http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ Groundwork Somerville Forums en-US Sat, 04 Feb 2012 02:49:31 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/search.php http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/topic/brownfields-presentation#post-82 Thu, 21 Apr 2011 17:13:02 +0000 kateobrien 82@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <p>Congratulations to Groundwork Somerville for an amazing panel at Brownfields 2011!</p> <p>What I loved about the Community Planning session was seeing practitioners from all over the country filling every single seat in that conference room. Everyone gathered there to hear about Groundwork Somerville's take on equitable redevelopment efforts that feature true community participation. Creating a space where everyone-- even those who are typically marginalized from planning and policy discussions and decisions that directly impact their quality of life-- can share their thoughts is one of the most valuable aspects of the Groundwork approach. I was so proud to see my colleagues and friends up there, leading a panel presentation that they themselves wrote, thought about, and rehearsed. Every single participant was engaged, even those who were listeners, and that is something typically unseen at the Brownfields conference (and I've attended 5 of those now). You all truly made an impact at the conference, in many ways.</p> <p>That the conference room was filled to standing-room-only capacity tells me that the national brownfields conference needs more sessions like this one. Tangible, accessible, and honest dialogue about how to ensure planning and redevelopment engages everyone in a meaningful way is really important for all community development professionals to hear. On that front, I am hopeful that I'll be able to help guide a conversation with EPA and ICMA about how to make sure the Groundwork USA network of practitioners is at the table planning future conferences, particularly shaping the equitable redevelopment conversation. The conclusion of your session sparked a beginning to that conversation between myself and an EPA colleague; I know that I'll be referencing threads from this online discussion when that conversation continues. </p> <p>Thanks for the opportunity to share! </p> http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/topic/brownfields-presentation#post-71 Fri, 15 Apr 2011 19:44:02 +0000 Jen Jalapeno 71@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <p>Wow - I just need to add my own thoughts in here. We had such an amazing experience at the Brownfields conference in Philadelphia. It was absolutely empowering to be presenters at a national conference. But it was also more than that. Not only were we presenters, but we organized the entire panel. Our youth presenters, partnered with our adult presenters, were really a dynamo team, and demonstrated just how passionate, skilled, and empowered the employees of the Groundwork network are. The best part about presenting for me was watching as self-assured participants walked into our conference room and instantly became self-conscious as they realized they were walking into a living and breathing community meeting! They were taken out of the role of in-power developers, and transformed into the role of community members participating. It was magical and amazing to see the fear go away as they participated in our icebreaker, watched the historical skit, and then took part in small group breakout sessions. Thank you to the EPA for allowing us to present, ICMA for organizing, and our amazing sponsors, the City of Somerville, EPA, ICMA, Foundry on Elm, and ZipCar! </p> http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/topic/brownfields-presentation#post-70 Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:20:05 +0000 Kev@Bflo 70@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <p>Greetings, Groundwork Somerville! </p> <p>Great job at the Brownfields Conference down in Philly. Impressive: all those experts on brownfield redevelopment from across the country, and it was Groundwork Somerville that was *THE* expert on organizing, mobilizing, and working with &amp; on behalf of impacted communities. Everyone knows that remediation &amp; redevelopment projects are much more effective when local communities are engaged and supportive. You guys showed how to get that job done in a fun and informative way. I learned a lot from your example.