Earth Day: Program Schedule Unveiled and Call for Volunteers

In our last issue of Loyola Neighborhood News, we announced all of the exciting things in store for North Lake Shore Earth Day 2011 on April 16, 2011.  The programming committee has been hard at work developing a stimulating and fun day of workshops and activities.  This event is truly community-based, and we rely on support and volunteers to make it run smoothly and be so extremely successful year after year.  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Cathy Smith, Office of Senator Heather Steans at loyolaearthday@gmail.com.

Tentative Schedule

The State Representative Harry Osterman Kid’s Corner will offer a full day of fun activities for children aged 5-12, all day from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Join the kid’s corner to create a nature diorama, nature masks, and garden flower pots.  Wait, there is more!  You and your younger ones can practice yoga, make seed balls and this area will feature worm bins to learn composting.  Enjoy storytelling with Sweet Pea the Pig and games themed around sustainability. 

The Loyola Bike Club will host free bike tours at 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.  Don’t have a bike? Don’t worry! Borrow one of ours and learn how to save money and do minor bicycle repairs yourself!

Creating Green: Community Gardens, School Gardens, and More – 10:00-10:55 a.m.
Lamanda Joy of the Peterson Garden project will talk about community gardens and Michael Thompson of Chicago Honey Coop will  introduce us to the idea of windrows (berms of soil on top concrete for growing vegetables in an urban environment).

Going Green with Electronics: Electronics Recycling Answers – 11:00-11:55 a.m.
Mel Nickerson of Environmental Law & Policy Center will talk about Illinois' e-recycling law -  its strengths, and issues still to address, such as getting more electronics manufacturers to create products that can be upgraded, repaired, and recycled without endangering public health or the environment.   Computers, computer peripherals, smart phones, and the other electronic gadgets have become such a prevalent part of our lives! The issue of e-waste is one that many of us face, as cell phones and laptops need replacement and computers break down.  Steve Larsen of SSI, will do an electronics collection at the event and a panel participant.

Adult Interactive Program – Environmental Art Studio – 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Art Therapist Sharon Hyson, will lead a studio workshop area that will focus on ways to repurpose materials creatively.  The workshop will be based on recycling through the arts while using environmental and natural materials, with the goal of fostering creativity. In the studio, participants will have the opportunity to create wash and wear jewelry, to create a sturdy tote bag from recycling a t-shirt, and to create roses from duct tape, and coin purses from cardboard food containers.

Green Feet: Pedestrian-Friendly Neighborhoods – 1:00-1:55 p.m. 
The focus is on "saving green" by looking at those elements that make neighborhoods safe and attractive to pedestrians. In what other ways does a neighborhood benefit when people can walk from their homes to schools and businesses? Find out about a way to calculate your neighborhood's "walkability."  Bob Fuller, a Masters student in Urban Planning at UIC, has conducted walkability and bikeability research. He did a presentation on a greenway concept for Thorndale and knows about other projects, ranging from traditional greenways in Vancouver to Home Zone streets in England.  There is much that citizens and block clubs can do to radically change the feel and layout of a neighborhood street in favor of pedestrians. Presented with Tony Giron from Active Transportation Alliance

Green Government: Green Space and Green Jobs in Our Communities – 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Guest speakers 48th Ward Alderman Mary Ann Smith tells how open space has been saved in her ward and Alderman Ameya Pawer, newly elected to the 47th Ward, shares ideas for creating a neighborhood environmental plan and how he intends to be a "green" alderman.
For more information, visit our website at luc.edu/earthday

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