News

Don't forget, this is the weekend of the Grand Opening of Creekside! There are a whole host of entertaining events to celebrate this fantastic project for our city, including paddle boats in the marina, live music, garden tours, and shows (juggling and comedy). Every day there is something fun for the entire family. Please go down there and check it out!

See schedule of events!

In it’s current form, the $36 billion (over 5 years) bill expand green energy research and development, promote the commercialization of emerging energy technologies, enhance training opportunities to equip workers for 21st century energy jobs, and help build a green energy manufacturing base. Compare that to the $18 billion EACH YEAR the current administration gives to energy companies now.

“This is an energy bill. This is a jobs bill. This is an environment bill,” Brown said. “Ohio is already a major force in the alternative energy market. We have the innovators, the manufacturers, and the highly skilled workforce. By investing in green technologies, this legislation would empower Ohio to become the Silicon Valley of alternative energy.”

Way to go, Senator Brown!

Dr. James E. Hansen of NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies and Adjunct Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Columbia University will give two lectures at Ohio State on THURSDAY, May 1:

“How ‘Sensitive’ is the Earth’s Climate? Uh, oh.”
Thursday, May 1, 2008 4:00 P.M.
Room 100 Mendenhall Laboratory
125 S. Oval Mall
Columbus, Ohio 43210
Directions

“Climate Tipping Points: The Threat to the Planet”
Thursday, May 1, 2008 7:00 P.M.
Assembly Hall, Fawcett Center
2400 Olentangy River Road
Columbus, Ohio 43210
Directions

You don't want to miss these!

Sometimes I think Trees get over looked in environmental talks. We keep looking for the next technological solution to help us conserve energy and clean our air, but let's not forget Trees! One average mature tree can absorb approximately 50 lbs of carbon dioxide per year. (And, not to mention all the oxygen it releases!) Trees also can prevent erosion, clean water, and remove dust and other particles from the air. They are an amazing feat of evolutionary engineering! And, don't forget, the City of Gahanna is a member of the Arbor Day Foundation's Tree City USA community thanks to the efforts of our Mayor and Parks & Recreation Department!

The Nature Conservancy has initiated "plant a billion trees" program. For every one dollar donated, one tree will be planted.

We will have 2 speakers from WVKO 1580 AM the new central Ohio progressive radio station at our March meeting, Sunday, Mar.9, 2 PM. Gary Richards, Program Director and Michael Alwood, host of the local Saturday noon call-in show, Blue State Diner, will both be with us. Expect interesting discussion of local and national politics and what it takes to get a progressive talk radio station up and successful. Please join us at the Gahanna Public Library, 310 Granville St. at 2 PM Sunday. Refreshments will be served.

(posted on behalf of Sheryl W.)

This is the link to the Franklin County Board of Elections' updated website that shows if you're registered to vote, where to vote in your neighborhood, sample ballots, etc. - pass it on:

http://vote.franklincountyohio.gov/boe/

Also: polls are OPEN at the Board of Elections downtown TODAY (Monday) with extended hours for those of you who want to vote early! 280 East Broad St. Columbus 43215 Free parking in the Board's parking lot.

and from another source, Common Cause:

If you're planning to head to the polls tomorrow, please make a note of this toll-free number: 1-866-OUR-VOTE.
This hotline will have trained volunteers available from 6:00am to 8:30pm on Election Day to:

* answer questions about polling place locations;
* record problems with voting machine malfunctions;
* help protect the rights of any eligible voters who are turned away;
* deal with instances of voter intimidation and deception; and
* help you with any voting-related question or problem you might encounter.

If you're like me, you are disgusted with the war in Iraq. However, I certainly want to make sure that our troops get the items and care that they need. I learned tonight at a local meeting that there is a relatively new program to donate blood for our fellow Americans in the Armed Forces. The blood you donate will go directly to them. We in the civilian sector have not been able to do this before. And, according to the gentleman that spoke, the American military is in need of more blood. They can certainly buy more supply from the American Red Cross, but then it costs ~$250/ pint! You can give to this program and lower the cost to the military (and therefore, to the tax payers!).

Remember, one pint of blood can save up to three lives.

For more info, see: http://www.blooddriveforthetroops.org/

It's February in a presidential election year.

Ohio is going to be as important as in 2004.

IT'S TIME TO START WORKING!

Think of where you were in February 2004. You wanted to work, and you didn't know where to go. You banded together with neighbors and friends and created a huge grassroots network, while you waited for the candidates to bring their staff in -- but it was several months before they arrived.

Well, guess what?

In February 2008, everyone is ready for your help NOW!!

Both Democratic candidates' campaigns are here, setting up shop!

Here's what you can do NOW:

**Clinton campaign:

The Clinton camp is looking for places for out-of-town volunteers to stay! Can you help?

Contact Paula Deming at pdeming3506@wowway.com. Write "Volunteer Hillary" in the subject line.

(The Clinton campaign will be phone banking and canvassing too very shortly, so you can sign up for this now too.)

Paula is the coordinator for the 15th congressional district in Franklin County. Stephen Renner is the coordinator for the 12th congressional district, which includes Gahanna. His contact info is sarenner@columbus.rr.com.

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**Obama campaign:

The Obama camp is looking for places for out-of-town volunteers to stay! Can you help?

The Obama team also needs office furniture for their headquarters! Can you help?

Contact Barbara Rousey at barousey2@yahoo.com. Write "Volunteer Obama" in the subject line.

(The Obama campaign will be phone banking and canvassing too very shortly, so you can sign up for this now too.)

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**ALL Democrats:

Are you in love with both candidates and want to work somewhere else?

The Franklin County Democratic Party always needs volunteers! Help with:

--mailings, phone banking, canvassing, etc.,
--become a precinct captain, ASSIST a precinct captain as a block captain,
--talk to your neighbors and friends about what it means to be a Democrat,
--sign up to be a poll worker,
--help a local candidate,

Just DO IT NOW!!

Call the Franklin County Party at 224-1193. Do it now!

Sheryl and a few other Gahanna Progressives will be active precinct leaders for the full Democratic slate, so to help locally in Gahanna, get in touch! 855-9521

The Franklin County Board of Elections is always in need of registered voters to serve as precinct election officials for elections. To be a precinct election official you must be a registered voter in Franklin County; have your own reliable transportation and be willing to work where assigned by the Board of Elections; never have been convicted of a felony; attend a mandatory training class on your specific area of responsibility; report to your precinct at 5:30 a.m. on Election Day to work until after the polls close at 7:30 p.m. You will be compensated for attending the class and working on Election Day.

If you would like more information contact them at:
614-462-3100
sakarath@vote.franklincountyohio.gov

(Please include your name, address and phone number)
A packet of information will be sent to the address you specify that will include an application form and an information sheet.

There is more information at:
http://vote.franklincountyohio.gov