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Action Alert – MA Bottle Bill, Contact Your Senator

from Sierra Club Massachusetts

The State Senate is about to vote on a measure that would update the State’s Bottle Bill. In order for this bill to pass, we are asking you to contact your State Senator right away and ask him/her to “Vote YES on the Bottle Bill Amendment”.

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HVA Offers Free River Paddle Trips

The Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) invites you to paddle the Housatonic River this summer. Choose from five paddle trips which will explore the natural beauty and historical significance of the Housatonic River. The trips are diverse and include paddling the headwaters in Hinsdale and negotiating numerous beaver dams to an easy flat water paddle of the Housatonic as it flows into Connecticut. For all but the Hinsdale trip, you may reserve a canoe. Registration is required — for further information and to register contact HVA at 413-394-9796.

 

To celebrate National Trails Day, on Saturday, June 1st from 9am – 3pm we invite you to bring your own boat and paddle the headwaters of the Housatonic, the Hinsdale Flats. This trip begins at Bullards’ Crossing in Hinsdale and ends in Hinsdale Center, almost 6.5 miles. Participants must be in good physical condition as we navigate over 20 beaver dams. Additional trip information will be provided upon registration. Participants will be asked to help shuttle cars and boats.

 

On Wednesday, June 19th, join us at 3pm for an early evening, short paddle trip that will allow you to explore the Housatonic as it flows through Lee. Experience is helpful for this stretch which begins at the Athletic Field on Housatonic Street in Lee and ends about 5 miles further downriver behind the HVA office in South Lee. There is some quick water and downed trees to negotiate at the beginning. Participants are invited join in a potluck meal afterwards. Russ Cohen, who works for the Massachusetts Department of Ecological Restoration, will paddle along with us and provide insights into the river’s ecology, including the importance of leaving fallen trees in the river, what animals we might encounter and identifying invasive plants along the river corridor.

 

Explore Stockbridge on Wednesday, July 31st from 3:00pm – 6:30pm and learn about the original residents of the Housatonic Valley. This easy, family friendly trip of 4.5 miles will take you past the Country Club and to the Glendale dam. The trip will end just before the dam at a new official access installed in 2012.

 

Extend your paddling experience into Connecticut on Saturday, September 14th during our 10+mile flat water paddle from New Milford to Bridgewater. This trip will include paddling through the high canyon walls of Lover’s Leap Gorge.

 

Fall colors will highlight the last paddle trip of the season on Saturday, October 5th as we paddle from Rannapo Road to Falls Village in Connecticut. In addition to enjoying the autumn foliage, we will learn about nineteenth century industry in the HousatonicValley.

 

HVA will supply canoes and life jackets for those who reserve them (except for the June 1st paddle, as noted above). Paddlers who bring their own canoes or kayaks must also have life jackets for everyone in their group. Other items that should be brought along are drinking water, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent and snacks.

 

Dennis Regan, HVA Program Director, said, “Our paddle trips of the Housatonic and its tributaries allow people to experience the beauty of the river valley. What better way to learn about the river than to paddle on it?”

 

The event is free but pre-registration is required. Each trip is limited to 15 people. For more information and to register, please contact Alison Dixon at HVA’s office in Lee, Massachusetts, 413-394-9796, or email her at adixon@hvatoday.org.

 

HVA, a tri-state nonprofit citizen’s environmental group founded in 1941, works to conserve the natural character and environmental health of its communities by protecting and restoring the land and waters of the 2,000-square-mile Housatonic watershed from its source in the Pittsfield, Massachusetts area to Long Island Sound. HVA is monitoring water quality, adding sections to the Housatonic RiverBelt Greenway (linking preserved space along the Housatonic River with hiking and biking trails), and using computer mapping to help towns measure the impact and benefits of land use and development. HVA also sponsors the Litchfield Hills Greenprint Collaborative in protecting more land across northwest Connecticut. It has offices in Cornwall Bridge, Connecticut; South Lee, Massachusetts and Wassaic, New York.

