E-Update

The oft quoted Winston Churchill once said, “You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give.”

I’ve had the distinct honor of working for the past 20 years with amazing individuals who consistently give back through Valley Forward and in many cases through other community-based organizations, as well. Those who give tend to do so in a variety of ways.

Volunteers can indeed change a community and working together can transform the world through collaboration and partnerships. Valley Forward’s environmental focus is closely aligned with the nearly 30 non-profits that are current members of our Association, and we’re always proud to recognize their good work.

It’s especially gratifying when they recognize ours, particularly when it calls out the community service of an integral member of our staff – Jhenifer Krutz, our membership director, who has received the “Keep Phoenix Beautiful Volunteer of the Year” award!

The honor acknowledges Jhenifer’s dedication over the past year for the environment and assisting Keep Phoenix Beautiful with its mission of positive recycling management and beautification practices.

Like the hundreds of volunteers that support Valley Forward’s efforts each year, Jhenifer stepped up and gave of her time to assist with Keep Phoenix Beautiful events, serve on the Great American Cleanup national kickoff committee and help our respective staffs work more closely together for a better Phoenix, Valley and state.

I hope you’ll all join me at the upcoming awards program from 5 to 7 p.m. at Tom’s Tavern (Two North Central Avenue) in downtown Phoenix.

There are many inspirational quotes about the spirit of volunteerism. In closing, I’ll share one by Majorie Moore of Minds Eye Information Service: “Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.”

Thank you, Jhenifer. And many thanks also to all of you who work with us every day to enhance the livability and sustainability of our unique desert environment.

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NUCLEAR ENERGY: THE U.S. RESPONSE TO THE TRAGEDY IN JAPAN
Valley Forward's Quarterly Luncheon Series
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
HYATT REGENCY PHOENIX
122 North 2nd Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Click here for more info.

* What are the facts about the nuclear tragedy in Japan?
* How is Arizona different?
* What is the future of nuclear energy in the U.S. and around the world?

Featuring:
RANDALL K. EDINGTON

Executive Vice President, Nuclear and Chief Nuclear Officer
Arizona Public Service Company/Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station

Generously sponsored by:

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Additionally, be sure to mark your calendars for Valley Forward's next Quarterly Luncheon on Wednesday, October 5 and our Annual Luncheon on Friday, December 9.

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GREEN AND LEAN: LEADING BY EXAMPLE
Arizona’s Green Commercial Printer

Sustainability at Courier Graphics Corporation involves innovation, conservation, environment and details. Courier is not just another printer that is jumping on the environmental sustainability bandwagon because it’s fashionable. The company has led the industry in initiatives that drive down costs, reduce waste and provide better products to clients and did it because it makes good business sense and offers more value.

Sustainability is more than a commitment to using environmentally friendly papers. It involves the stewardship of all resources to provide the best products without compromising the planet. It is making that impact to preserve the environment by changing the processes and resources in measurable ways. Through this process, Courier has discovered that it is more efficient and offers better quality products with better turn around times. The company has made significant advances in reducing energy use and in greenhouse gas emissions within its facilities. Courier has reduced its carbon footprint by at least 30 percent over the past five years and will continue to find ways to improve.

Courier Graphic’s environmentally friendly initiatives include:

• FSC Certified
• E2 Vegetable based inks with low VOC levels
• Extensive recycling program
• Sustainable product, plant and process initiative
• Reclaiming solvents and containment program
• High-efficiency HVAC units
• Ongoing education of sustainability and environmental responsibility
  
  
  

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Since the beginning of this year, we have been distributing our E-Update newsletter monthly and would like to hear your feedback on what is working and what isn’t? What would you like to see included or eliminated? Any suggestions are welcome! Please send your thoughts to Christie Silverstein at csilverstein@arizonaforward.org.

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April feature presentations, topics and meeting dates:

TRANSPORTATION/AIR: 9 a.m., Thursday, April 14

TOPIC: Join us in discussing electric vehicles, alternative fuels and transit options, regional planning and challenges in complying with EPA air quality regulations. Be a part of the solution and help frame a work program based on this discussion.   


LAND USE/OPEN SPACE: 9 a.m., Tuesday, April 19

TOPIC: Join us in discussing the next phase of our primer on parks and open space. We’ll review a questionnaire that several members of the committee have developed to facilitate education and outreach on Arizona’s parks system. Come hear how you can participate in helping to answer the questions and support our advocacy efforts!


