What's happening next....

Hi everyone:

 

I hope everyone is staying dry today - the lightening this morning was pretty spectacular! 

 

Just want to let you know about a couple of interesting new things happening and get some input on our next activities.

 

First, I need some input from you on what to do next month.  We've had some suggestions - doing something for families/kids (even just a family day at an area park) and possibly organizing a river clean up.  Actually - the clean up could be a good family activity....  I know that you all have great ideas and it would be great to have input from you, AND we want to get together and do those things that interest you the most.  Let me know your thoughts.

 

A couple of announcements:

There's a new group in town that is opening a toy library.  Sounds like a great idea!  Their website is www.kidstoylibrary.com.  Be sure to check them out. 

 

Prairie Moon School is hosting their 5th Annual May Music Festival.  Activities start at 11:00 AM and bands will perform from 12:00 - 7:00 PM.  They'll also have food, crafts and activities for the kids.  Tickets are $10.00 for adults and kids 12 and under get in free.  You can get more info. about the school and directions at www.prairiemoon.org.  Prairie Moon really supported our clothing swap this spring by donating a TON of kids clothes.  Thank you!! 

 

You may (hopefully) have read in the last email that some of the clothing swap leftovers were donated to a new clothing closet in Eudora.  The name is His Hands Clothing Closet and it was started and is coordinated by Christine Zimmer.  She is doing a fantastic job in getting the closet up and running so if you live in the Eudora area, please consider donating your old items to her.  Her email is pcdzimmer@hotmail.com.  She's providing a really important service and I'm sure a lot of people will benefit. 

 

We've been approached by an area non-profit about partnering with them in doing some ed. activities for kids/families.  Don't have a ton of details yet but it sounds like an interesting and fun idea.  If you want to know more and/or help with the planning, please email.  We'll need some parent input.

 

That's it - again, please let me know what your interests are and what sounds like fun this month.  I really feel that we need to look to the group for ideas and projects and do what interests you the most.

 

Thanks!

Kim

 

 

 

 

Clothing Swap Guildelines

Clothing Swap Guildelines
If you have any questions or comments, please email Kim Bellemere at ecoparentslawrence@gmail.com.

On Sunday, April 11th Eco-Parents will host a free Children's Clothing Swap at the Douglas Co. Fairgrounds, Bldg. 2. The swap will take place from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM with early check-in starting at 12:30.

This will be an opportunity for you to bring in old clothes that your children have out-grown or simply can't wear and exchange them for something else. The success of this event depends on having enough clothes and everyone bringing in their old items to swap. We really encourage you to dig through your closets and find some good things. The swap starts at 1:00 but you can come at 12:30 to check-in. When checking-in we will count the number of items you bring and give you that number of "tickets" which will be your swap currency. At 1:00 you can start shopping. When you are done simply bring your selected items and tickets to the check out. We'll verify that you are leaving with the same number of items you came with and you can go. If you would like to shop but don't have anything to swap, we wil  sell items for a nominal fee ($1.00 - 2.00) All proceeds will be used to offset costs for the event. While waiting to shop, those people who check-in early can look over handouts/materials from local environmental and children's agencies.

While this swap is free, we will accept donations at the door to help cover the cost of the event. A $1.00 per person donation is suggested.

Here are the rest of the rules:
1. This is a one-to-one swap. In other words, if you bring in 3 items you can exchange them for three other items. If you bring in items but don't see anything you would like to take, you must still leave what you have brought.

2. All items must be in CLEAN, wearable condition. They don't have to be perfect but they do need to be appropriate to wear to school. In other words, please don't bring anything you wouldn't let your own child wear. If we determine that an item is not in good enough condition to swap, you may either take it back home with you or leave it on the free table at the entrance. It will not count as part of your swap total.

3. Small items like socks and underwear can be put in quart sized ziplock bags and will count as one item. Again, please only bring items that are clean and in good condition. All items (other than those in bags) will count as one ticket regardless of size.

