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  1. Weekly Update - First Visit Free still suspended, Fix-it Stations need repair,

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Bike Center

    All, Still busy! I went over to the warehouse last week and picked up some of the nicer, minimally-broken bikes over there. One only needed air in the tires and a few minor tweaks to be roadworthy. It’s already on the sales floor. Will hopefully have a few more of those to churn out this week. I also returned 3 Chambana Bikes to Neutral Cycle.
    We’re still suspending the First Visit Free policy here. We’ve been less than at-capacity for the first hour or two every day which is a harder sell but haven’t had too much trouble. I frankly wouldn’t mind seeing the suspension extended well into the fall as it helps to weed out people who aren’t at all interested in doing the work in the first place. I often wonder how many people are in the shop to genuinely learn and how many are here because we’re cheaper than every bike shop in town… Just something to think about.

    Got more complaints about the broken fix-it pumps. One guy on the phone seemed especially frustrated since he’d been to 3 – 4 pumps across campus. I sent him over to Neutral Cycle since he was in that neighborhood already.
    I have a couple interviews for some new hires this week. I already got a couple questions about Light The Night, which was surprising and welcome. I guess after 10+ years people are beginning to expect it. I also spoke with a U of I alum who’s interested in starting some similar DIY/education programming over at a small school in Indiana where he teaches. I gave him my card and flyer for TBP in case he wants to pick our brains a little more on the subject.

     

    The numbers:
    Visitors: 102
    Sales: $933.60
    Memberships: 18 for $540
    Tires/tubes: 20 for $116

    Thanks!

    Jacob Benjamin
    Manager, Campus Bike Center

  2. 2019 SWATeam Kickoff with Attached Power Point

    Associated Project(s): 
    iCAP Working Group (iWG)
    Education iCAP Team
    Topical iCAP Teams
    Energy iCAP Team
    Land and Water iCAP Team
    Zero Waste iCAP Team
    Transportation iCAP Team
    Resilience iCAP Team

    Good afternoon!

     

    It was wonderful meeting many of you at the iWG and SWATeam Kick Off event yesterday afternoon. Thank you so much for attending and for your participation. It will be a great year and your efforts are very much appreciated. Please find the slides and handout attached, and be sure to reach out if you have any questions.

     

    As a reminder, Sarthak Prasad from the Transportation team mentioned that it would be helpful if you could take this short bike survey.

     

    Thank you again for your hard work and dedication to making our campus a more sustainable place! I look forward to meeting with you in the near future.

     

    Meredith

     

    --

    Meredith Moore

    Sustainability Programs Coordinator

    Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE)

    University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

    1101 W. Peabody, Urbana, Suite 338 (NSRC)

    217-333-0119

     

    [Power Point from Kickoff is attached, RC]

    Attached Files: 

  4. Weekly Update - Long waitlist

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Bike Center

    All, Last week was crazy busy. A couple of my staffers were sick or injured, leaving me well understaffed. We had a waiting list 2 – 3 deep every day. On Friday there were six or so people on the waiting list and I think most just abandoned the idea of being able to get any fixing time. Our model of first come, first served is a little problematic in that way—especially when stands are occupied with B-a-Bs that last the entirety of open hours. Down the line, separating open hours from B-a-Bs might be a good idea for the super crazy months.
    This week I am heading over to the warehouse to look at this year’s crop of bikes. Parking said there are hardly any good ones but I’m fine with that. Fewer total bikes is a win in my book!
    Thanks to Todd for grabbing scrap this weekend.

     

    The numbers:
    Visitors: 89
    Sales: $1,282.20
    Memberships: 25 for $750
    Build-a-Bike: 2 for $65
    Tire/tubes: 18 for $139

     

    Thanks!

    Jacob Benjamin
    Manager, Campus Bike Center

  5. Last Month for Bulk Solar Pricing

    Associated Project(s): 
    Solar Urbana-Champaign
    September is Final Month to Use Bulk Pricing for Solar

    Solar Urbana-Champaign 4.0 is scheduled to end new contract signings for solar installations on September 30 at 5pm.  That means you have just 3 weeks to schedule a site assessment with New Prairie Construction, receive a proposal, and sign a contract for your shiny new solar array. 

