Science on Tap and Eco-Kids

Just a short note to let you know about a fun learning opportunity for us grown-ups (and a couple of other things).   On Tues. Jan 26th, Free State Brewing Co. and The KU Natural History Museum are hosting the first presentation in their Science on Tap Series.  This month's presenter is Sarah Hill-Nelson with Bowersock Mills and Power Co. who will talk about "Kaw Kinetics"  Hydroelectric Energy in Lawrence".  The presentation starts at 7:30 but go early for food and drinks.  You can check out http://www.freestatebrewing.com/ or http://www.nhm.ku.edu/ for more information. Sounds like a great way to relax with friends and learn about a special local resource.

Also, we're still organizing the Toy and Book Swap for Feb. 20th. We'll have additional info. to everyone asap. In the meantime, if anyone wants to help, please email us at ecoparentslawrence@gmail.com. Volunteers get to shop while we're setting up and during the event so come help out and find some great stuff for your kids.

Finally, a small group got together last week to do some planning for the Eco-Kids group. They have some great ideas and we should have some really fun activities for the kids. In order to make sure the group works for the most people, however, we need some info. from you. If you or your kids are interested in being involved, can you please email and let me know how old your kids are? We want to make sure we plan activities that are age appropriate and also benefit the most people. Also, if you or an older child have a skill, knowledge, or activity that you would like to share with the kids, please let us know that too. It would be great to have our group members be involved in such a special way.

Thanks so much!

We have some great events coming up that we hope will be a lot of fun for everyone.  First, we had such a great time with the clothing swap last fall and there really is a need for similar activities so we are hosting a Children's Book and Toy Swap on February 20th from 10:00 - 12:00 at the library.  It will be very similar to the clothing swap which means that we will accept CLEAN, gently used children's toys and books (no baby gear/strollers, etc.) which you can receive credit for and then swap out for other items.  We'll email everyone the guidelines and swap procedure in the next week or so.  Also, Feb. 20th is a Saturday so if anyone knows of other activities in the city that day, please let us know asap.  We want to make sure we set a date and time that works for the most people.
 
We will also host our Spring Children's Clothing Swap in March/April so watch for that information.  We were so pleased with the response last time, we just have to do it again.
 
A small group of us are also in the planning stages for the Eco-Kids group.  We are having a planning meeting on Tues 1/19/2010 so if you're interested in joining us or have some info. to share, please RSVP by email at ecoparentslawrence  at gmail dot com.  We'd love to have your help.
 
Finally, we have news about a couple of great websites and blogs that group members have mentioned and we think you should know about them too.  The one we're the most excited about is our Eco-Parents Lawrence Blog!  We'll use the blog to post information about our activities, interesting news items, and links to other great sites.  It's brand new so we're still posting information to it.  Check back often to see if there's something new.  Don't forget our Facebook page at Eco-Parents Lawrence.  Thanks Amerika for setting up the blog and Facebook page!
 
The neighborgoods.net site allows you to post tools, materials, etc  that you are willing to share or rent to others in your area.  It's a great way for people to borrow things they may need for a short time and might even give you a way to earn extra money.  It works best if lots of people sign up so please check it out.
 
You can find information about Lawrence's own MellowFields Urban Farm onwww.localharvest.org.  Local Harvest provides information about Farmers Markets, CSA's and other sources for local,sustainable food all over the US.  Look for MellowFields atwww.localharvest.org/farms/m34375.
 
Another great blog http://mefamilyworld.blogspot.com. One of our good friends is chronicling her family's experience as they make changes in their lives, change jobs, and otherwise try to keep their lives under control during a hectic, challenging time.  She has great tips for saving money, getting organized, and keeping your cool so please check it out here or on the Me, Family, World Facebook Fan Page.
 
Of course, please check out all of these sites on Facebook.
 
Phew - that's it.  As always, please email ecoparentslawrence at gmail dot com if you have any questions/comments AND if you'd like to help out at the Toy/Book Swap.  We can always use the help!!

Book & Toy Swap Date Set

The date of the Book & Toy Swap is February 20

The Power of Networking & Neighbors

This was recently forwarded to me by a member of Eco-Parents Lawrence.  It's an interesting idea, but we need more people in the Lawrence area to join to make this truly powerful.
 
 
 

Book & Toy Swap Planning


The Eco-Parents group is planning on hosting a toy/children's book swap in early Feb. and we could use some input on how to put it together.  Lauren Reinhold and Kim Bellemere are meeting on Monday January 11 to talk about some of the specifics.  I know that's short notice but we'll be getting back together soon to do more work. 
 
Basically, it will be similar to the clothing swap (which we'll be hosting again in the early spring) and we'll only accept CLEAN, toys and books in good/complete condition.  I assume this will be a smaller undertaking but help is still very much appreciated.
 
If you're interested, please let Kim know.  The possibility exists that we may host a few different types of swaps over the course of the next year which will be somewhat fun.  It's a good way to share resources and keep more usable items out of the landfill and in circulation.
 
Thanks for your help and if you think of anyone else who would be interested, please tell them about it.