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State Strips Town’s Ability to Regulate Lawn Care for Clean Water and Healthy Stripped Bass

 from the Ocean River Institute

Expect to see more dead fish as the weather warms, daylight lengthens, and fertilizer-nitrogen chokes waterways and litters shores with stinking slime.  On Wednesday, May 15th, the Attorney General’s Director of Municipal Law Unit issued the decision that the fertilizer industry’s state law trumps a town’s right to regulate lawn care applications.  Falmouth cannot mandate citizens apply one pound nitrogen per 1,000 square feet.  Instead the industry/state standard of five pounds nitrogen per 1,000 square feet should be applied.  A striped bass or clean beach is a terrible thing to waste for monetary greed by one industry.

The Massachusetts Association of Lawn Care Professionals, the Retailers Association of Massachusetts, and Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, are scamming lawn owners into using five times more fertilizer than needed.  They pushed through the state law with their “science.” Falmouth’s bylaw was consistent with the practices of many golf courses that know better.  They save money while keeping their grass green and putters satisfied.

Falmouth is the Massachusetts town with the most estuaries in it of any municipality, 15 estuaries.  Falmouth acted responsively when slimy harmful algal blooms plagued and dead fish littered their shores.  They mandated the use of no more than one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn each year.  The industry calls for five pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn each year.  Click here for the full story and for links.

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New Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market Seeking Presenters for DIY / Hands On Workshops

Hello All,

I am on the events committee for the new Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market.

We are holding DIY / Hands On Workshops at the market and we are looking for presenters.

We think this is a great way to educate folks, get them out to the market and build community!

Would anyone on this list please consider presenting for us?  It need not be long – 1/2 hour to an hour would be great.  You could run it once or twice, your choice.

If you have written a book, you are welcome to promote and sell the book at the market.

If you have a business you are welcome to promote your business.

We thought of some of the very popular subjects, such as raising chickens in an urban environment, raising bees, urban gardening, soil, growing mushrooms, fermentation, pickling, pruning, foraging, etc.

We are also open to any other ideas anyone has.

If you would be willing to present or know someone else who may be willing, please contact me.

If you live in the Pittsfield area and have any ideas for workshop topics you would be interested in attending, please contact me as well.

We are looking for the following dates (all Saturdays):

June 22

July 27

August 24

September 28

October 26

The market runs from 9am – 1pm.

Workshops could be whatever time works for you during that time.

Ideas Welcome !

Thanks so much,

Dawn Meltzer

Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market Events Committee

pkd2@earthlink.net or newdawnhealing@gmail.com

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Take the Pledge: Avoid Toxic Dry Cleaning

http://org.salsalabs.com/o/2155/images/Drycleaning.jpgTaking your clothes to the cleaners can be tough to find time for, and so while you’d like to be able to just dash in and out of your local dry cleaner, you might actually want to stop and think about what chemicals are being used on your clothes.

For the last fifty years, dry cleaners have used perchloroethylene (perc) as their most common cleaning product. Perc is a probable human carcinogen that can cause nervous system, liver, and kidney damage. Dry cleaning workers are at most risk, but when we take dry cleaned clothes home, we expose our families to this toxic chemical. Perc also can pollute the soil and groundwater around dry cleaning shops.

Take the Wet Cleaning Pledge and avoid toxic dry cleaning

The good news is there are several alternatives to perc. The bad news is not all of them are safe, and it can be tough to figure out which is which. Many companies that make dry cleaning chemicals advertise themselves as green or environmentally friendly, even when they’re not. This is a process known as “greenwashing.” To help separate the “green” from the “greenwashed,” check out our website.

A process called wet cleaning is the safest known method of professional garment cleaning. It is water-based process, uses biodegradable soaps to clean your clothes, and has no known negative environmental or health effects.

You can help support these local green businesses by taking a pledge to switch to wet cleaning. Don’t know if there are any wet cleaners in your area? Contact us to find out how to survey your local garment cleaners and find out what they use.

Thanks for all you do.

