Literature

“Know Sustainability”

this January with Deschutes Public Library

Graphic courtesy of Deschutes Public Library

Turn over a new leaf this January to strike a balance between environment and economy. Local farmers share sustainable practices for agriculture in the High Desert. Learn how the Amish have sustained their traditional lifestyle and nourish yourself with plant-forward cooking. Discover how the wine industry is promoting sustainable practices and consider a cleaner, greener future with electric cars, bikes and beyond. Please note the location of programs as some are hosted at offsite venues. All programs are free and open to the public. Programs marked with an asterisk (*) require registration.

Sustainable Farming in the High Desert

Hear from local farmers dedicated to meeting the needs of current and future generations. David and Megan from Boundless Farmstead explore organic and sustainable farming practices, certifications and labels, the local food system and more. • Saturday, January 7 • 11am • Downtown Bend Library • Saturday, January 7 • 3pm • Redmond Proficiency Academy The Amish: A Sociological Journey

Sociology professors John and Maria Jose Tenuto share their 20 years of research on Amish communities, including the origins, life stages, traditions, customs, food, religion and community of one of America’s most famous subcultural groups. • Sunday, January 8 • 2pm • Online only

The Electric Future of Cars, Bikes and More

We are in the middle of a revolution in how we get around. Join The Environmental Center’s Electric Mobility Expert to learn about affordable used options, current and upcoming incentives, e-bikes and what is yet to come. • Wednesday, January 11 • noon. • Downtown Bend Library • Tuesday, January 17 • 6pm • Redmond Proficiency Academy

Sustainable Wine Featuring Bedrock Wine Co. at Arome*

Join us for an evening to learn about different ways a vineyard and winery can promote and practice sustainability. Try a line up of three wines from our featured winery and learn how to support producers guided by these principles. Registration required. • Thursday, January 12 • 5pm • Arome, Redmond Nourish Yourself with Plant-Forward Cooking

You don’t necessarily have to exclude meat to incorporate more vegetables, beans, fruits and whole grain into your meals. Bring more versatility in your approach to sustainable food with Yanessa Young, founder of Thirsty Radish. • Wednesday, January 25 • 6pm • Online only

For more information about these programs, please visit the library website at deschuteslibrary.org. People with disabilities needing accommodations (alternative formats or auxiliary aides) should contact Liz Goodrich at lizg@deschuteslibrary.org or 541-312-1032. deschuteslibrary.org

New Children’s Book Encourages Readers

to Take Care of Others & the Places We Play

Photo courtesy of Ladies Allride

Afun rhyming book that celebrates the endless joy and life lessons we can get from riding mountain bikes, Mountain Biking Adventures with Izzy, Etiquette Is a Big Word is available now anywhere books are sold online. Written by professional mountain biker and longtime skills coach Lindsey Richter, the book is an empowering story encouraging children (and all humans) to help the world be a better place.

With more and more people getting into mountain biking, a book about etiquette is not only for kids, but really for all ages to read and learn how bikes can bring joy, confidence, community and tons of fun into our lives. Richter collaborated on the book with aeronautical engineer Heidi Ashwell, who approached Lindsey with the idea. The art was done by talented artist and mountain biker Kristina Wayte.

“I reached out to Lindsey and asked, what if we could teach the younger generation of riders, or those just starting to mountain bike, the rules we all try to live by when using the trails? What would those primary lessons be and how could we encourage trail stewardship in a fun and educational way,” said Ashwell.

Richter founded a movement dedicated to growing the global community of women-identifying mountain bikers called Ladies AllRide in 2010. She has a long history in the bike industry as a racer (1996-2014) and program manager and has been a strong advocate to get more women involved with mountain biking for over a decade. Richter and her team run a series of mountain bike skills events around the country dedicated to teaching women and girls how to mountain bike while helping them relate bikes to life.

“Mountain biking changed and saved my life and I have been on a mission to educate women and girls about the power of the sport,” said Richter. “I wish I learned a lot of these life lessons from the bike at a younger age, so hopefully this book will help the younger generation realize how bikes can build confidence, teach them how to face and conquer fears and help them see what they’re capable of on and off the bike.”

Richter was elated and honored when Heidi asked her if she was interested in writing a children’s book dedicated to helping new trail users be more aware of their etiquette. Together they hope to see more people enjoying bikes and experiencing what playing outside can do for theirs and their kids’ lives.

About Mountain Biking Adventures with Izzy: Etiquette is a Big Word

Join Izzy and her friend Lyle on an eventful ride as they zoom through the forest, twist around trees and learn important lessons about trail etiquette along the way. Izzy shows readers the importance of being prepared for adventures, as well as what it looks like to take care of others and the places we play.

Izzy loves riding mountain bikes to explore the great outdoors, to stay active, remain healthy and have fun. The confidence she gets from biking helps her learn how to face fears and be courageous, so she uses her bike as a tool for personal growth. She really loves introducing new people to the sport and bringing friends together to practice good trail stewardship and build community through bikes.

Be sure to keep an eye out for Squirrely the squirrel throughout the book! Does he get in the way, or does he help everyone have a fun and safe adventure? ladiesallride.com