</p> <p>It was especially inspiring to see the Green Team teens there, teaching professionals from all over the country all about the importance of working with impacted communities. They did such a great job. </p> <p>There are so many challenges here in Buffalo, NY. But your panel presentation inspired me, made me more excited to get back to work, and helped me to see Buffalo's challenges as opportunities to work with people and try to make positive change. </p> <p>Thanks for your work, and great job! </p> http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/topic/taking-somerville-to-philadelphia#post-69 Wed, 13 Apr 2011 21:58:15 +0000 Chelsea 69@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <p>During the first week of April 2011, three Groundwork staff members and two high school Green Teamers drove down to Philadelphia to represent Somerville at the national EPA Brownfields Conference. </p> <p>We were proud to be presenters. Our presenation was incredibly well-received, partially because it was in a unique, roundtable format. The point of our presentation was to teach participants about how to engage the community in the land-use and Brownfield redevelopment process. You can see the link to our presentation description at the Brownfields Conference website, here:</p> <p><a href="http://www.brownfields2011.org/en/Session/1773?returnurl=%2fen%2fsessions" rel="nofollow">http://www.brownfields2011.org/en/Session/1773?returnurl=%2fen%2fsessions</a></p> <p>We decided that the best way to get our point across was to lead by example, so the session was run in community-meeting style, rather than a panel format. Participants signed in, filled out name tags, and participated in an icebreaker. We oriented them to the histroy of our project through a skit. Then we broke up into three small groups, focused on the areas of Funding, Community Engagement, and Collaboration/Working in Partnerships.</p> <p>There were folks from all different types of organizations and fields present. They really seemed to appreciate the opportunity to exchange ideas and build on the knowledge in the room. We got lots of positive feedback, and special props to the two Green Teamers, who represented their group fantastically!</p> <p>Also, a huge thanks to ZipCar, Foundry on Elm, the ICMA, and City of Somerville for helping to make this trip possible. It was a great leadership development and educational opportunity for the teens, and all of us! </p> http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/topic/brownfields-presentation#post-68 Wed, 13 Apr 2011 21:45:58 +0000 Chelsea 68@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <p>I am going to post my thoughts on the trip, too! Thanks again to ZipCar, Foundry on Elm, the City of Somerville, and ICMA for making this amazing opportunity possible.</p> <p>Ron- we forgot to tell them that we got to take the teens to the Liberty Bell. It is a beautiful National Park site, and a very moving experience!</p> <p>Another favorite non-conference moment was the opportunity to have a family dinner with folks from Groundwork trusts all over the country. It is great to meet dedicated people who are working hard to build strong, healthy, sustainable communities under the Groundwork banner! </p> http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/topic/brownfields-presentation#post-67 Fri, 08 Apr 2011 03:01:52 +0000 dont forget the Ronald 67@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <p>Traveling to Philadelphia to present the work we do here in Somerville to a national audience was Awesome!! </p> <p>I feel much more energized an inspired after watching our Green Teamer's give a stellar performance and I'm proud that i could be apart of that. It was great to see our community join together to help our mission and it reinforces the impact that we are having here in Somerville. Thank you to all the supporters because we couldn't have made it without you. </p> http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/topic/vermicomposting#post-66 Tue, 29 Mar 2011 02:04:01 +0000 claytontf 66@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <p>Hi mggs,</p> <p>Shoot me an email here at Groundwork. I know a number of resources to get worms.<br /> Happy composting! </p> <p><a href="mailto:clayton@groundworksomerville.org">clayton@groundworksomerville.org</a> </p> http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/topic/racial-justice-training#post-65 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 22:20:31 +0000 Chelsea 65@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <p>Two weeks ago, three Groundwork Somerville staff members and one of our partners from Cambridge Health Alliance attended a Racial Justice Training in Boston. In a dynamic two days, we talked about racial differences in our own lives and communities, as well as how we can create a more equitable and sustainable Somerville. </p> <p>We spent time talking about how differences in people's health come from the unfair ways that resources, power, and opportunities are spread out. This unfair imbalance in things like life expectancy, infant mortality, the prevalency of disease, and ability to treat disease is called health inequity. </p> <p>A lot of the time, people think of racism as individual prejudice. However, because of generations of discrimination and racial inequality, sometimes the very way society is structured is unfair, in ways that not everyone notices, just because it feels like the "norm". </p> <p>Some things in our enviroment that are not good for our health include nearby highways or contaminated sites, places where buses idle, dangerous street crossings, street layouts that make getting around only accessible by car, and places where unhealthy food is much cheaper and easier to get than fresh food.