Sponsor Slots Available for Local Wisdom and Living Economy Tour
Part 1 - Saturday, August 29 at Beanwood Coffee in Bordentown, New Jersey.
We Are BOOST, CREAM Magazine and Essential Movements is launching an eighteen-month tour throughout the state of New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania and city of Philadelphia, and Lower Manhattan on Saturday, August 29. Official details forthcoming. Please call (206) 202-2883 or email localwisdom@weareboost.org for advanced information. Potential sponsors are also welcome to inquire about extended cause-related marketing terms and customized sponsor packages.
We are offering companies, organizations, independent consultants and other entities that seek to build their visibility and brand recognition a chance to reach tens of thousands of potential customers, members and donors, and clients. Our mass-marketing campaign will begin on Thursday, August 13 with:
regional print and digital news organizations
beginning on Thursday, August 13
* Full-page advertisement in CREAM Magazine which prints 10,000 each addition and is
distributed throughout central and southern New Jersey's small business communities
Sponsor deadline is Thursday, August 6, and benefits include:
Thursday, August 13 and reminder email alert that will go out on Thursday, August 27
* Sponsor Ad on back of the 5,000 color/glossy handbills
* Sponsor business card size ad in CREAM September and October editions and web site
Payment, graphic and marketing message must be received by We Are BOOST no later than Wednesday, August 5. In special instances, we are willing to allow split payments into two remittances, The first ($125) paid by Wednesday, August 5 and the second ($125) to be paid by close of business on Wednesday, August 12.
To get your sponsorship started, please contact Tim Razzaq at (206) 202-2883 or email localwisdom@weareboost.org.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
People, Planet, Profit & Empowerment Tour Welcomes Sponsors
Monday, July 27, 2009
Personal Empowerment Communications Seminar
"Improving & Enhancing IntraPersonal Communications (Inner-Communications)"
Two Week Seminar - Meets on Saturdays
August 1st and August 8th 2009
Time: 11 AM to 2 PM.
Limited Seating
For reservations and details call
Anu at 609/439-7115
reliefexpress@gmail.com
Friday, March 27, 2009
Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson-Coleman to Keynote We Are BOOST Allies' Awards
Youth Initiatives, Intergenerational Cohesion and Business Development are Focuses of Ceremony - Friday, April 17
Trenton New Jersey - March 27, 2009 - Intergenerational leadership, service to community and facilitating transition into twenty-first century better practices is the theme of BOOST's Allies of Humanities Awards Dinner and Ceremony that will be held from 5pm until 7pm at Planet Havana restaurant on Friday, April 17. Assemblywoman and Majority Leader Bonnie Watson-Coleman will be the keynote speaker for the affair which features a food-drive, new program announcements, networking and full dinner buffet featuring Cuban cuisine.
Planet Havana is located in Trenton's arena district at 449 South Broad Street. Tickets are $25 if purchased by Friday, April 3 and $35 thereafter. Those who want to attend can purchase tickets on-line at www.weareboost.org, call (206) 202-2883 or email allies@weareboost.org. Part of ticket proceeds will benefit the BOOST's youth arts, poetry and prose contest. Secure off-street parking is available.
Building Open Opportunity Structures Together (BOOST) CEO and Found Tim Razzaq says his group is “publicly recognizing outstanding individuals who have made enormous personal sacrifices over an extended period of time to help improve the lives of others. We will collect food for the areas homeless population, unveil unique youth enrichment initiatives and launch a concerted effort to bring a bit of revitalization to the city’s economy encouraging more support existing establishments and inviting new businesses to locate here.”
Trenton's South Ward City Councilman the Reverend Jim Coston will welcome BOOST and the organization's visitors to the area. Mercer County Community College Professor of the Year Alvyn Haywood will serve as Master of Ceremony and several special guest presenters, including the Mercer's first African-American Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Donald "Guy" Generals; will be discuss the College's mission and its vision for the city of Trenton.
Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson-Coleman (D-Mercer) is the Majority Leader of the New Jersey General Assembly. She was elected to the Legislature in 1995 after a 28-year career in state government, and is a former Democratic State Chairwoman.
This year's honorees are:
Ted Plunkett, Music Instructor at Trenton Central High
School (pictured right)
Dr. Renee Walker of Mercer County Community College's "Project Inside"
David Valdes of the Latino Community Land Trust
Amefika Sababu of Amefika's Restaurant in Trenton
Eric Maywar and Laurice Reynolds of Classics Used and Rare Books
Anastasia Harrison of Wesketch Architecture + Design and newly elected member of the U.S. Green Building Council's New Jersey Chapter
Father Brian McCormick of Martin House
National Academy fellow and Mercer County Community College Professor Mel Leipzig
Kieanna Childs-Alexander, third Vice-President of the NAACP Trenton Chapter and current Mrs. Mercer County - United States - says "the community received a true gift in Father Brian. His undeniable commitment and dedication to the people of Trenton is probably the greatest gift of all. It is from Father Brian that I have learned an important, lifelong lesson in philanthropy. That lesson is to always search for ways to help and uplift those in need," referring to Father Brain McCormick, who has led efforts to bring hope to some of Trenton's poorest resident's in one of the poorest parts of the city through his Martin House family of programs.
Music instructor Ted Plunkett has at least one fervent admirer who will have the honor of presenting the Allies Award to her long-time mentor. "Ted has impacted two generations of my family," says Karen Baylor, who is affectionately known as the 'band mom' and a board member of Trenton Community Music School. "I went to school with him (Plunkett) at Trenton Central High School and would like an opportunity to thank him for all he has done for the TCHS Marching Band, Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble. My two daughters have studied with him their entire high school years."
Trenton Makes LLC and JASKO Development LLC, two of the Award's sponsors, have each been working with BOOST in an effort to draw new businesses to Trenton through an intense marketing campaign and by offering high quality and ideally located affordable office and commercial space. The companies also support the group's youth enrichment initiative.
"We operate by the golden rule and believe in giving back to the community," says JASKO President Avner Krohn. "Our experience with the not-for-profit sector is second to none. Our understanding of the build out needs and the funding and leasing challenges of nonprofit organizations coupled with BOOST's acumen for community outreach and public relations are the right ingredients for successfully bringing new business tenants to downtown. We already house Catholic Charities and Goodwill, just to name a few. We are looking to help others get their footing here."
