New Reads & Events for the New Year
Ready to take advantage of the mild winter we love here? I am. You’ll see me out and about. Here are some good reads and events for your consideration.
Tea Tours at the Japanese Friendship Garden. Japanese tea is seen as an inseparable part of Japanese Culture, with production and practices that started centuries ago. Over time, changes in tea traditions and practices have led to the creation of various schools of tea, cafes, and casual enjoyment, but the pervasiveness in the culture around tea continues to this day. In Japan, having tea allows guests to take a break from the outside world and focus on the simple, transitory moment of serving and drinking tea. $50. Multiple dates and times available.
Get Your Personal Electrification Planner. “Electrification” is the process of eliminating poisonous methane gas from your home and installing dramatically more efficient (and less polluting) electric appliances. I’m doing this in my home. I just got rid of my gas stove, which groups like the American Lung Association show increase risks of lung health issues for children and the elderly. My next step will be to get rid of my gas water heater and shut down dangerous methane gas service to my house completely. This handy website from Rewiring America will help you electrify your home, and save money in the process.
Ride a bike on a tight wire 15 feet in the air. No problem! Reopening after being closed for more than 3 years, you’re invited to experience the Evans Family Skycycle. Suspended nearly 15 feet in the air, the Evans Family SkyCycle teaches riders about the principles of counterbalance and center of gravity while riding the 90-foot cable. The exhibit price is $7. General admission tickets are required. Safety Restrictions Apply. Opportunities occur daily.
Plan ahead for the Local First Good Business Summit. If you are building your local business, you’ll want to be at this keynote Local First Arizona event. It’s an opportunity for locally-owned businesses from across the state to connect and grow as leaders in their communities — working together to form lasting relationships that create meaningful impact for a stronger, more resilient Arizona. It’s an opportunity to be seen, to be heard and to make a change.
Find a Local Business. While we are talking about local businesses, you may or may not know that a great way to support local businesses is to check the Local Business Directory before you shop. It’s easy to default to an out-of-state brand or franchise. This way you can support your community and retain more of your dollars in Arizona.
Jane Goodall Gives us a little hope. Jane Goodall – Reasons for Hope is an uplifting journey around the globe to highlight good news stories that inspire people to make a difference in the world around them. Featured stories such as the Northern Bald Ibis’ migration over the Alps, the re-introduction of the American Bison by the Blackfeet Nation, the worldwide recognized Sudbury Regreening Story, and inspiring youth-led initiatives involved in Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots align with historical footage of Jane’s beginnings as a chimpanzee researcher. Jane revolutionized how we view the world around us. Join her on this adventure of inspiration and hope. Irene P. Flinn Theatre. $9 plus general admission. Daily 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM.
Wellness Check List for 2024. I found this nice article that summarizes, and kinda serves as a checklist of ways to live in better balance. Personal health and general sustainability can go hand-in-hand, and this article is a nice summary. It’s given me a few ideas of things I’d like to try this year.
Free Spanish Classes at Barcoa. This is one of the most creative ideas I’ve seen in a while. Evidently patterned after the learn-then-try dance classes that you see all over town. After 90 minutes of learning about Mexican culture and how to speak the language, enjoy an all-night happy hour in the basement with 20% off all cocktails and flights. This is beginner-level Spanish and probably the only school in town where the bar is open! First come basis. Free. The question is how much can you learn after a couple happy hour drinks?
