Anya

The Sum of Us Book Discussion

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October 9th, 7-8:30 pm on Zoom

and October 23, 7- 8:30 pm on Zoom

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Justice Team

Join us for a lively conversation as we explore The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together, by Heather McGhee, a book that invites us to engage in constructive, shared solutions to some of the greatest challenges we face. Contact Elona Meyer to receive additional materials.  We are happy to address any questions you may have, as well. If 289 pages seem daunting, and you missed the Random Review of The Sum of Us, offered by the Benton County Library, featuring Dr. Dwaine Plaza, OSU Sociology professor, here is the link to that review: https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/DK7C0b9ruC-37ob5954jnUCNZ5wI7V_DAtzDxG8Jdg2JSy-ZOHROfYEI2Yzvzxk-.EUQ0OiyjELjeiUYP.  This review summarizes many of the key concepts presented by the author.

The second meeting on October 23rd will concentrate on “The Solidarity Dividend,” the book’s inspirational final chapter. 

Contact Elona Meyer to obtain the Zoom link for these events.

Holiday Fair 2023

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December 2, 2023

at UUFC 2945 NW Circle Blvd, Corvallis, Oregon 97330

ARTS & CRAFTS, HOME DECOR, JEWELRY,

GREENERY, BAKED GOODS, AND SO MUCH MORE!

With over 20 local vendors, you’ll find beautiful items for everyone on your list.

Volunteers needed. Sign up here:

partridge in a pear tree

Harvest UU-Pick

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Pick fruits and vegetables at our mini farm for your dinner table & join us in a glass of wine or home made peach or grape juice.

The Biegel’s mini farm and orchard, 33073 SE Peoria Road. (.2 miles past Peoria market)

Come visit any day you like, until harvest ends… Call Craig to schedule your visit!

Faith Based Climate Action 9/20/23

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In Roraima, Indigenous communities forge sustainable solutions amid threats

Researchers make surprising discovery about lifespan of EV batteries

New Consortium To Make Batteries For Electric Vehicles More Sustainable

A bright spot at the intersection of farming, electric vehicles and solar energy

US Crosses the Electric-Car Tipping Point for Mass Adoption

Research: Consumers’ Sustainability Demands Are Rising

Discovery Education and Leading Corporate and Nonprofit Partners Launch

            First-of-Its-Kind Initiative Supporting Sustainability

EPA emissions report shows ag advancements in sustainability

Florida is now adding more solar power than any other state

Renewable power expected to grow as Louisiana marks clean energy transition

How rural southwest Utah is proving the potential of renewable geothermal Landmark Wave Energy Legislation Heads to California Governor Newsom’s Desk after 

           Unanimously Passing California Legislature

Germany to Surpass 50 Percent Renewable Power This Year, Official SaysEurope’s Europe’s largest solar thermal energy plant opens in BelgiumSolid-state and sodium-ion batteries spark hope amidst the lithium supply crunch

Minesto preps seabed connection system for 1.2MW tidal energy device

There is no more important climate work than the influencing of legislation and policy, whether at the national, state, or local level. Climate Action Opportunities, refreshed weekly on Saturdays, provides three or four curated, quick opportunities to do just that.

To help assess the engagement of UUFC members and friends in faith-based climate action and to encourage such action, please anonymously  <Share> the number of the actions below you take this week. Optionally, you may  anonymously also share other recent climate action. 

The organizations whose calls to action we amplify, and the number from each organization, are listed <here>

Sat 23 Sep

Climate Action Team

  • Sign up for the Climate Action Team’s Influence and Towards Net Zero Projects 
  • City of Corvallis, Prioritize Climate Action: Some City councilors and some senior City staff consistently show by their decisions that they do not prioritize action to respond to the climate emergency.  For example, the work of the Climate Action Advisory Board  has been hamstrung and will apparently go into hiatus due to lack of required staff support. Please email your City Councilor, copying the Mayor and all Councilors, to call on them to prioritize climate action.

Citizens’ Climate Lobby

A carbon fee and dividend will drive energy innovation, giving every American community access to abundant, affordable clean energy at a predictable price. With a price on carbon, polluters pay, and people get a carbon cashback. It will (a) help low and middle income people afford higher energy prices, (b) keep Americans healthier by reducing air pollution, & (c)  help reduce America’s carbon pollution 50% by 2030, putting us on track to reach net zero by 2050. Do your members of Congress know these benefits? Email your members of Congress

Native Organizers Alliance

Remove Snake River Dams: Indigenous peoples throughout the Northwest have depended on their relationship with Snake River salmon since the beginning of time. But against the wishes of Tribal communities, dams were constructed in the Snake River that threaten endangered salmon.

