Hi folks.
First f2f meeting of the CKOAP group
At the first meeting we had a diverse lot of talents in only 5 members who could show up . I (Michael) was made acting Secretary since I brought my pad with me. Some of the resources between us where a farm and a bookstore and some of the talents included a Paramedic, a Grant and Propossal Writer, A Reflexologist, A Vegitarian, a Macrobiotic cook, a Medical Supply person, a worm farmer, a writer and a person who is going to get the Permaculture training. Not bad for such a small group. We tried to figure out what our best purpose was and we decided we wehere to be a practical think tank. Some one commented that was an oxymoron. Lance handed out alot of printed matter paid for out of his pocket, so if we get any donations or raise funds somehow, I will be the first one to vote he gets fully re-imbursed. Thanks goes out to The boxing club that lent use the space to hold the meeting. We decided we would aim for a monthly meeting and we could stay in touch by email. Some of the topics we kicked around was living off grid,organic food co-ops, seedbanking, finding out who the organic farmers are locally,hemp,the Chatham-Kent Community Strategic Plan, where to get face masks cheaply,a list of some of my blogs, and a little about my book, "What Money Can't Buy" and 2 other websites at http://livingeconomies.org and http://countmeout.ca . The meeting ran about an hour or so. The final word was about the movie "The End of Suburbia" showing at the library Wed. May 31 at 7:00 at 120 Queen Street, Chatham. Free addmission, donations accepted.

I am not sure if I posted this here, but someone on one of the groups asked me for some of the sources I use in my replys. Here is my reply
Hello Anyone reading this.

First off I have my own blogs at http://survival-list.blogspot.com, http://myhemp.blogspot.com and http://kaerpackage.blogspot.com . I also wrote several small books, two of them available online at http://www.mjk-private-income.com One is on Peak oil and the Chaos it causes and the other is a "How To" book on making Bee's wax candles, firestarters and hobostove fuelcells. I also have tons of downloads on a couple of disks and on my laptop to read through.

Here is a partial list of books I have on hand starting with shelter and energy

1)Earth Water Wind and Sun by D.S. Halacy,Jr.
2)Low-Cost,Energy-Efficient Shelter for the owner and builder edited by Eugene Eccli
3)The Harrowsmith Reader edited by James Lawrence
4)The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Capentry & Woodworking tools,terms & materials by Stanley Schuler
5)A popular science book- Formulas, methods, tips and data for home and workshop by Kenneth M. Swezey
6)Make and do the woodcraft way by J.G.Cone ( a scouting book)
7)Roughing It Easy- A unique ideabook for camping and cooking by Dian Thomas

Food
8)Grow It Indoors by Richard W. Langer
9)The nutribase Guide to Carbohydrates, Calories & Fat by Dr. Art Ulene
10)Encyclopedia od Organic Gardening by J.I. Rodale and Staff
11)The Hunter's Field Guide to the game birds animals of North America by Robert Elman

Medical
12)The A.M.A. Family Medical Guide - Random house
13)What Your Doctor Won't Tell You ( all about alternative medicine) by Jane Heimlich ( yes-wife to inventor of the Heimlich Maneuver)
14)How To Be Your Own Doctor (Sometimes) by Keith W. Sehnert,M.D. and Howard Eisenberg
15)Camping & Wilderness Survival by Paul Tawrell

Other
16)Home Gunsmithing Digest by Tommy L. Bish , edited by Jack Lewis
I hope that helps.
Michael J. Kaer, owner of www.2bitpixel.com and www.mikesworms.com