Urban Farming pt. 1 - The Homegrown Movement

The way we grow food, distribute food, and eat has rapidly changed in the last 50 years, and with it has changed our environment and physical health as a society. Now, many people are reversing the trend towards commercialized agriculture by growing food at home and distributing it in their own community. Join this discussion with Leona Davis of the Community Food Bank and urban farmer Jennifer Liu around how our commercial food system works, and how the local food movement in Southern Arizona is changing our soils, our economies, and our own physical health.  They will be speaking on June 18th from 10:30 am - 12:00 pm at the Joel Valdez Main Library.

Intro to Water Harvesting

On June 11th, from 10:00-11:30 pm at the Mission Library, explore and discuss the core principles of rainwater harvesting and a variety of strategies, from cisterns to earthworks, with Leona Davis of the Community Food Bank. We will be calculating how much rainfall you will receive off your home roof and on your landscape, and how you can best use this water on your site. Participants are encouraged to bring a base drawing with measurements of their house, roof and yard.

Intro to Water Harvesting

On May 25th, from 5:30-7:00 pm at the Martha Cooper Library, explore and discuss the core principles of rainwater harvesting and a variety of strategies, from cisterns to earthworks, with Leona Davis of the Community Food Bank. We will be calculating how much rainfall you will receive off your home roof and on your landscape, and how you can best use this water on your site. Participants are encouraged to bring a base drawing with measurements of their house, roof and yard.

Chicken Raising Basics

Chickens can provide ample entertainment, require minimal attention, and, most of all, produce fresh, nutritious eggs! Learn and discuss the basics of home chicken raising with Leona Davis of the Community Food Bank and urban farmer and egg producer Noel Patterson.  Join them at the Mission Library on May 14th from 10:00 am - 11:30 am to learn about how to raise chickens here in Tucson.

Amity Foundation

Amity Foundation is seeking a grant from TFS to install a solar energy system at their Circle Tree Ranch campus located in Tucson, AZ.

Social Actions

Amity has provided treatment services to the men, women, and children of Tucson for over 42 years. Intent on addressing the needs of the most marginalized individuals of our society, particularly substance abuse treatment and all of its attendant issues: poverty, prejudice, violence, trauma, homelessness, and family restoration, Amity has been at the forefront of efforts to lead individuals into transformational change using the Teaching and Therapeutic Community (TC) model. Amity firmly believes that sustainable living is not only integral to personal responsibility, but also integral to the future of our global community.

Amity descended from the Tucson Awareness House (TAH), incorporated in 1969 to address the crisis of narcotic use amongst local adolescents, and later evolved to meet community needs.  In the mid-80’s TAH changed its corporate name to Amity and is the oldest, dedicated substance abuse treatment agency in Arizona.

From 1980 through today, Amity has allowed children of parents receiving residential treatment to live with them, and was one of the first treatment programs in Arizona to recognize the need to allowing children to stay with their mothers.

Environmental Actions

* Amity Foundation has implemented an energy and resource conservation program. In 2007, Amity Foundation took the lead among Therapeutic Communities in practices promoting environmental sustainability. After analyzing the agency’s vehicle gas expenditures, the findings prompted us to trade in most of the leased vehicle fleet in favor of fuel-efficient hybrid models.

* Amity also integrated a greywater system to irrigate its Tucson campus’ 55-acre, natural desert landscape, and are working to ensure that new construction on Amity campuses meet LEED’s Gold standard for certification. Light bulbs throughout the campus were changed to either LED or energy-saver bulbs, reducing the campus electric bills by nearly 40%.

* During 2010, Amity lead more than 300 participants through the Awakening the Dreamer: Changing the Dream symposium, a half-day workshop designed to awaken and inspire people to take action in pursuit of a fair, peaceful, and sustainable future.

* Amity recently installed recycling receptacles in its dining room and offices, to enhance recycling efforts. Commercial recycling bins have been on the campus since 2007. Bottled water is no longer purchased through our food services department, and the back part of the property is being prepared for gardening to supply the campus with organic produce.