Sincerely,
Darylle Sheehan,
Toxics Organizer
Clean Water Fund

National Office
1010 Vermont Ave | Suite 400 | Washington D.C. | 20005 202.895.0420

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Opening June 15, 2013

Berkshire Museum presents PaperWorks: The Art and Science of an Extraordinary Material

Works in paper by more than 30 contemporary artists are on view through October 26, 2013

Beginning Saturday, June 15, 2013, Berkshire Museum will present PaperWorks: The Art and Science of an Extraordinary Material, a new exhibition that explores paper as a source of creative inspiration and innovation. PaperWorks features compelling contemporary works of art by more than 30 artists, all made from paper, as well as an array of objects and artifacts that show the uses of paper in industry, science, fashion, and technology. PaperWorks will be on view through October 26, 2013. PaperWorks is proudly sponsored by Greylock Federal Credit Union, Onyx Specialty Papers Inc., Interprint, Inc., and Crane.

The opening reception for PaperWorks: The Art and Science of an Extraordinary Material, will be held on Friday, June 14, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Visitors will be able to preview the exhibition; light refreshments will be served. The event is free and open to the public.

The exhibition is part of the year-long recognition of the Museum’s 110th anniversary. Berkshire Museum was founded by Zenas Crane, a third-generation papermaker whose descendants are still making fine paper in the Berkshires. In fact, the portion of the exhibition that explores the history of paper around the world includes objects loaned by the Crane Museum of Papermaking.

“In the midst of our 110th anniversary year, PaperWorks is the perfect embodiment of Berkshire Museum’s legacy and promise,” says Van Shields, Berkshire Museum’s executive director. “It celebrates our founder Zenas Crane’s heritage in paper making that continues to be a key industry in the Berkshires, while highlighting our innovative approach to exhibitions designed to explore connections among art, history, and natural science. At its center is a fabulous array of contemporary art works created by some of the nation’s most innovative artists working with paper today.”

“Paper, albeit a commonplace material, can be manipulated in endless ways,” says Maria Mingalone, curator of the exhibition and Berkshire Museum’s director of interpretation. “There are no limits on innovation or creativity when working with this malleable, even magical, material. It can be used to express beauty as well as complex scientific concepts, as a means of communication and record-keeping and as part of the most advanced new technologies.”

The ways paper can be part of art-making are endless: it can be folded and twisted; it can be pierced or cut; it can be pulped and molded. Paper can be used as commonplace wrapping or packaging or as a green material in sustainable design; it can be engineered for use in exacting technology or hand-crafted into a rustic journal. PaperWorks includes delicate origami pieces, large-scale sculptures, re-purposed books, cut-paper animation, works in vivid color or pure white, with every object telling a story.

Among the numerous artists represented in PaperWorks are sculptors, engineers, and technicians who manipulate, transform, and re-invent paper. Dai Ban is a Berkshire-based sculptor who recently completed a major commission for Crane & Co., utilizing a paper-like material to create a massive wall installation. Ban created a new work specifically for the Paperworks exhibition.

Erik Demaine is a mathematician and professor at MIT; he is featured in the documentary film “Between the Folds” about the art and science of origami. Martin Demaine, Erik’s father, is an artist-in-residence at MIT and was also in the film. Together, they create complex “curved crease” structures from paper. Michigan-based artist Matthew Shlian describes himself as a paper engineer; he uses his engineering skills to create kinetic sculpture from folded paper and is part of a National Science Foundation-funded project at the University of Michigan uniting artists and scientists for cutting edge applications in paper folding.

Artist Jen Stark is a Florida native who shows her work across the U.S. She specializes in hand-cut paper sculptures in vivid color, often inspired by microscopic patterns in nature enlarged and amplified. Li Hongbo, who lives and works in Beijing, makes astonishing flexible, expanding sculptures from thousands of meticulously glued sheets of paper.

Calvin Nicholls transforms cut paper into astonishingly realistic animal forms, imbued with energy and depth. French artist Béatrice Coron, now based in New York City, creates compelling narratives in exquisitely cut paper. Her work is in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, and the Getty in Los Angeles.

The other participating artists are Hina Aoyama, Jaq Belcher, Doug Beube, Stephen Briand, Brian Chan, Andrea Dezsö, Brian Dettmer, Eric Drury, Nick Georgiou, Samantha Huang, Paul Jackson, Guy Laramee, Daniel Murphy, Michel Ocelot, Michele Oka Doner, Isaac Salazar, Kiff Slemmons, Richard Sweeney, Annie Vought, Thomas Witte, Ian Wright, and Zhang Zhe.