Other Ceremony participants include:
Opening of the Way (Opening Prayer) - Samut Angela Scott
Magical Mother Coaching & Empowerment Services
http://www.magicalmother.com/
Allies is sponsored by:
Brooken Circle Corp
http://www.brookencircle.com/
Trenton Makes LLC
http://www.trentonmakesllc.com/
Royalty Productions & Services LLC
http://www.royaltyps.com/
VA On the Spot
http://www.vaonthespot.com/
Strictly Business Energy
http://www.strictlybusinessenergy.com/
Strictly Business Home & Commercial Inspections
http://www.strictlybusinessinspections.com/
JASKO Development LLC
Web site under construction
Proceeds to Benefit:
We Are BOOST Contest to Camp Campaign 2009Youth Arts, Poetry and Prose Contest
Food Drive for Brooken Circle Food Pantry& the Salvation Army Drop-In Center
How to register to attend Allies of Humanity 2009
Planet Havana is located in Trenton's arena district at 449 South Broad Street. Tickets are $25 if purchased by Friday, April 3 and $35 thereafter. Those who want to attend can purchase tickets on-line at www.weareboost.org, call (206) 202-2883 or email allies@weareboost.org. Part of ticket proceeds will benefit the organization's youth arts, poetry and prose contest. Secure off-street parking is available. Details about the awards can be found at www.weareboost.org
About We Are Building Open Opportunity Structures Together (We Are BOOST)
We Are BOOST is a creative community solutions organization that develops and utilizes innovative and customized strategies to build structured relationships between people, organizations, businesses, institutions and agencies that lead to beneficial social, economic and educational outcomes and opportunities in under-served communities and emerging neighborhoods and market.
We Are Building Open Opportunity Structures Together
Tim Razzaq, CEO & Founder
(206) 202-2883 - timrazzaq@weareboost.org – http://www.weareboost.org/
439 South Broad Street – Suite 201
Trenton, New Jersey 0611
Sunday, March 22, 2009
"The Arts as a Driver of Urban Revitalization" - Mel Leipzig
"Joshua's Tattoos" by We Are BOOST learned of Mel Leipzig through our board member, Professor Alvyn Haywood in the fall of 2007. Mel came on board with us and delivered two workshops, both focused on the theme “The Arts as a Driver of Urban Revitalization.”
One presentation was held at the newly renovated and historic ‘green’ complex Broad Street Bank Building and the other at Classics Used and Rare Books, owned and operated by his fellow 2009 Allies awardees Eric Maywar and Laurice Reynolds. Join us in honoring Mel on April 17 by clicking here or visiting http://www.gss-set.com/weareboost/ec/proddetail.php?prod=0409-allies.
The critic Jerald Hagarty writes of Leipzig's work, "The appearance of calculated randomness plays against Leipzig's strong rectilinear organization. The interplay is delightful and more, for there are multiple messages here. For instance: opposites not only attract, they also enhance each other. For instance: careful scrutiny of everyday life reveals a secret underlying order." Mel always used realist drawings as the basis for his paintings. If you would like to see one of Mel’s more recent works in real-time display, you can visit the New Jersey State Museum through September 6, 2009 at the 2nd Floor Fine Art Galleries (click here or visiting http://www.nj.gov/state/museum/see_mel.htm). Pictured above from Mel Leipzig’s Selected Works is “Joshua’s Tattoos” (photo courtesy: New Jersey State Museum.)
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Allies of Humanity Profile #1: Eric Maywar and Laurice Reynolds of Classics Used and Rare Books
Eric Maywar and Laurice Reynolds – Business Owners and Community Builders
BOOST’s founder, Tim Razzaq, met Laurice Reynolds some time in the early ‘90’s while selling Afro-centric books and literature in Trenton. She was one of his earliest customers and remained connected through their mutual passion for community organizing. Eric is Laurice’s son-in-law and owned a book shop in New Hope that was heavily damaged by the well-known flooding of the Delaware River. With Reynolds’s inclination towards community-building coupled with Maywar’s deep knowledge and entrenchment in the book industry, Classics Used and Rare Books has become a hub for community group’s, educational workshops, arts, recreation, and downtown Trenton business district’s growth and development.
Eric Maywar works for the Trenton Downtown Association, where he coordinates the annual Patriots’ Week celebration and was recently appointed to the Trenton Public Library system’s board of directors. Laurice continues to be a voice of “local wisdom” as a result of her extensive knowledge of the players, policies, and practices that has lead to the good, bad, and ugly of our beautiful State Capital’s failings and renaissance. They are, literally and figuratively, the yin and yang of urban revitalization. Join us in honoring them be purchasing your tickets to Allies (April 17) by clicking here http://www.gss-set.com/weareboost/ec/proddetail.php?prod=0409-allies and learn more about this dynamic duo by clicking here or visit http://www.gss-set.com/weareboost/ec/proddetail.php?prod=0409-allies
Eric Maywar and Laurice Reynolds own and operate Classics Used and Rare Books, located at 118 South Warren Street in downtown Trenton.
Classics supports community groups and networking with the support of the Princeton Area Community Foundation. Groups that meet at Classics regularly include We Are BOOST, the Urban Studies Group, the Kids Book Club, the Trenton Scrabble Club, People and Stories, and the Trenton Knit and Stitch.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Contest to Camp CURE Campaign Opens Friday March 13 at Planet Havana
Contest to Camp CURE 2009, as the initiative is being billed, will launch on Friday, March 13 from 5pm until 7pm at Planet Havana located at 449 South Broad Street in Trenton's arena district. Contest details including applications, guidelines, award types, and time-lines will be unveiled along with a full Cuban buffet dinner. Special presentations by Rein Triefeldt, who will discuss his kinetic solar sculpture and Lydia Chambers of Back2Tap will highlight the event. Donation is $18 per-per to attend with a portion of all proceeds going to support the Campaign. Please RSVP at (206) 202-2883 or cure@weareboost.org.
“With budget cuts in the City Trenton impacting its libraries, education system and community centers, we feel it is vitally important to address these challenges by turning them into opportunities for people to think creatively, act collaboratively, and begin to develop the programs, policies and practices that will ultimately lead to new and highly rewarding job, career, housing, business, and entrepreneurial opportunities” says Tim Razzaq, founder to BOOST and the lead organizer of the Campaign.
Razzaq says the contest is the natural outgrowth of his organization’s work in the field of educating for sustainability, recent youth poetry contest, and President Barack Obama’s call for community service and his agenda to fight global warming by reducing the carbon emissions. They will be holding a series of events awards ceremonies over the course of the next few months. “The entire process is designed to stimulate thought, discussion and action amongst the City’s young people around the issues of art in education, educating for sustainability, and individual commitment to community service.”
The second rallying point for the initiative will be the group’s first annual Allies of Humanity awards dinner and ceremony on Friday, April 17 from 5pm until 7pm at Planet Havana. David Valdes of the Latino Community Land Trust, Amefika Sababu of Amefika's Restaurant in Trenton, Eric Maywar and Laurice Reynolds of Classics Used and Rare Book, Anastasia Harrison of Wesketch Architecture and Design, Father Brian McCormick of Martin House, music instructor Ted Plunckett of Trenton Central High School, and National Academy fellow and Mercer County Community College Professor Mel Leipzig. Details about the awards can be found at http://www.weareboost.org/.
