds of Change Necessary Voices Film Night at the VPL - NEW
November 19, Sunday - Coquitlam Farmers Market Winter Market - NEW
November 26, Sunday LifeCycles Fall Harvest Dinner Fundraiser - NEW
December 2, 2006, Saturday - Winter Farmers Market at the Wise Hall
December 9 10, 2006 - Holiday Market at Heritage Hall
January 6, 2006, Saturday - Winter Farmers Market at the Wise Hall

Volunteer Opportunities, Campaigns and Community Action:
Ban Terminator Seeds in Canada! New Campaign October 2006 - NEW
Volunteers needed - Queen Alexandra Garden Program
Proposed Gateway Project Paves over Formosa Write a Letter
Environmental Youth Alliance Various Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Driver Needed A Loving Spoonful
BC Agriculture Plan Public Meetings and Consultation Opportunities
Volunteers Needed! Intergenerational Landed Learning Project / UBC Farm
Renfrew Collingwood Food Security Institute Volunteers needed for food growing, harvesting and sharing initiatives

Grants and Funding Opportunities:
DASH BC Cooking and Skill-Building Program Grants; deadline November 3, 2006 - NEW
BC Healthy Communities Launches its Seed Grant Program; deadline November 17, 2006
BC Rural & Remote Health Research Network Collaborative Team Building Grants; Deadline December 15, 2006 - NEW
DASH BC Nutritional Grants for Breakfast and Snack Programs; deadline May 15, 2007 - NEW

Courses:
November 4, November 19 and December 2 - Voluptuous Vegan Cooking Course: Introduction to Vegan Cooking
November 4 - Food Issues, 2-6 p.m.
November 11 - Vegetarian Nutrition, 2-6 p.m.
November 14 - Digestion: Your Tract to True Health, 7-9 p.m.
November 18 - Diet and Disease, 2-6 p.m.
November 19, November 26 Wild Edible Mushroom Workshops - NEW
November 25 - Yoga and Nutrition, 2-6 p.m.
January 21, 2007, Sunday - Eating Through the Seasons the Vegan Way: Winter - NEW
March 10, 2007, Saturday - Eating Through the Seasons the Vegan Way: Spring

Conferences:
November 27 29, 2006 - Conference: Towards a New Public Health: An Ecological View
February 8 10, 2007 Sixth Annual New Partners for Smart Growth Conference
April 5-6, 2007 - Agriculture at the Metropolitan Edge: New Ruralism and other Strategies for Sustainable Development; University of California, Berkeley; Request for Presentations due December 1, 2006 - NEW
April 9-12, 2007 - Emerging Issues Along Urban/Rural Interfaces II - Conference announcement Atlanta; Call for Proposals deadline December 31, 2006
April 11-14, 2007 - Mobilizing Partnerships for Social Change Conference
April 17-21, 2007 - Call for papers - Contested geographies of obesity - AAG Annual Meeting, San Francisco
April 29-May 2, 2007 - Fifth Annual International Greening Rooftops for Sustainable Communities Conference, Awards, and Tradeshow, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Recent Research and Media:
Canadian Press - B.C. bucks trend on organic farms. By Stephanie Levitz NEW
Blog from FAO NEW
Sierra Magazine Green Cuisine - NEW

Resources:
DASH BC "How To" Cooking and Food-Related Skill Building Resource Guide NEW
StatsCan Food Consumption Report (2005); Released October 2006 - NEW
Bridging Borders Conference Audio Updates

Job Opportunities:
Capers Community Market Community Marketing Manager. Deadline October 31, 2006 - NEW
Warehouse food coordinator - Kamloops Food Bank/Action Centre; deadline not specified
Food Research & Action Center - Director, D.C. Hunger Solutions; deadline not specified
Project for Public Spaces (PPS) - Public Markets Project Associate (New York); deadline not specified
York University Assistant Professor - Local Food Systems and Sustainable Agriculture deadline January 8, 2007
Vancouver Coastal Health Director of Community Engagement Temporary Full Time
BC Earth Masters Program - Teaching Assistants, Presenters and Student Teachers Wanted; Auditions in September, October or January
Urban Farming Internships in Oakland, California for Summer, Fall, and Academic Year 2006 / 2007

Other:
Survey on Increasing BC's Organic Seed Capacity - NEW
Upoming Conference call on Planning for Agriculture and Food: A message from Jim Hiley, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
SPUD Local and Organic Video Challenge
Request for Input on Food Security Assessments and Related Planning Work
September 12 December 2006 - Recreating Eden Tuesdays at 7:30 pm on the Knowledge Network

Request for Assistance ôHow to" resources that help community agencies deliver healthy nutrition courses

Details for these items are listed below:

Events:

November 2, 2006 Thursday, Salmonpeople In support of Rivershed Society of BC 10th Anniversary
Peter Donaldson is bringing his hit one-man show SALMONPEOPLE to the people of the Lower Mainland. The performance is a spellbinding work of theater. It's a one man show with everybody in it; a delightfully disturbing tapestry of homespun economics, character insight, and astounding freehand cartography. At one point, Mr. Donaldson's on-stage persona, Cyrus Jackson, draws the entire map of the bioregion naming a hundred rivers. >From memory! With good humor, good science and audacious storytelling, Salmonpeople is an utterly delicious, head-scratching lesson in how the real world works. Writer, director, performer Peter Donaldson is a master storyteller. Salmonpeople reaches all ages, everybody's bottom line, and one big landscape. Don't miss this showcase performance. This spellbinding performance has engaged audiences throughout the Pacific Northwest and created a dialogue on sustainable prosperity.


Tickets are $25.00, adults, $23 Seniors, $15 Students & Youth, (Group rate available), and are available at the Shadbolt Centre, 604.205.3000. Seating is limited. The performance takes place at 7:00pm at the James Cowan Theatre Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, 6450 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby off Kensington & Canada Way behind Burnaby City Hall. For more information about Project Rivershed and the RSBC visit www.rivershed.com .

November 4, December 2, 2006, Saturday - Winter Farmers Market at the Wise Hall
Locally grown fall vegetables and late season fruit; storage crops like squash, potatoes, root veggies and apples; BC beef, lamb, ostrich, chicken and wild seafood; artisan cheese and bread; sweet treats and baked goods; jams, pickles, preserves and so much more. The first Saturday of the month, from November to April (December 2, January 6/07, February 3/07, March 3/07, April 7/07). 1882 Adanac St at Victoria Drive. 10am - 2pm. For more information, visit www.eatlocal.org.

November 4, Saturday Salmon Homecoming and Sustainable energy edu-fun - NEW
Everyone is invited to check out the Solar Power Roadshow tent at the City of Surrey's annual Salmon Homecoming from 1pm-4pm on November 4, 2006 at Bear Creek Park. Kids from 6 to 96 can build a Mystery Solar Power machine. Destruction of forests have been linked to salmon stress. Therefore, we'll also bring a mystery tree-saving device that is popular in France but virtually unknown in greater Vancouver. It could easily save every household $250 per year while sparing carbon-absorbing forests. Can you guess what it is? Contact Solar Power Roadshow: (604)-739-7717. Photo link: http://mystery-solar-game.blogspot.com/.
The event takes place at Bear Creek Park (88th Avenue and King George Highway). For more information phone: (604) 501-5158 or email: eadesautels@surrey.ca.