In addition, unique and surprising objects made from paper include a nineteenth-century paper boat, paper dresses from the 1970s, exquisite Asian fans, cut-paper Aztec icons, jewelry, lighting, and furniture.

Special programs

In conjunction with PaperWorks, two special gallery programs will be offered in July and August.

Origami Plus, on Tuesdays at 1 p.m., gives visitors the opportunity to learn the timeless paper folding art form known as origami, as well as other innovative paper folding techniques; each week features new designs and skills.

On Thursdays at 1 p.m., fold and fly your own paper airplane! Paper Plane Challenge features a new design and a new challenge each week. Instructions will be available as well as paper to develop and experiment with your own paper plane creations.

About the Berkshire Museum

Located in downtown Pittsfield, Massachusetts, at 39 South St., Berkshire Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit www.berkshiremuseum.org or call 413.443.7171. Established by Zenas Crane in 1903, Berkshire Museum integrates art, history, and natural science in a wide range of programs and exhibitions that inspire educational connections between the disciplines. Objectify: A Look into the Permanent Collection is currently on view. Little Cinema is open year-round. Feigenbaum Hall of Innovation, Worlds in Miniature, Aquarium, and other exhibits are ongoing.

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Northampton Makes National Clean Energy News

The city of Northampton, one of Massachusetts’ 110 Green Communities, gets top billing in the May 15, 2013 edition of Sustainable City Network, a national newsletter for municipal professionals. “ Small Town Makes Big Strides in Energy Efficiency” includes an interview with Northampton Energy and Sustainability Officer Chris Mason, who cites energy efficiency investments of approximately $6.5 million contributing to a 27 percent drop in energy usage by 12 of the city’s buildings since fiscal year 2009.

 

The article notes that most city buildings were converted from heating oil to high-efficiency gas or to air-source heat pumps, while the city converted some parking lot lights to LED lamps, installed solar-powered parking meters, and installed 129 kilowatts of solar power at two local schools and an adult learning center. Kudos, Northampton.

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Speaking for the Trees

from Mass Audubon’s Beacon Hill Weekly Roundup

A priority bill for Mass Audubon that would permanently protect rare old-growth forests is up for a hearing early next month. Mass Audubon will be testifying in support of An Act authorizing the establishment of old growth forest reserves (H.749) before the Joint Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. Members of the public are encouraged to testify as well, or you can write to your local legislators.

Hearing details:
Monday, June 3, 2013
10:00 a.m.
302 Main St.
Spencer, MA

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Public Hearing Scheduled for MA GMO Labeling Bills

There’s an upcoming public hearing at the MA State House on GMO labeling on June 11th!

We have received word that here in Massachusetts, the Joint Committee on Public Health has scheduled a hearing entitled “Food Safety, Nutrition and Labeling,” where not one, but three bills will be discussed related to the mandatory labeling of genetically engineered foods (“GMOs”)!  This development comes days after celebrating progress on a GMO labeling bill for our neighbors in Vermont.  Momentum is building!  Massachusetts Right to Know GMOs is an emerging statewide network of safe food advocates that has been helping to increase awareness and support for labeling of GMO ingredients.  We invite you to join us at the hearing on Tuesday, June 11th, 2013 at 10:00 am to make your voice heard.

Submit your testimony and sign up to speak at the hearing! http://bit.ly/17wZPRX

Please join us for this demonstration of public support for GMO labeling, and consider submitting testimony.  We have set up a form to submit testimony and to express your intent to speak.  Our legislators need to hear from people across the state and all walks of life.  If you cannot attend, please use the form and we’ll print and submit your testimony for you.  You can find more information on GMO labeling on our website, MArighttoknow.org.

