Presentations

The following presentations provide the latest information about a wide variety of green and wellness topics, from some of the area's leading experts. They will be offered at presentation stages in tents throughout the Expo. Check below for details on presentations, sorted alphabetically by title. Click here for the Official Program & Directory (3Mb pdf).

21st Century Beekeeping - Sunday 11:30 AM, Food & Farm
What's new with beekeeping who's doing it and why, a look at beekeeping in Detroit and in other urban areas around the country, honey tasting, observation hive. Rich Wieske maintains over 60 hives in Detroit and northern suburbs, active member of Southeast Michigan Beekeepers Association and Michigan Beekeepers Association.

Affordable Renewable Energy Systems - Sunday 3:00 PM, Green Living
Tutorial on how our geothermal, wind and solar systems work, tax credit incentives for all our systems, and average utility savings. Eric James Davis is Sales Engineer/ System Designer for Geo-Renew Systems Inc. 

Awaken and Heal Your Life to Heal Our Earth - Sunday 11:00 AM, Wellness
Sandra Agazzi Chimenti shares the keys to healing our earth by first healing ourselves. Discover the "Awakening Process" and "Seven Aspects of Spiritual Awakening" from Sandra’s book “The Real Me: Awakening Your True Self” to heal our life and earth. Sandra is the owner of Creative Books and Music, host/producer of "Discover Your Power to Succeed!" and author of "The Real Me: Awakening Your True Self."

Bike Generator & Watt Meter Demos - Saturday 2:00 & Sunday 11:00, Kids Corner
Experience the difference in the amount of energy it takes to power a compact fluorescent vs. an incandescent light bulb on our bicycle generator, and explore other energy efficient lighting options via our watt meter demo. Children welcome! Cliff Scholz is the Education Coordinator for Upland Hills Ecological Awareness Center. Parent volunteers from Brookfield Academy will be assisting participants with the bicycle generator.

Build a LEED Platinum Home for Under $100k - Sunday 2:00 PM, Green Living
A case study on a green 1770 sq ft, 5 bedroom home built for under $100,000 in metro Detroit. Designed for LEED Platinum Certification, the annual energy consumption was reduced to a mere $770. Sustainable building is not expensive with the right team! As a LEED AP & Certified Green Build professionals, Stephen and Jeff have the creative talents and the technical experience to bring sustainability to any architectural or building budget.

Building and Remodeling Green - Saturday 5:00 PM, Green Living
Planning a new addition, renovating an existing home, or building new, come learn about the affordable green options that are available. Christopher Pratt is a 4th generation builder, HERS energy rater, trainer and rater for Green Built Michigan, and most recently finalist for the 2009 Green Advocate of the Year from NAHB.

Climate Change 2009 - Saturday 1:00 PM, Green Living
Mr. Sinclair presents a general overview of global climate change, the effects on Michigan, and the exciting directions in energy development that could make Michigan the leader in "green" technology. Peter Sinclair is a long time advocate of environmental awareness. An award winning graphic artist, illustrator, and animator, Mr. Sinclair runs Greenman Studio from his home in Midland, MI.

Connecting the Mind, Body & Spirit - Sunday 2:00 PM, Wellness
A brief lecture with information helping people to make the connection of their body, mind and spirit. Through meditation, nutrition and green living guidance, participants will realize they too can make this connection. Jasmin Cromwell teaches meditation classes and holistic nutrition consultant. 

Consequences of Global Food Market - Saturday 1:30 PM, Food & Farm
Take a virtual tour through the grocery store and learn about the social, environmental, and human rights violations of foods most households purchase on a regular basis.  Feel empowered when you learn of local alternatives and how to access them. Julie LaPorte is the founder of La Vida Local, working to strengthen our local economy through education about and access to local organic foods

Ecology, Health & Healing - Sunday 12:00 PM, Wellness
How the environment and the eco system interact with the human body, and  Holistic approaches to manage chronic illnesses such as heart diseases, auto immune diseases and Cancer  to  life style changes to achieve the optimal health. Harsha P.Jayatilake, MD, FAAFP, DABIHM is Medical Director-Michigan Wellness Associates - Center for Integrative Holistic Medicine.