November 7, Tuesday - Organic Dairy Production Seminar - NEW
The BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands (BCMAL) & the Certified Organic Associations of BC (COABC) are hosting an Organic Dairy Production Seminar on November 7, 2006. Keynote address will be given by Dr. Paul Dettloff, D.V.M, Wisconsin, U.S.A. Dr. Dettloff has practiced large animal medicine for 36 years, specializing in natural and organic the last 16 years. He has been an organic consultant for the last 6 years and is staff veterinarian for Organic Valley Cooperative, Wisconsin. Dr. Dettloff is a consultant veterinarian for Lancaster Ag Products of Pennsylvania and is the author of the book "Alternative Treatment for Ruminants".

Dr. Dettloff's 3-hour presentation "Organics for the Ruminant from the Soils Up" will be of interest to a large audience including organic and non-organic producers of ruminants, veterinarians, and other members of the livestock service industry. Registration deadline is November 1, 2006. Please register by email, phone, or fax to: Certified Organic Associations of British Columbia 3402 32nd Ave, Vernon BC Canada V1T 2N1, Phone: 250 260-4429, Fax: 250 260-4436, E-mail: office(a)certifiedorganic.bc.ca. Registration fees: $20.00 (standard) or $10.00 (student with valid ID). Fee includes all sessions and refreshments. *Lunch guaranteed with registration by November 1, 2006. The day-long event runs between 9:30 am to 3:30 pm at Rancho, 35110 Delair Rd., Abbotsford, B.C.

November 8, Wednesday Edible Schoolyard Gardens Project NEW
Join this group of individuals who are working towards greening our schoolyards with edible gardens. The meeting takes place from 7-9 pm in the Strathcona Room at Vancouver City Hall. For more information, contact: Christina Beaudoins, Slowfood Vancouver Edible Schoolyard Gardens Project Coordinator at cmbeaudoins@shaw.ca

November 17, 2006 - Seeds of Change Necessary Voices Film Night at the VPL - NEW
The newly released film Seeds of Change, a seventy-minute documentary film made by University of Manitoba (U of M) professor StTphane McLachlan, U of M PhD student Ian Mauro, and independent videographer Jim Sanders, is a balanced yet hard-hitting exposT of the controversy surrounding genetically modified crops and how they have changed the face of agriculture in western Canada.

The presentation features the documentary film and a discussion with the film makers. The event takes place in the Alice MacKay Room from 7:30 to 9:30 PM of the Central Branch of the Vancouver Public Library (350 West Georgia). Admission is Free. This series is co-sponsored by the VPL.

November 19, Sunday - Coquitlam Farmers Market Winter Market - NEW
Shop early for one of a kind Christmas treasures! Unique Crafts, Prepared Foods, Winter Produce, Music and More! The annual Winter Market takes place between 9:30am and 3:30pm at the Port Moody Social Rec Centre, 300 Ioco Road.

November 26, Sunday LifeCycles Fall Harvest Dinner Fundraiser - NEW
Join LifeCycles at their annual fundraiser. The event features locally grown food with guest speaker Michael Ablemen. LifeCycles is a nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating awareness and initiating action around food, health, and urban sustainability in the Greater Victoria community. For more information see www.lifecyclesproject.ca

December 9 10, 2006 Vancouver Holiday Market
The annual Holiday Market at Heritage Hall: 3102 Main St. at East 15th 10:00 am to 5:00 pm December 9th & 10th, 2006. For more information visit Your Local Farmers Market Society website at www.eatlocal.org.

Volunteer Opportunities, Campaigns and Community Action:

Ban Terminator Seeds in Canada! New Campaign October 2006 - NEW
After victory at the United Nations earlier this year, it is time to take action for a national ban on Terminator seeds in Canada. The UN moratorium on Terminator was upheld in March, but in August Monsanto announced it will buy the company that owns greenhouse tests of Terminator seeds! The Canadian Government has never taken a stand against Terminator!

Terminator or "suicide seeds" are genetically engineered to be sterile after first harvest in order to stop farmers from saving and reusing seed, and force them to buy corporate seed each season instead. The technology is designed only for corporate monopoly and profits. For the past two years, the Canadian government tried to push Terminator at the United Nations but was stopped by pressure from Canadians. But our government has never taken a stand against Terminator, and now Monsanto wants to own the most advanced Terminator research! A ban on Terminator is the only way to stop Monsanto! Take action now:

ASK the House of Commons Agriculture Committee to hold hearings on Terminator technology! WRITE to your Member of Parliament and the Minister of Agriculture (and send your letter to the opposition parties). JOIN the Local Petition Campaign and collect signatures for your Member of Parliament. For campaign materials, petition and background information: http://www.banterminator.org/p/282. For more information contact: Canadian Biotechnology Action Network info@cban.ca, 613 241 2267, or visit http://www.cban.ca.

Minister of Agriculture, The Honourable Chuck Strahl, House of Commons, Ottawa ON K1A 0A6, Email: Strahl.C@parl.gc.ca, Fax: (613) 995 5621, Phone: (613) 992 2940.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper, 80 Wellington Street, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A2, Email: Harper.S@parl.gc.ca, Fax: (613) 941 6900, Phone: (613) 992 4211

Volunteers needed - Queen Alexandra Garden Program
Join us in assisting enthusiastic K - 7 kids discover the fascinating world of worms, growing tomatoes, seed-saving, learning the Latin names of plants, and shovelling soil! If you are thinking about working with children (teaching, student support, more) or applying for med school, this is a great way to both expand your knowledge of urban agriculture and obtain necessary volunteer hours.


Programs run one day per week. Two shifts of master gardener volunteers help to support orchestrated projects for which the teachers have signed up in addition to weeding, raking leaves - the usual! Upcoming projects include: annual garlic planting/garlic bread festival bread donated by Terra Breads (oct); "orange Food" - students learn about phytonutrients and plant pigments like beta carotene, sampling many types of orange veggies and fruits (nov); mini apple festival/tastings "just like at UBC!" Students sample many different types of apples and notice the differences. (oct/nov); and, groovy wreath and swag making for the children to take home, using materials from the garden and other stuff (dec).


Currently, we meet on Tuesdays (not Oct 31) throughout October and November; December TBA. Shifts are 9:15 - 12:15 OR 12:30 - 3:30. A criminal record check is required. Queen Alexandra School is located at 1300 E. Broadway at Clark Drive. For further information, please contact Sharon Hanna, Program Coordinator, at hanna98@telus.net or 736-1889.

Proposed Gateway Project Paves over Formosa Write a Letter and Protest
Formosa Organic Farm and Nursery (12617-203rd St. Pitt Meadows) an Organic blueberry farm and nursery in Pitt Meadows will be dissected by the Abernathy Connector of the future Golden Ears Bridge (part of the Gateway Project), making farming difficult and dumping tons of automobile-related pollutants onto this certified organic farm.