<br /> Some things in our environment that are good for our health include nearby access to fresh, healthy, affordable food, streets that make it safe and easy to get around the city by walking, biking, or another method of exercise, having jobs that allow us to take care of our basic needs, and having appropriate health care. </p> <p>What are some other things you can add to these two lists?<br /> Which neighborhoods in Somerville do you think of in relation to things that are good for our health, and which neighborhoods in Somerville do you think of in relation to things that are NOT good for our health?<br /> How would you describe the racial makeup of the neighborhoods you thought of in terms of healthy and unhealthy places in Somerville? </p> http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/topic/vermicomposting#post-64 Sun, 13 Mar 2011 20:27:35 +0000 mggs 64@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <p>I am planning on teaching my school kids about vermicomposting. Is there anyone who would be willing to share some of their worms. I plan on starting an indoor bin approx. 3'x3'. Thanks! </p> http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/topic/does-your-community-have-enough-supermarkets#post-59 Tue, 08 Mar 2011 16:10:11 +0000 Tai Tomato 59@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <p>Massachusetts ranks nearly dead last — third from the bottom nationally — in having enough supermarkets with fresh, nutritious food, according to a report to be released today by the Massachusetts Public Health Association. Does your neighborhood have enough access to fresh food? How can we encourage supermarkets to come to lower income neighborhoods or areas with only small spaces for stores? Join the discussion!</p> <p><a href="http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2011/03/07/shortage_of_grocers_plagues_mass_cities/" rel="nofollow">http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2011/03/07/shortage_of_grocers_plagues_mass_cities/</a> </p> http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/topic/how-will-your-quality-of-life-be-influenced-by-the-comprehensive-plan#post-58 Wed, 02 Mar 2011 23:17:42 +0000 Chelsea 58@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <p>Excellent. I wasn't able to attend the first meeting, but I'll be there on March 15th. Who is with me? </p> http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/topic/are-you-signed-up-for-the-gws-e-newsletter#post-57 Fri, 25 Feb 2011 18:59:15 +0000 Jen Jalapeno 57@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <p>You should be!</p> <p>Sign up for the GWS e-newsletter and get monthly updates: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/4np6h5k" rel="nofollow">http://tinyurl.com/4np6h5k</a> </p> http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/topic/how-will-your-quality-of-life-be-influenced-by-the-comprehensive-plan#post-56 Fri, 25 Feb 2011 15:54:04 +0000 Jen Jalapeno 56@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <p>So the City of Somerville has embarked upon quite a major endeavor - they are creating a Comprehensive Plan that will guide all zoning and land-use planning in our community for the foreseeable (and even more distant!) future. I have been lucky enough to be a member of the 62-person Steering Committee working on this for the past 18 months (wow it's been a long time!).</p> <p>Now it's time to get your input....Are we on the right track? Are we missing really important items that we just didn't think of? Are the right voices around the table? We need your help. Following, please find a note from Keith Craig, of SomerVision at the city, inviting the community to one of a series of visioning meetings. I hope to see you there!</p> <p>****************************</p> <p>How is the vision you helped to create being applied?</p> <p>As you know, the City of Somerville is in the process of preparing a city-wide Comprehensive Plan that will guide the future of the city over the next 20 years. In March, the City is hosting a series of events related to this process. Attending one or more of these events will be an opportunity to give your thoughts and insights on how elements of the Comprehensive Plan will influence how you live, work, play, and commute. The schedule for these events is on the attached Flyer and as below:</p> <p>§ Tuesday, March 1, 2011 - Argenziano School, 290 Washington Street</p> <p>§ Tuesday, March 15, 2011 - Holiday Inn, 30 Washington Street</p> <p>§ Monday, March 28, 2011 - TAB Building, 167 Holland Street</p> <p>§ Thursday, March 31, 2011 - The Armory, 191 Highland Avenue</p> <p>All events will run 6:30pm - 9:00pm. </p> http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/topic/im-getting-a-bike#post-55 Fri, 25 Feb 2011 15:48:58 +0000 Jen Jalapeno 55@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <p>Hey Ron,</p> <p>I'd be happy to help you think this through - I LOVE my bike and would gladly go bike shopping with you :) Let me know! </p> http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/topic/ideas-for-creating-more-opportunities-for-somerville-children-in-nature#post-54 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 