Electronic Pollution, Diode Solution - Saturday 3:00 PM, Wellness
Extra low frequency waves can mutate cells and cause disease and death. ELFs are generated from microwave towers, cell phone, computers, microwave ovens, hairdryers, televisions, refrigerators and automobiles. THE SOLUTIONS ARE DIODES!!! Dr. Delbert Blair is Director of the META CENTER in Chicago, Illinois. Consultant, lecturer, educator, historian and engineer. Involved in health diodes, magnets, monatomics for 48 years, and presently chem trails.

Finding your Green Path - Saturday 3:00 PM, Green Living
Three simple Green Path© steps that building owners can use to become more comfortable, take control of utility prices, enjoy strong increases in the value of their building and returns on investment. Dave Congdon MES System Integrator, BA in Business, Assoc. Degree in Digital Electronic Design, an Electro Mechanical Field Service Engineer, and Business Analyst focused on MES business strategy. 

Food, Energy & Climate Change - Sunday 1:30 PM, Food & Farm
We face a crossroads in ensuring a supply of safe, fresh, healthy, affordable local food for ourselves, while promoting food security for the planet. This session focuses on things we can do to feed ourselves while taking care of the planet. Bonnie Bucqueroux publishes Sustainable Farmer, which educates people about growing food with respect for all living things. She was also trained on climate issues by former Vice President Al Gore.

Good Living in Hard Times - Saturday 12:00 PM, Green Living
An examination of alternatives, from the way you eat and entertain yourself to where you live and how you travel.  You will learn what you can do as individuals, in cooperative groups and through enlightened communities to determine your own destiny and develop clarity about how you would ideally live in a post-oil world. Clark Tibbits has an MBA from Harvard Business School and additional graduate study in finance and economics at the University of Michigan.   Perhaps a more important qualification for this workshop, however, is that for the past 30 years he has raised a family and lived well while voluntarily keeping his spending and fossil fuel usage far below US averages and remaining free of debt.

Groundwater Pollution - Sunday 1:00 PM, Kids Corner
Groundwater Pollution is a 45-minute presentation that demonstrates groundwater flow and teaches about habits and actions people can do to protect groundwater. Lisa Appel is Coordinator of Watershed Education for Cranbrook Institute of Science

Hike with Team In Training - Sunday 11:00 AM, Trailhead - Hike & Bike
Hike the Paint Creek Trail with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training Program.  Our experienced hike coach will take you on a great journey right in your own backyard. Have all of your hiking questions answered. This is both Mandie & Loren's 3rd season as a hike coach.  Our coaches bring with them experience, energy and enthusiasm that is encouraging and makes hikes something to look forward to. 

Home Safe Home - Sunday 12:00 PM, Green Living
Toxins are found in the materials our homes are made of, the finishes and furnishings in our homes, and in the things we use to maintain our homes. But there are better ways that can make everyone's home safer. Dennis Voss is eco-entrepreneur founder of Naturally It's Clean and ChemFree Solutions.

How a State Bank Would Save Michigan's Economy - Sunday 1:00PM, Green Living
Starting with a call to "Leave Comfortopia" and think for ourselves, this presentation outlines a solution to our state's financial collapse - creating a state owned bank to give our communities and businesses desperately needed capital. Charles Fleetham is the founder and president of Project Innovations, Inc., a Michigan based management consulting providing strategic planning services to business and government.

Improving Your Health Naturally - Sunday 1:00 PM, Wellness
We all want to be healthy and well. Yet millions of people needlessly suffer from illness and disease.  Come, hear the facts, understand the problems and learn simple, natural solutions so critical especially with today’s busy lifestyles. For 4 years, Roberta Bailey provided community education in nutrition and wellness at early childhood development, teacher and regional conferences;  daycare centers; parent and weight loss groups. 

Introduction to Yoga - Saturday 12:00 PM, Wellness
This will be an all levels class designed to introduce you to yoga and all its amazing benefits. Brian Granader is the owner of Red Lotus Yoga, director of the Red Lotus School of Yoga, president of the Mandala Center and lead teacher at Red Lotus Yoga.

It's Easy Being Green - Sunday 11:30 PM, Green Living
Join Steve for a fun and interactive conversation about ways to reduce our Carbon Footprint - and together discover new ways of Living Green. Steve Marshall is a radio host with CBS Radio and CBS Radio's Psychic Radio Green Guru. 

Making Rain with Dinosaur Hill - Saturday 12:00 PM & Sunday 2:00 PM, Kids Corner
Listen to a story then make a rain maker to take home. Sharon Taber is a Dinosaur Hill naturalist.