* Additionally, preparations are being made to send faculty and students to papercrete workshops in hopes of integrating this sustainable construction into future renovations.  All students and faculty are encouraged to practice sustainable living in their own homes, and environmental sustainability has been added to all employee awareness training.

Coyote TaskForce

Coyote TaskForce is seeking a grant from TFS to install a solar energy system at their downtown Tucson building housing Our Place Clubhouse and Café 54.

Social Efforts

Coyote TaskForce is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in May of 1989 dedicated to improving the lives of individuals living with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) throughout Pima County. Our Place Clubhouse and Café 54, housed within the same building at 66 E. Pennington, work hand in hand to provide a spectrum of essential services in which members are involved every step of the way. In order to support members in upholding our mission, branches of Coyote TaskForce have been created specializing in key areas.

Based on the Fountain House Model of Rehabilitation, Our Place Clubhouse members take on the bulk of running day to day operations of four units comprised of:  (1) Re-Threads Thrift Store, (2) Employment and Education, (3) Food and Kitchen and (4) Resource and Advocacy. Members of the Clubhouse also work together to write articles for and produce a monthly newsletter, ‘Free Spirit’.

Community members enrolled in a behavioral health program may apply to become trainees at Café 54. In our award winning training program, trainees work with job coaches and a job developer to learn essential restaurant skills as well as general employment skills.  We aim to assist trainees to become independent, tax-paying citizens and to provide the community at large with a pool of reliable employees who have had training and firsthand experience working in a quality restaurant setting. Reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness by shifting focus from disabilities to abilities is a key objective of Café 54.

Environmental Efforts

Coyote TaskForce has long demonstrated their commitment to the environment. In 1998 the organization purchased and renovated its current Our Place Clubhouse building, constructed in the 1930’s and located in the heart of downtown Tucson. At that time, Coyote TaskForce secured a state grant focused on refitting the building with energy efficient  heating, cooling, and lighting systems.

The 54 Green Team is comprised of individuals who care deeply about the environment and feel a strong responsibility to use natural resources wisely and efficiently. The 54 Green Team mission includes:

1. Raising awareness and educating members and staff about sustainable practices

2. Forming relationships with local organizations in support of environmentally sound practices

3. Consistent re-evaluation of internal use of resources and brainstorming of new ways to realize our environmental values

4. Researching and purchasing environmentally friendly products

These goals are implemented in the following ways:

* Food waste has been reduced through the implementation of a chicken feed program coupled with creative, yet appropriate, use of leftovers. Our chefs frequently partner with Marana Farm, using locally grown produce and teaching summer sessions on the topic of food security. We are currently strategizing with Marana Farm to develop a compost program.

* Recycling is a priority at Coyote TaskForce with frequent informational sessions being facilitated with members and staff. All glass, cardboard, and tin products used in our programs are recycled and Café 54 uses compostable take out containers, cups and utensils.  In the spirit of conservation, Re-Threads thrift store offers quality used clothing.

* All tips from Café 54 go towards the Art Foundation, which provides free art materials to individuals in the behavioral health community and encourages its recipients to re-purpose available items into their projects.

* Café 54 has also recently contracted with Native Seeds to weigh and package seeds.

* In addition to these efforts, Coyote TaskForce employees take steps towards a sustainable future in their own lives by using bicycles as their primary mode of transportation, with still more utilizing Sun Tran bus services.

Birds, Blues and Belly Dance Benefit

Come and support the Wildlife Rehabilitation of Northwest Tucson at their Birds, Blues and Bellydance benefit on May 7th from 7pm-10pm at Sk.  The $7 donations at the door are appreciated 100% of the donation and 15% of Sky Bar and Brooklyn Pizza Company sales go toward the bird rehabilitation.  There will be bellydancing performances by Brandye, Sirena, Amy and Marjani, as well as appearences of great birds of prey from 7:30-8:30.  Music will be played by the Railbirdz.