20:32:09 +0000 Tai Tomato 54@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <p>Have kids ages 6-9? Come to our Maple Syrup Workshops every Saturday (11am) at the Library: <a href="http://www.groundworksomerville.org/2011/01/13/maple-syrup-workshop-the-library-3/" rel="nofollow">http://www.groundworksomerville.org/2011/01/13/maple-syrup-workshop-the-library-3/</a> </p> http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/topic/im-getting-a-bike#post-53 Thu, 17 Feb 2011 19:45:40 +0000 dont forget the Ronald 53@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <p>It just makes so much more sense financially, envronmentally, and physically. I'll save money, preserve the environment, and stay fit. </p> http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/topic/vermicomposting#post-52 Tue, 15 Feb 2011 16:25:36 +0000 claytontf 52@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <p>Hi,<br /> We sell Red Wrigglers here in our office 5 days a week. Just give us a call or drop an email and we will have them ready for you when you can stop by.</p> <p>Thanks to every one who stopped by the Somerville Farmers' Market this weekend. It was awesome meeting all the folks who are doing the composting thing. We are all making a difference, no matter how small. </p> http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/topic/ideas-for-creating-more-opportunities-for-somerville-children-in-nature#post-51 Fri, 11 Feb 2011 17:09:23 +0000 Jen Jalapeno 51@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <p>Tai this is such a good question. I would love to see us doing more hosting of educational sessions in gardens - what about a nature camp at the Blessing of the Bay Boathouse? What about utilizing the Healey Garden during non- Community Schools times for parents to bring their children for enriched, educational programming that is fun? We'd need to figure out how to fund it, but how cool would that be? </p> http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/topic/ideas-for-creating-more-opportunities-for-somerville-children-in-nature#post-50 Wed, 09 Feb 2011 22:51:48 +0000 Tai Tomato 50@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <p>I'm about to go the Main Branch Library to attend a panel discussion on "Children in Nature." It's hard to leave my desk because I'm busy solidifying details for the Maple Boil Down Festival, planning tomorrow's Garden Club, and ordering seeds for the school gardens. In short, my work every day is focused on giving Somerville youth opportunities to live, learn, and play in nature. Clearly my perspective is unique! </p> <p>For those of you who wished you spent more time in natural settings, regret days that you don't have time or energy to take the kids to a park or playground, or don't feel as though a natural space is even accessible for you or your family: What needs to change in Somerville to increase opportunities for getting children and adults into natural settings? What prevents you from going outside to recreate? What nature programming do you wish was run in Somerville? How might Groundwork Somerville help make your ideas happen ?!? </p> http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/topic/vermicomposting#post-49 Tue, 08 Feb 2011 15:54:08 +0000 kristen 49@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <p>Hi,<br /> I recently moved up here from down south, and my worm bin needs some TLC. Most importantly, it needs a population boost! Is there anyone willing to buy/trade a handful of wrigglers? I am in Somerville on weekdays, but unforunately can't make it up for the Winter Market. Thanks in advance. </p> http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/topic/vermicomposting#post-48 Mon, 07 Feb 2011 16:12:05 +0000 Jen Jalapeno 48@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <p>I recently started worm composting in my kitchen -it's so easy and fun! Even my finicky boyfriend, who doesn't like things to not be neat and clean, doesn't even notice they're there and actually adds to it! Definitely contact Clayton if you'd like to know how to create your own sustainable system under your kitchen sink! </p> http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/topic/vermicomposting#post-47 Wed, 02 Feb 2011 15:11:57 +0000 claytontf 47@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <p>Hi everyone,<br /> Clayton here. I am going to be at the Somerville Winter Farmers’ Market on February 12, 2011. I will be there with some of my squiggly co-workers showing folks how to vermicompost indoors over the winter months. Here at Groundwork Somerville we work with our worm friends in composting, vermicomposting, and vermiculture. At home, my wife and I have been composting and vermicomposting in our kitchen for almost 3 years. This is probably the best way of composting kitchen wastes all year long. Thousands of households without gardens use neat and unobtrusive worm boxes indoors to compost their kitchen scraps. I am curious how many households in Somerville use one or all of these methods. I will be taking a survey as well as sharing tips on all three on the 12th. Stop by and let’s chat.