We Are BOOST is a creative community solutions organization that develops and utilizes innovative and customized strategies to build structured relationships between people, organizations, businesses, institutions, and agencies that lead to beneficial social, economic and educational outcomes and opportunities in under-served communities and emerging neighborhoods and market. More information about the BOOST can be found at their web site, http://www.weareboost.org/.
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Extras
C.U.R.E., or Career Paths in Urban Revitalization through Education, will be a realistic, engaging, and academically challenging community-based, web-supported, and socially interactive program in which students learn the roles, issues, trade-offs, and economics involved in being a productive citizen-leader and life-long learner in a shifting and ever-demanding urban environment. Full programming is slated to begin this summer and last year-round. More details will be announcement in May of 2009.
The jurists for the Youth Contest will be Julian Kernes (Graphic Artist and proprietor of JKE graphics), Laurie Triefeldt (Author of World of Wonder children's book series), Harold Fleming (Trenton Society of Friends) RAHZII (Poet, performing artist & da Humble Lion of da Concrete Jungle), Professor Alvyn Haywood (Human Empowerment Communication Inc.) and Mel Leipzig (MCC College Professor in 2007, elected into the prestigious NATIONAL ACADEMY), Amini K. Sababu (Founder of Positive Black Images CONNECT), and Kienna Childs Alexander (Third Vice President of the Trenton Chapter of the NAACP).
Rein Triefeldt (http://www.triefeldt.com/) is thought to be the first kinetic sculptor to make use of solar panels in order to create motion in his sculpture. Triefeldt has specialized in kinetic sculpture since 1986. The art focuses on the rich but largely uncharted realms of light, rhythm, balance and motion. The interactive and playful elements of Triefeldt’s work make it a popular choice for art and science museums, public parks and gardens. His commissioned public art can be found in many collections around the world.
Back2Tap’s (http://www.back2tap.com/) mission is to reduce the waste generated from the production and distribution of bottled water and water-based products in disposable plastic bottles. Their mission has four main components:
· Increase public awareness about the tremendous waste of natural resources associated with disposable bottles and cups;
· Import and sell reusable stainless steel bottles;
· Partner with companies that provide tap water, water filters, filtered tap water dispensers and drink concentrate products; and
· Increase awareness about the global water crisis and fund projects that bring clean water to areas in need
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Connecting the (Green) Dots - by Barbara Figge Fox
What's New in Princeton & Central New Jersey? Reprinted from the January 14, 2009, edition of U.S. 1 newspaper Connecting the (Green) Dots - by Barbara Figge Fox
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
What a Difference 3 Years Make: 2 Labors of Love, 1 Mission Community-Builder & Living, Walking, Breathing Community Benefit
Susan Conlon: The Consumate Commuinity-Builder Across Race, Class, Place, and CircumstanceA very special thanks from We Are BOOST goes out to Susan Conlon, the 2009 Princeton Environmental Film Festival's Coordinator and someone whom I have known for three years, next month.
Susan and I met at a smart growth forum on February 22, 2006. We immediately connected on the issue of Community Benefits Agreements (CBA's). CBA's are legally enforceable contracts between local community stakeholders and developers of (usually) large-scale real estate redevelopment projects. These contracts outline the 'benefits' and/or negative impact mitigation measures (community impact softeners) that the developer agrees to provide the local community in exchange for support of the proposed project through the various public approval processes.
Susan was working on a similar initiative in a suburban community in Mercer County and I was immersed in Trenton on multiple proposed projects that threatened to drastically change the neighborhood in which we lived, worked, worshipped, and recreated. Same situation, two different towns, and two different so-called 'population sets', yet, Susan did not focus on the differences, she only saw the commonalities. We can all learn a lot from this in the "green" movement and "sustainble communities" organizational construct(s). One humananity, one earth, one environment with nested (inter-related & Inter-dependent) systems. It is a mind "shift" needed to understand this approach and achieve sustainability. Renewables? "Be ye transformed by the RENEWAL of your mind"
Susan reached out to me after the forum and we shared resources and ideas, attended each others' meetings, generally kept in touch with each other over a protracted period of time, and offer inspiration and encouragement in a labor of love - building bridges across man-fabricated geographical boundaries and socio-economic status.
Susan made no, absolutely no excuses about working with me and our group. She did not hesitate offer an ear, encouragement, and energy to our movement. She wanted to see the same benefits for us that we wanted to see for ourselves and vis versa. No parochial or petty political posturing as tradition holds: "you take care of you your 'back yard' and we'll take care of ours"; or "we have capacity and you don't, so go get your act together"; or "you're black and urban and we are white and suburban, so we can't mix water and wine". None of that.
We Are BOOST grew out of our efforts to ensure local community inclusion in the redevelopment planning and decision-making process in New Jersey capital's Old Trenton Neighborhood (OTN). Susan was a very important part of our group's ability to connect with our suburban neighbors for insights, encouragement, and access to technical assistance and training through her connection with the Princeton Public Library. I was able to bring more than a handful of OTN stakeholders to various training and networking opportunities as a result of Susan's passion about our mutual causes.
Back in OTN - At least two of the many proposed projects have "green" or "sustainability" elements in both the buildings, garages, open and public spaces, and streetscape design plans. This prompted me to begin to research and identify possible opportunities that can be generated for local residents and business owners if we prepared or equipped ourselves with a working knowledge of green building, sustainable community design, smart growth, and environmental economics.
Thusly, since early 2007, We Are BOOST has been one of the leading group raising public awareness and building local community capacity to be engaged in community benefits negotiation as well as use these leading-edge principles in everyday living. In 2008, WAB sponsored and hosted dozens of workshops, focus sessions, panel discussions, redevelopment site tours, and youth enrichment activities.
Our recent successes does not mean the work is any easier than it was three years ago. Lots of stress from long hours of work each day for days on end, skepticism from the "green movement" movers and shakers for whatever reasons, and not a lot of financial support. We leverage all five capitals to get our work accomplished and the learning curve is very, very, very with our methodology.
Again, I get a contact inquiry from whom? Susan - inviting us to put together a panel for the 2009 Princeton Environmental Film Festival. Yet another step in the right direction and opportunity to grow our work and continue to build bridges. Susan is still there, sharing, informing, inspiring, and inviting all to take part in a common cuase.
We Are BOOST looks forward to working with like-minded groups and individuals - like Susan - to grow this effort, initiate local as well as regionally collaborative programs, projects, and policy work to that manifest community benefits, community-first and equitable development, and environmental economy.