4. We will only take boys and girls clothing and shoes - infant sizes through teens. No old toys, strollers, or other baby gear.

5. All items left at the end of the day will be donated to an area community center, school, or other non-profit (Penn House, SSL, etc.). You may not come back to retrieve your old items.

Also - we are looking for CLOTHING DONATIONS and VOLUNTEERS! If you don't think you can attend but have clothes you are willing to donate, email Eco-Parents and we'll make arrangements to pick them up. We want to have a good selection there for people to choose from. We will also need people to help out the day of the swap. If you are interested, please email. In exchange for volunteering, you will be able to swap your items the day before the event, before the doors open on the 11th, and through out the event. We will need people there starting at 11:30 to help set up and check people in, to help direct "traffic", and to help tear down after the event.

Please email if you have any questions.  Happy Swapping!

Clothing Swap news

Hi everyone:

Just a reminder about the swap on April 11th (start cleaning those closets!) and we have a little news about volunteering for the swap.  If you don't have the previous email, you can see the guidelines on the blog at http://www.lksecoparents.blogspot.com.%c2%a0/  Please feel free to email us at ecoparentslawrence@gmail.com if you have any questions.

We're still looking for a few more volunteers and clothing donations.  We're going to try something new this spring. Those individuals who volunteer either the day of the event or help with tasks beforehand can bring their swap items in the day before (April10th) and swap them early.  You'll be able to go through the items that have been donated (and those from other volunteers) and exchange your items.  If you don't find anything you like, no problem.  You can still exchange your stuff at the swap on the 11th.  Of course, we'll need some good donations beforehand so ask around.  If your friends and neighbors aren't coming that day but have something they want to get rid of, we'll take it!

Please email if you're interested or have questions.  Looking forward to a great swap!

Kim

Clothing Swap details

Hi everyone:


It's so beautiful outside! What a great day - can't wait to get outside and start digging in the garden, and go to the park, and take a walk, and well, anything that isn't inside!

The announcement and guidelines for the clothing swap are listed below. Feel free to pass this along to your family and friends. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer or donate clothes, please send an email to ecoparentslawrence@gmail.com.

Thanks so much!
Kim

On Sunday, April 11th Eco-Parents will be hosting a FREE Children's Clothing Swap at the Douglas Co. Fairgrounds, Bldg. 2. The swap will take place from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM and everyone is welcome.

This will be an opportunity for you to bring in old clothes that your children have out-grown or simply can't wear and exchange them for something else. The success of this event depends on having enough clothes and everyone bringing in their old items to swap. We really encourage you to dig through your closets and find some good stuff. The event starts at 1:00 but you can come at 12:30 to check-in. When checking-in we will count the number of items you bring and give you that number of "tickets" which will be your swap currency. At 1:00 you can start shopping. When you are done simply bring your selected items and tickets to the check out. We'll verify that you are leaving with the same number of items you came with and you can go. If you would like to shop but don't have anything to swap, we will be selling tickets for a nominal fee ($1.00 - 2.00) All proceeds will be used to offset costs for the event. While waiting to shop, those people who check-in early can look over handouts/materials from local environmental and children's agencies.

While this swap is free, we will be accepting donations at the door to help cover the cost of the event. A $1.00 per person donation is suggested.

Here are the rest of the rules:
1. This is a one-to-one swap. In other words, if you bring in 3 items you can exchange them for three other items. If you bring in items but don't see anything you would like to take, you must still leave what you have brought.

2. All items must be in CLEAN, wearable condition. They don't have to be perfect but they do need to be appropriate to wear to school. In other words, please don't bring anything you wouldn't let your own child wear. If we determine that an item is not in good enough condition to swap, you may either take it back home with you or leave on the free table at the entrance. It will not count as part of your swap total.

3. Small items like socks and underwear can be put in quart sized ziplock bags and will count as one item. Again, please only bring items that are clean and in good condition. All items (other than those in bags) will count as one ticket regardless of size.

4. We will only take boys and girls clothing and shoes - infant sizes through teens. No old toys, strollers, or other baby gear.

