Hello EEC friends, community members, and environmental stewards! This newsletter includes our September meeting summary as well as upcoming events and new happenings! We have several new events, workshops, and volunteer opportunities posted so make sure to check them out and RSVP! In our September meeting, we shared EEC's budding partnership for a possible new Seed Library at the Edgewater Public Library branch, discussed the Save Your Ash coalition budget item amendment, brainstormed strategies for the Parkway for Pollinators and WEAR pollinator gardens, and invited members to the upcoming Community Air Research Experience presentation on project findings. Following the meeting, we've posted new "Topics" on the website, and information on Air, Water, Green Buildings, Green Schools, and Sustainable Development are available to use and share as resources. We look forward to seeing you soon! Our monthly meetings take place at 6:30 PM every second Thursday of the month, and they are all posted under upcoming events. Join us at our next meeting on 10/13. Conference Information Meeting ID: 829 1770 2982 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82917702982 +13126266799,,82917702982# US
View August Meeting Summary HERE Watch August Meeting Recording HERE Recording passcode: iyF9BG#&
Meeting Highlights
Sign up here to join the annual EEC group orientation!
Read about EEC's strategic intentions regarding equity and inclusion, partnership development, resources, community goals like green building practices, and continued stewardship
Interested in working on Edgewater Seed Libraries, taking the lead on 2-stroke engine organizing, or attending the Community Air Research Presentations? Email sustainedgewater@gmail.com to let us know!
RSVP for invitations to the Parkway for Pollinators seed collection (early October) and seed organizing (mid November)
Calling for volunteers! EEC is planning our 3rd annual Pumpkin Smash composting event on Saturday, November 5th, and we need volunteers for greeting, coordinating, and pumpkin smashing! Contact Nina at nnewhouser@gmail.com if you're interested in helping out!
Upcoming Urban Resiliency Workshops
Spilling the Tea on Tea: Herbalism Event (9/27)
You are invited! Join us for an experiential workshop exploring the healing potential of plants. This 90 minute workshop offers a vision of using water as a fundamental healer for the human body. We will make tea and discuss other herbal preparations that are water based. Please bring something to write on and with, as we gather to discuss the simple yet powerful method of using herbal medicine and learning about herbs.
Rev. Kim Crutcher (LCPC) is an artist, teacher and mental health counselor committed to fostering holistic transformation in individuals, groups and communities. Using ritual, song, the written word, storytelling, Western psychotherapy, folk healing traditions, and the creative process Kim is able to meet the emotional, mental, spiritual and physical needs of her clients. Currently Kim stands in the role of Chief Conductor of the Herbal Apprenticeship program with Urban Grower's Collective.
Mending Fair (10/20)
Transition into fall by learning to mend fabrics with Nandi Duszynski of Bliss Joy Bull and local Scrap Squad Chicago artists. Learn basic sewing skills and Sashiko mending techniques for both knit and woven fabrics, and consider bringing clothing items from home to repair for your winter wardrobe or before donating. Event brought to you with support from the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce and Special Service Area #26.
Our Upcoming Events
Hollywood Beach Stewardship Days: 9/25, 10/30
Spilling the Tea on Tea Herbalism Workshop: 9/27
West Ridge Nature Park Stewardship Days: 9/17, 10/15, 11/19, 12/17
Put Your Bed to Bed Workshop: 10/29
Pumpkin Smash Save the Date: 11/5
Litter Free Edgewater Clean Up: Last Saturday of the month
Vedgewater Volunteer Days: assorted Saturdays and weekdays
Remaining 2022 monthly general meetings: 10/13, 11/10
Community Connections
$300 Million for Energy Bill Assistance Receive energy bill assistance with $300 million in available funding. Through the Help IL Families program, Gov. JB Pritzker and the IL Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity encourage families who meet eligibility criteria to receive assistance for natural gas, propane, and electricity bills. Apply here or call (833)711-0374 between September 1st and May 31st for one-time payments to be submitted directly to energy service providers on behalf of recipients.
Beach Stewardship Plant 1000+ native plants with us! On Sunday, September 25th and October 30th from 10:30-12:30pm, EEC is hosting beach stewardship workdays at the Kathy Osterman Beach dunes. Join us for the planting of native species, litter pickup, trail mulching, invasive plant removal, and plan identification with other community members! RSVP here to help get all hands on deck in restoration of these beach dunes!
Global Climate Strike Join the forces; On Friday, September 23rd at 11am, climate activists are joining together in downtown Chicago to protest continued fossil fuel infrastructure and disproportionate community investment, and to promote sustainable solutions. This event is co-hosted by 360Chicago, the Climate Youth Coalition of Chicago, Rising Tide Chicago, and Fridays for Future. RSVP here to attend the Chicago branch of the strike, and here to participate in the dance flash mob led by Civil DISCObedience.
TreeKeepers Course Register for the fall 2022 TreeKeepers Course! Starting Sunday, October 2nd, this 8-session course at Northeastern Illinois University will be a hybrid experience between in-person and remote evening classes, and will cover topics of stewardship, innovation, collaboration, and local advocacy. Apply here, and email treekeepers@openlands.org for more information concerning scholarships offered.
ICJC Chicago Building Decarb Grassroots Training Attend a training session for volunteer leaders! Lead by the ICJC grassroots team, this virtual training on October 4th at 6pm will get members up to speed on the campaign, and will equip them for advocacy tactics like aldermanic briefings and constituent visits. RSVP here to attend this educational session and get involved in the Chicago Building Decarbonization Campaign.
The Soil Keepers Enroll for the Soil Keepers Community Soil Science Training! From the week of October 9th to the week of November 6th, this 60 hour certification includes five courses––community soil science, the physical aspects of soil, the life cycles and microbiology of soil, the chemical aspects of soil, and community soil bioremediation––and is free of charge to local area residents. Apply with a short statement to info@socialecologies.net by October 7th.
Vote Yes Cook County Ballot Initiative Join Vote Yes for a Cook County Ballot Initiative! On Friday, September 23rd, consider sponsoring the Forest Preserves of Cook County in their mission to protect 70,000 acres of land, air quality, wildlife, and clean water sources; support other environmental stewards and advocates in their upcoming initiative. RSVP here to join the event and click here for further coalition information.
In Case You Missed It
In our August monthly meeting, we brainstormed strategies for Park 559, shared updates on our composting campaign, and heard from the Vote Yes for Clean Air, Clean Water, and Wildlife campaign. Take action in support of this conservation referendum and sign the Vote Yes pledge here. Chicago still lacks a Department of Environment. Though the Lightfoot Administration began investment for environmental projects, our city both needs and deserves a DOE to facilitate policy development, enforce institutional capacity, and protect both human and environmental health. Take action here; tell your Alder to #BringDOEBack.