Meet Me at Maynards Rock n' Stroll

Come and join TFS as we celebrate the vibrant Downtown Tucson Community.  Monday, April 11th records the second anniversary of Meet Me Maynard's and will be celebrated with music, walking, running and dancing.  You are invited to check in between 5pm and 6pm at the Amtrack Depot and then walk or run around the 2, 3, or 4 mile loops through downtown and 4th ave.  For more information about the event and fun activities that will be there, please visit their website.

Susan Komen Race for the Cure

The Southern Arizona Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is proud to host the 13th Annual Race for the Cure at Reid Park on Sunday, April 10th starting at 8:00am. You are invited to join in the largest participatory event in Southern Arizona! With your help, vital breast health resources can be provided to members of our community.  Limited parking at the site, so ride your bike! Free Valet Bike Parking will be provided.  Visit www.komensaz.org/ for more information.

Tour de Campus

On Saturday, April 11th, the Kiwanis Club of Tucson is presenting an educational bike tour for kids, ages 3-6 from 9:00am - noon.  This bicycle event for pre-schoolers will be held on the University of Arizona campus, and will focus on helmets, bicycle maintenance, safety in the desert, bicycle handling, and finish with a bike parade.  Bicycles, training wheels, and tricycles are welcome.  Cost is $5 and includes a t-shirt, water bottle and other fun stuff. Presented by the Kiwanis Club of Tucson – Sunshine and sponsored by the City of Tucson.

Old Pueblo Grand Prix Cycling Event

The Old Pueblo Grand Prix is a premier cycling event in the heart of downtown Tucson that is FREE to spectators. On Sunday, April 17th, come and celebrate cycling at its finest from 12:30pm - 5:00 pm.  With $20,000 in cash prizes, the Old Pueblo Grand Prix will attract top professional and amateur athletes from around the country.  It’s a perfect day to bring your friends and family to downtown and experience high speed pro bike racing right here in Tucson.  Races start at 12:30 PM when amateur racers take to the .6 mile course.  Make sure to bring your children for the kids race at 3:25 PM and grab a bite to eat at one of the 9 restaurants located on the race course.  Following the Pro Womens race is the Pro Mens race at 5:00 PM that will finish as the sun is setting and reach speeds of over 30 mph.  Make a day of it, bring your family, and tell your friends.  Visit www.oldpueblograndprix.com/general-information.html for more information.  Races will start and end at the EXPO Center on Church Ave between Pennington St and Alemada St.

GABA Bike Swap

On Sunday, April 17th from 6am - 1pm, the Greater Arizona Bicycling Association is hosting a bike swap.  Come to the largest bike swap in the west on 4th Avenue between 6th St and 9th St t get great feals on bicycles, parts, and gear.  Visit www.bikegaba.org for more information. Free Valet Bike Parking is availible while you shop.

Bike Tour of the Tucson Mountains

On Saturday, April 16th, celebrate springtime by biking the Tucson Mountains. Open to all ages and abilities, the Tour offers 73 and 27-mile distances, plus Fun Rides of 4 & 1/4 mile events. The 73-mile event is a perimeter ride around – not over – the beautiful Tucson Mountains.  All routes begin at Marana Town Hall in Marana, AZ and are generally flat, perfect for beginning riders! For more information and to register visit Perimeter Bicycling Association at www.perimeterbicycling.com or call 745-2033. Rides will begin at 6:30am, 8:30am and 10:30am depending on level of difficulty.

Earth Day Festival & Parade

Join the fun at 17^th annual Earth Day Festival and Parade on April 16th at Reid Park, near Country Club and 22^nd Street from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Participate in hands-on activities at booths and view an alternative fuel vehicle show and a solar competition. Ride your bike to reduce parking congestion and enjoy free Valet Bicycle Parking.  For more information visit www.tucsonearthday.org/

Bike to the Zoo Day

On Saturday, September 16th, ride your bike to Reid Park Zoo and show your helmet to get FREE admission and FREE valet parking inside the zoo.  The Greater Arizona Bicycling Association (GABA) will have rides starting from various locations around Tucson, in varying distances and speeds.  You decide which level and distance you want to pedal, and start with the group that most closely matches your cycling preference. All rides will converge at the zoo between 9 AM and 12 PM. Upon arrival at the zoo, stop at the GABA table with your helmet which will be set up inside of the entrance to get your ice cream cone/cup voucher (limited to the first 300 cyclists). Free valet bike parking will be available, through the GABA, inside the Reid Park Zoo for everyone who rides. Bike parking offered 9 AM to 3:30 PM.  Visit www.bikegaba.org for more information.

