Eduation Reform is apart of Sustainable Living!

Ok, I have a confession to make, I love Oprah! I don't know how many of you saw her shows on September 2oth and 26th, "Waiting for Superman" and "Waiting for Superman: The Reaction" but I personally was moved and motivated! Oprah took two shows to inspire and educate the American public on issues within our education system. The shows focused on "Waiting for Superman," a new documentary coming out about America's education system. Our education system is failing, and this documentary poses the question, who is going to rush in and save it? These two shows sparked two main thoughts for me that I wanted to share with you and then invite you to join me in getting involved!

First thought: Everyone, young, old, parents, educators, politicians, community members, businesses, grandparents, EVERYONE needs to be involved in helping reform our education system. This is not a matter of politics, it's a matter of helping our future generations be successful and self-sustaining. I was sitting there on the couch thinking, "YES YES YES, there's a problem, but what can I do?" Well, what I can do is share my thoughts with you and then invite you to help me brainstorm what we can do to make a difference. Three quick ways to get invovled: 1. go to www.oprah.com/education and find a meeting your area, to brainstorm with other interested people; 2. Go to "Waiting for Superman" and see what all the fuss is about (www.waitingforsuperman.com;) and 3. Find local politicians/educators who are working with schools and ask them how you can get involved.

Second thought: This is sustainability people! It's not just about being "green!" Sustainability is about leaving the earth a better place for our future generations, it's about building systems that are self-sustaining. Educating our future generations is sustainable living. If our children grow up illiterate and unable to perform simple math and science, what will happen to us? to our earth? So remember education in our country, is a matter of sustainability and educating our future generation is creating a sustainable lifestyle.

Final thought: PLEASE share with me your thoughts on this issue! Suggest ways for us to get involved! How does someone like me, who does not have children, get involved and help fix our education system? What local politicians should I be writing to? Let's all help each other get involved!

Doesn't it feel more and more like fall? I obviously have mixed emotions since I hate to see summer go, but I love fall, it's my favorite season! I love the smells, the colors, the change of weather (it's not too cold yet!) One of the things I love about fall is the change of what's in season... Here's a short list of what's in season. Take a day and just got pick some apples or pears this season, so many things you can do with them! (you can find u-pick farms in your area at www.simplesteps.org) Enjoy this fall!

• Apples
• Pears
• Beets
• Blackberries
• Blueberries
• Broccoli
• Brussels Sprouts
• Cabbage
• Cantaloupes
• Carrots
• Cucumbers
• Eggplant
• Nectarines
• Peaches
• Potatoes
• Pumpkins
• Raspberries
• Squash
• Tomatoes
  

Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation (THPRD) Classes!!!

Hi Everyone,

There has been so many changes and exciting updates lately! One of those exciting changes is that I will now be teaching my classes through Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation (THPRD) here in Portland! They have a fantastic facility that fits my class perfectly and an amazing staff to help make the classes more convenient for you! Registering for the class is even easier now. Just go to www.thprd.org and search for my class, "Putting Mr. Clean to Shame." Register for the date and time that works best for you. Registration has started, so make sure and get signed up before the class fills up! Here's a couple tips if you're new to THPRD:

• Registration Fees: The registration fee depends on whether you are "in-district" or "out of district." When you click on register, you can search for your address and it will tell you whether you are in district of out of district. If you are out, the class will cost a little more, but it's worth it:) If you get stuck or have any questions, give the staff at THPRD a call, they are so helpful (503) 629-6341.
  

• Misc. Fee: The "misc fee" listed is the fee for the cleaner you are making and taking home with you.
  

• REGISTRATION TIME: Starting this term THPRD has instituted a new policy on class sizes. If the class does not reach a certain number, by a certain date, the class will be canceled. The number set is not a high number, and it can easily be reached, I just need all of you to register as soon as possible! I tell you this because, if you're like me, you either forget, or just want to wait until the last minute to register. You cannot do this with THPRD. They need to know ahead of time so they can plan accordingly. So people, please register the minute you know you can attend the class! This allows you and the other people who have registered to actually take the class without it being canceled. Thank you!

I look forward to seeing you at THPRD! I think this is the perfect place for my class and look forward to teaching this and my new class, "Granny's Remedies" there in the winter! Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions or concerns!