<br /> What interest do you have in working with worms? What discussions would you like to have on Saturday about vermicomposting? Let me know your thoughts and interests.<br /> Also make sure and stop by the Farm Share Fair in Cambridge on Thursday night. There will be lots of great farmers to meet and lots of CSA’s to learn about.<br /> <a href="http://www.farmsharefair.org" rel="nofollow">http://www.farmsharefair.org</a><br /> See ya Saturday! </p> http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/topic/it%e2%80%99s-a-small-interdependent-world-after-all-modern-barn-raisings#post-46 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 17:06:46 +0000 Jen Jalapeno 46@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <p>And we can even think further - really everything that we do is a barn-raising!</p> <p>We work on youth-led campaigns that take the collaboration, partnership, minds and skills of all our friends and neighbors. </p> <p>We are attempting to eradicate an invasive species from our river and wouldn't be able to even come CLOSE without the help of our friends at the Mystic River Watershed Association, the Friends of the Mystic River, the yacht clubs / boat club on the Lower Mystic, our friends in Medford, Everett, Malden, Arlington and beyond, etc...</p> <p>We are raising barns all over the community to ensure that our work is meaningful and has a lasting impact. </p> http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/topic/how-to-change-your-password#post-45 Fri, 28 Jan 2011 22:03:56 +0000 dont forget the Ronald 45@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <p>Thanks i got a new easy password now </p> http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/topic/giving-back#post-44 Fri, 28 Jan 2011 21:59:45 +0000 dont forget the Ronald 44@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <p>Thank you everyone-- very useful info </p> http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/topic/how-to-change-your-password#post-43 Fri, 28 Jan 2011 17:36:55 +0000 Tai Tomato 43@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <p>Hi Folks,</p> <p>Here's the answer to those who want to change their password to something they can remember:</p> <p>1) Login to Forums<br /> 2)Click on your name on the top left corner (Mine Says Welcom, Tai Tomato. I'd click on Tai Tomato)<br /> 3) Select the "Edit" Tab on the top right corner of your screeen<br /> 4) Scroll down to the "Change Password" section</p> <p>If you have any other questions about using the Forum, let us know! We're working on making the link from the home page easier to find and increasing the number of helpful and interesting discussions, so we appreciate your feedback. </p> http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/topic/it%e2%80%99s-a-small-interdependent-world-after-all-modern-barn-raisings#post-39 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 23:34:43 +0000 mschorrbeaufait 39@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <p>Wonderful, thoughtful, and thought-provoking post, Chelsea! I'm so happy that I get to rub shoulders with you every day now that you're part of the GWS team. </p> http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/topic/giving-back#post-38 Tue, 04 Jan 2011 17:16:15 +0000 Mdot 38@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <p>I hope you're still in the giving mood- I know the schools i.e Prospect Hill Academy can always use volunteers for their school events. Also, the local hospitals may need help with the extra winter patient traffic. Great efforts, keep up the good work!!! </p> http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/topic/it%e2%80%99s-a-small-interdependent-world-after-all-modern-barn-raisings#post-37 Wed, 29 Dec 2010 21:20:01 +0000 Chelsea 37@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <p>My fundamental impression of traditional barn-raisings has been informed by my childhood sources for all things pioneer: the Laura Ingalls Wilder’s “Little House on the Prairie” and subsequent sequels, plus the (unpalatably misogynistic) “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.” Okay, so I’m no first-hand expert when it comes to 18th century wood-joining.</p> <p>However, I do know enough about barn-raisings to be enamored of the ethos behind them. What a wonderful practice; bringing the community together over food and socializing while completing a necessary, practical task. </p> <p>In recent times, the term “barn-raising” has been appropriated and applied in regards to community weatherization projects. At an energy barn-raising, individuals come together to weatherize an existing home or non-profit building to make it more energy efficient. Although an actual structure isn’t being built, like the literal barn-raisings of old, the modern-day events include an organized structure where experienced individuals lead a group in a specific task which contributes to the overall goal. Also like the traditional events, working is combined with learning and celebration.