Sister Cities

Friday was a busy day for us - and for the Duluth/Thunder Bay Sister Cities delegation. It was Thunder Bay's turn to receive the Duluth Sister City folks who were touring a slew of "green" intitiatives in and around town for their very full 3-day stay.

We were pleasantly surprised and honoured to receive a phone call from Sarah Kerton, Thunder Bay's Community Environmental Action Plan Coordinator, to be included in this tour. Sarah was in charge of the program and responsible for making it all happen - not an easy task by any stretch of the imagination.

The delegation's stop at the Eco Centre was scheduled at the end of a busy day that included visiting the harbour front development, Eco-Superior, the Water Filtration Plant - and the frozen solid Kakabeka Falls en route to the Eco Centre, of course.

We weren't sure what to expect, but what ever it was we expected, it wasn't this cheerful, almost giddy bunch of wonderful, warm and interested people. It was a treat to show them around, answer their many questions and see their enthusiasm grow by the minute.

Of course it helped there was some excellent food to be enjoyed (thanks to Jacomyn's excellent French carrot soup and some superb catering by the Metropolitan Moose). And the fact that they had brought their own wine & beer didn't hurt, either.
 
So here's to cross-border collaborations and inspirations, may we learn from each other on many more enjoyable visits!

Want More?

Well, the first trial series of Confederation College's Green Adult Education classes is behind us, and with a total of approx. 65 students attending we're very happy to report it was a success. Two of the 4 classes sold out, even.
We're also very happy to see the student evaluations ranging from positive to absolutely delighted with many asking for more; could we be on to something here?

"Please Sir, may I have some more?" (from the movie "Oliver Twist")

It looks like we'll be back for the spring session, and if that's even remotely successful as this winter series we may well become the "green fixture" on the Adult Education program.

This winter the classes were limited to "Living Off The Grid" and "Introduction To Solar Power". Our question to you: are there any other green topics you'd like to see us cover? Wind power? Energy Conservation? The Meaning Of Life? Other ideas, suggestions? Let us know, drop us an email, post a reply!

Looking forward to hearing (reading) from you - mabe see you this coming spring!

Happy Valentine's Day!

While I'm sure your sweetheart treats you well, just think about what Mother Nature does for you. She gives you fresh water, food, shelter, and even the air you breathe. Without those, you sure as heck wouldn't be celebrating Valentine's Day, now would you?

This weekend is a great opportunity for you to show your appreciation and to give something back. Here's a suggestion: instead of that over-priced box of chocolate, purchase a nature-helping eCard from the David Suzuki Foundation and send it to your special someone.

The best thing about it: an anonymous donor will match your donation. The second-best thing about it: no chocolate is involved, so no guilt feelings about stuffing yourself with it anymore!

Hmmm... gotta re-think that chocolate part a bit more, though...

Dashing Through The Snow

The days are getting longer, the sun is getting stronger; winter seems to be retreating a bit... We created a nice network of snowshoe trails over our property and we like to hike them as much as we can. My favourite time of day for it is near dusk, when the sun's long fingers caress the tiniest detail in the landscape just before it dips below the horizon. A magical moment of transition and tranquility.

Snowshoe tracks weaving their way from our Eco Centre, near dusk

Yesterday we experienced a snowshoe moment of a very different kind at our friends' Graham and Kerstin, who organized their own Olympic Winter Games. The Green Edition, of course. On the program was the 100 metre Snowshoe Dash. Snow was flying, muscles aching, lungs working overtime.

Good company, great fun, excellent food. Really, winter doesn't get much better than this!

Jacomyn (centre) taking the lead!