Foodland protection advocates are urged to write a letter in support of protecting the farm and by moving the Abernathy Connector to the south boundary of Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge at 126th Avenue right of way, where it was originally drawn. Write to: TransLink Board, 1600-4720 Kingsway Burnaby, BC V5H 4N2, Phone: (604) 453-4500; Email: gvtaboard@translink.bc.ca. Make sure to also send your letter to Premier Gordon Campbell; Email: gordon.campbell.mla@leg.bc.ca. For more information contact Donna Passmore, Transportation/Agriculture Campaigner, Fraser Valley Conservation Coalition, 604-536-2790 / 631-6210. You can also contact Sandy or Sheryl at formosanursery@hotmail.com if you want to join the effort. They will send you other contact information for writing letters, and keep you informed.

Environmental Youth Alliance Various Volunteer Opportunities
The Environmental Youth Alliance (EYA) is looking for students/volunteers to help out in various sites this fall! If you are interested in and have experience with any of the following: permaculture, medicinal plants, forestry, botany, landscape architecture or other aspects of urban greenspace please contact Samantha Charlton, samantha@eya.ca to find out how to get involved.

Volunteer Driver Needed A Loving Spoonful
A Loving Spoonful is a volunteer-driven, non-partisan society that provides free nutritious meals to people living with HIV in the Greater Vancouver area. We are currently looking for a delivery driver (vehicle required) to deliver frozen meals once a week to our clients. This requires a commitment to be available every Tuesday from 3 PM 6 PM. If you are able to help, please contact Gerry Verscheure, Director of Volunteer Services, at 604-682-6325, or by email volunteers@alovingspoonful.org. An on-line volunteer application form is available at www.alovingspoonful.org.

BC Agriculture Plan Public Meetings and Consultation Opportunities
A government committee on Agriculture Planning was struck in the spring of 2006. The Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture Planning Val Roddick is encouraging all stakeholders: farmers, industry representatives, urban, rural, First Nations community members, and the media to assist in the development of a 'Made-in-BC' agriculture plan.

This committee wants to get first-hand impressions of the current state of affairs in agriculture and food around the province and is seeking input to develop a comprehensive plan that will increase public awareness on agriculture and food production, encourage active participation of First Nations in agriculture, encourage the growth and diversification of the industry and enhance the contribution agriculture provides to British Columbia's economy, environment and quality of life.

To provide input electronically or to learn more about the committee and its public meetings, visit www.harvesttohome.bc.ca.

Volunteers Needed! Intergenerational Landed Learning Project / UBC Farm
Do you have a passion for connecting with land, food, and community? Are you interested in learning, growing, and sharing your knowledge and experience with children? The Intergenerational Landed Learning project is currently seeking individuals with interests and enthusiasm in agriculture, gardening, sustainable food practices, and the environment to share their knowledge and experiences with a community of young people! Seniors particularly welcome!

Our "Farm Friend" volunteers work in intergenerational teams of one young adult, one elder, and 5-6 elementary school students to sow, grow, and harvest food plants at the UBC farm. As a Farm Friend volunteer, you will be asked to commit 12-15 half-days (Wednesday or Thursday mornings, approximately every other week) from September 2006 to June 2007 to work with the project. On-call volunteers are also sought to fill in as needed. Participants enjoy the company of a multi-age group interested in the environment and land-human-food connections while spending time in a wonderful, peaceful urban farm setting. Volunteers are also invited to join in a variety of additional community-based opportunities for learning about land issues and food growing.

For further information, please contact: Stacy Friedman; Tel: (604) 221-4967; ycats77@yahoo.com

Renfrew Collingwood Food Security Institute Volunteers needed for food growing, harvesting and sharing initiatives
Renfrew Collingwood Food Security Institute- welcomes new volunteers to participate in its food growing, harvesting and food sharing initiatives. We are looking for people who are excited about community based food projects and want to take part in the initiatives that we support in the Renfrew/Collingwood Neighbourhood. These initiatives include a community garden, rooftop garden and a community focused breakfast program. For more information contact Heidi Braun at (604) 435-0323 ext. 237 or visit our website: www.cnh.bc.ca/foodsecurity.

Grants and Funding Opportunities:

DASH BC Cooking and Skill-Building Program Grants; deadline November 3, 2006 - NEW
In March 2006, the Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance (MEIA) provided a grant to the Directorate of Agencies for School Health (DASH) BC. These one-time dollars are to support community-based agencies that provide cooking and nutritional skill building programs for those living with limited incomes. Agencies can apply for one-time funding for equipment (fridges, freezers, storage bins or pots/pans) and/or teaching and learning resources. Applications are being accepted from not for profit community-based agencies with annual renewal or ongoing operating funds providing cooking and nutritional skill building programs geared specifically to those living with limited incomes including adults and families in BC. For more information see www.dash.bc click on "News."

BC Healthy Communities Launches its Seed Grant Program; deadline November 17, 2006
October 2nd marks the launch of the BC Healthy Communities (BCHC) Seed Grant Program. The grants program is one expression of BCHC's commitment to building on the strengths and knowledge that already exist in communities, while supporting new opportunities to put the healthy communities approach into action. The grants program has two primary goals: (1) To build community knowledge of the healthy communities approach; and (2) To enhance community capacity to implement a healthy communities approach.

Groups may apply for a maximum $2,500.00 to support activities and processes that improve community health and well-being, and promote optimum human development. Program background and guidelines, as well as the application form, are available on the BC Healthy Communities website under "What's New" (www.bchealthycommunities.ca). Groups that are considering applying for a grant are urged to first contact the BCHC Regional Facilitator for their area to discuss their ideas. Facilitators may be reached by calling toll free 1-888-356-0892.

BC Rural & Remote Health Research Network Collaborative Team Building Grants; Deadline December 15, 2006 - NEW
In order to support the development of new multidisciplinary research teams in the area of rural and remote health, we are very excited to announce a new funding opportunity: the Collaborative Team Building Award. Group or individual applicants can apply for up to $6000 in funding to be used for activities, resources and expenses related to building research teams and identifying research themes and questions. See www.bcrrhrn.ca for detailed application information.

DASH BC Nutritional Grants for Breakfast and Snack Programs; deadline May 15, 2007 - NEW
Nutritional Grants in British Columbia are available for breakfast and snack programs ONLY in both school and community group settings. The maximum available grant is $2000.00 per year. Information on this program is available at www.dashbc.ca.

Courses:

November 4, November 19 and December 2 - Voluptuous Vegan Cooking Course: Introduction to Vegan Cooking
Why eat vegan? How do I start? This course will show you how to prepare and enjoy delicious meals that address the specific nutritional needs of a vegan diet. Learn time-saving tips and practical hands-on skills for a healthy vegan lifestyle. The course will cover topics such as nutritional needs of vegans, how to prepare our food for optimal nutrition & taste and how to be a healthy & happy vegan. We will cook and enjoy a range of vegan delights - appetizers, main courses and desserts. Bring your questions. The class will be tailored to meet the needs of participants. Takes place on successive weekends between 1pm 4pm. Note that all classes are on Saturday except November 19, which takes place on Sunday. Cardinal Hall, 930 Chamberlin Road, Gibsons. Cost: $123. To register, contact Sunshine Coast Regional District, www.scrd.bc.ca

604-885-6801.

