What Grows On in Rhode Island ~ News Blog

Energy Auditor Job Training Info Sessions ~ October 6, 8, & 13, 2009

From Apeiron Institute for Sustainable Living:

FREE* Energy Auditor Job Training
Attend one of the Mandatory Information Sessions to get started:

Tues., October 6, 7pm
Thurs., October 8, 1pm
Tues., October 13, 7pm

The Apeiron Institute for Sustainable Living, in partnership with the Community College of RI, proudly presents an Energy Auditor Job Training class that begins this month.

Start or Expand Your Career in the field of Residential Energy Efficiency!  Build your resume with 8 state and nationally recognized certifications! Learn Hands-on with some of the State’s best known experts!

This Program Will Begin the Week of October 26th, 2009.

Any interested candidates must attend one of the following Mandatory Information Sessions:

Tuesday, October 6, 2009; 7:00pm
Thursday, October 8, 2009; 1:00pm
Tuesday, October 13, 2009; 7:00pm

Location:

The Apeiron Institute for Sustainable Living Headquarters
17 Gordon Avenue, 2nd Floor
Providence, RI 02905

*This Program is free for individuals who qualify for eligibility under Workforce Investment Act funding guidelines.  For a list of eligibility qualifications, please read below.  Interested applicants who do NOT qualify for WIA are also encouraged to apply!

About the Class:

Classes start the week of October 26, 2009
300 Hours Total
8 State and Nationally recognized certifications:
Building Performance Institute (BPI) Building Analyst Certification (36 hrs. and 8 hours test)
CCRI: Introduction to Energy Auditing (40 hrs.)
Apeiron: Introduction to Principles of Weatherization, Green Building, and Sustainability (104 hrs.)
OSHA Safety Training (40 hrs.)
Lead Contractor (40 hrs. + 8 hour test)
Asbestos (16 hrs.)
Confined Space Entry (4 hrs.)
CPR/ First Aide (4 hrs.)
General Qualifications for FREE* class:
*This Program is free for individuals who qualify for eligibility under the Workforce Investment Act, Title I funding guidelines.

Job seekers first must meet basic WIA eligibility requirements for WIA-funded services. To be eligible to participate in WIA Title I services, all candidates, including dislocated workers:

Must be 18 years or older
Must be a citizen, or non-citizen authorized to work in the U.S.
Must be a Rhode Island resident
Must meet specified income requirements
Must meet Military Selective Service registration requirements 
For more information on WIA eligibility requirements, please join us for one of the information sessions.

Questions???

Contact Dr. Mark DeMoranville
Associate Director, Sustainable Business Training
The Apeiron Institute for Sustainable Living
17 Gordon Avenue, Suite 207
Providence, RI 02905
(401) 228-7930
markd@apeiron.org
www.apeiron.org

Ocean Policy Task Force Public Meeting ~ September 24, 2009

Obama Administration Officials to Hold Ocean Policy Task Force Public Meeting
in Providence, RI, on September 24, 2009

PROVIDENCE, RI – Obama Administration officials will hold their third regional Ocean Policy Task Force Public Meeting in Providence, Rhode Island on September 24, 2009. The Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force, led by White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Nancy Sutley, consists of senior-level officials from Administration agencies, departments, and offices.

Bioneers by the Bay ~ October 22-25, 2009

5th Annual Bioneers by the Bay: Connecting for Change 
October 22-25, 2009 | Downtown New Bedford, MA
 
Bioneers by the Bay: Connecting for Change, the Marion Institute’s 5th annual conference will be held in historic Downtown New Bedford, MA, on October 22-25, 2009. Bioneers by the Bay provides an opportunity for concerned citizens to meet with environmental, scientific, and social justice innovators to address the Earth’s most pressing challenges. We are planning a rather remarkable three days of live keynote speakers, afternoon workshops, an extensive Youth Initiative program, a downlink of the 20th Annual Bioneers Conference in California [www.bioneers.org], an exhibition hall featuring sustainable businesses and organizations, a 350 Day of Action event, films, music, art installations, a farmers’ market and local & organic food. If you purchase your 3 day pass before September 18th, you will save 30% off of the regular admission price. Also we have scholarships and volunteer opportunities available—if you want to come to the conference we want to help get you there. For more information, please visit connectingforchange.org or call 508.748.0816

Northeast Sustainable Energy Assoc Meeting ~ September 1, 2009

From Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA):

It’s that time again for the next NESEA RI meeting on Tuesday, September 1 at 6pm.