    Email 12 months of electric bills to solar@newprairieconstruction.com with the subject line "last minute solar proposal."

    If you've already received a proposal, then all you need to do is say YES to your very own renewable energy power plant.  And keep in mind that 2019 is the last year for the 30% federal tax credit.  It's 26% next year.

    Join the 200 other friends and neighbors in the Urbana-Champaign area that are enjoying a home or business running on sunshine courtesy of Solar Urbana-Champaign.
         

    Second Bulk Discount Achieved

    All Solar UC participants receive compounding 1% discounts off the purchase price of their solar installation as the program reaches 50 kilowatts, 150 kilowatts, and 250 kilowatts of contracted capacity.  The 2019 round of Solar UC currently stands at 151 kilowatts of contracted capacity!  So a 2% discount on all installations!
     

     


     edf3b33e-d7bc-419d-ad27-7bc5069578b6.png     

     

  7. Sustainable Student Farm Open House

    Associated Project(s): 
    Sustainable Student Farm
    Sustainability Engagement and Outreach

    The Sustainable Student Farm will host its annual Open House on Friday September 6 from 3-6 PM.  Tours of the SSF and Woody Perennial Polyculture projects will be offered as well as food items prepared by the U of I’s Housing and Dining Services featuring produce from the farm. The Student Sustainable Farm grows fruit and vegetables that are sold within the campus community.  Woody Perennial Polyculture is an experimental, alternative farming approach focusing on perennial tree crops instead of annual cropping systems.  Come out to listen, eat, and learn!

    September 6, 3–6:00 PM • https://www.google.com/maps/place/Sustainable+Student+Farm/@40.079908,-88.2189663,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x880cd6f002562e19:0x5ffbd796430d2fef!8m2!3d40.079908!4d-88.2167776

    Bruce Branham • Department of Crop Sciences

  9. Weekly Update - Build-a-Bike, Quad Day, First Visit Free suspended

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Bike Center

    All, Busy week, per this time of year. We’re down to two bikes for sale. We’ll be suspending the First Visit Free policy this week as we’re getting too busy to accommodate free repairs. We’ve got a few of the “You don’t have a bike, I guess I’ll build one!” B-a-Bs going. Fortunately the current crop of available bikes are in good shape and don’t need anything too intense and intensive done to get them road worthy. There may be a few crusty-bearing wheels walking out but this is not the time of year for perfection.
    Friday we were closed for Campus Recreation Student Staff Training, which went well. Saturday was our Illini Frenzy and Sunday was Quad Day, so it’s been busy to say the least. This week I’ve got a job recruiting opportunity this evening at the ARC from 8 – 9p. I’ll be attending that. Thursday after hours there’ll be a staff training for the Bike Center staff. So a fair bit of extracurricular activity this week!

     

    The numbers:
    Visitors: 123*
    Sales: $2,278.60
    Bikes (refurb): 10 for $1,475
    Memberships: 13 for $390
    Tires/tubes: 10 for $38

     

    Thanks!

    Jacob Benjamin
    Manager, Campus Bike Center

  11. SWATeam Welcome Message

    Associated Project(s): 
    Energy iCAP Team
    Land and Water iCAP Team
    Education iCAP Team
    Transportation iCAP Team
    Zero Waste iCAP Team
    Resilience iCAP Team
    iCAP Working Group (iWG)

    Dear SWATeam members,  We are so happy to welcome you to the FY20 SWATeams, including Energy, Land and Water, Zero Waste, Transportation, Education, and the new Resilience Working Advisory Team (RWAT).  SWATeams are an important part of our overall Illinois Climate Action Plan (iCAP) efforts, and we truly appreciate your assistance and support! 

     

    In 2014, iSEE worked with the Office of the Chancellor to develop the formal sustainability procedures to support the Carbon Commitment.  These procedures established the SWATeams, the iCAP Working Group (iWG), and the Sustainability Council.  In 2018 Chancellor Jones and the Mayors of Urbana and Champaign signed a Resilience Proclamation, so RWAT is the newest part of our SWATeam process.  We are currently working on an update to the iCAP procedures document. We’re also updating the 2015 iCAP plan to the new 2020 iCAP, and FY20 SWATeams will contribute to such an important milestone of iCAP!