November 4 - Food Issues, 2-6 p.m.
Are you confused about the information pertaining to genetically modified foods, farmed fish, irradiation, health claims, food labels, avian flu, and mad cow disease? Registered Holistic Nutritionist and natural health journalist, Sandra Tonn, will deliver the facts on today¦s food issues, along with practical advice about how to keep food decisions simple and eating safe and enjoyable. This seminar includes viewing of the film The Future of Food, which is about genetically modified foods and presentation from a guest speaker about fish farming. Held at the Prana Yoga Centre, 1083 Cambie St., Yaletown. Call Prana Yoga College at 604-682-2121 to register. For more information email sandra_tonn@telus.net.

November 11 - Vegetarian Nutrition, 2-6 p.m.
Whether you are vegetarian, want to become vegetarian, or simply want to eat less meat, this seminar will help you understand why and how a vegetarian diet can be a healthy choice. Practical information about vegetarianism in terms of both healing and preventing chronic disease will be provided, as well as tips for creating balanced and satisfying vegetarian meals. Seminar takes place at Prana Yoga Centre, 1083 Cambie St., Yaletown. Call Prana Yoga College at 604-682-2121 to register. For more information email sandra_tonn@telus.net.

November 14 - Digestion: You Are How You Eat, 7-9 p.m.
We are what we eat, but we are also what we digest. Few people realize the impact digestion has on the body. A wide number of ailments and disease, such as allergies, yeast overgrowth, constipation, hypoglycemia, and type 2 diabetes have links to poor digestion. Topics covered in this seminar include the process of digestion, food combining, the art of chewing, digestion and disease, elimination, and more. Improve digestion to increase health. Held at Parkgate Community Centre, 3624 Banff Court, North Vancouver. Call 604-983-6350 to register. For more information email sandra_tonn@telus.net.

November 18 - Diet and Disease, 2-6 p.m.
Make a deeper connection between diet and disease by learning about free radical damage, antioxidants, and how food choices either promote disease or enhance health. Specific conditions will be covered and since obesity is often linked to conditions such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes, the topic of dieting will addressed. Health foods and natural supplements will also be discussed as a means of treating and preventing disease. Held at Prana Yoga Centre, 1083 Cambie St., Yaletown. Call Prana Yoga College at 604-682-2121 to register. For more information email sandra_tonn@telus.net.

November 19, November 26 Wild Edible Mushroom Workshops - NEW
Two workshops. Learn to identify a dozen common edible mushrooms with biologist Jessica Snider. For beginners. Partial proceeds to The Land Conservancy and Nanaimo Area Land Trust. 1-3pm. Cost $30. Advance registration required and limited to 12. Call (250) 722-2292 for info or email gardensjessica@yahoo.ca

November 25 - Yoga and Nutrition, 2-6 p.m.
Most people do not consider nutrition a part of yoga, but it is. Shopping, cooking and eating are all opportunities to practice yoga. This seminar will provide valuable information for the modern day yogi by relating the diet to yoga¦s ten living principles, the Yamas and Niyamas. Topics will include conscious shopping, food quality, balanced eating, how yoga improves digestion, and more. The seminar will include a mini yoga class relative to nutrition. Bring your yoga mat, a pillow, a blanket, a journal or paper, and your passion for food and yoga. Takes place at Prana Yoga Centre, 1083 Cambie St., Yaletown. Call Prana Yoga College at 604-682-2121 to register. For more information email sandra_tonn@telus.net.

January 21, 2007, Sunday - Eating Through the Seasons the Vegan Way: Winter - NEW
Explore the joys of eating in harmony with the earth ~ the seasons ~ your body. This four-hour hands on cooking workshop will offer nutritional information and cooking techniques to support your body as it goes through the natural cycle of winter. Bring your appetite for knowledge and good food. With Paula Luther, RHN. Takes place between 1:00pm - 5:00pm at Rm 102 - Britannia Secondary School (1001 Cotton Drive). To register: Contact Britannia Community Centre, 604-718-5800. $45 Course # 44852.100BR. For further information: chickpeanutrition@gmail.com.

March 10, 2007, Saturday - Eating Through the Seasons the Vegan Way: Spring
Explore the joys of eating in harmony with the earth - the seasons - your body.
This four hour hands on cooking workshop will offer nutritional information & cooking techniques to support your body as it goes through the natural cycle of spring cleanse. Bring your appetite for knowledge & good food. The course runs between 12:00 and 4:00pm at St John's United Church, 5085 Davis Bay Road, Davis Bay. Cost $60. To register contact the Sunshine Coast Regional District - www.scrd.bc.ca. 604-885-6801

Conferences

November 27 November 29, 2006 - Conference: Towards a New Public Health: An Ecological View
The Public Health Association of BC is pleased to announce its annual conference and AGM "Towards a New Public Health: An Ecological View", to be held November 27-29th, 2006 at the Coast Plaza Hotel in Vancouver, BC. At this conference we will investigate how we are shaping our social and other environments and, in turn, how these environments are influencing the health of significant populations and appropriate policy responses to these situations. Keynote speakers at this conference will include Dr. David Suzuki and Dr. Etienne Wenger. For more information, including registration and the call for abstracts, please visit http://www.phabc.org/conference.

February 8 10, 2007 Sixth Annual New Partners for Smart Growth Conference
Smart growth attracts many people from a variety of endeavors. This conference is about coordinating the interest of this diverse group to help us all begin to speak the same language and paddle in the same direction. The 2007 program, held in Los Angeles, California, will feature cutting-edge smart growth issues, the latest research, implementation tools and strategies, successful case studies, interactive learning experiences, new partners, new projects and new policies. A number of food-related events and workshops are part of the event. For conference and registration information, see www.NewPartners.org.

April 5-6, 2007 - Agriculture at the Metropolitan Edge: New Ruralism and other Strategies for Sustainable Development; University of California, Berkeley; Request for Presentations due December 1, 2006 - NEW

The New Ruralism Symposium, a project of the Agriculture at the Metropolitan Edge Program (AME), will bring together researchers, practitioners, producers and policy makers involved in bridging sustainable agriculture and smart growth. The symposium will explore systems-based and place-based issues affecting the urban-rural interface.

We are inviting proposals for presentations, papers, and sessions that relate to the four themes below. Suggested topics follow each theme. We encourage proposals about best practices and innovative projects.

(1) Urban Edge Land Use Policy and Economics - role of regulations and incentives, value of interfacing with green-space, approaches to planning agricultural edges; (2) Environmental Services and Impacts of Urban Edge Agriculture - appropriate technology, energetics, quantifying ecological services, water rights and reuse; (3) Vitality of Rural Communities in Metropolitan-influenced Areas - social mobilization issues, slow cities movement, socio-economics of agriculture on the edge; (4) Emerging Urban-Rural Compact - local food systems, Role of culture and tradition, intersection with public health

Abstracts of contributed papers, presentations, and panel discussions are due December 1, 2006. Late papers will be considered only on a space-available basis. Notification about acceptance of proposals will be made by January 10, 2007. All abstracts should be 250 words or fewer.

For more information about the AME program, the symposium, or the proposal process, please contact: Sibella Kraus, AME Director (sibellakraus@berkeley.edu) or Alethea Marie Harper, Graduate Student Researcher for AME (alethea_marie@berkeley.edu).