University of Arizona Earth Day Sustainability Forum

Come to the University of Arizona on Earth Day, Saturday, April 16, 2011 from 3:00pm to 5:30pm for a discussion of science, theology and business as it relates to environmental movements.  The talk will be held at the UA Center for Creative Photography, and requires a reservation.  To RSVP for the event and learn more, please visit www.sustainabletucson.org.

Spring Greening Volunteer and Education Event

Date:       Sunday, April 3, 2011 Time:       8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Place:  Starr Pass Blvd. at Santa Cruz River Park, west of Desert Survivors Nursery 1020 W. Starr Pass Blvd., Tucson, AZ  85745

Tucson Clean and Beautiful is hosting its first annual Spring Greening event, with multiple opportunities for the community to learn about and participate in Tucson Clean & Beautiful environmental efforts including volunteer litter cleanup and buffelgrass removal; tree maintenance demonstrations; recycling education and collection of cell phones, printer cartridges, aluminum cans and # 1 plastic bottles. The event is free, and those who come can enter raffles to win a multitude of gift certificates to different local Tucson businesses.

An event flyer is available at:  www.tucsoncleanandbeautiful.org/docs/tcb-spring-greening.pdf

For more information or to RSVP, feel free to contact: Evren Sonmez at (520) 791-3109 or email tcb@tucsonaz.gov

Antigone Books Solar Party & Sale!

Come out to Antigone Bookstore on 4th avenue this Sunday to help celebrate their newly installed 100% solar energy system! It's bound to be a good time, with delicious solar treats and sun tea to enjoy. Take advantage of their 20% off deal on any books, cards, or gifts  with the sunny color yellow on it, and any book from the green living section. There will be a couple of raffles to enter, and the first 25 people who show up will each win a free eco friendly water bottle! Make sure to bring  photos of your own solar panels, solar ovens, or other creative use of solar power if you have them for a chance to win a prize! Where: Antigone Bookstore: 411 n 4th ave. Tucson, Az 85705

When: Sunday, March 27th, 11:00am-5:00pm

Eat More Pie: Pie Baking Contest and Pie Party

Dust off your favorite recipe book and get rolling! There will be four judged categories (enter one or enter them all!), fantastic prizes, and more delicious home-made pie than you have ever seen.  Each pie you enter into the contest is an opportunity to support your favorite Tucson non-profit organization, who will receive all of the event proceeds if you win the contest!  Click here for details on this year's party.  Following the baking contest, all of the pies will be sliced open, and the "Pie Partying" will ensue. Slices will be sold for $3 each or $5/two slices. Come help us eat more pie!

When:  Sunday, May 1st
Where:  Dunbar School Auditorium, 325 W 2nd St. at Main Ave.

Drop off pies for judging: 12-1 p.m.

Pie Party: 4-7 p.m.

Solar Power 101: A Community Education Series on Solar Energy

The Office of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and Pima County Public Library present Solar Power 101: A Community Education Series on Solar Energy.  There will be presentations made on the following topics: -       Environment Arizona: Environment Arizona focuses on protecting Arizona's air, water and open spaces through independent research and advocacy. They will discuss a new report on the benefits of solar hot water. -       City of Tucson:  Asia Philbin from Tucson Water services will discuss the Water/Energy connection -       The Basics of Solar: Kevin Koch from Technicians for Sustainability will give an overview of Solar PV and Solar hot water technologies and systems.   When: Thursday, March 24, 2011, 6-8 p.m. Where: Ellie Towne Flowing Wells Community Center, 1660 W. Ruthrauff Rd     Please RSVP at RSVPsolar@mail.house.gov or (520)881-3588 For more solar energy information, please visit www.giffords.house.gov