5. All items left at the end of the day will be donated to an area community center, school, or other non-profit (Penn House, SSL, etc.). You may not come back to retrieve your old items.

Also - we are looking for CLOTHING DONATIONS and VOLUNTEERS! If you don't think you can attend but have clothes you are willing to donate, email me and we'll make arrangements to pick them up. We want to have a good selection there for people to choose from. We will also need people to help out the day of the swap. If you are interested, please email me. In exchange for volunteering, you will be able to "shop" before the doors open on the 11th and through out the event. We will need people there starting at 11:30 to help set up and check people in, to help direct "traffic", and to help tear down after the event.

Upcoming Clothes Swap

Hi everyone:

 

Just wanted to touch base on a couple of things and share some good news - the clothing swap is scheduled!  It's been super busy around here but the date is finally set and you can start getting your stuff ready to swap!

 

First and foremost - thank you to all of the volunteers who helped at the toy swap in Feb.  We have absolutely the best volunteers out there!  I am always so amazed and delighted that you are so willing to chip in and help out with our projects.  What a great group!  We had a somewhat small response to the toy swap but a lot of toys were brought in and traded and re-purposed.  A couple of local non-profits were also able to gather a few toys and books for their organizations.  A big thank you goes to Lauren Reinhold for all of her hard work and planning!  Thanks Lauren - you are fantastic!

 

Listed below is information about the Meat Out being held at the Lawrence Public Library on March 20th.  If you want to learn more about a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle this is the place for you.  They will have speakers, kids activities and a cooking demonstration by our good friend JoAnn Farb.

 

Don't forget the next Science on Tap presentation on Tues, March 23 hosted by the KU Natural History Museum and Freestate Brewery.  This month's topic is DIY Science: Tap into the Sun and Lower Your Energy Bill.  Go to www.freestatebrewing.com or http://www.nhm.ku.edu/Hdocs/WhatsNew.html for more info.

 

Finally, the spring Clothing Swap will be help on Sunday, April 11th from 1:00 - 3:00 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.  Early check-in will start at 12:30.  The guidelines will be more or less the same as last fall with a few small exceptions.  I'll email those out in the next few days. We're hoping to make this swap even better than the one last fall!  Of course we are looking for volunteers to help the day of the event so if you are interested, please let me know.  All volunteers will be able to shop before we open the doors (we should have have some good stuff ahead of time) and throughout the swap.  Also, if you can't attend the event or volunteer the day of but want to be involved in some way, we can still use your help.  The planning process is pretty simple but we have a few small tasks that will need to be completed.  Mostly phone calls, making signs (we have the supplies), and helping get the word out.  If you have an hour or two to contribute, please let me know and we'll put you to work.  Also, we're looking for clothing donations to have at the swap when it starts.  If you can't attend but want to donate, please email me.  We'll also take donations from organizations, individuals, whoever.  The same guidelines apply (clean, wearable, etc.).  Last fall one school donated their old Lost and Found items (six trash bags full!) so your kids' school might be a great place to ask.  And, just like last fall, all left over items will be donated to an area non-profit. 

 

Thanks so much for your help and support!  Looking forward to a great spring swap!

Kim

 

 

Lawrence Meat Out Event, March 20, 2:30 - 5:30, Lawrence Public Library.

Come and be INSPIRED!  Let the first day of spring be YOUR new beginning.  Learn how delicious, it can be to eat healthier, reduce your carbon footprint, and be more compassionate all at the same time. 

There will be a mini film festival with shorts that will educate you on how diseases like arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer can be reversed or prevented without drugs or surgery.  Filmmaker Mark von Schlemmer will kick things off with a showing of his short film, "Ahimsa" followed by a question and answer period.  Following that will be films that will give you information that could save your life or the lives of those you love. plus a short interview with a Rutgur's law professor that will open your mind and your heart. The film festival will break at 3:30 for a live cooking demonstration with author JoAnn Farb.  She will demonstrate how easy (and inexpensive) it is to make your own fresh raw almond milk, show you how to make an wonderful sandwhich filling from chick peas that is extremely rich in iodine (and might be just what your thyroid is needing to get it going) and will share some tasty tofu basics.  Of course there will be ample samples for all attendees.