CANALSCAPE SUBCOMMITTEE: 9 a.m., Thursday, April 21

TOPIC: The committee will talk about goals and activities, as well as:
• Update on the map of Canalscape sites (improved and imagined)
• Drafting a list of criteria for potential Canalscape sites
• Process of acquiring property   


WATER: 9 a.m., Tuesday, April 26

TOPIC: Come hear all about Arizona’s Centennial Celebration: what is planned and how natural resources are being represented in the overall effort.

SPEAKER: Invited -- Karen Churchard of the Arizona Office of Tourism


ENERGY: 9 a.m., Tuesday, May 10

TOPIC: Join us for an interactive Smart Grid webinar!

SPEAKER: Wanda Reder, Smart Grid chair of IEEE’s Power & Energy Society and vice president of Power Systems Services, S&C Electric Company, Chicago, Ill.

OFF-SITE LOCATION: 4646 East Van Buren, Suite 300 (just east of 44th Street). There is limited visitors parking at the west entrance and open (unreserved) parking around the back and top of the 2 story parking structure at the east entrance.

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MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

ADOT is updating the state’s Long-Range Transportation Plan and is asking for citizen input on priorities and funding. Let your voice be heard by completing their short questionnaire at: whatmovesyouarizona.gov.

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EIGHTH ANNUAL LIVABILITY SUMMIT
THE GREEN ECONOMY: WHY IT MATTERS AND HOW TO PROFIT

More than 200 business and community leaders attended our Livability Summit, a half-day seminar focused on the risks and rewards of sustainable living in an effort to create a paradigm shift in how people live, work and play. The event featured a morning keynote address by local sustainability expert Greg Peterson, an interactive panel discussion on the topic of "Making Sustainability Profitable Around the World," and a fun Jeopardy-style sustainability game. The headliner for the day was Jerome Ringo, an advocate for the environment, clean energy and jobs.

SECOND ANNUAL RIO SALADO GREEN UP

As a historic supporter of the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Project, Valley Forward has partnered with the Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center for its 2nd Annual Green Up volunteer event. The nature center is part of a 600-acre park within the historic Salt River corridor and is also considered a gateway to the lush Sonoran riparian habitat that is used by more than 200 species of birds and other wildlife. More than 80 volunteers participated last month and picked up trash and debris along the riverbed, along with planting trees.

HERE COMES THE SUN MARCH LUNCHEON

An interactive panel of local experts discussed the solar industry in Arizona, including how to create a competitive niche, the strengths and challenges, financing issues, incentives and how the state is faring, at Valley Forward’s March luncheon the Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale.

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BE MORE ENTERTAINING….Valley Forward has been selected as a finalist of KAET’s Be More Awards in the Be More Entertaining category for our Environmental Excellence Awards program! The winners for each category will be announced during a luncheon awards ceremony on May 26 at the Eight, Arizona PBS studio. Organizations that have submitted an application in any of the five categories are included in the People's Choice Poll. This online poll is driven by votes from the general public in Eight's viewing area, allowing citizens to honor a nonprofit organization. Please cast your vote for Valley Forward as often as possible through April 18 and encourage others to vote as well! The People's Choice Poll winner will also be announced at the awards ceremony next month. VOTE FOR VALLEY FORWARD NOW!

EARTH DAY CELEBRATION…We hope to see you next week on Thursday, April 21, at the Cesar Chavez Plaza for Keep Phoenix Beautiful's Earth Day event! Visit with over 60 exhibitors, including Valley Forward, and learn what you can do to reduce waste, reuse items and recycle in your community! Click here for more info.


BIRDS N' BEER…Starting in May, visit Audubon Arizona for its new program for adults - Birds N’ Beer. Have a cold one and learn a thing or two about birds. Every 3rd Thursday of the month, May through August from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Click here for more info.


COFFEE, COOKIES & CRAFTS…Bragg’s Pie Factory in downtown Phoenix is hosting its fourth independent craft event on Saturday, April 16, from noon to 5:00 p.m. The afternoon will offer a variety of activities including local vendors selling handmade goods, crafting demos, and a craft supply swap. Attendees will get to enjoy a pop-up lounge with free coffee from Jobot Coffee Shop and sweets from local bakeries. Click here for more info.
 

MERITAGE UNPLUGGED…Celebrate Earth Day at Meritage Home’s block party event on the Streets of Green at Verrado on Saturday, April 23. Activities include: booths demonstrating latest in green and energy-efficient products; delicious food and beverages; live performances by Shining Star Band; spin art crafts and other activities for kids; rickshaw rides around the neighborhood; and tours of Meritage Homes’ extreme energy-efficient “deconstructed” home model. Click here for more info.