April 9-12, 2006 - Emerging Issues Along Urban/Rural Interfaces II - Conference announcement Atlanta, Georgia; Call for Proposals deadline December 31, 2006

Auburn University's Center for Forest Sustainability and the USDA Forest Service's Southern Center for Wildland/urban Interface Research and Information are pleased to announce our upcoming conference, "Emerging Issues Along Urban/Rural Interfaces: Linking Land-Use Science and Society", to be held April 9-12, 2007 at the Sheraton Atlanta. The focus of this conference is the linking of ecological aspects and human dimensions of land-use science and practice along urban/rural interfaces, with interfaces construed broadly.

The overarching theme and goal of our conference is to link human dimensions aspects of land-use change along urban/rural interfaces with ecological aspects of land-use change along urban/rural interfaces. We believe that such linkages offer the promise of new, powerful insights for understanding the forces that shape, and are shaped by, urbanization and offer more encompassing and compelling understanding of the causes and environmental consequences of urbanization-related land-use change policies. We seek to bring together researchers, practitioners, and policy makers to share current research results and implementation strategies, and to identify knowledge gaps, challenges, and opportunities regarding the interaction between urbanization and natural resources. In particular, approaches that focus on integrating socioeconomic and ecological research will be highlighted.

Presentations will focus on a number of topics, including: (1) How ecosystems are being altered by human influences: direct and indirect stressors; (2) Evaluating changes to ecosystem goods and services along urban/rural gradients; (3) Informing policy makers, natural resource professionals, and private citizens; and, (4) Urban agriculture

For more information David Laband, Conference Coordinator, 334-844-1074; For up-to-date news about the conference, including submission of abstracts, please visit the conference web site: http://www.sfws.auburn.edu/urbanruralinterfaces/.

April 11-14, 2007 - Mobilizing Partnerships for Social Change Conference
Community-Campus Partnerships for Health 10th Anniversary Conference "Mobilizing Partnerships for Social Change" April 11 - 14, 2007 in Toronto ON Canada. Details at: www.ccph.info.

How do we combine the knowledge and wisdom in communities and in academic institutions to solve the major health, social and economic challenges facing our society? How do we ensure that community-driven social change is central to service learning and community-based participatory research?

Community-Campus Partnerships for Health (CCPH) is convening our 10th anniversary conference, in Toronto, to nurture a growing network of community-campus partnerships that are striving to achieve the systems and policy changes needed to address the root causes of health, social and economic inequalities. The conference seeks to build knowledge, skills and actions for achieving healthy and just societies. It will do this by looking at various sub-themes: *Understanding and Addressing the Social Determinants of Health *From Grassroots Movements to Policy Change *Communities as Centers of Learning, Discovery and Engagement *Developing the Science of Community-Based or Practice-Based Evidence.

Call for papers - Contested geographies of obesity - AAG Annual Meeting, San Francisco, USA 17-21 April, 2007
Geographical engagements with issues of size/fatness/obesity are wide ranging and can be contextualised within a variety of subdisciplinary interests. This session aims to demonstrate the significance of these different approaches as well as outlining the connections and tensions within them. Engagements with size/fatness/obesity reflect the multiple ways in which the fat/obese body can be conceptualised. This includes building upon medical and public health policies concerning what has been termed the 'epidemic of obesity' in order to identify and explain the spatial variations and environmental causes and consequences of overweight. This can be seen, for example, through work on 'obesogenic' environments, and through investigations of local, regional and global variations in the incidence of and responses to 'obesity'. However, 'obesity' has also been recognized as a contested term within critical geographical work which highlights the need to recognize the uncertainties behind current methods of defining and diagnosing obesity. This can be seen in the growth of geographical work on size/fatness/obesity/ which considers the embodied and emotional experiences of living as a fat/obese body, within wider discourses which link body size, shape and composition with ill health.

This call for papers therefore seeks to unpack the contemporary social, health, economic and cultural geographies of obesity in the developed and developing world. The aim therefore is not to set up opposing geographical accounts of size/fatness/obesity. Instead, the sessions seek to acknowledge that the diversity of geographical approaches is reflective of the complexities of encountering bodies in a range of theoretical, empirical and methodological contexts and also to highlight the common motivation to improve the health/well-being of those who are defined, by themselves or others, as overweight

Abstracts are invited in relation to the following topics. Please note this list should not be seen as exhaustive and are only suggestive of the topics that may be of interest:

Terminology: defining fat/big/obese/corpulent; Theorisations of 'the fat body'; Environmental determinants of obesity; Fat activism; Obesogenic environments; Morality and body size; Global demography and obesity; 'Active' fat bodies; Obesity policy; Medical and Surgical interventions; Eating and consumption; The obesity debate' in western and non-western contexts Emotions and fatness; Fatness and (dis)ability; Bodily textures and boundaries; Surveillance and children's bodies; Dieting, weight loss and bodily modification; Methodological practices and researching with/as bigness.

Abstracts of 250 words should be submitted to s.c.j.cummins@qmul.ac.uk or bevans@liv.ac.uk by Friday 22nd September 2006. Abstracts should be in accordance with AAG guidelines. Send them to Dr Steven Cummins, MRC Fellow, Department of Geography, Queen Mary, University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS; Tel: 020 7882 5400, Fax: 020 8981 6276; Email: s.c.j.cummins@qmul.ac.uk

April 29 - May 2, 2007 - Fifth Annual International Greening Rooftops for Sustainable Communities Conference, Awards, and Tradeshow, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Green Roofs for Healthy Cities and the City of Boston are pleased to announce the Fifth Annual International Greening Rooftops for Sustainable Communities Conference, Awards, & Trade Show scheduled from April 29th to May 2nd, 2007 in Minneapolis, MN. This event brings together international experts from diverse fields across North America, and around the world. Conference participants discuss the many benefits of green roofs, share new research findings and provide information on the latest designs, implementation techniques and products. It is a great opportunity to broaden networks and develop new business contacts while building more sustainable cities through green roof implementation. For more information visit www.greenroofs.org or email jleblanc@greenroofs.org.

Recent Media

Canadian Press - B.C. bucks trend on organic farms. By Stephanie Levitz - NEW
Organic food might be taking over Canada's pantries but not our farms, a new report released yesterday suggests. In their annual look at the state of organic farming, the Canadian Organic Growers found the number of producers and processors of organic goods is declining at a time when demand is up. But true to its reputation as an organic utopia, British Columbia was the lone standout -- there was a 9.5 per cent increase in organic farms here in 2005. "They have a really good domestic market," said Laura Telford, executive director of the group. "The people of Vancouver are good organic eaters." The report said a change in the certification of maple syrup producers in Quebec and poor growing conditions on the Prairies account for a large part of the decline in farms, down to 3,618 in 2005 from 3,670 in 2004. The vast majority of the farms are in Saskatchewan, followed by Quebec.

