August Events

My apologies on the lengthy silence. My travel schedule has been such that planning, pursuing, and pulling off a gathering has been difficult to accomplish. That same issue is continuing in August, with my schedule requiring me to be away more than home. So I've decided to push the planned 'Ten minutes of Airtime' session(s) to next month and to highlight some interesting events and activities happening around the area during the next several weeks.

First up is the Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair. It's happening this weekend (8/9 and 8/10) in Oregon, IL. That may be stretching the boundaries of 'suburban' a bit much, but it promises to be worth the drive.

The seventh annual Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair will be held on Saturday, August 9th and Sunday, August 10th at the Ogle County Fairgrounds, in Oregon, IL.
The Fairgrounds will open at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Admission Fees:
Adults: $7 for one day/$10 for both days
Youths (12 - 16): $3 for one day/$5 for both days
Children (under 12 in the company of an adult): FreeIREA Members: Free

Electric car to be auctioned off.

The Fair will feature over 100 booths and exhibits, 60 workshops, food, entertainment, childrens' activities and tours.

Full details can be found at the IL Renewable Energy Association website: http://www.illinoisrenew.org/


Next up is a US Green Building Council (USGBC) event in the south suburbs.

South Suburban Green Networking Event

Little Red School House Turns GREEN!
Please join the newly established South Suburban Committee at the Little Red School House Nature Center for a green networking event. This event will feature speakers from the architecture and construction firms currently working on the project. It will be a great event to learn more about sustainable design, involvement in our organization, and meet some great people in the green building industry.The main speakers will discuss the green renovation and construction of the Little Red School House Nature Center, a LEED registered project in the South Suburban area. You will learn what needs to be done during the green construction process. Since the project is still in the construction phase, you will have a rare chance to see green construction processes, including recycling and geothermal installation, in use.

WHEN
Thursday, August 14, 2008 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

WHERE
Little Red School House Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Road
Willow Springs, IL 60480

FEE
Member
$5.00

Non-Member
$15.00

Next, another USGBC event...this time at Prairie Crossing in Grayslake.

LEED, Leaders & Liters

LEED, Leaders & Liters is an event held several times a year to help increase the USGBC - Chicago Chapter membership. It is a forum for attendees to network with each other and discuss use of the LEED rating system. This event is hosted at Prairie Crossing by the North/Northwest Branch of the Chicago Chapter.In this session, developer G. Benjamin Ranney will speak about the history and Guilding Principles of Prairie Crossing, as well as plans for future development. The discussion will also address the distinctions between the different green building rating systems that have been employed in the community, and provide an opportunity for questions from the audience. Participants are encouraged to come early in order to explore the trails and see the community and its architecture prior to the presentation.Complimentary beverages and hors d'oeuvres will be available.

WHEN
Wednesday, August 27, 2008 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

WHERE
Prairie Crossing
Byron Colby Barn
1561 Jones Point Road
Grayslake, IL 60030

FEE
Member
$20.00

Member with Non-Member Guest
$10.00

Non-Member
$10.00

Full details for both of the USGBC events can be found on the Calendar of Events within the Chicago chapter's section of the USGBC website: http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Calendar/Calendar.aspx?cal=0f6dfcc0-e595-415a-b03f-45cbb8f2d6b6

There are always interesting events happening in the area, and if you're aware of one that you think should be highlighted here, simply send me an email at shawn@thirdisolutions.com. I hope you're able to attend one of those mentioned above, and I look forward to connecting with you at these or other events soon.