At the back of the room there will be activities for children, a buffet table full of food samples to try, and recipes to pick up -- and there will be plenty of choices for those looking for dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, egg-free or nut-free!

Everyone is welcome to enter their name into the free drawing for a chance to win some wonderful books that have been donated.

You can either drop in for a few minutes or plan to stay for the whole time. 

INSPIRING MOVIES, KID'S ACTIVITIES AND LOTS OF GREAT FOOD AND IT'S ALL FREE!!

Toy and Book Swap Reminder

Just a reminder that the Toy Swap will be next Sat. (Feb. 20th) from 10:00 - 12:00 at the Lawrence Public Library. I cleaned out my kids' room yesterday and it felt fantastic!! So many things are going to the swap!

The guidelines are listed below. If you have any questions, please let Lauren or me know. Looking forward to seeing you next Sat.!

Kim

Listed below are the general guidelines for the event. Other consistent guidelines may be added before the swap event. Please keep in mind that we are having separate check-in and check-out times so plan on being there long enough to complete the process. Also, we obviously love kids (why else would we do this?) but strongly urge participants to attend this swap without theirs if possible.

Finally, we're still looking for volunteers so if you'd like to help, please let us know. Volunteers will be able to "shop" during the set-up/organize" time so bring your stuff and change it out for something new. As always, if you have any questions, please email. You can contact me at ecoparentslawrence@gmail.com or Lauren Reinhold at lauren@sunflower.com. You can also check out our Facebook page at Eco-Parents Lawrence.

Toy/Book Swap Guidelines
10:00 to 11:00 - check-in.
11:00 to 11:15 - set-up/organize materials
11:15 to 12:00 - check out.

During the check-in time, we will count the number of items you bring and write that number on a slip of paper. That number will be your swap currency. You will also get a line number (issued in the order of check in) which will be used to allow participants to line up for check-out at 11:15. The line number will allow you to keep your place in line so that you can leave briefly, browse the library or return items to your car. After checking-in, please put your items on the designated tables and feel free to look at the information materials that have been set out. You will not be able to claim items or check out until 11:15. From 11:00 - 11:15 the volunteers will straighten/organize the materials and have an opportunity to begin shopping and claim their items. At 11:15, everyone will be able to shop and claim items and we will begin checking-out. When you are done you can simply bring your selected items to the check out (check in and out will be at separate doors). We'll verify that you are leaving with the same number of items you came with and you can go. If people would like to shop but don't have anything to swap, we will sell tickets for a nominal fee ($1.00 - 2.00, less for small books) All proceeds will be used to offset costs for the event and future Eco-Parents activities.

Here are the rest of the rules:
1. This is a one-to-one swap. In other words, if you bring in 3 items you can exchange them for three other items. If you bring in items but don't see anything you would like to take, you must still leave what you have brought. Participants may not return for items after the swap.

2. All items must be in CLEAN, usable condition – emphasis on clean. They don't have to be perfect but they do need to be in good enough condition to play with/read (no missing parts, missing covers/pages, etc.).

3. Books- Some items that are very small or have lesser value, such as small paperbacks, might not count as a "full" item. For instance, slim paperback books might count as 1/2 item . We all know that a hardcover Harry Potter book is worth much more than a freebie Scholastic book. This will be assessed as fairly as possible, but at the discretion of the volunteers.

4. We will only take kid’s toys, books, educational materials, and DVDs (in original case, no samples or freebies). No VHS tapes, strollers, or other baby gear. Also, no stuffed animals please. We MAY make exceptions for nicer Webkinz type toys but that will be assessed on a case by case basis.

5. All items left at the end of the day will be donated to an area community center, school, or other non-profit (Goodwill, etc.). You may not come back to retrieve old items.