Susan Conlon - thank you! Here it is almost three years later - next month - and what a long way each of us has come. We have never lost our connection and our mission(s) remain the same. We congratulate you on an outstanding week of PEFF and wish you only the best of success for you and all who are involved in this movement.
Tim Razzaq, CEO and Founder
We Are BOOST
http://www.weareboost.org/
206-202-2883
Friday, December 26, 2008
We Are BOOST Founder Tim Razzaq: Live interview with Darlene McKnight on WIMG Radio "Trenton Talks" Tuesday, January 13 from 7:30 - 8:00 pm.
TUNE IN: We Are BOOST Founder Tim Razzaq interviewed by Darlene McKnight on WIMG Radio on Tuesday, January 13 from 7:30 - 8:00 pm.
Location: WIMG Radio, AM 1300
Event Description: We Are BOOST Founder and Executive Director, Tim Razzaq, interviewed by Darlene McKnight on WIMG Radio, AM 1300.
Topic: Revisting Community Benefits Agreements and BOOST and We Are BOOST 2009 Agenda for Community-First and Environmental Economics.
Princeton Environmental Film Festival Opens with Radiant City
The Princeton Environmental Film Festival is sponsored by the Princeton Public Library. All screenings and talks will be held in the library's Community Room on the first floor. The library is located at 65 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, New Jersey. All screenings and talks are free and open to the public.
Opening Night Film - Radiant City 7:00 p.m - Directed by Gary Burns 2006 * Running time: 86 minutes
Gary Burns, Canada's king of surreal comedy, joins journalist Jim Brown on an outing to the burbs. Venturing into territory both familiar and foreign, they turn the documentary genre inside out, crafting a vivid account of life in The Late Suburban Age.
Burns and Brown rummage through a toybox of cultural references, from Jane Jacobs to The Sopranos, to create a provocative reflection on why we live the way we do. Riffing off sitcoms and reality TV, they play fast and loose with a range of cinematic devices to consider what happens when cities get sick and mutate.
By Adam Grybowski
Posted: Tuesday, December 23, 2008 6:41 PM EST
MASSIVE amounts of waste have accrued over time to create five great garbage patches in the world’s oceans. Ian Connacher sailed to the so-called Eastern Garbage Patch in the Pacific Ocean in 2003, sent by a corporate sponsor to gauge the feasibility of collecting some of the garbage and recycling it.
”Most people are fascinated by this floating island of garbage,” he says. “It’s not that. When you get out there, you realize you’re not bringing anything back.”
Although large items of detritus are floating on the ocean’s surface, most of the pollution is invisible. The ocean looks nearly pristine, which is because sunlight and waves break down plastic into smaller and smaller pieces that aren’t readily seen. Capt. Charles Moore of Algalita Marine Research Facility, who calls the ocean a “plastic soup,” measured a sample of ocean water with a 10-to-1 ratio of plastic to plankton.
Marine life can mistake plastic as food, and when fish eat it, the material begins to work its way up the food chain. Enhancing this menace is the fact that chemicals are attracted to plastic.
”It wasn’t a happy story,” says Mr. Connacher, who at the time was a segment producer for Discovery Canada’s Daily Planet. “I wanted to know how to fix it.”
He pitched them an idea for a documentary on plastic. “I knew plastic was compelling enough to do a film on,” he says. “We touch it everyday and hardly think about it.” Discovery said no. How about a year off so he could pursue the idea on his own? When they said no again, Mr. Connacher quit.
That decision propelled him on a three-year odyssey in pursuit of plastic’s story. He visited five continents and 12 countries, conducting nearly 50 interviews in laboratories, factories and landfills. He shot more than 300 hours of film that became an 85-minute documentary, Addicted to Plastic. On Jan. 7, when the film makes its U.S. premiere at the Princeton Environmental Film Festival, Mr. Connacher will be on hand to answer questions.
The third annual festival, running Jan. 2 to 11, is comprised of documentary films on a number of environmental issues, including waste (Trashed), energy (Burning the Future: Coal in America) and green building (The Greening of Southie). A host of talks and panel discussions, featuring a bevy of the industry’s movers and shakers, complement the films.
”Film is a medium for people to become more aware, and we hope that awareness will be coupled with action,” says Susan Conlon, the festival coordinator.
”I wouldn’t have made this (film) if I didn’t think it would help,” Mr. Connacher says. “It’s up to the individual to take responsibility, and I hope this gives them a few tools. “
On Jan. 9, as a model for action, Shana Weber, of the Princeton University office of sustainability, will present student-produced short films and podcasts on issues such as green roofs and food waste.
Ms. Weber cut her teeth in radio production as a graduate student at Indiana University, where she earned her doctorate in environmental science. Producing pieces for a program on public radio, she had complete freedom to translate the complicated issues she was learning about for a general audience.
”I fell in love with developing the tools to communicate really difficult environmental issues in a way that’s fun,” she says. “Sometimes when you have a technical or research-heavy topic, it’s not accessible to people.
”When I came here (to Princeton University in 2006) I wanted to take it to the next level,” she adds. The Student Environmental Communication Network is a training and internship program that teaches students how to tell stories using audio and video technology. Ms. Weber’s vision is to create a model for a national network of students who produce stories on sustainability from their perspective.
”There has been a great demand to hear youth voices on a number of topics,” she says. “There’s always been a small cohort of students interested in this stuff. It has reached a new level of importance for more students,” and not necessarily just the hardcore environmentalists.
The traces the surge of awareness and the desire to participate through a conflux of events. Two years ago An Inconvenient Truth hit theaters. The film won an Oscar and Al Gore a Nobel Prize. Then Hurricane Katrina presented a real-life version of the extreme weather Gore forecasted. Finally, the scientific community’s reports on the veracity of global warming “became more statistically strong,” Ms. Weber says.
For Mr. Connacher, awareness and action were one and the same. “I was pretty asleep myself,” he says of his pre-filming attitude toward plastic. “I never realized how much plastic was around us. I never realized how much did not get recycled. And I didn’t know about the chemicals.”
He is referring to the controversy over the toxicity of certain plastics, which he examines in his film. He interviews scientists who, though they have yet to find conclusive evidence, have diminished their personal use of plastic due to health concerns. Mr. Connacher has followed step, tossing his Teflon pans, among other measures.
He concedes he couldn’t have made his movie without plastic. The material is useful, and its disappearance would considerably alter everyday life. “I’m not out to demonize the material,” Mr. Connacher says. “This movie is to start the debate. There are no easy solutions or magic bullets.”
Indeed, plastic alternatives presented in the film, such as bioplastic made from vegetables, have their own problems. When farmland is used to grow crops for bioplastic, less food is available for a hungry world.
