http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/forum/general-conversations Groundwork Somerville Forums en-US Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:11:05 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/search.php 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/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/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/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-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/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/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/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/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/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/winter-composting#post-21 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 19:35:01 +0000 claudy jean-louis 21@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <p>Hi Claudy here,I’ve been doing SoilCycle which picks up compost around the Somerville area every Tuesday and Thursdays, I enjoy meeting new people and telling them about the kind of work I do.<br /> We are not the only one out there interested in composting year round. We want to hear the public’s voice and opinion.</p> <p> Now lets get started my 1st question is how do you keep your composting running during the winter time?</p> <p>2nd question we have about 13 subscribers my goal is to have 100 by next year but we won’t be able to do that if I have to stop every winter.</p> <p>We want to know how would you deal with this in your own way or how do you handle it year round. No question is too bad or no idea is to small.</p> <p>Let me know what you think. Later. </p> http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/topic/tool-storage-and-maintenance#post-28 Mon, 20 Dec 2010 18:43:03 +0000 claytontf 28@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <p>Hi everyone, Clayton here. Are you sitting around waiting for your new seed catalogs to arrive? I am. To get me in the mood and to start thinking about the new planting season, I think about what I can do to get the ball rolling. It is cold and snowy outside so the idea of working the soil is a no go. I find this is a great time to do a bit of tool maintenance. Sharpening the blades, linseed oiling the handles and tightening all bolts are the chores that often get forgotten until it is time to use the tools. A few easy steps and just a little time and attention will have you ready to dig as soon as the soil thaws.<br /> I have tried different methods of cleaning like the sand and oil in the bucket trick, finding the friend who has a grinder for sharpening, and so on. I find that just getting a decent hand file, a good wire brush, a little steel wool, soap and water along with a good clean cloth will do the trick. Cleaning, drying, and proper storage of your tools will help them to last for years to come. So go to your garage, basement, or tool shed and treat your garden tools as carefully and with the same attention as you do your plants.<br /> There are plenty of books and websites that can give you advice for most any tool, or you can just ask me. I have been collecting and restoring antique farm hand tools for some time and have come across many problems I have had to solve. I look forward to sharing my cleaning and restoring experience. </p> http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/topic/what-part-of-our-urban-environment-do-you-value#post-18 Thu, 02 Dec 2010 21:24:51 +0000 Tai Tomato 18@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <p>In 2008 Groundwork Somerville added the Maple Syrup Project to our long list of programs when we realized that without our support, the project would not happen. In the past two years, we have reached increasing numbers of classrooms through our special education series and reached more residents who help tap, collect sap, educate, and boil the sap into syrup. We are now reaching out to local supporters to join us and make the program more sustainable for Groundwork Somerville to coordinate through events such as this Saturday's (12/4/2010) Maple Brunch at the Independent (visit our calendar page for more information). </p> <p>Every February, maple trees in Somerville are tapped and the collected sap is stored for a public boil-down event in March (save the date: 3/5/11). Throughout the season, Groundwork Somerville staff and community volunteers teach a 4-week, standards-based arts and science curriculum to 2nd graders in Somerville’s public schools. High school students working in their metal shop provide annual maintenance on the wood stove and evaporator pan they made in 2005. The syrup produced is given as thank you gifts to key partners and sold at Groundwork Somerville’s booth at the Union Square Farmer’s Market. </p> <p>This program, which I coordinate, is especially important to me because of how dramatically participants' perspectives change regarding urban trees as living things and producers of useful and sometimes delicious products. It isn’t enough to do tree plantings and promote greening of our communities, we also have to educate our neighbors and friends about the value of gardens, parks, and trees and how to enjoy their presence respectfully. New trees, after all, are the perfect natural jungle gyms, pull up bars, and climbing challenges.