     

    For both returning and new SWATeam members, here are a few things to expect in the coming weeks:

    • iSEE Director Evan DeLucia will be sending a formal charge letter for each team.
    • iSEE Sustainable Programs Coordinator Meredith Moore is training the new SWATeam clerks and graduate assistant, Regina Cassidy.  Then the SWATeam clerks will contact you to schedule three full team meetings this semester, one in September, October, and November.
    • The SWATeam pages on iSEE have been updated, and we will be updating the iCAP Portal pages.
    • We will send you a schedule for the 2020 iCAP development, with specific timelines for the SWATeams to draft specific, measurable objectives for the 2020 iCAP.
    • You will receive an invitation to the SWATeam kick-off event, hosted by iSEE in September.

    As mentioned above, this year will be highly focused on drafting the 2020 Illinois Climate Action Plan iCAP.  Each of the SWATeams will be asked to recommend specific, measurable objectives for the 2020 iCAP.  To help facilitate this effort, the two of us, as co-chairs of iWG, will both be attending each full SWATeam meeting in September, October, and November.  The actual iCAP chapters will be written by members of the iWG and iSEE staff, based on the input received from SWATeams and campus, for review by the iWG.  In Spring 2020, there will be campus and community review of the draft chapters, and the SWATeams will be included as key stakeholders in that review process. Ultimately, the 2020 iCAP with a chapter for each SWATeam, and additional related chapters will be formally submitted to the Sustainability Council for campus approval.

     

    The University is committed to being carbon neutral as soon as possible, and no later than 2050, and to bolstering our community’s resilience to the impacts of climate change. SWATeams play a key role to achieve those goals. We thank you for your willingness to assist in the efforts that will make us a model of sustainability for the nation. Thank you for your time, your enthusiasm and your continuous efforts!

     

    Sincerely,

     

    Ximing Cai and Morgan White

    iCAP Working Group, co-chairs

     

  12. Message from IDNR, Mike Brunk

    Associated Project(s): 
    Tree Campus Higher Education

    University of Illinois Home Yard and Garden newsletter is a great way to stay up on Illinois weed, disease and insect problems and management guidance.  With the below link you can sign up for direct emails notifications as well.

     

    Issue no. 9 of the Home, Yard & Garden Newsletter is now available on the Web. Point your browser to:

    http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu


    IN THIS ISSUE:

    =================================
    White grubs
    http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=1098

    White grub is a common name for the larvae of June beetles, chafers and Japanese beetles that feed on the roots of turfgrass.  The grubs can be found in the first 8 inches of soil beneath turfgrass.  They are white, C-shaped larvae, about 1 inch long and have 6 jointed legs attached close to their small brown head capsule.  Excessive root feeding by white grubs can leave turfgrass poorly anchored to the soil and can result in brown patches in a lawn that can be pulled back like a rug.  This can impact the aesthetics of a lawn and, in some cases, can make sports fields less safe for children and athletes.

    ---------------------------------------------------------------
    Nimblewill Noticeable During Hot Dry Conditions
    http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=1099

    There have been a few recent calls about nimblewill (Muhlenbergia schreberi).  With the hot, dry conditions we have had  lately, our cool-season turfgrass growth has slowed, making warm-season  nimblewill growth more noticeable.  While  cool-season turfgrasses are dormant, nimblewill is actively growing and  enjoying the lack of competition.  This  unbalance can allow nimblewill to be a serious weed problem.

    ---------------------------------------------------------------
    Fire Blight
    http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=1100

    I have received a few reports and questions regarding fire  blight on ornamental pears. Fire blight is a bacterial disease that infects  approximately 75 different species of plants, all in the Rosaceae family. Apples,  pears, crabapples, and ornamental pears are the most seriously affected  species. Other rosaceous hosts include cotoneaster, hawthorn, quince,  firethorn, and mountain-ash.