Among discussion of bioplastic and green roofs, there is danger of losing sight of initiatives that are less visible but equally important. “In this business we call it ‘sexy tech,’” Ms. Weber says of headline grabbing technology. “It’s visible, it’s fun to talk about, it’s big and everyone thinks it has a huge impact. One of the things I love to emphasize is that so many things behind the scenes that are not sexy are absolutely essential pieces of the puzzle.”
For example, miles of steam pipe run underneath Princeton’s campus. In sections where pressure switches from high to low, energy is lost. Engineers have installed microturbines to capture that energy and produce electricity. One microturbine powers six dorms. “And no one will ever see that,” Ms. Weber says. She calls it “The gritty underbelly of sustainability,” adding, “That’s where the gold is.”
The Princeton Environmental Film Festival will be held at the Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon St., Princeton, Jan. 2-11. Communicating Sustainability: Video and Podcast Explorations by Princeton University Students will be presented Jan. 9, 3:30 p.m. Addicted to Plastic will be screened Jan. 9, 7 p.m. All screenings, talks and panel discussions are free. (609) 924-9529; http://www.princeton.lib.nj.us/peff
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Please join us for Kwanzaa at the Lighthouse as we begin this Historic New Year!
POSITIVE BLACK IMAGES CONNECT (PBI CONNECT)
THURSDAY, JANUARY 1st
Lighthouse Community Outreach Center
Positive Black Images CONNECT
Everything about Kwanzaa, but you did not know where to ask
Kwanzaa is a unique African American celebration with focus on the traditional African values of family, community responsibility, commerce, and self-improvement. Kwanzaa is neither political nor religious and despite some misconceptions, is not a substitute for Christmas. It is simply a time of reaffirming African-American people, their ancestors and culture.
Kwanzaa, which means "first fruits of the harvest" in the African language Kiswahili, has gained tremendous acceptance. Since its founding in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa has come to be observed by more than18 million people worldwide, as reported by the New York Times.
When establishing Kwanzaa in 1966, Dr. Karenga included an additional "a" to the end of the spelling to reflect the difference between the African American celebration (kwanzaa) and the Motherland spelling (kwanza).
Kwanzaa is based on the Nguzo Saba (seven guiding principles), one for each day of the observance, and is celebrated from December 26th to January 1st:
Umoja (oo-MO-jah) Unity stresses the importance of togetherness for the family and the community, which is reflected in the African saying, "I am We," or "I am because We are."
Kujichagulia (koo-gee-cha-goo-LEE-yah) Self-Determination requires that we define our common interests and make decisions that are in the best interest of our family and community.
Ujima (oo-GEE-mah) Collective Work and Responsibility reminds us of our obligation to the past, present and future, and that we have a role to play in the community, society, and world.
Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah) Cooperative economics emphasizes our collective economic strength and encourages us to meet common needs through mutual support.
Nia (NEE-yah) Purpose encourages us to look within ourselves and to set personal goals that are beneficial to the community.
Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah) Creativity makes use of our creative energies to build and maintain a strong and vibrant community.
Imani (ee-MAH-nee) Faith focuses on honoring the best of our traditions, draws upon the best in ourselves, and helps us strive for a higher level of life for humankind, by affirming our self-worth and confidence in our ability to succeed and triumph in righteous struggle.
CELEBRATING KWANZAA:
As it is always better to get an early start, I suggest that you begin the first week in December by making a check list for the following items: A Kinara (candle holder); Mkeka (placemat preferably made of straw); Mazao (crops, i.e., fruits and vegetables); Vibunzi/Muhindi (ears of corn to reflect the number of children in the household); Kikombe cha umoja (communal unity cup); Mishumaa saba (seven candles, one black, three red, and three green); and Zawadi (gifts that are enriching).
It is important that the Kinara not be confused with the menorah.* The Kinara holds seven candles to reflect the seven principles which are the foundation of Kwanzaa. If you don't have a Kinara and don't know where to get one, it is suggested that you use "kuumba" (creativity) and make one. A 2x4 or a piece of driftwood will do just fine, and screw-in candle holders can be purchased in most hardware stores.
The Mkeka (place mat) shouldn't present a problem. While straw is suggested because it is traditional, cloth makes an adequate substitute. If cloth is used, one with an African print is preferred. The other symbols are easy to come by and warrant no further discussion other than to caution against placing the Mazao (crops)in a cornucopia which is Western.
A plain straw basket or a bowl will do just fine. One last note, even households without any children should place an ear of corn on the place mat to symbolize the African concept of social parenthood. All seven symbols are creatively placed on top of the place mat, i.e., the symbols should be attractively arranged as they form the Kwanzaa centerpiece.
DECORATING THE HOME The Kinara along with the other symbols of Kwanzaa should dominate the room, which should be given an African motif. This is easily achieved and shouldn't result in too much expense. The colors of Kwanzaa are black, red and green. This should be kept in mind when decorating the home. Black, red and green streamers, balloons, cloth, flowers, and African prints can be hung tastefully around the room.
Original art and sculpture may be displayed as well. GIFTS Kuumba (creativity) is greatly encouraged. Not only is Kuumba one of the seven principles, it also brings a sense of personal satisfaction and puts one squarely into the spirit of Kwanzaa. Therefore, those symbols that can be made, should be made.
The giving of gifts during Kwanzaa should be affordable and of an educational or artistic nature. Gifts are usually exchanged between parents and children and traditionally given on January 1st, the last day of Kwanzaa. However, gift giving during Kwanzaa may occur at any time.
THE KWANZAA FEAST OR KARAMU
The Kwanzaa Karumu is traditionally held on December 31st (participants celebrating New Year's Eve, should plan their Karamu early in the evening). It is a very special event as it is the one Kwanzaa event that brings us closer to our African roots. The Karamu is a communal and cooperative effort. Ceremonies and cultural expressions are highly encouraged. It is important to decorate the place where the Karamu will be held, (e.g., home, community center, church) in an African motif that utilizes black, red, and green color scheme.
A large Kwanzaa setting should dominate the room where the karamu will take place. A large Mkeka should be placed in the center of the floor where the food should be placed creatively and made accessible to all for self-service. Prior to and during the feast, an informative and entertaining program should be presented. Traditionally, the program involved welcoming, remembering, reassessment, recommitment and rejoicing, concluded by a farewell statement and a call for greater unity.
Article courtesy: http://www.tike.com/celeb-kw.htm
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
WE ARE BOOST GREEN, SMART, & SUSTAINABLE 21ST CENTURY TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE ACTION-STEP #1 FOR EVERYDAY CITIZENS
NEWS RELEASE - For Immediate Release: For More Information, Contact Tim Razzaq
Date: December 28, 2008 Phone: 206-202-2883
Greater Mercer County Residents Invited to Participate in Re-Gifting of Goods and Food Collection for Area's Poor
Responding to President-elect Obama's call to community service, Trenton-based group also promoting going green for the holidays
Trenton, NJ -- Instead of tossing the gifts you are not so fond of, give them up for a good cause. We Are Building Open Opportunity Structures Together will be collecting donations of food and household items on Saturday, January 3 from 11:00 a.m. to 4p.m at the Trenton Makes complex located at 439 South Broad Street. Area residents and businesses are asked to bring unwanted holiday gifts and other household and office items, as well as nonperishable, unopened boxed or canned food goods.