For more information: http://www.fftimes.com/index.php/9/2006-10-24/27787

Blog from FAO - NEW
In 1996 world leaders gathered in Rome at the World Food Summit to ask why so many continue to go hungry in the world today. Ten years later, delegates will once again be gathering to ask if we are any closer to ending hunger? Join Stu Clark and Kenton Lobe from Canadian Foodgrains Bank as they attend the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization meetings on World Food Security in Rome from October 28 to November 4. Their blog can be found at http://canadianfoodgrainsbank.blogspot.com

Sierra Magazine Green Cuisine - NEW
The November/December 2006 issue of the Sierra Club magazine is full of wonderful articles devoted entirely to food and agriculture. Paul Rauber, editor, makes the following comments: "What's for dinner? Few questions are as environmentally fraught. Bad choices can lead to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease for us, and pollution, loss of biodiversity, and climate change for our favorite planet. Unfortunately, there's easy money to be made in those bad choices, and so our food marketing system has made them the path of least resistance.

This issue of Sierra celebrates efforts to carve out a new, greener cuisine: local, organic, and delicious. We begin with Eric Schlosser, the author of Fast Food Nation, who explains why food can be too cheap. Then we profile the activists who are making delicious, healthy produce available in inner cities and rural areas. Sierra's own Mr. Green offers ten easy tips for fine environmental dining, nutrition guru Marion Nestle decodes supermarket aisles, and we sort through the sometimes confusing profusion of food labels. Finally, author Gary Paul Nabhan describes our tasty yet endangered regional food traditions. Happy eating!"

To access Sierra Magazine: http://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/200611/cheapfood.asp

Resources:

DASH BC "How To" Cooking and Food-Related Skill Building Resource Guide - NEW
The Directorate of Agencies for School Health (DASH) BC has just released an excellent listing of "how-to" resources connected with cooking and food-related skill-building. The free listing is available as a PDF download. Listings are based on the resources recommended and/or identified as being needed by key informants. Materials are categorized according to target audience, type of resource and skill developed cooking, food safety, food security, gardening, meal planning, shopping and nutrition education. Not only is the document a tremendous reference in and of itself, but it also includes many resources available for free (most on-line) as well as those for purchase. The document can be accessed at www.dash.bc click on "News.

StatsCan Food Consumption Report (2005); Released October 2006 - NEW
"On the whole, Canadians are turning to more fresh fruits and vegetables in their diet, and away from oils and fats, according to the latest snapshot of food consumption for 2005.

On average, they consumed 39.4 kilograms of fresh fruit in 2005, compared with 37.6 kg a year earlier and 36.0 kg in 1995. On the other hand, consumption of processed fruits (canned, frozen or dry) fell modestly to 8.0 kg per person.

Apples accounted for about one-fifth of fresh fruit consumption. Each Canadian consumed on average 7.6 kg of apples last year, up from 6.8 kg in 2004. Bananas, oranges and grapes are also still the fruits of choice. But others such as mangoes, limes, papayas and pineapples are growing in popularity.

Canadians also consumed more fresh vegetables, but only if you don't count fresh potatoes, which have been falling out of favour.

On average, each Canadian consumed 68.9 kg of fresh vegetables in 2005, down from 69.4 kg in 2004. However, excluding potatoes, fresh vegetable consumption rose from 39.8 kg per person in 2004 to 40.5 kg last year. Many of the popular vegetables such as carrots and onions were more popular in 2005, although tomato consumption declined modestly."

For these and other consumption-related statistics, see: http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/061025/d061025a.htm

Bridging Borders Conference Audio Updates
For those of you wanting more information on the Bridging Borders Toward Food Security conference that occurred last week, a one hour capsule covering highlights from three days of plenaries and sessions can be heard at this link.... I hope you can spare some time to listen in. To listen in, tune into CJLY at: www.cjly.net/deconstructingdinner/101906.htm

Job Opportunities:

Capers Community Market Community Marketing Manager. Deadline October 31, 2006 - NEW

This position has overall responsibility for executing Capers' in-store demo program, internal and external community events, and community relations programs, including 5% Days and Capers giving activities. Work closely with Marketing Manager, and as needed Public Relations agency, to plan Capers' strategy for related programs. Act as Capers' community "Goodwill Ambassador" as required. City Marketing Coordinators report to the Community Marketing Manager.

For success in this role you should possess: demonstrated excitement about food and knowledge of food preparation; degree in Communication, Marketing or relevant experience with accomplished project management skills, including initiating projects and seeing them through to completion; strong people skills in working with others to form lasting positive partnerships; includes some targeted "cold calling", proposal development, and negotiating skills; effective communication skills, in oral presentations to groups, verbally in business settings, and in writing proposals and responses to community queries; good relationship building skills, working with Capers' internal teams, vendors, and with community partnerships; ability to work a non-standard week, i.e. weekends/evenings and travel throughout Greater Vancouver and the North Shore to represent Capers; In depth knowledge of products in natural/whole foods industry with particular emphasis on product area; PC Proficiency.

Applicant Procedure: Please fax or e-mail resume and cover letter to Aron Bjorsnon, Capers Regional Marketing Manager at abjornson@capersmarkets.com, or Fax 604-736-6649.

Warehouse food coordinator - Kamloops Food Bank/Action Centre; deadline not specified

Are you up for the Kamloops Food Action Centre warehouse food coordinator position? Do you have an eye for food opportunities, interest in the logistics of food ordering, warehousing, and storage, warehouse cleaniness and integrity, and supervision and training of diverse volunteers. Are you trustworthy? Do you thrive on an exciting multi-faceted environment? Do people look to you for leadership? Enjoy a challenge?

Benefits, 40 hour work week, salaried position $35,360 per annum and all the fun you can handle. Great people, food centred action every day.

If you are interested in working in a flat organization, implementing cutting edge ideas, please email your resume to Marg Spina, Executive Director, Kamloops, Food Bank/Action Centre, info@kamloopsfoodbank.org. For more information, call 250-376-2252.

Food Research & Action Center - Director, D.C. Hunger Solutions; deadline not specified

The Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), a leading non-profit research and advocacy organization working to reduce hunger and poverty and improve nutrition in the U.S., seeks a Director of its D.C. Hunger Solutions project and the Partnership to End Childhood Hunger in D.C. The ideal candidate must be a highly skilled public policy advocate; be creative and a self-starter; have a proven ability to excel at working in partnerships; and have experience balancing the needs of diverse stakeholders.

D.C. Hunger Solutions is a separately staffed and budgeted FRAC project which advances FRAC's mission by working to reduce hunger and improve nutrition in the District of Columbia. The Partnership to End Childhood Hunger in D.C. is a new collaboration of FRAC, D.C. Hunger Solutions, and Share Our Strength. D.C. Hunger Solutions is focused on reducing hunger and its adverse consequences for the health and well-being of low-income people and on using federal nutrition supports (food stamps, WIC, school meals, summer and afterschool food, and child care food) to strengthen community institutions and improve nutrition. The Partnership is a new collaboration to broaden and intensify this work and end childhood hunger in the District in 10 years.

Responsibilities - The Director will be responsible for the District of Columbia program's work, which includes policy advocacy, outreach, coalition-building, technical assistance and organizing. Key goals include assuring that the policies and practices of District agencies are designed to allow low-income families and individuals access to nutrition programs; that the District takes advantage of options in federal law to maximize access and benefits; and that outreach, organizing, collaborations, training and technical assistance allow families and individuals, community-based organizations, service providers, child care providers and others in the District to use the nutrition programs to the greatest extent possible.

Responsibilities of the Director include leading advocacy efforts; providing information, technical assistance and hands-on support; making public presentations; and leading and participating in coalitions and grass-roots efforts.