Native communities along the Snake River are calling on the Biden administration and members of Congress to honor legally-binding commitments that the federal government made to Northwest Tribes by removing the lower Snake River dams in order to restore abundant salmon. Sign & send

Native Organizers Alliance

Remove Snake River Dams: Indigenous peoples throughout the Northwest have depended on their relationship with Snake River salmon since the beginning of time. But against the wishes of Tribal communities, dams were constructed in the Snake River that threaten endangered salmon.

Native communities along the Snake River are calling on the Biden administration and members of Congress to honor legally-binding commitments that the federal government made to Northwest Tribes by removing the lower Snake River dams in order to restore abundant salmon. Sign & send

Of Note This Week is a source for current climate-change information at the local, state, and national levels.  It is refreshed weekly on Saturday.

Sat 23 Sep

Care.org

Climate change & the floods in Libya

Citizens’ Climate Lobby

Africa Climate Summit calls for global carbon tax

Native News Online

Reasons to be Cheerful

Getting the Soil Right: How Carbon Farming Combats Climate Change

We’re asking the wrong question about EVs and grid resiliency

Wed 18 Oct, 7:00 – 8:30 AM, online

Eco-municipality Webinar 2:  Virtually visit the eco-municipality of Karlskrona in the south of Sweden. Learn about the science-based framework of the Swedish network of ecomunicpalities, SEKOM, and the Karlskrona eco-municipality.  Register

Silent Supper

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Sunday, October 29th evening

On Samhain, or All-Hallow’s-Eve, we take time to remember those who have died. We honor our ancestors through a ritual supper, eaten in silence. A time for conversation and reflection will follow.

RSVP required, so we have enough place settings! Register here: https://uufc.breezechms.com/form/5fd6ba

Participants should bring:
1. an item for the altar; such as a photograph or small token that reminds you of someone who has died
2. food to share; can be homemade using a recipe from your ancestors, or it can be store bought, such as your grandpa’s favorite brand of potato chips.

An event in collaboration with the Wheel of the Year Samhain service.

Harvest Fest Fundraiser

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Saturday, October 7, 9:30 to 1:30

Sunday, October 8, 11:00 to 1:00 in the UU Parking Lot

Pumpkins, jams, jellies, salsa and more will be for sale! If you have produce, plants, art, or crafts to contribute, please bring them! Volunteers are needed! Contact Nancy Kyle.

Proceeds will benefit Corvallis Multicultural Literacy Center and their efforts to support immigrants with fees needed for work permits and citizenship, and the Benitez family, our most recent Salvadoran immigrants.

Sips & Snacks

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Join Heather E and UU friends for winery visits this summer! Leave UUFC Parking lot at 11:30.  Visits are ~ 12 to about 2 p.m.

*Winery Visits.  Note – Many of us purchased the Heart of Willamette Valley Wine Passport.  For $40 you get free wine flights.  Most wineries charge $10 per flight, so 4 winery visits pays for the passport.  

Not all Sips & Snacks are passport eligible.   Questions: connect@uucorvallis.org

SEPTEMBER:  

Sept 3 SUN Fullerton Wines small bites available for sale

Sept 8 FRI Salt Creek Cider, bring food to share.

Sept 17 SUN Benedetto Vineyard, bring food to share.

Sept 22 FRI Pheasant Court in Philomath, bring food to share.

OCTOBER:
Oct 1 SUN Harris Bridge in Wren, bring food to share.

Oct 6 FRI Valcan Cellars meet at 5:00 pm. Bring food to share.