    ---------------------------------------------------------------
    Bacterial Leaf  Scorch – New Molecular Service Available
    http://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=1101

    It’s the time of the year that we start seeing bacterial  leaf scorch symptoms develop in central Illinois, and several samples have been  submitted that appear to be infected in the last few weeks. We are now offering  a molecular test for this pathogen, which will reduce the turnaround time, and  because it’s more sensitive than the previous ELISA test, ca be used any time  during the growing season when symptoms appear.
    =================================

     

    Mike

     

    Business card w logo 3

     

  13. PWR015 Lightbulb Replacement - Successful

    Associated Project(s): 
    iCAP Working Group (iWG)
    Zero Waste iCAP Team
    Zero Waste Recommendations Summary
    Lighting Conservation Projects

    Dr. Mohamed Attalla, Executive Director at F&S, responded to Dr. Ximing Cai, iWG Chair, on August 22, 2019 stating, "We will prepare the report as requested."

    See the transmittal of PWR015 Lightbulb Replacement Recommendation.

    See SWATeam Recommendation PWR015 Lightbulb Replacement here. 

    For future updates on this project see Lighting Conservation Projects.

  14. Weekly Update - Welcome Week, Registrations, Bike Sales

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Bike Center

    All, Welcome Week technically might be this week but last week really felt like it here at the Bike Center. Our visitor numbers were higher, a lot of people in for registrations and lots of bike sales.
    If our refurb bike sales hold steady from last week, we’ll be out of bikes before the semester even starts. While not great, it’s also not our mission to just sell bikes. Where’s the education in that?

    This week it is business as usual with the exception of Friday when we will be closed for Staff Training for all Campus Recreation employees. Obviously we’ll try to crank out some builds. We’ve still got a large pile of wheel donations to get through. That’ll help with the constant storage issues.
     

    The numbers:
    Visitors: 75
    Sales: $2,349
    Memberships: 6 for $180
    Bikes (refurb): 12 for $1,835
    Tire/tubes: 6 for $45

     

    Thanks!

    Jacob Benjamin
    Manager, Campus Bike Center

  15. Weekly Update - Bike Sales, Scrap bikes, Light the Night, Reorganizing the shop

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Bike Center

    All, Monday and Friday of last week I was out of the shop. Student staff covered for me with minimal issues. We’ve been selling bikes pretty steadily now, and that number will likely only rise the closer we get to the school year starting.
    Big thanks to Todd for clearing out the huge pile of scrap bikes. More room is always good!
    This week we have a LTN discussion so we can get moving on that and a TBP-UIUC meeting. Additionally, I’ll be reorganizing the back of the shop since we have so much new space, setting up a staff meeting for my student staff in advance of the crazy semester rush, and processing the inventory that came in late last week.

    The numbers:
    Visitors: 45 (computer trouble kept that number lower than it actually was)
    Sales: $1,215.00
    Memberships: 3 for $90

    Bikes (refurb): 6 for $925

     

    Thanks!

    Jacob Benjamin
    Manager, Campus Bike Center

  16. Weekly Update - Bike Sales, Rodeo on campus

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Bike Center

    All, I was out of town on Friday and Monday so this is a little belated.
    Last week was good. We’ve been selling bikes a little more steadily. Tally of For Sale bikes: 16. We’ve got a few more that need final safety checks to get going so I’ll hope to get that number a little higher, especially as we approach the beginning of the academic year. On Thursday morning I did a Rodeo on campus with Cynthia and a couple of the student staff. It went really well! Kids seemed jazzed, enjoyed riding the bikes, and the basketball court was perfect for the skills course.

    No issues having the students cover for me and thanks to Todd for grabbing the scrap.

    This week I’ll be out on Friday for a Campus Recreation Staff Retreat. I’ll have Chris or Theo cover for me. We’re short on some supplies so I’ll get an order in with one of our suppliers for consumables.

     

    The numbers:

    Visitors: 69
    Sales: $743
    Memberships: 8 for $240
    Bike (refurb): 3 for $320
    Tire/tubes: 14 for $81

     

    Thanks!