Making Recycled Paper - Saturday 3:00 PM & Sunday 1:30 PM, Kids Corner
Participants will have an opportunity to experience the craft of papermaking using recycled paper. Geared for children, the demonstration will also be useful to educators and those who want to try this at home. Cliff Scholz is the Education Coordinator for Upland Hills Ecological Awareness Center. Student and parent volunteers from Brookfield Academy will be assisting.

Michigan Green Communities Challenge - Saturday 12:00 PM, Main Stage
The Michigan Green Communities Challenge is an opportunity for Michigan communities to get credit for their various green activities including energy efficiency, recycling and more. Lucy Doroshko works in the Green Practices Section of the Bureau of Energy Systems - Dept of Energy, Labor, & Economic Growth as a recycling and waste reduction specialist for the State of Michigan for almost 20 years.  She is a 1977 UM graduate and twice named "Recycler of the Year" by the Michigan Recycling Coalition.

Michigan Wildlife - Saturday 11:00 AM, Kids Corner
Michigan has a diverse collection of animals that are varied in size, color, shape and popularity. A naturalist will use biofacts and a couple live animals to discuss what makes them special. Karen Anneberg is a naturalist with Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission at the Lewis Wint Nature Center in Independence Oaks County Park near Clarkston, Michigan. 

Motown to Growtown... - Sunday 12:30 PM, Food & Farm
Transition is a proactive response to the triple threat of Peak Oil, Climate Change & Economic Crisis through relocalization. Visionaries see Detroit's potential as Growtown, but how can we recreate our lives as the age of the automobile declines? Gregg Newsome is a Writer, Bodyworker, Yoga Teacher and co-founder of Detroit Evolution Laboratory.  The Lab promotes active, aware, healthy and sustainable vegan and raw food lifestyles in the city.

Moving MI Towards a Clean Energy Future - Saturday 4:00 PM, Green Living
Michigan is at a critical energy crossroad and it's time to move away from polluting power sources of the past like coal and towards a clean energy future. Tiffany Hartung is a associate regional representative with the Sierra Club's National Coal Campaign.

Nutrition and Food Preservation - Saturday 12:30 PM, Food & Farm
General nutrition information and up to date, research based information of food preservation including high and low acid canning, freezing, drying and food safety. Robin Danto, BS Michigan State University Human Nutrition and Dietetics, MS Wayne State University Community Health Nutrition, worked as clinical dietician, environmental sanitarian and Extension Educator. 

Practical Tips for Saving Earth - Saturday 11:00 AM, Green Living
Climate change, population growth, and peak oil are impacting our civilization and Earth.  Wissner’s multi-media presentation simplifies the core challenges, proposes realistic tips and solutions, and paints a vision of sustainability. Aaron Wissner’s Local Future nonprofit hosts "The International Conference on Peak Oil and Climate Change: Paths to Sustainability" and "The Conference on Michigan's Future: Energy, Economy and Environment”

Puppet Play - Saturday 1:00 PM, Kids Corner
A Waldorf table puppet play. Presented by Oakland Steiner School teachers.

Raging Grannies - Sunday 2:30 PM, Cafe Stage
In the tradition of wise women elders, the mission of Raging Grannies is to promote global peace, justice and social & economic equality by raising awareness through the medium of songs and humor. Grannies started in Canada in '87 in protest to nukes. there are now 60 plus gaggles of RGs internationally. 

Renewable Energy, Michigan, and You - Saturday 2:00 PM, Green Living
Michigan has passed new renewable energy legislation. How does this effect homeowners, businesses, contractors, and developers? Larry Kaufman is the energy expert for DTE Energy.

Saving the Planet One Bite at a Time - Saturday 2:30 PM, Food & Farm
The human appetite for animal flesh is a driving force behind almost every major category of environmental damage including deforestation, erosion, fresh water scarcity, air and water pollution. Jeff Hampton, a VegMichigan member, graduated from Michigan State with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Environmental Sciences. He has run the environmental testing facility for American Motors. 