</p> <p>About a year ago, I participated in an energy efficiency barn-raising with the Somerville Home Energy Efficiency Team (SHEET). The parsonage next to my local church was the subject of the day’s home improvements. I felt personally invested and hopeful of learning some skills that could be applied to my drafty 1915-constructed Somerville apartment (complete with uninsinuated porch-turned-bedroom. Brr!.)</p> <p>The event was a great success. I didn’t know who they were at the time, but over caulking guns, spray-foam insulation, and a lavish spread of food treats, I would rub shoulders with Groundwork Somerville’s Green Team that day. Little did we know, the following summer I would happily be a Green Team Supervisor. It’s a small world, and an even smaller 4-square mile city of ours. To me, this coincidental run-in just highlights the interconnectedness and communal interdependence that barn-raisings celebrate. The experts there accomplished more that day than could have alone, and newbies were able to participate in a meaningful way and go home with practical skills in hand. </p> <p>Video evidence of the Green Team’s attendance that day. (and is that the back of my head…?) </p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaUQxwgOfKA" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaUQxwgOfKA</a></p> <p>Increasing energy efficiency at home plays a crucial role lowering energy bills and carbon emissions. There is certainly an ever-growing canon of information out there about how to increase energy efficiency, so much that it can be overwhelming at times. I recommend attending an energy barn-raising as a fun, hands-on place to start.</p> <p>Check out the Cambirdge Home Energy Efficiency Team (HEET): <a href="http://heetma.com/about-us" rel="nofollow">http://heetma.com/about-us</a>. The labor they provide is free to the home-owners or tenants, who only pay for materials. HEET also fundraises to provide materials to low-income residents. Anyone can sign up to volunteer for their events! </p> <p>Just like 18th century barn-raisings were more about just putting up a building, weatherization barn-raisings show the strength of community ties and the power of our collaborative work. Take part in one this winter! </p> http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/topic/giving-back#post-36 Wed, 29 Dec 2010 21:17:08 +0000 Chelsea 36@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <br /> http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/topic/giving-back#post-35 Tue, 28 Dec 2010 22:59:39 +0000 Jen Jalapeno 35@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <p>I love this! Thanks Ron....I love many of our local friends:</p> <p>Try the Somerville Homeless Coalition (somervillehomelesscoalition.org); The Welcome Project (welcomeproject.org); Somerville Community Corporation (www.somervillecdc.org); or Somerville Local First (somervillelocalfirst.org).</p> <p>Thanks for posting these great opportunities </p> http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/topic/giving-back#post-34 Wed, 22 Dec 2010 20:53:10 +0000 Chelsea 34@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <p>Oh yeah! Also, here is a listing of some community service opportunities in Somerville:<br /> <a href="http://community-service.meetup.com/cities/us/ma/somerville/" rel="nofollow">http://community-service.meetup.com/cities/us/ma/somerville/</a> </p> http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/topic/winter-composting#post-33 Wed, 22 Dec 2010 20:39:40 +0000 Chelsea 33@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <p>We have an indoor worm bin in my apartment, too. We keep a metal canister by the sink, so that when we are prepping food we can put all of the organic matter scraps directly into it. When that canister gets full, we decant it into the worm bin.</p> <p>As far as doing SoilCycle by bicycle in the winter, that's a tough one. I'll think about it and post if I come with anything useful... </p> http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/topic/giving-back#post-32 Wed, 22 Dec 2010 20:34:28 +0000 Chelsea 32@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <p>Another cool idea is to consider registering as a bone marrow donor. Give the gift of life! Bone marrow donors are desperately needed, and to join the registry all you have to do is a quick, painless cheek swab. Our partner Cambridge Health Alliance is hosting a drive in January. Any questions about joining the registry can be found here: <a href="http://www.marrow.org/index.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.marrow.org/index.html</a></p> <p>And the specifics about the drive are here:</p> <p>National Marrow Donor Program Northeast District<br /> Telephone Number: 877-601-1926Ext. 7723<br /> Drive Name: MA / Cambridge Health Alliance<br /> Drive Location:<br /> 1493 Cambridge Street, Cambridge , MA 02139<br /> Drive Date: Jan 13, 2011<br /> Drive Time: 12:00PM - 4:00PM </p> http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/topic/giving-back#post-31 Tue, 21 Dec 2010 03:33:55 +0000 dont forget the Ronald 31@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <p>Thx<br /> I prob cant make it to lawrence but im sure someone reading this could use that info. Thx a bunch for sharing. </p>