</p> <p>Do you value urban trees, community gardens, unpaved back yards, or other "urban wilds" scattered throughout Somerville? Are there special natural places you enjoy relaxing, playing, or working in? Have you participated in the Maple Syrup Project? How did it change your perspective on our urban forest? Tell us what part of our city's environment you value! </p> http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/topic/re-try#post-16 Tue, 30 Nov 2010 17:00:53 +0000 mschorrbeaufait 16@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <p>After a delightfully food- and family-filled weekend, it's great to return to the bustle of all that's going on at GWS. Returning to the office on Monday morning, we all shared stories of our Thanksgiving traditions. Groundwork staff members traversed New England to celebrate the holiday. I was glad to have had the wonderful opportunity to share a meal with my co-workers earlier in the month to celebrate the close of an amazing season at Battle Road Farm. You can read more about that feast on the blog of one of the wonderful members of the greater Groundwork family at <a href="http://whatlolitaeats.com/2010/11/07/outdoor-autumn-harvest-maelstrom-picnic-on-the-minuteman-trail/" rel="nofollow">http://whatlolitaeats.com/2010/11/07/outdoor-autumn-harvest-maelstrom-picnic-on-the-minuteman-trail/</a>. Groundwork is a place where the staff celebrates food - do we ever! - and community. I feel extremely grateful to be part of such a close-knit organization.</p> <p>After almost a week away from the office, it's back to the grindstone preparing for an amazing event this weekend...</p> <p>On Sunday, Dec. 5th, the Green Team will be collaborating with Somerville Climate Action to host the first of three Living Green Festivals from 1-4pm at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church on Cross Street in East Somerville. This series of events are geared at engaging Somerville's environmental justice communities. We hope to provide a setting in which families from many different backgrounds can come together to exchange information on issues that affect their lives. Together, we aim to build strategies and partnerships which include all members of our city in promoting environmental change. </p> <p>Workshops on home energy conservation will be held throughout the day in both English and Spanish. A kids' station with activities and games will allow families with children of all ages to attend. All attendees will receive a free compact fluorescent lightbulb (CFL). CFL bulbs use 75% less energy and last 10 times longer than regular, incandescent bulbs. Each regular bulb you replace with a CFL could save you $8 each year. On December 5th, join the Green Team at the Somerville Hispanic Seventh-Day Adventist Church on Cross Street in East Somerville from 1-4pm! </p> <p>For more information about the event, email <a href="mailto:maura@groundworksomerville.org">maura@groundworksomerville.org</a>. </p> <p>Hope to see you there! </p> http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/topic/rooftop-gardening-advice#post-5 Wed, 17 Mar 2010 04:20:16 +0000 wdedalus 5@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <p>if anyone around has experience sustaining a rooftop garden, I would love to get some pointers. specifically, how to set it up so I don't have to water every day.</p> <p>passive irrigation?<br /> big containers?<br /> pet elephant? </p> http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/topic/what-veggies-should-be-growing-in-school-yard-gardens#post-10 Thu, 10 Jun 2010 19:21:47 +0000 Tai Tomato 10@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <p>On June 5, July 3, July 24, Aug. 7, Oct. 2, Oct. 16th, and Oct. 30th, Groundwork Somerville’s Garden Youth Crew and Green Team manage a table at the Union Square Farmer’s Market. Under the supervision of our youth employment and garden staff, these young residents learn how to harvest and display produce, set fair market prices, hawk their goods, make change, keep records, and talk about Groundwork Somerville programming to customers.</p> <p>What veggies are missing from the market? What should we grow this season? Help us plant crops that customers want! </p> http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/topic/what-are-your-favorite-things-about-green-team#post-9 Thu, 10 Jun 2010 19:20:57 +0000 Tai Tomato 9@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <p>The Green Team, a green job corps for high school youth in Somerville now in its fourth year, continues to get bigger and better. GWS will host three teams of six to eight youth in the summer of 2010, and will focus on two significant environmental challenges in our community: the lack of green, open space and the lack of access to healthy food.</p> <p>Green Team Members: What do you like about Green Team? How has your experience affected you? What should the Groundwork Somerville Community know about the program? </p> http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/topic/somergreen-festival-needs-somervillemedford-environmental-groups-and-businesses#post-8 Tue, 30 Mar 2010 20:37:07 +0000 jlawrence 8@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <p>Hi folks! Groundwork Somerville is hosting it's fourth annual SomerGreen Festival, in coordination with the City of Somerville's annual Spring Clean-up. Any groups or businesses out there who would like to showcase their "green-ness" let me know!</p> <p>- Jen (jllawrence@groundworksomerville.org) </p> http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/topic/welcome-to-the-forum-read-me#post-3 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:35:45 +0000 jllawrence 3@http://forum.groundworksomerville.org/ <p>Hi folks!</p> <p>We have created this forum for you to talk to one another about sustainable living in your community! Please feel free to add your ideas, thoughts, questions and concerns as we strive to create a sustainable Somerville. If you have questions, please feel free to email <a href="mailto:admin@groundworksomerville.org">admin@groundworksomerville.org</a>.</p> <p>Thanks and happy posting!</p> <p>-The Groundwork Somerville Team </p>