6. Please also consider the following:

• This is not a childcare event: All kids must be supervised. If your child will find letting go of old toys too hard or if your child will be rambunctious in the "free toy" environment, please leave him /her at home.

• This is not a play event: make sure the toy works; then place it in your bag if you want it.

• If more than one kid or adult wants the same toy:

See if you have a toy you could trade for it. -
Try being kind and letting the other kid have it -
If all else fails, see a volunteer for help.

Thanks and happy swapping!!

Toy/Book Swap Guildelines

Just a reminder that the Toy and Book Swap is Feb. 20th from 10:00 - 12:00 at the Library. We're going to have some great items there for you to check out so clean out the closets and come swap your stuff.

Listed below are the general guidelines for the event. Other consistent guidelines may be added before the swap event. Please keep in mind that we are having separate check-in and check-out times so plan on being there long enough to complete the process. Also, we obviously love kids (why else would we do this?) but strongly urge participants to attend this swap without theirs if possible.

Finally, we're still looking for volunteers so if you'd like to help, please let us know. Volunteers will be able to "shop" during the set-up/organize" time so bring your stuff and change it out for something new. As always, if you have any questions, please email. You can contact Kim Bellemere at ecoparentslawrence@gmail.com or Lauren Reinhold at lauren@sunflower.com.
Thanks and happy swapping!

Toy/Book Swap Guidelines
10:00 to 11:00 - check-in.
11:00 to 11:15 - set-up/organize materials
11:15 to 12:00 - check out.

During the check-in time, we will count the number of items you bring and write that number on a slip of paper. That number will be your swap currency. You will also get a line number (issued in the order of check in) which will be used to allow participants to line up for entering the swap at 11:15. The line number will allow you to keep your place in line so that you can leave briefly, browse the library or return items to your car. After checking-in, please put your items on the designated tables and feel free to look at the information materials that have been set out. You will not be able to claim items or check out until 11:15. From 11:00 - 11:15 the volunteers will straighten/organize the materials and have an opportunity to begin shopping and claim their items. At 11:15, everyone will be able to shop and claim items and we will begin checking-out. When you are done you can simply bring your selected items to the check out (check in and out will be at separate doors). We'll verify that you are leaving with the same number of items you came with and you can go. If people would like to shop but don't have anything to swap, we will sell tickets for a nominal fee ($1.00 - 2.00, less for small books) All proceeds will be used to offset costs for the event and future Eco-Parents activities.

Here are the rest of the rules:
1. This is a one-to-one swap. In other words, if you bring in 3 items you can exchange them for three other items. If you bring in items but don't see anything you would like to take, you must still leave what you have brought. Participants may not return for items after the swap.

2. All items must be in CLEAN, usable condition – emphasis on clean. They don't have to be perfect but they do need to be in good enough condition to play with/read (no missing parts, missing covers/pages, etc.).

3. Books- Some items that are very small or have lesser value, such as small paperbacks, might not count as a "full" item. For instance, slim paperback books might count as 1/2 item . We all know that a hardcover Harry Potter book is worth much more than a freebie Scholastic book. This will be assessed as fairly as possible, but at the discretion of the volunteers.

4. We will only take kid’s toys, books, educational materials, and DVDs (in original case, no samples or freebies). No VHS tapes, strollers, or other baby gear. Also, no stuffed animals please. We MAY make exceptions for nicer Webkinz type toys but that will be assessed on a case by case basis.

5. All items left at the end of the day will be donated to an area community center, school, or other non-profit (Goodwill, etc.). You may not come back to retrieve old items.

6. Please also consider the following:
• This is not a childcare event: All kids must be supervised. If your child will find letting go of old toys too hard or if your child will be rambunctious in the "free toy" environment, please leave him /her at home.

• This is not a play event: make sure the toy works; then place it in your bag if you want it.

• If more than one kid or adult wants the same toy:
     •See if you have a toy you could trade for it.
     •Try being kind and letting the other kid have it.
     •If all else fails, see a volunteer for help