The topic:  “Lessons Learned on the Frontier of Energy Codes and Building Science”

RI Water Infrastructure Needs Panel ~ September 2, 2009

Whitehouse Brings Together Panel of Experts to Examine Rhode Island’s Water Infrastructure Needs
 
Washington, D.C. – On Wednesday, September 2nd, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) will bring together a panel of experts to discuss Rhode Island’s aging water infrastructure system and its impact on our economy, environment, and public health.  Whitehouse will chair an official field briefing of the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee at the Narragansett Bay Commission in Providence.
 
EVENT:         Sheldon Whitehouse Chairs EPW Committee Field Briefing on “Investing in our Future and Protecting our Environment: Water Infrastructure Needs in Rhode Island”
 
WHEN:          Wednesday, September 2, 2009,  10:00 a.m.
 
WHERE:        Narragansett Bay Commission, 1 Service Road, Providence
 
In its 2009 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, the American Society of Civil Engineers estimates $255 billion will be needed over the next 5 years to maintain and repair the nation’s aging water infrastructure.  This problem is especially acute in Rhode Island, which is home to some of the nation’s oldest water infrastructure, with some water treatment and delivery systems over 100 years old – well past their intended life spans.  The total cost of needed water infrastructure projects in Rhode Island currently stands at over $1 billion, yet total federal funding in 2009 for Rhode Island under the EPA clean water and drinking water revolving loan funds provides only $12.8 million.  Pollution and contamination in Narragansett Bay and along Rhode Island’s beaches is directly attributable to the State’s aging water treatment systems; putting our citizens at risk and undermining our tourism-based economy.
 
Witnesses testifying at the briefing will include:
·         Tony Simeone, Executive Director, Rhode Island Clean Water Finance Agency
·         Laurie Horridge, Director of Executive Affairs, Narragansett Bay Commission
·         Jonathan Stone, Executive Director, Save the Bay
·         Ron Nunes, President, Utility Contractor’s Association of Rhode Island; Member, Board of Directors, National Utility Contractor’s Association; President, R.T. Nunes & Sons
The Senate EPW Committee is responsible for reviewing all Senate legislation pertaining to the environment and public works, particularly matters related to global warming, environmental health, and air and water quality.  Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) has served as Chairman of the Committee since January, 2007.

Lyme Disease: Prevention, Treatment and Management for Landscape Professionals and Gardeners ~ April 12, 2008

From The Underground:

Dear Landscape Professional:

Please join us for this very important educational program "Lyme Disease: Prevention, Treatment and Management for Landscape Professionals and Gardeners" on Saturday, April 12. Registration for this program is $25

Learn about steps that concerned landscape professionals and gardeners can take to lower their likelihood of infection. Lyme disease is an increasing threat to those who work in the landscape, with New England ranking among the highest rates per capita and Massachusetts now fourth in the nation in total cases reported. The disease and its possible co-infections have many forms, and if left untreated can cause a major impact on a victim's life and work. This forum provides the latest information on the disease itself - how it is transmitted, its range of symptoms, accurate and timely diagnosis, acute vs. chronic phases, and medical treatment options. This program is co-sponsored with The New England Wild Flower Society and carries credits for NOFA AOLCPs.

Guest Panelists: Pat Smith, President of the Lyme Disease Association; Jeanne Hubbuch, M.D., Newton, MA; Rolf Briggs, President of Tree Specialists, Holliston, MA; and Dori Smith, owner Gardens for Life, Acton, MA.

Find out more details and register today.

Time
1:00 pm ET - 4:30 pm ET

Location
Garden in the Woods
180 Hemenway Road
Framingham, MA 01701

Hosted By The Underground
The Underground is a grassroots organization of professional landscape designers, landscape architects, horticulturists, contractors, conservationists, arborists and nurserymen. The Underground exists to promote the advancement of knowledge, education, and skill in the art and science of landscape design, installation, and maintenance techniques through the dissemination of information.