    Jacob Benjamin
    Manager, Campus Bike Center

  17. Weekly Update - Bike collection, Scrap Bins, Outreach to Engineering students

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Bike Center
    Collection and Donation of Abandoned Bicycles

    All, Things were slow-to-comfortably-busy last week. A new employee started. On Tuesday I picked up 30+ bikes from JSM. Only about 1/3 of the bikes were of any quality. The rest we have been steadily scrapping. Consequently we’re pretty maxed out on our scrap bins. One of the good bikes was built up in record time on Friday. A Structural Engineering PhD student rolled in around 2:30 – 3 and finished building the bike a little after 5:30. Most of the bike was in good condition. While he worked I spoke with him about getting engineering students into the Bike Center to try some physical, practical applications to their studies. While he couldn’t get students in to CBC himself, it was encouraging that he agreed it would be a good idea.

    I spoke with my Parking Dept contact. Abated bikes have been collected. There are significantly fewer collected than in prior years. Whether that is due to VeoRide, education/awareness, or simply a diminished area of collection (due to construction), it’s hard to say. Bottom line is less work for me and my staff!
    This week I’ll be taking Friday afternoon off. I’ll be out of the office on Monday and Tuesday of next week as well. Chris will cover hours. Next week’s report, accordingly, will happen on Wednesday.

     

    The numbers:
    Visitors: 75
    Sales: $1,282.90
    Bikes (refurb): 6 for $810
    Bikes (B-a-B): 2 for $50
    Memberships: 2 for $60
    Tires/tubes: 17 for $89

    Thanks!

    Jacob Benjamin
    Manager, Campus Bike Center

  18. Weekly Update - New Hire, Heat, and JSM Haul

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Bike Center
    Collection and Donation of Abandoned Bicycles

    All,

    This past week was abbreviated due to the sweltering and oppressive heat. We closed Thursday and Friday. The rest of the week wasn’t too busy, either.

     

    I had a training with a new hire, purged some old parts, and worked on shop builds.

     

    This week I’ll pick up “quite a few” bikes from JSM that they have ready for us, keep purging some of the old junk, and safety check the student-built bikes.

     

    The numbers:
    Visitors: 42
    Sales: $724

    Memberships: 2 for $60
    Bikes (refurb): 3 for $475
    Bikes (B-a-B): 2 for $55

    Tires/tubes: 7 for $$43

     

    Thanks!

     

    Jacob Benjamin
    Manager, Campus Bike Center

  19. The Buzz on Native Bees in East-Central Illinois

    Associated Project(s): 
    Bee Campus USA

    Join us on Monday, July 22 at noon at the Champaign Ext. This seminar is part of our Lunch with an Expert series with Maddy Kangas, a master's student from NRES, as our expert on native bees. There will be a short presentation on native bees in East-Central Illinois followed by your photos and questions. Do you need help with identification or more information? Bring your questions and your lunch.

    Amanda Christenson . Cooperative Extension Service

     

    The Buzz on Native Bees in East-Central Illinois

  20. Weekly Update - Keeping it Cool and Returned Bike

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Bike Center
    Collection and Donation of Abandoned Bicycles

    All,

     

    The one day last week that it wasn’t blazing hot was the one day we were really busy. But we’re always at the whim of the weather. Other than the one busy day, it was business as usual.

     

    We got a new giant fan delivered by the maintenance crew which has been a great help. Keeps things manageably cool in here. Don, the guy we did a bike exchange with, brought us a case of bottled water from Meijer, which was also awesome.

     

    The real big news was the bike we were able to return to its rightful owner. A woman donated a bike that she said was abandoned in front of her apartment. With assistance from Durst, we were able to track down the original owner who came and picked it up on Friday. It was a good start to the weekend!

     

    Outside of the regular day-to-day I’ll be training a new hire and looking to rig up some weatherproofing for the garage doors to keep it a little cooler in here as we look towards the super-hot end of the week we’re expecting.


    Numbers:
    Visitors: 75
    Sales: $582.75
    Bikes (refurb): 3 for $301
    Membership: 3 for $90
    Tire/tubes: 11 for $60

     

    Thanks!

    Jacob Benjamin
    Manager, Campus Bike Center

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