The Director's responsibilities also include fundraising, budgeting, administration of development activities, and recruiting and managing a growing staff as the Partnership to End Hunger in D.C. expands.

The Director will report to FRAC's President, and will work closely with FRAC and Share Our Strength staff on Partnership activities.

Qualifications: Undergraduate degree; advanced degree in relevant area (such as public policy, nutrition, social science) preferred but not required; excellent written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills; familiarity with and commitment to needs of persons with low income; more than five years of organizing, coalition-building and policy advocacy experience preferred.

Salary/Benefits: Salary dependent on experience; generous benefit package

Application: Send letter, resume and writing sample to: Director, D.C. Hunger Solutions Search Committee; Food Research and Action Center; 1875 Connecticut Ave., N.W., Suite #540; Washington, DC 20009; Fax: (202) 986-2525; E-mail: wputney@frac.org

Project for Public Spaces (PPS) - Public Markets Project Associate (New York); deadline not specified

Job Summary: The Project Associate plays an important supporting role in achieving the objectives of PPS' public market and farmer's market projects and our markets grant program. This person performs a variety of activities, reporting to the Public Markets Project Manager and Senior Vice President of Public Markets, and acts as an administrator, coordinator, researcher, analyzer, writer, editor, and facilitator to contribute to the team's efforts. A primary role will be to provide logistical and administrative support for the markets grant program, with a secondary role of providing administrative assistance on all public market projects. The right person will be detail-oriented, able to think creatively, and be flexible within a dynamic work environment. While this position will be focused in the public markets line of business at PPS, there will be opportunities to work on other public space projects, including parks, plazas, squares, civic buildings, and transportation.


Duties and Responsibilities: Provide administrative support for receiving and screening grant proposals and awarding grants; Monitor grantee progress (through interim reports, evaluation, etc.); Help facilitate ways for grantees to communicate with each other (conference calls, listservs); Help coordinate grantee convenings and site visits; Coordinate meetings and training events, whether community or internal, including advance notices and outreach, scheduling, refreshments, room reservations, follow-up, and other details as needed. Also, serve as the team recorder for all internal and external meetings; Research issues for market projects and communicate research to team; Help write or develop key pieces of correspondences or final products, such as announcements and press releases or Power-point presentations; Help develop print and web resource materials for the public markets initiative; Manage the team folder through the life of the project; Assist the project manager in tracking, reporting and closing projects; Effectively manage multiple priorities from one or more tasks within a project; and; Contribute to PPS's resources including but not exclusive to the member database, web site, newsletters, image database, and Great Public Spaces.


Please Note: This job involves making site visits to markets and occasional overnight/multi-night travel. Grants administration responsibilities require more time at different points of the grant cycles. Overall the applicant should be ready to devote 2/3 of time to grants administration and 1/3 (approx) to project assistance.


Requirements: Excellent writing and communication skills; Well organized and detail oriented; Ability to work to deadlines; Interest and/or experience in farmer's markets/public markets, community development, food access issues, and/or public health issues, as well as urban planning, public spaces and placemaking; Excellent Word/Excel/PowerPoint knowledge, Good web research skills, Knowledge of SPSS, filemaker and HTML a plus.


Salary: Commensurate with experience. How to Apply: Please send a resume and cover letter detailing your interest in the position and how you would contribute to PPS to: ayan@pps.org.

York University Assistant Professor - Local Food Systems and Sustainable Agriculture deadline January 8, 2007

The Faculty of Environmental Studies (FES) at York University, Toronto, invites applications for a tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level in Local Food Systems and Sustainable Agriculture to start July 1, 2007. Candidates must hold a PhD degree in a relevant field by the time of appointment or have equivalent academic or professional experience.

Local Food Systems and Sustainable Agriculture refers to a wide range of initiatives such as urban agriculture and food systems, organic agriculture, alternative food businesses, food security, food democracy, and environmental justice movements. The area draws from fields such as environmental studies, food and agriculture studies, community economic development, social movements, ecological economics, and green business.

We are seeking a candidate with a demonstrated and potential research and publication record who will provide leadership in expanding research and collaborative community action on food systems and agricultural alternatives. The candidate must be able to contribute to teaching, advising, and research in both the undergraduate and graduate programs, including the supervision of doctoral research. Experience in developing local food alternatives or contributing to innovative food policy is an asset.

FES is a unique interdisciplinary Faculty that adopts a broad definition of "environmental studies" including natural, built, social and organizational environments and that welcomes diverse perspectives and approaches. More information about the Faculty of Environmental Studies is available at www.yorku.ca/fes

York University is an Affirmative Action Employer. The Affirmative Action Program can be found on York's website at www.yorku.ca/acadjobs or a copy can be obtained by calling the affirmative action office at 416-736-5713. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents will be given priority. All positions at York University are subject to budgetary approval.

A letter of application with an up-to-date curriculum vitae, a statement of research and teaching interests and three references (email address and telephone number) should be sent to the following address by January 8, 2007: Local Food Systems and Sustainable Agriculture Search Committee, Faculty of Environmental Studies, Room 126 HNES, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3, Fax: (416) 736-5679, E-mail: feshires@yorku.ca

Vancouver Coastal Health Director of Community Engagement Temporary Full Time

Vancouver Coastal Health is responsible for the delivery of about $2 billion in community, acute, and residential health care services to more than one million people in communities from Richmond through Vancouver, the North Shore, the Sunshine Coast, the Sea-to-Sky Corridor, Powell River, Bella Bella and Bella Coola. Director, Community Engagement - Temporary Full Time - Approximately 14 Months.


Reporting to the Vice-President, Strategic Planning & Community Engagement, the Director Community Engagement provides leadership within Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) to enhance and promote community participation in Health Service Delivery Area (HSDA) activities, and to facilitate the partnerships that must occur in developing innovative solutions to health issues. The Director leads a team of professionals who are responsible for designing, implementing and evaluating VCH community engagement activities. Leads, facilitates and supports meaningful and credible public involvement in health planning and policy development at the regional level and supports the Community Engagement team at the local level. Acts as a resource to the VCH Senior Executive Team, as well as planners and policy makers, in developing the consultation approach required in decision making. Other key interactions include senior staff in the municipalities, school districts, police, community organizations as well as members of the public.

Qualifications: Masters degree in related field, supplemented by five years of recent related experience in community and organizational development, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Demonstrated computer literacy and word processing skills. Valid B.C. Driver's License. Ability to speak a second language would be an asset.


Interested candidates are invited to apply online at www.vch.ca. For more information, please contact Kirsten Rowe, Recruitment Advisor at kirsten.rowe@vch.ca or 604-875-5311.

BC Earth Masters Program - Teaching Assistants, Presenters and Student Teachers Wanted; Auditions in September, October or January

Earth Masters, a sustainability trades school / workshops program of the Community Assets Project on Vancouver Island, opens its Fall/Winter class schedule "doors" with a special Teachers Camp Program. Presenter Auditions will begin in September and run year-round, with regular classes for students beginning in October.

