Transition Longfellow plans October activities

On Fri., Oct., 21, Transition Long­fellow will show the movie, “A Simpler Way; Crisis as Opportunity.” People in developed nations across the world understand that our current way of life has resulted in overlapping environmental, cultural and economic crises. Something has to change, but how do we begin?

“We are the generation in between stories,” the film’s narrator says, “desperately clinging to yesterday but uncertain of tomorrow. But perhaps the new story is already with us. Perhaps we just need to live it into existence.”

This 2016 documentary, made in association with the Simplicity Institute, follows a group of Australians who agreed to participate in a year-long experiment in living, called “The Simpler Way Project.” While building tiny houses and planting gardens, the participants learned vital lessons about how to live in a community. Although this experimental eco-village was located in a rural area, what lessons might we learn in simple living and community building that we can apply here in an urban area?

The film will be shown at Bethany Lutheran, 3901 36th Ave. S. There is a potluck dinner at 6:30 (vegetarian options always available), and the movie begins at 7pm, with discussion to follow. Free will donation.

Meditative Movements

Meditative Movement is a practice of simple breath, body and mind exercises to improve and support mental and physical health. Deb Davis has been certified in this practice and will be leading free workshops before 3rd Friday movie nights, from 5:30-6:30pm (on Oct. 21). You do not need to stay for the movie to do this activity.

A Day of Food

A Day of Food Skillshares is being planned for Sat., Oct. 29, 9am-3pm (location to be determined). Details for this event are not yet finalized, but the day will include a variety of food-related classes and hands-on workshops covering topics such as fermentation, canning, making bread and flavored vinegar. Eureka Recycling will lead a workshop on reducing food waste. Special guest Debra Ramage will provide information on the environmental impacts of specific food choices so people can choose a diet that best fits their values.

First Saturday

Garlic and Spring Bulbs (1st Sat.) will be the focus on Oct. 1, 10:30am-noon, at Riverview Wine Bar, 3747 42nd Ave. S. (enter through the coffee shop). Join master gardeners Leslie MacKenzie and/or Theresa Rooney every first Saturday for garden tips and Q&A on your garden questions. October is a good time to plant bulbs for spring flowering. They will be talking about flowering bulbs as well as growing garlic in your home garden. Free.

Cold Frame

Make a Cold Frame, Sat., Oct. 8, 10am-noon, 4324 40th Ave. S.

Thanks to a donation of old windows, Transition members will be building low-cost cold frames that protect plants so they can be put outside earlier in the spring. This is a family-friendly group building activity. The materials will be prepared in advance, and the cold frames will be assembled on Saturday. No building skills needed; if you have a power drill, please bring it. RSVP at the group’s website, www.transitionlongfellow.org, to reserve your spot. There will be a fee for materials, but it has not yet been determined. Watch the website for details.

Knitting Group

CANCELLED – the group’s 1st Tuesday knitting group has been canceled until further notice due to an illness of the instructor. If you know how to knit and would like to share your skills with others, your help would be welcome. Contact Leslie at leslie.mackenzie@gmail.com

Visit the group’s website for more information: www.transitionlongfellow.org. For more info, call (612) 724-4265.