All items will be distributed to needy Trenton-Mercer and Bordentown residents through the Rescue Mission of Trenton and food bank of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Bordentown as a part of the run-up for the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service and the historic presidential inauguration.
Almost anything can be donated including: unwanted holiday gifts of toys, clothing, jackets, bedding, cosmetics, toiletries, knick-knacks, decorative items (candles, vases, art...) new & used electronic items, and furniture, household and office fixtures, books, shelving, cabinets, unopened paper products, and stationary.
THREE CONVENIENT DROP-OFF LOCATIONS
* Large & Small Items – (one day only) * We Are BOOST Office Trenton Makes Complex - 439 South Broad St. - Suite 201, Trenton, New Jersey 08611 Saturday, January 3 * 11am until 4pm Call: (206) 202-2883 * E-mail info@weareboost.org * Visit http://www.weareboost.org/ Large
* Small Items (one day only) - Firehouse Art Gallery, 8 Walnut Street Bordentown, New Jersey 08505 - Saturday, January 10 from 9am to noon Call: (609) 298-3742
* Labyrinth Books - 122 Nassau St.- Princeton, NJ 08542 Call: (609) 497-1600 Small Items (seven days a week from January 2 through 10) Mon - Fri 9AM - 8PM Saturdays 10AM - 6PM Sundays 11AM - 6PM –
Large Items (2 days only) Saturdays, January 3 & 10 - 11am until 4pm
Tim Razzaq, director or We Are BOOST, is organizing this effort in association with local supporters of President-elect Barack Obama and Mr. Obama’s call for participation in a community service project. Razzaq said he was born and raised in Bordentown, but was always inspired to help the city he loves most. “I have always felt a strong affiliation with Trenton every since I was a child, and want to contribute in a positive way towards its betterment.” “This is something everyone can be a part of no matter where you reside and we are definitely sending a message about the benefits of recycling, re-using, and reducing waste, three core tenants of being ‘green’" he continued.
The Rescue Mission serves the truly needy men and women who have no place to turn for shelter, food, and clothing. Approximately 30% of the mission's annual operating revenue comes from reselling clothing, furniture and household items donated by the public.
We Are BOOST is a creative community solutions organization that develops and utilizes innovative and customized strategies to build structured relationships between residents, businesses, organizations, and government agencies that lead to beneficial economic, social, and educational opportunities and outcomes in underserved and emerging urban neighborhoods. www.weareboost.org, 206-202-2883, info@weareboost.org.
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Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Group seeks opportunities for urban communities
Urges city to revisit and reinvent social, economic and educational initiatives
Sunday, November 16, 2008
BY CHRIS STURGIS
Special to the Times
TRENTON -- Leaders from many walks of life assembled here yesterday to plan for an urban environment whose economy, social system and educational opportunities work better.
Tim Razzaq, a lead organizer, said some job training programs fail when the trainees finish but remain unemployed, making him wonder if the trainers are connected with any employers.
"That's called a broken opportunity structure," he said.
Razzaq is executive director of BOOST -- Building Open Opportunity Structures Together -- which helped organize yesterday's forum: "Inventing the Future: Designing Our Tomorrow, Today." It was held at the Hanover Street meeting house of the Trenton Society of Friends.
Ultimately, Razzaq said he wants participants to form committees to attack urban problems.
Razzaq and others at yesterday's gathering described frontiers in merchandising art, restoring the healthfulness of the environment and fighting racism, all of which they want to see addressed.
For example, Pete Abrams' Trenton-based company, Modern Metal Works, recycles discarded elevator cable into furniture and metal vessels called fire bowls.
Razzaq said Abrams' fire bowls (and other sustainable designed functional sculpture art works) should be incorporated into Trenton's urban revitalization efforts because they are locally made and fashioned from flexible cable, the material used to build the Brooklyn Bridge and put the city on the map in the first place.
"Trenton made, the world took and now it's time for Trenton to get something back," he said.
Abrams said his company teaches sculpture and offers internships. He had a very rewarding experience when he took his students and interns to the Art All Night festival earlier this year.
"The satisfaction of seeing something they produced sold for money was much greater than being a tiny cog in a big organization," he said.
Artist Leon Rainbow said he makes his own opportunities by painting murals on urban walls. He drew applause from the audience when he said urban revitalization goes wrong when it's aimed at creating tourism, instead of investing in the city's own residents.
"They spend a lot of money on getting people to come here, who aren't going to come here," he said.
Another participant, Stacey Kennealy, coordinator of New Brunswick-based Green Faith, told the audience spirituality is a fertile starting place to begin discussions on the environment because virtually all the sacred texts promote good stewardship of the natural world.
She said it's a mistake to think only white middle class people should be concerned about pollution. She said contamination most seriously harms the health of the urban poor and minorities.
Carolyn Mitchell, director of the Racial Justice Institute at the Trenton YWCA, urged attendees to improve the urban environment by organizing an event in the Y's Take a Stand Against Racism initiative.
She said the goal is not a colorblind society, but one where everyone is proud of who they are.
"I want you to see me as I am, an African-American woman, because I am very proud of that," she said.
More information about BOOST is available at http://www.weareboost.org/.
©2008 Times of Trenton - © 2008 NJ.com All Rights Reserved.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Panel Set and Still Time to Register for: Women Leaders & The Triple Bottom Line Approach to 21st Century Opportunities
November 2008 - Philadelphia PA - Patricia Gaylor has practiced green design in the northeast for over 25 years. After seeing many remodeling jobs start with the demolition and hauling away of tons of materials, she began to wonder how to create beautiful new spaces without making such an environmental impact. Reducing landfill waste and specifying materials that are renewable, recyclable or sustainable has been part of her design business for many years.
On Sunday, November 16 from 3pm until 6pm, Gaylor joins a panel of leaders in a broad range of fields where she will share her vast experience and knowledge with anyone interested in greening up their home or living spaces.
Women Leaders for Entrepreneurship, the Environment and Social Equity is being hosted by We Are Building Open Opportunity Structures Together (We Are BOOST) at the showroom of Greenable, one of Philadelphia's premier resource for interior and exterior green building products and services for residential and commercial projects.
"In an economy where home building and remodeling is suffering one of the worst slumps in decades, green building and remodeling are experiencing incredible growth. Recent surveys reveal that home buyers will pay a premium to purchase a green, energy efficient house. Coloring your business GREEN is a smart move in a sluggish economy!" says Gaylor, who was recently featured on Good Morning America.