Faith Based Climate Action 9/9/23

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Faith-based Climate Action Team

  • Business meetings: 1st, 2nd, & 4th Thursdays, 7:00 to 8:15 PM, by Zoom at <Link> 
  • Interfaith Green-teams business meeting: 3rd Thursday, 7:00 to 8:00 PM, by Zoom at <Link>
  • Informal social meeting: 5th Thursday, 7:00 to 8:00 PM, by Zoom at <Link>  

All are invited and encouraged to participate. Contact:Jed Irvine <jedirv@gmail.com> or Michael Hughes <michael.a.hughes1951@gmail.com>

Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni: Nearly 1 Million Acres of Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon Safeguarded

National Park Service Awards Over $603,000 to Indian Country and Native Hawaiian Organizations

After Decades Of Oil Drilling, Indigenous Waorani Group Fights New Industry Expansions In Ecuador

Tribe getting piece of Minnesota back more than a century after ancestors died there

Philippines: Indigenous knowledge takes on climate crisis

Sustainability push: Pacific Northwest to take a green turn in potato farming

Producers  protecting and restoring our lands

India is one of the world’s fastest-growing EV markets. This is why

On the last day of winter, Australia reached record 37.5 pct renewables share for the year 

Electrify America begins operations at 75MW ‘Solar Glow 1’ site

EU fossil fuel burning for electricity fell to lowest on record in 2023, data shows

Coal Stabbed In The Back Again By New Floating Solar Array 

Striking Gold – A Molecular Mystery Solution for Potential Clean Energy

Powered by wind, this $10B transmission line will carry more energy than the Hoover Dam 

Philippines’ Largest Inland Lake To Host Large-Scale Floating Solar Projects Producing Up To 1,800MW 

U.S. Solar Panel Shipments Increased 10% Last Year

Toothpaste Tubes Are a Hot Mess—Here’s the Eco-Friendly Alternative We Love

There is no more important climate work than the influencing of legislation and policy, whether at the national, state, or local level. Climate Action Opportunities, refreshed weekly on Saturdays, provides three or four curated, quick opportunities to do just that.

To help assess the engagement of UUFC members and friends in faith-based climate action and to encourage such action, please anonymously  <Share> the number of the actions below you take this week. Optionally, you may  anonymously also share other recent climate action. 

The organizations whose calls to action we amplify, and the number from each organization, are listed <here>

Sat 9 Sep

EarthJustice

Steel-mill Emissions: The 10 steel mills operating in the U.S. release more than 500 tons of toxic metals into the air each year. Despite the need for stronger protections, the EPA has proposed a weak rule to regulate those emissions. Urge EPA to strengthen the rule

Native Organizers Alliance

Block new oil & gas leases: President Biden has committed to honor Tribal treaties and recognize nation-to-nation relationships with Tribes, but he has undermined his promises by approving harmful fossil fuel projects despite Indigenous opposition. Using his current authority, President Biden can block new oil and gas leases on federal lands and waters, and deny federal permits for new fossil fuel infrastructure like pipelines.  Start Writing

Sierra Club

Oregon State Forests: Oregon’s Board of Forestry will soon decide the fate of a long-awaited Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) to manage state forests. It is  important for the Board to hear from Oregonians who value healthy forests, strong salmon runs, clean water, recreation, and climate resilience! Take Action

UUs for Social Justice

Climate-Smart Farm Bill: The 2023 Farm Bill presents an important opportunity to create a food and agricultural system that provides healthy food for all while helping to avoid a climate crisis and improving equity for consumers and producers. A climate-smart farm bill can achieve many important goals: protecting soil fertility, improving water quality, helping farmers cope with extreme weather, and saving energy.  Tell Your Senators

Of Note This Week is a source for current climate-change information at the local, state, and national levels.  It is refreshed weekly on Saturday.

Sat 9 Sep

Cosmos

Climate change is messing with photosynthesis

IEEE Spectrum

African Hydropower Confronts Cheap Solar and Wind

Inside Climate News

Green Groups Are Divided Over a Proposal to Boost the Nation’s Hydropower. Here’s Why

Katharine Hayhoe

Weekly Newsletter, 9/2/23

Politico

How the power grid survived a hot, hot summer

Popular Science

What’s the most sustainable way to mine the largest known lithium deposit in the world?