Visit our website ~ The Underground

Ecological Landscape Association Annual Conference ~ March 6-8, 2008

From URI College of the Environment and Life Sciences:

The Ecological Landscaping Association's 14th Annual Conference and Eco-Marketplace provides

                    many CEU opportunities

    * ALCM's MCLP program
    * ASLA, ISA,  MAA's MCA program
    * MNLA's MCH program
    * NOFA -OLC program
    * PICP's Permeable Interlocking Concrete Paver certification
    * New England States as well as NJ, PA, and NY Pesticide Credits
    * Master Gardeners in participating states

Walk-In Registrations Welcome!

March 6-8, 2008
Ecological Landscaping Association's  14th Annual Conference &
Eco-Marketplace and Full Day Permaculture Intensive
MassMutual Center, Springfield, MA
Co-Hosts: New England Wild Flower Society and University of Rhode Island
College of the Environment and Life Sciences

March 6th
*Permaculture Intensive Workshop with Dave Jacke & Jono Neiger

*Keynote Speakers:
March 6th  Charles C. Mann: author of the bestselling book 1491: New
Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus
March 7th Dr. John Todd: of Ocean Arks International, New Alchemy
Institute co-founder, and named a "Hero for the Planet" by Time magazine
March 8th -Tom Wessels: author, educator  founding director of the
master's degree program in Conservation Biology--Antioch University New
England.

March 7-8
*Conference
In addition to these outstanding presentations, passionate practitioners,
talented writers, and prominent educators in the fields of landscaping,
gardening, permaculture, eco-design solutions, and more will present over
twenty seminars and workshops on all aspects of ecological and sustainable
landscaping."
*The Eco-Marketplace with over 40 vendors, live exhibits, and
presentations runs concurrently with Conference.

Visit <http://www.ecolandscaping.org/www.ecolandscaping.org for details
and to download the Registration PDF
General Information: 617-436-5838
Registration Information: Lana Reed 508-877-7630 x3303
Exhibitor Information: M.L. Altobelli 978-874-1373

Rhode Island's Impaired Waterways List Workshop ~ March 4, 2008

From RI DEM:

Rhode Island's Impaired Waterways [Draft 2008 303(d)] List Workshop. 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. in Room 300 at DEM Headquarters, 235 Promenade Street in Providence. For information, contact Elizabeth Scott at DEM's Division of Water Resources at 222-4700, Ext. 7300.

See for the press release: http://www.dem.ri.gov/news/2008/pr/0219081.htm

The report on impaired waters: http://www.dem.ri.gov/pubs/303d/303d06.pdf

Landscape Lighting Design Workshop ~ March 19, 2008

From The Underground via Sanne Kure-Jensen:

Landscape Lighting Design Workshop

Date
March 19, 2008

Time
10:00 am ET - 4:00 pm ET

Location
Tower Hill Botanic Garden
11 French Drive
Boylston, MA 01505

Hosted By The Underground
The Underground is a grassroots organization of professional landscape designers, landscape architects, horticulturists, contractors, conservationists, arborists and nurserymen. The Underground exists to promote the advancement of knowledge, education, and skill in the art and science of landscape design, installation, and maintenance techniques through the dissemination of information.

Visit our website at http://theunderground.pbwiki.com

Click for Details and Registration Information

Agritourism ~ The Next Phase ~ March 18, 2008

From RI Farmways:

Agritourism - The Next Phase  ~  RICAPE Winter Training Series

Tuesday. March 18, 2008, 8AM-1PM
The Culinary Museum, Johnson and Wales University, Providence, RI

Interest continues to grow for authentic on-the-farm experiences. Yet the economy, technology, changing travel habits and a diverse visitor population suggests that successful farm operators will continue to develop new skills and strategies.

On the Agenda
Product & Program Development, Retail & Merchandising, Marketing, Hospitality and more. Details in the next update.

Who should attend?
Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts operators of existing and beginning farm operations that do now or intend to host visitors.

Workshop Fees
No charge for RI farm operators CT and MA farm operators - $20. (Workshop fees will be collected on site.)

Registration
Simply Contact Us on the RI FarmWays website. Provide your contact information and the number of people that will be attending.

This workshop is being funded in part by a farm viability grant from the RIDEM Division of Agriculture.

Special thanks to Johnson & Wales for their assistance in helping us to conduct this program at the University.