Yvonne Haughton, founder and director of For My Daughter Library and Ali Shapiro, proprietor of p Your Nutrition will lead a panel discussion and interactive question and answer session at Greenable. Presenters include:
Patricia Gaylor, Green Interior Design and recently featured on Good Morning America - Topic She Will Share: "Simple, Affordable, and Doable Ways you can Make Your Home Healthier and More Energy Efficient & Green Business Advantages"
Ariane Delafosse, Founder of Community Green
Topic She Will Share: "Easy Steps to Take Growing Your Community Green Nonprofit from the Grassroots to the Grass-tops."
Susie Beiler, Spectrum Health Consulting
Topic She Will Share: "My Vision for Shamalada Healing Sanctuary and How You Can Become Engaged in Holistic Health for Personal and Community Wellness"
Trisha Mandes, Founder of Philly Eco Kids (PEK)
Topic She Will Share: "How to Easily Educate Your Children and Students about Climate Change, Global Warming, and What They Can Do About It"
Marilyn Moran of Marilyn New Media Marketing and author of Philly Green Blog
Topic She Will Share: "Grow Your Business, Web Site or Blog: Sound Economical, Social, and Green Marketing Opportunities"
Barbara Stange, Simply Natural Living
Topic She Will Share: "Simple Steps to Improve Your Personal and Family Health by Balancing of Mind, Body, Spirit"
Julie Hancher & Beth Funari, co-authors of GreenPhillyBlog.com, a Philadelphia-based website providing environmental information for the local region
Topic They Will Share: "Planting the Seed: Growing Your Green Business from the Ground Up"
Donation is $15 per adult and $5 for children under 12 years of age and college and university students with valid student I.D... A refreshments buffet of locally grown and harvested food will be prepared by Cosmic Catering and available to all who attend. Advanced registration is required, please call (206) 202-2883 or visit the calendar of events page at http://www.weareboost.org/ and you may also email greenablewomen@weareboost.org.
We Are Building Open Opportunity Structures Together (We Are BOOST) is a creative community solutions organization that develops and utilizes innovative and customized strategies to build structured relationships between individuals, organizations, businesses, institutions, and agencies that lead to beneficial social, economic, and educational opportunities and outcomes in under-served communities and emerging markets and neighborhoods. Contact: 206-202-2883 info@weareboost.org and http://www.weareboost.org/.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
We Are BOOST Solutions, Greenable Sponsor Opportunity Forum
Sunday, November 16 - 3PM until 6PM at Greenable - 126 Market Street in Philadelphia PA
"Anyone can create a green initiative, anytime, don't wait", is the message Arianne Delafosse has for people who want to get involved in greening up their homes, creating a community-based community green campaign, and not have to reinvent the wheel.
Women for Entrepreneurship, the Environment, and Social Equity is the theme of this most timely and relevant information-sharing and networking session. Women Leaders is being co-sponsored by We Are Building Open Opportunity Structures Together (We Are BOOST) and Greenable, a Philadelphia-based green materials and services provider. Refreshments are being provided by Cosmic Catering, whose mission is to strive to make a small footprint on the earth but in turn a large footprint in their customer's souls and stomachs.
We Are BOOST Founder Tim Razzaq is absolutely thrilled to have his organization be able to invite the community at large out on an Sunday afternoon, provide a positive outlet for folks who may not be all that happy about what they have to face in the coming weeks with jobs and businesses at risk, and filter out so much of the 'green noise'.
Patricia Gaylor, one of the panelist who has practiced green design in the northeast for over 25 years and recently featured on Good Morning America has similar sentiments, "In an economy where home building and remodeling is suffering one of the worst slumps in decades, green building and remodeling are experiencing incredible growth. Recent surveys reveal that home buyers will pay a premium to purchase a green, energy efficient house. Coloring your business GREEN is a smart move in a sluggish economy."
Delafosse is Founder and Executive Director for Community Green, an all volunteer non-profit organization based in Basking Ridge New Jersey.
Donation is $15 per adult and $5 for children under 12 years of age. A refreshments buffet of locally grown and harvested food will be prepared by Cosmic Catering and available to all who attend. Advanced registration is required, please call (206) 202-2883 or visit the calendar of events at http://www.weareboost.org.
About Your Women Leaders Panelists:
Patricia Gaylor, Green Interior Design and recently featured on Good Morning America - Topic: "Simple, Affordable, and Doable Ways you can: Make Your Home Healthier and More Energy Efficient, Set you Business Up Gain the Competitive Advantages of Going Green, and Find Green Materials Locally that are Readily Available and Financially Feasible"
Ariane Delafosse, Founder of Community Green (New Jersey)Topic: "Easy Steps to Take Growing Your Community Green Nonprofit from the Grassroots to the Grass-tops."
Susie Beiler, Spectrum Health Consulting Topic: "My Vision for Shamalada Healing Sanctuary and How You Can Become Engaged in Holistic Health for Personal and Community Wellness"
Trisha Mandes, Founder of Philly Eco Kids (PEK)Topic: "How to Easily Educate Your Children and Students about Climate Change, Global Warming, and What They Can Do About It"
Marilyn Moran of Marilyn New Media Marketing and author of We Are BOOST Philly Green BlogTopic: "Grow Your Business, Web Site or Blog: Sound Economical, Social, and Green Marketing Opportunities"
Barbara Stange, Simply Natural Living;Topic: "Natural Steps to balance You, Your family,Your personal world through Body, Mind and Spirit"
Julie Hancher & Beth Funari, co-authors of GreenPhillyBlog, a Philadelphia-based website providing environmental information for the local regionTopic: "Planting the Seed: Growing Your Green Business from the Ground Up"
Friday, October 24, 2008
RSVP for Walk-in access for Sunday, October 26 “Why Live Green?” - at Dock Street. STILL ONLY $15 PER-PERSON - (206) 202-2883
MEDIA ADVISORYContact: Tim Razzaq((206) 202-2883 info@weareboost.org or
Timrazzaq1@yahoo.com
We Are BOOST, CMX Inc. and Organizational Leaders Co-Sponsor Panel to Examines Job, Career, Housing, Business, and Educational Opportunities in the Emerging Green Economy
Philadelphia, PA – In a collaborative featuring individuals, organizations, and businesses, We Are Building Open Opportunity Structures Together (We Are BOOST), CMX Engineers, and Consultants, Simply Natural Living, and Modern Metal Work are offering opportunity seekers a chance to hear directly from leaders in the fields of green building, sustainable community design, smart growth, and environmental economics. Walk-ins are welcome and encouraged and admission in $15 per-person – children under 12 years of age admitted free.