SciTechDaily

Climate Change’s Deadly Legacy: How Rising Temperatures Fueled Ancient Aggression

The Conversation

Research reveals who’s been hit hardest by global warming in their lifetime – and the answer may surprise you

The Guardian

Anger is most powerful emotion by far for spurring climate action, study finds

Tue 12 Sep, 4:00 PM, online

Clean Energy Revolution: What’s the Next Big Step? It’s been one year since President Biden signed the historic Inflation Reduction Act, an unprecedented investment into clean energy. Since the signing, over 211 clean energy projects have been announced across 38 states—a true clean energy revolution! Or so we’re hoping. So far, countless clean energy projects have faced challenges with grid transmission, interconnection, and siting. The clean energy revolution is at risk of being stopped right in its tracks. At this webinar you’ll hear from experts on the most impactful policies for responsible transmission, interconnection, and siting reforms. Register

Thu 14 Sep, 12:00 – 1:00 PM, Corvallis-Benton Co.Public Library 

“GROWING A VEGETABLE GARDEN” LECTURE SERIES

Shonnard’s nursery manager/educator Darren Morgan on how to tend your garden soil, from soil testing and amending to cover crops, mulch and other methods of covering for nutrients, controlling weed growth, and allowing earlier spring planting. 

Sun 17 Sep, 2:00 -4:00 PM, Central Park Gazebo

Local rally to support the NYC March to End Fossil Fuels, prior to the Sept. 20th UN Climate Ambition Summit, urging world leaders to commit to phasing out fossil fuels.  Our house is on fire! All hands on deck!! Join the bucket brigade to muster climate action and nurture hope. Speakers, music, skits, chants, art, and tabling info by climate groups.  Please walk, bike, bus, scoot, or carpool to the rally.

Sun 17 Sep,  5:45 – 7:15 PM, Natural Grocers, 1235 NW 10th Street

WHOLE FOOD PLANT-BASED POTLUCK   We are vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores who are attempting to eat and/or learn more about the health benefits of a WFPB diet. First time attendees do not need to bring a dish. RSVP for more details about this monthly potluck; usually the 3rd Sun. 

Wed 20 Sep, 7:00 – 8:30 AM, online

Eco-municipality Webinar 1:  Virtually visit the rural Arctic Circle, Swedish community, Overtornea, that was inspired to rise up from population loss and other hardships by taking an ecological and participative approach to economic revitalization. Join us to celebrate their 40 years and to learn about the evolution and ongoing success of the eco-municipality of Overtornea with the founder and leader of the Swedish Eco-Municipality Movement, Torbjorn Lahti, co-author of The Natural Step for Communities.  Register

Thu 21 Sep, 5:30 – 7:30 PM, Common Fields, 545 SW 3rd Street

INVASIVE ASH BORER AND AREA FORESTS   Ecology Pub Talk by Jennifer Killian, City of Corvallis Urban Forester, presenting information on the invasive Emerald Ash Borer and its impact on area forests. A portion of food/beverage sales benefits Marys River Watershed.

THUR 21 SEP 21, 7:00 – 8:30 PM, Corvallis Community Center, 2601 NW Tyler Ave. Online option, contact: audubon.corvallis@gmail.com

“The importance of Fire in Ecosystem Restoration” Aaron Groth

Wed 18 Oct, 7:00 – 8:30 AM, online

Eco-municipality Webinar 2:  Virtually visit the eco-municipality of Karlskrona in the south of Sweden. Learn about the science-based framework of the Swedish network of ecomunicpalities, SEKOM, and the Karlskrona eco-municipality.  Register

Queerly Beloved September

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Join LGBTQ+ folx and allies for social gatherings centered on queer issues and themes. We understand the importance of queer community, and our goal is to provide a safe space where people can find that sense of belonging right here in Corvallis. We meet monthly on the 3rd Sunday in the afternoon. All are welcome! Questions: connect@uucorvallis.org

Movie Night

The next queerly beloved will be September 17th, 4pm-7pm! We will be watching The Prince, written by and starring Abigail Thorn the “trans princess of TERF Island”.

“The Prince is a transformative new play that has everything: sword fighting, lesbianism, Hamlet, and disappointed parents”

The play is 2 hours long, so those who want to stick around after for discussion are welcome to! Content warnings include language, misgendering, and stage fighting. I’d say its ~PG-13 mainly due to language. Feel free to bring snacks to share if that strikes your fancy 🙂

We will meet in Room 7 or on the Social Hall deck depending on weather and equipment logistics.

Hope to see you there! – Lily Hislop

Ham on Wry

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Friday, September 29th, 2023, 7:00 -8:30 pm in the Social Hall

Improv games and theater sports with UU friends! No experience necessary. Participation in the games is entirely voluntary. You can simply sit back and enjoy the merriment if you wish. 

Hosted by Jim Whiting, Priscilla Galasso, and Anya Ballinger

Connect Up event – connect@uucorvallis.org