We are currently seeking keen sustainability educators, who live in and around southern Vancouver Island or are planning a visit, to act as Teacher's Assistants, Presenters, Student Teachers, and Sustainability Learners. All interested in participating in these educator roles in the Earth Masters program are invited to register for the Teachers Camp Audition process. The Auditions will be held through two different methods: Audition Camps, (three scheduled, for Sept., Oct., and Jan.) OR by the 2006/7 'regular class schedule' Teachers InClass-Design Audition Format. Some new Lead Instructors will also qualify to join the program! For more information on the Teachers' Camp Audition process(es) or to join as a special Dress Rehearsal Audience member or Designing Student, please contact: communityassets@telus.net. Please note that to participate in this phase, you must be willing to keep course information confidential until the Camps are complete and the new program is released. For more information, contact Roz Powell, Community Involvement Project, Box 4516, #54 - 650 Terminal Ave. Nanaimo, BC, V9R 6E8, or call direct 250-753-5605.

Urban Farming Internships in Oakland, California for Summer, Fall, and Academic Year 2006 / 2007
City Slicker Farms, a non-profit urban farming organization in West Oakland, California is offering volunteer internships for the following program areas: Animal Husbandry, Back Yard Garden Building Program, Compost Pick-Up Program, Fundraising, Market Development/Urban Farmer's Cooperative, Nursery/Propagation Program, School Gardening Program, Urban Farming/Produce Sales, Workshop Series Planning & Outreach.

These internships will provide a hands-on learning experience for students interested in all aspects of community food security, food justice, community organizing, non-profit organizational planning, and research (please see the following Mission/Programs description for information on our organization). Interns will help to coordinate program planning and volunteers as well as doing hands on work in the above areas. We will tailor the internship to your learning needs and academic program requirements and will meet with you regularly to review your progress and provide guidance. City Slicker Farms is lucky to have a vital base of residents and volunteers who make decisions collectively along with staff and our Advisory Board and we will also welcome the talents and opinions of interns in our decision making process.

Duration & Work Schedule: Summer, Fall, Spring & Academic Year 2006-2007 internships are available. A minimum of 8 hours per week and 1 term commitment; Flexible hours, some work can be done from home; One monthly 2 hour meeting of the program area you are working in is required.

Qualifications (this is a comprehensive list, not all are required): Basic computer skills (Word, Excel, internet, e-mail, etc.); Organizational & communication skills (writing, record-keeping, data entry, planning, filing, managing schedules, correspondence, etc); Comfortable working with diverse groups of people (age, race, gender, ethnicity, economic status); Internet and library research skills; Experience working with youth and gardening in a school setting; Outgoing and friendly with community members and volunteers; Ability to stay on task and work methodically; Experience with organic gardening, farming, animal husbandry, etc.; Attention to detail (very important); Experience in community outreach or community organizing; Spanish proficiency

If you are interested please send an inquiry or e-mail to: City Slicker Farms, 737 Henry Street, Oakland, CA 94607; or email cityslickerfarms@riseup.net.

Other:

Survey on Increasing BC's Organic Seed Capacity - NEW
A survey has been created top assess BC's organic seed capacity. This survey has gone out to 1200 people, but for those who didn't get it (or for those that need a reminder to get it inà) the following link will take you to the survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?A=142622632E343

It takes only about 20-30 minutes to complete the survey, but it does not need to be completed all at one time. Feel free to return at anytime and the survey will begin where you left off. Once you are finished, you immediately get to view the accumulated results of the survey so far - well worth the work! We encourage you to take a look at this data, as we think you will find it interesting. To do this, go to: http://www.surveymonkey.com/Report.asp?U=258919167753

We know your time is valuable, so thank you for taking the time to complete this survey. If you have any questions or comments contact Chris Wells, Survey Administrator at quinoa@shaw.ca.

Upoming Conference call on Planning for Agriculture and Food: A message from Jim Hiley, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Many strides have been realized in a very short period of time in efforts to develop a network of people interested in planning for agriculture and food in Canada since an inaugural meeting in Vancouver this past June.


This message is to invite you to participate in a conference call to contribute your thoughts, and listen as well as to the thinking of others, on how to maintain the momentum realized in the past four months.


The call will take place in the third week of November, date TBD. If you are interested in participating and are willing to contribute please respond by email to hileyj@agr.gc.ca. There will be an agenda one week prior to the meeting capturing in summary form the items for discussion.

SPUD Local and Organic Video Challenge
Small Potatoes Urban Delivery (SPUD), has created a short video that puts a fun twist on eating organic. The question is: Can you do better? Enter our video contest and find out!

If you are in SPUD's delivery area you are eligible to enter our video contest for $1,000 of organic groceries delivered to your door! View SPUD's video clip at www.playsafeeatorganic.com then break out your camera. Show "a day in the life" with grocery delivery in 60 seconds or less and enter your video for a chance to win! This video contest closes once we have 25 videos to jury. Contest rules and entry forms are available at the SPUD website. For this and more visit spud.ca.
Good luck, tell friends, pass it on, and have fun!

Any questions about the contest? Please email info@playsafeeatorganic.com. Sponsored by Western Wind Energy.

Request for Input on Food Security Assessments and Related Planning Work
LifeCycles is looking for input on conducting food security assessments and neighborhood planning for food secure systems. We would appreciate any input on surveys that you or group has previously used in assessing a community's level of food security and/or questions that you or your group may have used in drawing out envisioning input at the neighborhood level for what their sustainable local food system could look like.

If you have any working models that you or your group has used or know of, that you are willing to share. Please email me directly at the contact below. Kezia Cowtan kcowtan@lifecyclesproject.ca

September 12 December 2006 - Recreating Eden Tuesdays at at 7:30 pm on the Knowledge Network
From Australia to France and from Toronto to Vancouver Island, these gardeners grow their own versions of paradise. On Tuesdays at 7:30 pm, beginning September 12, discover the distinctive ways that gardens can change people's lives. Each floral paradise in this sumptuous series tells a story about the gardener's life, family, ancestors and culture.

As you are part of the sustainable farming and food sharing movement, we think you might be especially interested in one episode that focuses Laura Berman's Food Share Community Garden program in Toronto. Laura helped start over 100 gardens in the Toronto area that then run independently, growing food for people in need. This episode airs Tuesday, November 14 at 7:30 pm.

But don't wait until then to watch this vibrant series! The first episode of Recreating Eden transports you to Somerset, England, where a neglected, two-hectare garden stole one couple's hearts and convinced them to leave Vancouver Island to aid in its revival. Other episodes highlight a Belgian garden filled with rich family history, the healing garden of BC poets Patrick Lane and Lorna Crozier, and an environment-saving garden in a streetside ditch in Etobicoke, Ontario.

With gardens plain or glamourous, sprawling or neatly kept, this series shows that a garden is whatever you make of it. These stories prove that even a single plant has the power to hold memories, provide healing, and transform lives.

As British Columbia's public educational broadcaster, Knowledge Network delivers high quality, relevant, and compelling programming to all British Columbians on TV and the Internet. Find us on cable 5 in the Lower Mainland, cable 4 in Victoria, or check your local listings for other B.C. regions. Find us on the web at

http://www.knowledgenetwork.ca.

For more information, please contact: Andrew Poon Manager, Communications, (604) 431-3243, andrewp@knowledgenetwork.ca

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Andrew Pask
Social Planning Department
City of Vancouver