WHAT - Panel Discussion, Buffet-style Dinner, Networking, and Community Building
How can civics, the arts, leadership, and environmental economics be combined into a force for generating job, career, housing, business, and educational opportunities in a faltering economy and in a sustainable fashion is the challenge the panelists and members of communities from New Jersey and Philadelphia will take on. This is the second in a series of three panels with the final 2008 forum to take place at a date and location to be announced this Sunday.
WHO
Christopher Zelov of the Knossus Project and dircecto new film, City21. Zelov will preview City21, and co-moderate panel, featuring:
· Susie Belier, CHHC, AADP, OTR/L
Spectrum Health Consulting
TOPIC: Change Your Food, Fuel Your Life
· Anastasia Harrison, LEED-AP, AIA, IAQA Director of Business Development - WESKetch Architecture + Interiors, Inc.
TOPIC: “Why Live Green? Real Reasons, Rationales, and Practical Steps You CAN Take”
· Stephen F. Finkelman, P.E., LEED-APAssociate - CMX Engineering
TOPIC: “LEED for Homes and Energy Conservation Strategies”
· Doug CohenFounder - Inspired Futures Global Campaign
TOPIC: “Leaders of the Next Generation: Youth and Sustainability”
· Marianne MalloyEastern Regional Network Program Coordinator - Environmental Leadership Program
TOPIC: “ELP: 21st Century Community-Building and Social Capital Creation”
· Anne Misak - Program Organizer - Clean Water Action – Philadelphia
Regional Chapter
TOPIC: “Protecting Our Watersheds and Improving Recycling in Philadelphia”
· Sean Crane, AA, AS, RESNET, BPI, Green Advantage Commercial
Chief Technical Officer - Home Town Green
TOPIC: “Walk Softly and Save Wisely”
· Peter Abrams - Proprietor - Modern Metal Work & Trenton Atelier
TOPIC: “Waste-Stream Treasures: What You Throw Away Does Not Go Away!”
WHEN
Sunday, October 26 – 3PM until 6PM.
WHERE
Dock Street Micro Brewery
701 S. 50th Street (50th and Baltimore Avenues)
Philadelphia, PA 19143
For more information, please go to
http://www.weareboost.org/ or
http://www.phillygreen.wordpress.com/
Monday, October 20, 2008
(Trenton, NJ) – October 20, 2008 – Helping to build bridges of understanding for everyday people to take advantage of the new structure of opportunity in environmental economy, CMX Engineers and Consultants, one of the nation’s top architectural, engineering, construction, and pure-design firms is co-sponsoring a forum designed to raise public awareness about emergent green jobs, careers, business, housing, and educational opportunities. Rosemarie Certo, owner of the Dock Street Micro Brewery, is also helping the cause by opening the doors of the refurbished former firehouse this Sunday for We Are Building Open Opportunity Structures Together (We Are BOOST) and nearly a dozen participating industry leaders invite members of the public are invited and encouraged to participate in “Why Live Green: Eight Leaders, Eight Ways You Can Live Healthier Wealthier, and Wiser with the Earth” on Sunday, October 26th from 3PM - 6PM at the historic firehouse located at 701 S. 50th Street (50th & Baltimore Avenue) in the Cedar Park section of West Philadelphia, PA. Donation: $35 per person$30 group rate (5+) $15 children under 12. Call (206) 202-2883 email info@weareboost.org visit www.phillygreen.workpress.com
CMX Inc. Associate Stephen Finkelman, a LEED Accredited Professional, will share his expertise by offering practical steps home and property owners can improve the energy and environmental performance of dwellings and work spaces. “In spite of what is deemed a sluggish economy, We Are BOOST is sharing ways everyday people can prepare to be beneficiaries of the broad range of jobs, careers, housing, business, and educational opportunities being generated. CMX Inc. encourages everyone of good-will to support organizations, such as We Are BOOST, that serve a vital function in ensuring environmental, social, and economic equity is achieved for as many citizens as possible", says CMX National Director of Marketing, Brian Duke, referring to the rationale of his company’s commitment to community education and supporting this groundbreaking event.
The panel and community discussion will be moderated by special guest, Christopher Zelov of the Knossus Project and director of the eco-education film, City21, which explores the multiple initiatives that are indeed shaping the 21st Century City. There will be a Q&A session, Brewery tour, giveaways, and networking buffet (included) following the panel presentation. A cash bar will also be available.
Panelists and topics include:
· Susie Belier, CHHC, AADP, OTR/L - Spectrum Health Consulting
TOPIC: Change Your Food, Fuel Your Life
· Anastasia Harrison, LEED-AP, AIA, IAQA Director of Business Development - WESKetch Architecture + Interiors, Inc.
TOPIC: “Why Live Green? Real Reasons, Rationales, and Practical Steps You CAN Take”
· Stephen F. Finkelman, P.E., LEED-APAssociate - CMX Engineering
TOPIC: “LEED for Homes and Energy Conservation Strategies”
· Doug CohenFounder - Inspired Futures Global Campaign
TOPIC: “Leaders of the Next Generation: Youth and Sustainability”
· Marianne MalloyEastern Regional Network Program Coordinator - Environmental Leadership
Program
TOPIC: “ELP: 21st Century Community-Building and Social Capital Creation”
· Anne Misak
Program Organizer - Clean Water Action – Philadelphia Regional Chapter
TOPIC: “Protecting Our Watersheds and Improving Recycling in Philadelphia”
· Sean Crane, AA, AS, RESNET, BPI, Green Advantage Commercial
Chief Technical Officer - Home Town Green
TOPIC: “Walk Softly and Save Wisely”
· Peter AbramsProprietor - Modern Metal Work & Trenton Atelier
TOPIC: “Waste-Stream Treasures: What You Throw Away Does Not Go Away!”
Additional panel speakers will be selected and announced.
Note: if you or someone you know is interested in speaking at this event, contact BOOST at (206) 202-2883 or email whylivegreen@weareboost.org.
Donation:
$35 per person$30 group rate (5+) $15 children under 12
For more information or to RSVP, visit http://www.weareboost.org or call (206) 202-2883. You may also email whylivegreen@weareboost.org to register for this event. Tickets will be available at the door if this event does not sell out.
Since 2007, Building Open Opportunity Structures Together (BOOST) has planned, promoted, and coordinated over 50 forums, initially in the Trenton-Mercer County region. As a result of the demand for green design and green building education in the Philadelphia region, BOOST is happy to offer a series of informational presentations on environmentally responsible design and sustainability in the city of Philadelphia. They have developed a speakers' bureau that includes academics, architects, business owners and entrepreneurs as well as professionals and practitioners. Within this bureau, speakers have expertise in areas ranging from green building and sustainable community design to personal and organizational leadership capacity building. For more information, visit our website: http://www.weareboost.org
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