Sustainable Health Care with Herbs - Saturday 1:00 PM, Wellness
Mary Light, ND MH will offer insights into the transition to self empowering health care by re-skilling in the use of nutritive and therapeutic herbs. Learn about common herbs of our area and their value to body systems and family health. Gaia School supports Transition Towns movement  with a variety of programs for professionals/personal/family. Mary Light directs the school, private practice, apothecary and botanical sanctuaries

Sustainable Landscaping - Saturday 11:30 AM, Food & Farm
How to design a garden or a place in a sustainable, environmentally friendly way. An introduction showing landscape techniques followed by a workshop and discussion where we will design a place with some given parameters. V.S. Vendena has a master's degree in landscape architecture and 10 years of practical experience as well as teaching experience in working with sustainable landscaping in the Detroit area. 

The Music & Stories of Upland Hills School - Saturday 4:00 PM, Kids Corner
Kids will enjoy the talents of Ted Strunck & Karen Moore as they sing and tell stories of Upland Hills School. The school, founded in 1971, is an independent school community whose purpose is to educate pre high school children.  Our aim is to discover and respect the uniqueness of every child.

The Organic Opportunity - Saturday 3:00 PM, Film Theater
“THE ORGANIC OPPORTUNITY/Local Organic Food as Economic Development in Woodbury County, Iowa” tells the story of the first county in the US to promote local organic agriculture as economic development. In 2005, Woodbury County, Iowa became the first county in the nation to offer tax rebates to farmers who transition to organic agriculture. In 2006, the county became the first in the nation to mandate the purchase of locally grown organic food by county institutions. And now the county is offering access to farm land and housing to new farmers who relocate there to farm organically. Home to the Floyd Boulevard Local Foods Market in Sioux City – the first farmers market to exclusively sell “healthy, humane, homegrown” food – Sioux City and Woodbury County are experiencing an economic renaissance built around the promotion of small organic family farms. “The Organic Opportunity” looks at these developments in depth, offering anyone interested in economic development and healthy food a model for change in their communities. The film is produced by The Center for Economic Security. Award winning writer-director, Chris Bedford, is the film maker.

The Appropriate Technology Collaborative - Saturday 12:30 PM, Film Theater
A lively presentation of technologies developed by the Appropriate Technology Collaborative and student teams from the U of M and MSU.  Learn about solar freezers, solar replacements for kerosene lamps and much more. John Barrie is Executive Director of the Appropriate Technology Collaborative.  He has 25 years experience designing green buildings and products.  Recent work focuses on design for low income people.

Welcome Address with Congressman Gary Peters - Saturday 10:30, Main Stage
Congressman Gary Peters will discuss the current environmental initiatives and legislative priorities of the 111th Congress.  His remarks will focus on Great Lakes restoration, clean water, and global climate change and energy independence. Gary Peters is the United States Representative serving Michigan's 9th Congressional District in Oakland County. A fifth generation Oakland County resident, Gary has dedicated his life to serving his community, his state and his country. Gary was one of a handful of new Congressional Members appointed to the Financial Services Committee, which allows him to work for Michigan on critical issues such as stemming home foreclosures and ensuring America maintains a strong domestic auto industry. Congressman Peters was also appointed to the Science and Technology committee, where he is working to promote fuel-efficient vehicle production, renewable energy systems, and other new job-creating technologies. Gary formerly served as Michigan’s State Lottery Commissioner and as a Michigan State Senator. In these roles he earned a reputation as a thoughtful leader committed to pragmatic problem solving and fiscal responsibility. Congressman Peters also formerly served in the Navy Reserves where he twice served our nation overseas. Gary and his wife Colleen reside in Bloomfield Township. They have three children: Gary, Jr., a recent Albion College graduate, and Madeleine and Alana, who attend Bloomfield Public Schools.

Well People For a Well Planet - Saturday 2:00 PM, Wellness
Having a healthy and well planet requires that we as a people must be healthy and well. People who are well act and behave more consciously and environmentally friendly than those who are not healthy or well. Dr. John Johr has been assisting many people throughout North America discover their true gifts and awaken to a more joyful and conscious life by using Network Spinal Analysis for over 10 years. 

Why Renewable Energy? - Sunday 10:30 AM, Green Living
This seminar outlines the environmental, supply, and economic benefits RE. It examines numerous societal costs of conventional energy that are not reflected in pricing, compared with the “premium” cost of renewables, and offers an action plan. John Richter is co-founder of the Institute for Sustainable Energy Education. He holds a BS in Engr. and an MS in RE. He is a former President of the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association.

Connections Cafe' Roundtables
A wide variety of topics will be discussed at Connections Cafe' roundtables. Check the signs on tables and jump in the discussion, with a subject matter expert, at any time.