Month: September 2010

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It’s a GOURDacious Harvest-Eco Festival!

When

Saturday, September 25, 2010 from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM (ET)

Where

Community College of Baltimore County – Catonsville

The Commons across from Art Building Q
800 South Rolling Road

Catonsville, MD
21228

Discover the Secrets of the Gourdiverse

  with Music, Art & Fun @ The Gourd Palace

“GROW ART – GROW COMMUNITY”
an art & effects festival

 

Sure, you’ve seen birds hanging out in gourd bird houses. And maybe you’ve even drunk from a gourd dipper or stored tchotchkes in an artsy gourd container….

But have you ever danced to a gourd guitar/banjo combo or grooved to a gourd flute?
…Nibbled grilled gourd slices under the buttresses of a living gourd palace?
…Turned the kids loose to make gourd art and watch a gourd puppet show?
…Or discovered the mysteries and history of gourds around the globe?

If not – you’ve been gourdeprived!

The Gourd Palace at CCBC has produced a bumper crop and its time as a living sculpture/organic art installation is running out – so we’re saying goodbye with the wildest multicultural eco-social extravaganza in the gourdiverse.

Come and join the local and global community as we celebrate the turning of the seasons and the gathering of a gourdelicious harvest!

Experience adventures in gourdism…

  • Don Peyton strumming his Gourd Ukelele…
  • The Tinklers thrumming Gourd Rubber Band Guitar & Gourd Banjo…
  • Abu, the flutemaker performing on Gourd Creations…
  • Anadou Kouyate from Mali performs African kora          
  • Holler & Lurch yodel Gourd Poems
  • Ian Hersford on Gourd Didgeridoo
  • Dan Van Allen’s gourd birdhouse-making demonstration…
  • Jeanie’s Kids performing Singing Drum puppet show…
  • The Gourd Artmaking Project for kids of all ages
  • Florentino’s Filipino grilled gourd slices
  • Grow Art Chalk-In
  • …and much more!  

Find tips and tools for greener living…

Energy


Energy Audit Group
Clean Currents

Green Building

Green Building Institute
Rain Barrels of
Baltimore/Annapolis
Loading Dock

Green Space

Patapsco Greenway & Heritage

Treemendous Baltimore

Baltimore Green Space

Health & Food

Charm City Farms

EarthSavers

Food & Water Watch

Holistic Veterinary

Nature Study 

Carrie Murray Outdoor Education Center

Transportation

One Less Car

Green Rider

Sustainability

Simplicity Matters


The Gourdacious Harvest-Eco Festival is a community event, open and free to everyone, produced by Doug Retzler of Art & Effects and sponsored and hosted by CCBC.

Like the Gourd Palace, it’s a one-of-a-kind happening….and we’re hoping to see you there!

For more information,images and updates, see:

www.flickr.com/photos/growart/sets and

https://www.urbanitebaltimore.com/baltimore/palace-of-natural-wonders/Content?oid=1290186

To add your art, performance, food, or other contribution, contact:

doug@artandeffects.com

410-598-8409

Continue reading “It’s a GOURDacious Harvest-Eco Festival!”

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Larry’s Ride Saturday September 25, 2010

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Larry’s Ride

On Tuesday, April 6th, 2010, Larry Bensky was struck by a car and killed while bicycling on Butler Road, near Falls Road, in Baltimore County.

Larry left behind two daughters and a wife, and will be sorely missed by his family and community.

Help us raise awareness of cyclists, and prevent similar tragedies. Join us on Saturday, September 25th, 2010 and ride in memory of Larry.

 

Ride Details

Date:
Saturday September 25, 2010

Time:

42 Mile Ride – 9:00am
20 Mile Ride – 9:30am
10 Mile Ride – 10:00am

Start Point:
Spring Meadow Farms

Cost (includes one t-shirt and meal after ride):

Rider – pre-registered: $25
            day of: $30

Non-Rider (single) – pre-registered: $15
                                day of: $20

Non-Rider (family) – pre-registered: $25
                                day of: $30

Following the rides will be a cookout and activities for everyone!

      
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Donate

In response to many requests, an education trust fund has been created for the benefit of Larry’s girls, Gabriella and Katelyn.  If you wish to donate to the fund, checks can be sent to:

The Lawrence J. Bensky Memorial Education Trust Fund
c/o Bensky Construction, LLC

1015 Leslie Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21228

Or use the PayPal Link Below

Continue reading “Larry’s Ride Saturday September 25, 2010”

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Noon on Friday September 17th is the deadline

One Less > Car

Noon on Friday September 17th is the deadline to order merchandise that will be available for pick up at the Tour du Port.

One Less Car Got You Three Feet!  The October 3rd Tour du Port (TdP) is less than three weeks away! This year four fabulous custom items are available for purchase. NOON on Friday September 17th is the deadline to order merchandise that will be available for pick up at the TdP.  Orders may be placed after the 17th but these items may not be available for pick up at the Tour du Port (if not available by October 3rd they will be mailed to you). Click Here to Register for the Tour du Port and order merchandise for pick up at the Tour du Port.

