Build a Mesh Network Node Workshop: September 10, 2026, 5:30-6:45

WHAT: Build a Mesh Network Node Workshop

WHEN: Thursday, September 10, 2026 5:30-6:45pm

WHERE: The Overlook, 611 W 12th St, Bloomington, IN 47404

COST: Free, but you'll want to buy a kit to assemble ***SEE KITS LISTED BELOW***

Cats, like mesh networks, are ungovernable.

A mesh network is democratized communication technology that passes messages and information node-to-node, free of any centrally controlled or grid based infrastructure. For a small investment of time and money, you can get started with your own node and link into one of the least expensive and most resilient communication networks currently available. Led by Bryce Bookwalter, Disaster Preparedness Coordinator for Monroe County. 

Kits we will be using, please buy yours soon so it arrives before the event:

"I really like this kit: Meshnology N39, Meshtastic Heltec V4 LoRa Radio Devices for Sale  It’s about $45 if multiple kits are purchased and it creates a nice device. Plus, there is no soldering required and it is expandable (you can upgrade it later with more stuff). This is the one that will feel most “off-grid-comms”. 

This one is the cheapest option, but it works surprisingly well. XIAO ESP32S3 & Wio-SX1262 Kit for Meshtastic & LoRa There is no screen with this one, so everything is done through your phone. This may feel less “alternative” to cell phones since you’re controlling it with your phone but that’s how most of them are now. The build here is super quick too. There is no case provided with this one either."

Pear Canning Intensive with Potluck Lunch: Saturday, September 5, 10:30-5:30

WHAT: Pear Canning Intensive with Potluck Lunch

WHEN: Saturday, September 5, 2026, 10:30am-5:30pm

WHERE: MCPL Teaching Kitchen, Southwest Branch, 890 Gordon Pike, Bloomington, IN 47404

COST: Free, bring some jars to get more food

I have lucked into the full volume of an entire loaded pear tree, plus several apple trees, so I have added a pear canning intensive for Saturday, September 5, 2026 from 10:30am to 5:30pm. I'm planning to spend the entire day there, preserving pears and apples through the water bath method, as is safe with high acid fruits such as these. Additionally, I'll do a volume of white bean and chicken stew, which we can eat for lunch and can the rest using a pressure cooker, so this is your opportunity to learn both methods of canning, and get food. I may do a third recipe, depending on several circumstances but you'll have to attend to see how that works out.

I recognize that not everyone can spend the entire day canning. Come and pitch in, and you'll learn the processes and we'll make sure everyone goes home with at least some amount of food. Stay whatever amount of time you have available. Lunch will happen at approximately noon; if you want to bring food or drink to share, please do but be aware that the library does not permit us to have alcoholic beverages. All that being said, I would love to have at least one or two all-day helpers to get through the amount of food I'm trying to make, with enough time and energy to return the room to the library at the end of the day in good shape.

The maximum number of participants for events in the teaching kitchen is 25. I doubt that we will run into problems with having too many people show up, but if you want to be absolutely sure you have a space, email me your intentions to attend and I will prioritize the first 25 people who contact me. This is a good activity to include children who are old enough to help in the kitchen, so if you have kids, please feel free to bring them along. Remember that this process includes sharp knives and boiling water, so they will need supervision. 

I will supply all the ingredients for canning pears and the bean-chicken stew. I am reaching the end of my supply of canning jars, rings, and caps. Everyone will get at least one jar of food, but if you can bring jars, I can send you home with more food. With regard to size, you can simply bring what you happen to have and we will sort it out, or if you have the funds and the opportunity, buy a dozen new jars. Rural King and Menards generally have a good selection. Pints are ideal for these recipes, quarts are also a great choice, and smaller jars can work. Please allow me some leeway to mix and match the jar sizes available to more equitably distribute the finished food.

Upcoming Events as of 8/15/2026

WHAT: Signal App: Tips and Tricks for Top Security

WHEN: Thursday, August 20, 2026 5:15-6:45

WHERE: Southwest Branch, Monroe County Public Library, 809 W. Gordon Pike, Bloomington, IN 47404

COST: FREE

The Signal app is the go-to resource for most of us for secure communications, but are you using it to its full potential? We will have our Signal expert, as well as several "rounders" to help you tweak your settings and find the controls to get the best performance out of this powerful communications app.

WHAT: Build a Mesh Network Node Workshop

WHEN: Thursday, September 10, 2026 5:30-6:45pm

WHERE: The Overlook, 611 W 12th St, Bloomington, IN 47404

COST: Free, but you'll want to buy a kit to assemble ***SEE KITS LISTED BELOW***

Mesh Networking Workshop: Build you own mesh node and create an off-grid emergency communication system for your community.

 

A mesh network is democratized communication technology that passes messages and information node-to-node, free of any centrally controlled or grid based infrastructure. For a small investment of time and money, you can get started with your own node and link into one of the least expensive and most resilient communication networks currently available. Led by Bryce Bookwalter, Disaster Preparedness Coordinator for Monroe County. 

Kits we will be using, please buy yours soon so it arrives before the event:

"I really like this kit: Meshnology N39, Meshtastic Heltec V4 LoRa Radio Devices for Sale  It’s about $45 if multiple kits are purchased and it creates a nice device. Plus, there is no soldering required and it is expandable (you can upgrade it later with more stuff). This is the one that will feel most “off-grid-comms”. 

This one is the cheapest option, but it works surprisingly well. XIAO ESP32S3 & Wio-SX1262 Kit for Meshtastic & LoRa There is no screen with this one, so everything is done through your phone. This may feel less “alternative” to cell phones since you’re controlling it with your phone but that’s how most of them are now. The build here is super quick too. There is no case provided with this one either."

10/8/20

WHAT: Community Preparedness 

WHEN: Thursday, October 8, 2026 5:15-6:45

WHERE: Location TBD

COST: FREE

Community Preparedness: Learn how to identify hazards and vulnerabilities within your community and steps you can take to mitigate the risk and build a more resilient community.

11/12/2026 – Vehicle Preparedness

WHAT: Vehicle Preparedness

WHEN: Thursday, November 12, 2026 5:15-6:45

WHERE: Location TBD

COST: FREE

 

WHAT: Preparedness Review Activity/Exercise

WHEN: Thursday, December 10, 2026 5:15-6:45

WHERE: Location TBD

COST: FREE

Preparedness Review Activity/Exercise. This is a review of the year’s classes, both a reminder for those who attended and an introduction for those who did not. We will do some reviews and activities to cover knowledge gained over the year. 

 

WHAT: Basic Preparedness

WHEN: Thursday, January 14, 2026 5:15-6:45

WHERE: Location TBD

COST: FREE

 

WHAT: Emergency Shelter Essentials + Workshop

WHEN: Thursday, February 11, 2027 5:15-6:45

WHERE: Location TBD

COST: FREE

 

Emergency Shelter Essentials + Workshop: Learn what items are essential for your emergency shelter, how best to store those items, how to identify the best location for your shelter, and when to seek shelter. There will be a workshop after the class to assemble a few essential items.

 

 

Thanks for being a part of this. Invite your friends and get out and join us!