July 2007 Vol. 26. No. 7

Published by the Humboldt Senior Resource Center in Eureka, California. HSRC is a non-profit community-based organization offering services for senior citizens, multi-generational families and caregivers.

Color and fabric: Spencer to be featured quilter among 300 show entries
Rural transportation: Quail bus service is in jeopardy
Area Agency on Aging names new director
Think About It: Third annual Skill Share to offer community-based workshops for all
OLLI: Come to the open house, learn about lifelong learning
Del Norte County: “A” Street Clinic becomes first tenant of Community Wellness Center
Firewood vouchers: Sales begin at HSRC sites the week of July 16
STARs: Taking My Turn premiers in Ferndale July 13

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Think About It
Third annual Skill Share to offer community-based workshops for all
by Shannon Tracey

Democracy Unlimited of Humboldt County invites community members to offer workshops and trainings at the third annual Skill Share to be held Saturday, July 21 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Labor Temple in Eureka, 840 E St.

The Skill Share brings people together to learn from one another and celebrate our wealth of local talent. Community members share their skills and wisdom through informal workshops that emphasize results rather than credentials. This free event will unite fun and function as community members get to know each other and learn new and useful ways to meet their needs.

Past years’ events have featured workshops such as “How To Fix Your Bike,” “Making Draft-Stoppers,” “Digital Photos 101,” “Non-Violent Communication Skills,” and “Herbal First Aid.” This year, individuals from around the county will again provide instruction in subjects ranging from composting to computer skills. Each hour, several presenters will share their knowledge and experience during hands-on demonstrations and workshops.

Not only does the Skill Share offer participants the benefits of shared expertise, but it also helps our community sustain useful abilities that might otherwise be neglected. Learning to preserve foods, sew your own clothing, and take care of simple household repairs are valuable skills that can save money and time. Participants can invest in self-sufficiency by recognizing and utilizing the many options available in our own community.

“Building connections and learning to rely on one another locally helps make Humboldt County stronger,” said Kaitlin Sopoci-Belknap, executive director of Democracy Unlimited of Humboldt County.

Offer your skills

Everyone has something to offer. Even better, we all have something to learn from our neighbors. The useful knowledge passed along through the Skill Share will continue to help us – for free. Community members are invited to join the excitement by getting involved in the third annual Skill Share. Offer your own workshop, lend a hand as a volunteer or just come and learn from the amazing people who call Humboldt home.

This year’s workshop wish list includes candle-making, traveling cheaply, nutrition basics, suicide prevention skills, container gardening for the yardless, and more. For a complete list of workshop ideas visit www.duhc.org, or contact Democracy Unlimited to request a topic you’d like to learn about.

Democracy Unlimited of Humboldt County is a local organization working to create a truly democratic society through education and empowerment that challenges corporate rule and fosters healthy community-based alternatives to meet people’s social, economic and political needs.

For further information or to sign up as a workshop presenter, contact Democracy Unlimited of Humboldt County at info@DUHC.org or call 269-0984. Workshop descriptions and a schedule are forthcoming at www.duhc.org.

Shannon Tracey is a member of Democracy Unlimited of Humboldt County.