One Less Car Got You Three Feet!  Support safe roads, safety legislation, equal rights for bikes, bike lanes, public transit, sidewalks for safe walking and more community initiatives by attending the Tour du Port and supporting One Less Car (OLC)!  ALL TdP proceeds and merchandise sales directly support these initiatives. We are your advocates. Your support helped OLC achieve the passage of SIX Maryland bills this year!  Click here to learn more about these bills, including the three foot rule bill, that requires three feet of distance between you and a passing vehicle.

Congratulations – It’s Time to Celebrate! 

The League of American Bicyclists announced today that Baltimore was named a Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly Community! This award is presented only to communities with remarkable commitments to bicycling. One Less Car is very proud of this announcement!  A huge pat on the back goes out to Nate Evans, Baltimore’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Planner, for his tremendous efforts to create a truly Bicycle Friendly Community.

Nate’s response to the award, “After two Honorable Mention awards, Baltimore joins the ranks of Philadelphia, Washington DC & Charlotte as a bronze level bike friendly community. To put it in perspective, Portland is platinum, San Francisco & Seattle are gold, and Chicago & Arlington, VA are silver. We still have a long way to go, but as a community of cyclists, we can become even more bike friendly! Thanks to everyone who helped bring this award to B’more!”

Bike Bill Vote at Baltimore City Council Hearing

On Monday September 20th, Baltimore’s City Council will vote on the following bike bills:

  • 09-0175R Informational Hearing – Baltimore Police Department – Police and Cyclists
  • 09-0430 Transit and Traffic – Bike Lanes
  • 09-0431 City Streets – Bike-Safe Grates

These bills will be presented to City Council at 5 pm at Baltimore’s City Hall.  Please show your support for these bills and a bicycle friendly Baltimore by attending the Council Hearings. Let’s say yes in support of these bills!

 

Get Involved or Subscribe
.

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New Report: Climate Change and Bicycling

from Bikeleague.org Blog by Darren

The Advocacy Advance Team, a partnership between the League and the Alliance for Biking & Walking, has released a new report on how bicycling advocates can work with state, city, and university officials to strengthen bicycling-promotion language in Climate Action Plans. Read “Climate Change and Bicycling: How bicycling advocates can help craft comprehensive Climate Action Plans.”

Climate Action Plans are strategic and comprehensive tools to combat climate change by reducing Green House Gas (GHG) emissions. They are being written and implemented by cities, states, and universities in lieu of aggressive federal action. Bicycling is a convenient, enjoyable, and efficient way to make short trips – 40 percent of all trips in the United States are two miles or less – and it does not emit CO2. As a result, policymakers are increasingly turning to promoting bicycling as a way to meet GHG reduction targets.

Bicycling advocates can help shape Climate Action Plans to include pro‐bicycling policies. Using case studies and examples from existing plans, this report examines: 1. how pro‐bicycling policies have been written into the Climate Action Plans of states, cities, and universities, 2. examples of plans that include bicycling, 3. how bicycling advocates can best support these efforts, and 4. how to ensure that governments follow through on the promises made in their plans.

Bicycling language in Climate Action Plans varies, but here are some key points to advocate for:

VMT and GHG reduction targets – plans should identify vehicle miles traveled (VMT) reduction targets to reach GHG reduction targets. They can also include ambitious bicycle mode‐share targets.

Complete the network – plans should call for the prompt completion of the Bicycle Master Plan, if one exists, or the creation and implementation of one, if not. Improvements to inadequate plans should also be called for.

Funding – plans should include increased funding bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.

Design practices – plans should call for Complete Streets policies that require the consideration of the needs of all users, and Smart Growth policies that encourage high‐density and multi‐modal land‐use planning. Some plans include incentives or requirements for new buildings to provide showers and changing facilities and secure bicycle parking.

Experienced advocates and climate planning experts recommend that advocates follow these steps:

The process – Know what the public input process is; offer your advice as an expert

The people – Know who is writing the plan; build relationships with the officials

The plan – Contribute ideas, especially existing, well thought‐out ones with quantifiable results

The public – Conduct outreach and build support for the plan

The product – Use the plan to make things happen; integrate the plan into the operating culture of the agency

Read the full report for much more detail and case studies of bicycling advocates who have helped improve their Climate Action Plans.

~Darren Flusche
League Policy Analyst

Continue reading “New Report: Climate Change and Bicycling”

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Baltimore is Bicycle Friendly

from TheWashCycle by washcycle

As mentioned this morning, LAB came out with their list of Fall 2010 winners. Of special note is that Baltimore is now a BFC at the Bronze level – after three tries.

" The third time was the charm for the Charm City, Baltimore, Md. and Knoxville, Tenn. Both received the bronze designation after previously receiving the Honorable Mention the past two times they applied. "

Also, Rockville, MD got an honorable mention.

