Transition Longfellow announces February activities

By LESLIE MACKENZIE

Every month, Transition Longfellow community volunteers bring new programs to the neighborhood, with a focus on the core issues of the global Transition movement—energy and climate change, sustainable food, and resilient communities. In February, the group will be hosting several activities, including those listed below. For more information, visit the group’s website at www.transitionlongfellow.org.

Learn to Knit: every first Tuesday (Feb. 2), 6:30pm at Lake Coffee (33rd and Lake St.). Would-be and experienced knitters gather at Lake Coffee to learn, practice and share their knowledge of knitting. Led by experienced knitter Susan Aguirre, there is no cost for this group. Bring needles and yarn.

Inner Transition Book/Discussion Group: Mon., Feb. 8, 6:30pm at Lake Coffee (33rd and Lake). The group uses Carolyn Baker’s book “” as the jumping off point to discuss the emotional responses that can accompany a deeper understanding of climate change, and tools participants can use to successfully navigate that emotional terrain, whether that be fear, anger, denial or grief. The group is facilitated by Deb Schanilec. Learn more on the website (under Health and Inner Transition).

Sign-up begins Feb. 16 for Veggie Growing Basics class. Transition Longfellow is partnering with Hennepin County Master Gardeners to bring a 5-week Veggie Growing Basics class to the Longfellow neighborhood. Sign-up begins Feb. 16 and ends Mar. 16. Classes will be held in the community room at Gandhi Mahal, 10-11:30am on Apr. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30. You will work in a group and one-on-one with a master gardener to plan your garden. Class size is limited; you must sign up on the group’s website to attend (under food and gardening).

Home Energy Party: Feb. 17 (7pm), 2852 35th Ave. S. Join with neighbors, enjoy some food, and learn about how you can make your home more comfortable and energy efficient. There will be a guest speaker, information about programs and rebates, and a free LED light bulb. Space is limited so RSVP at the group’s website (under Energy & Transit). If you can’t make this event, there will be additional parties this spring.

Movie Night: Feb. 19 (6:30 potluck, 7:15 movie) at Bethany Lutheran, 3901 36th Ave. S. Movie night is a great way to learn about Transition Towns, and to meet your neighbors. Come share a meal and watch a movie, followed by a speaker or discussion.

Sew a Warm Window Curtain: Feb. 21 (1-4pm), at Bethany Lutheran 3901 36th Ave. S. The group will once again host Lee Olson’s workshop on how to make an insulated curtain to reduce uncomfortable cool air coming from windows. Participants must RSVP by Feb. 15, and provide organizers with the interior measurements of the window for which they will make a curtain.

Participants will be notified of the amount of fabric they need to purchase in order to make their curtain. The cost of the workshop varies, depending upon the size of the curtain. See website for sign-up (under Energy & Transit).

Getting Ready to Go Zero Waste: Feb. 24 (6:30-7:30pm) at Junket, 4049 Minnehaha Ave. Whether you’re going for gold with zero waste, or just to reduce the amount of waste leaving your house, Peter Foster will offer practical tips on how to prepare yourself and your home for a successful shift. This workshop is a great starting point for the four-session workshop Transition will offer in March.