And LAB announced a new Bicycle Friendly Universities program.
Continue reading “Baltimore is Bicycle Friendly”

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SHA to hold meeting on Rolling Road concerns

from Getting There by Michelle Deal-Zimmerman

The State Highway Administration will hold a public meeting to present the results of a traffic study of MD166 (South Rolling Road) between Frederick Road and Blooomsbury Avenue in Catonsville. The meeting is set for 7:30 pm on Sept. 29 at Hillcrest Elementary School (cafeteria).

SHA says that residents have expressed concerns about speeding, aggressive driving and pedestrian safety along MD166. In response, traffic engineers have studied options to modify driver behavior. Those options will be presented and citizens will have the opportunity to comment.

Those who can’t make the meeting or who want more information in advance can contact asst. district engineer Erin Kuhn or traffic team leader Eric Tombs at 410-229-2380.
Continue reading “SHA to hold meeting on Rolling Road concerns”

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Delegate Al Carr

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is pleased to have received the endorsement of MoBike, a group of Montgomery County Bicycling advocates! As a legislator who is also a cyclist, I have enjoyed working with them to advance more sensible policies to encourage safe bicycling. https://bit.ly/aTNKYJ

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Weekly bike rides Thursday @ 9pm

Hello,

I am a current graduate student at MICA and I have been organizing a weekly nighttime riding group. So far ridership has been pretty low; but I am hoping to continue it and get more people interested. I learned about the Midnight Riders in LA and really loved the biking culture there and I hope to create that type of riding environment here in Baltimore. The ride is every Thursday @ 9pm and we meet at the Monument (doesn’t matter which direction since I often bike in circles so that I am visible). The ride is a light to moderate pace and it s an effort to explore the city in a different manner within a group and less traffic.

Thanks for your time!

-H

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Cyclist Hits the Road With Nutrilite to Prevent Childhood Obesity

Sarah Stanley kicks-off six-day, 300-mile bike trip September 14 in D.C.; Plans stops in Annapolis, Baltimore, and Philadelphia before arriving in New York September 19.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ — Sarah Stanley, cyclist, runner and fitness enthusiast, is embarking on Celebration Ride, a six-day event to encourage children to adopt healthy eating and exercise habits. Her journey starts Tuesday, September 14, at Georgetown Running Company in Washington D.C. and will make school visits in Annapolis, Baltimore and Philadelphia before pulling in to the New York Running Company in Manhattan September 19.
Stanley will be biking over 300 miles, running a half marathon in Philadelphia and visiting hundreds of students at school visits in Washington, D.C., Annapolis, Baltimore and Philadelphia.
Stanley’s ride is sponsored by Nutrilite, the leading global brand of nutritional supplements and also the worldwide leader in children’s nutritional supplements. Nutrilite is available exclusively through Amway, which supports Stanley’s goal of helping kids learn healthy habits, and supports children’s causes globally. Media are invited to cover her journey and scheduled stops along the way or follow her progress on Twitter (@SarahStanley, #CelebrationRide).
Stanley’s schedule is as follows:
Continue reading “Cyclist Hits the Road With Nutrilite to Prevent Childhood Obesity”

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Our Car-Based Environments Are Making Us Sick

from Streetsblog.net by Angie Schmitt

Behind some of America’s most pressing health problems — obesity, diabetes, depression — there’s an often ignored culprit: a built environment that is hostile to active lifestyles.

As the U.S. medical industry pours billions into treating epidemic diseases, it is merely addressing the symptoms of “deep-rooted structural issues” while neglecting the underlying causes, says Dr. Richard Jackson, chair of the School of Health at UCLA and former head of the National Center for Environmental Health at the Centers for Disease Control. Dr. Jackson — one of the leading voices on the role of the built environment in America’s public health crises — confronted car dependence this weekend at the annual meeting of the American Society of Landscape Architects.

As reported by ASLA’s The Dirt blog, Dr. Jackson outlined the problem like so:

Car dependence is fueling the obesity epidemic, says UCLA’s Dr. Richard Jackson. Photo: AOL News

Obesity is a “common cause epidemic,” and a related health impact, diabetes, is now a “crushing health crisis,” driven in large part by the sedentary, car-based lives we are leading. Sprawl, in effect, kills.

Less density equals more driving. “We are engineering exercise out of people’s lives” by creating suburban cul-de-sacs and putting places of work and living far from each other.

Instead of addressing the public health impacts of the absence of trees, low-albedo streets (which contribute to the urban heat island effect), as well as a lack of planning, public transit, or safe streets, we are instead “looking at the end of the pipeline,” the medical effects. Our environment is sending us a message: “We are appendages to our cars.”

Dr. Jackson is a proponent of “designing for well being.” On a local level, that might entail developing organic food gardens at schools and hospitals. At the national level, he argues for investment in public transit, bicycle infrastructure and safe routes to school.

Continue reading “Our Car-Based Environments Are Making Us Sick”