Massachusetts GMO Labeling Bills Hearing

June 11, 2013, 10:00 AM

MA State House, Room A-1

details: http://1.usa.gov/12Cjj23

Sign-up to speak and/or submit testimony: http://bit.ly/17wZPRX

Please share the Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/527361627325700/

For more info on MA, please visit MArighttoknow.org

labeling initiatives nationwide: http://righttoknow-gmo.org

Statewide Network Conference Call ::

The movement for safe and transparent food is picking up serious momentum (largely fueled by Mothers, by the way – Happy Mothers Day, Moms!).  We have some exciting updates to share, as well as some new ways to get more involved! Join us on our monthly statewide network teleconference, starting next Sunday, May 19th.

We’ve spent the last 9 months connecting with fellow safe food advocates across the state: hosting community screenings, attending demonstrations and special events, working with GMO-free business leaders and talking with legislators.

We want to share some stories about what we’ve been doing, seeing and hearing, and we’d like to hear from you, too. In order to provide a forum where people can hear from each other across the state, MA Right to Know GMOs will start facilitating monthly conference calls.  This is another chance for us to share successes and challenges and learn how to get more involved.

The first of these monthly statewide teleconferences will be:

5/19/2013, 8:00 PM

Phone Number: (605) 475-4700 Access code: 928396#

We invite you to join us, every third Sunday, starting in May:

·         *Come hear about what’s been happening in the state, national and global movements for safe food.

·         *Share what’s been happening in your communities and businesses across the state.

·         *Find out how to plug in and get more active, and help us work together.

People everywhere are declaring their right to know what is in their food, and taking action to reclaim it.  We hope you’ll join us in working together.

For the genetic integrity of our seeds, our bodies and our biosphere,

Martin Dagoberto and the MA Right to Know GMOs Steering Committee

PS. In case you haven’t heard, the now international March Against Monsanto is happening May 25th in over 250 cities on 6 continents. People everywhere are standing up to Monsanto and bonding together for a future of safe and democratic food. There are several events happening here in Massachusetts (including Boston, Chicopee, New Bedford, Springfield and Pittsfield). Please find more info, here: march-against-monsanto.com. See you in the streets!

Martin Dagoberto
MA Right to Know GMOs, Facilitator

Tipping Point Network, State Contact

Massachusetts Right to Know GMOs is a statewide network of safe food advocates working together to reach a critical mass of awareness and support for legislation mandating adequate labeling of Genetically Modified (GM) foods in Massachusetts. 

MARightToKnow.org  facebook.com/MARightToKnowGMOs

 

The Tipping Point Network (TPN) is a network of local activists educating their communities about the health risks associated with Genetically Modified (GM) foods.  A project of the Institute for Responsible Technology. ResponsibleTechnology.org

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Notification of Aquatic Treatment Pontoosuc Lake, Pittsfield/Lanesborough

Portions of Pontoosuc Lake will be chemically treated with aquatic herbicides on Tuesday, May 28th to control invasive Eurasian watermilfoil and other nuisance aquatic vegetation.  The entire lake will be closed to all water uses, (including, swimming, fishing and boating) on the day of treatment.  These uses may resume on Wednesday morning, May 29th.   Use of the lake water for irrigation (watering lawns, gardens or plants of any kind) and drinking and watering livestock (cattle, horses, etc.) is prohibited for 10 days following the day of treatment.  Printed posters warning of these temporary water use restrictions will be posted around the lake shoreline in advance of the treatment.  For more information, call 499-9344.

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Mass Audubon’s ‘Big Barn Study’ Seeks Volunteers to Help Swallows

As farms and barns disappear, populations of these super swoopers may begin to suffer

Berkshire Wildlife Sanctuaries, Lenox, MA —Do you own a barn or know of one you can visit? Are you interested in birds? Berkshire Wildlife Sanctuaries needs you! Mass Audubon’s landmark State of the Birds report indicates a significant decline in bird species associated with agricultural landscapes, including barn and cliff swallows. We need more information about where these master aerialists are nesting in Massachusetts, and how they are doing. Become a citizen scientist in Mass Audubon’s “Big Barn Study” by visiting a barn or bridge near you, and watching for swallows.

“The Big Barn Study is an ideal way to engage the natural world for bird enthusiasts, people who love barns, and in fact anyone who appreciates the biodiversity and natural wonders of Massachusetts,” Sanctuary Director René Laubach said. If you would like to join the Big Barn Study or if you own a barn and would be willing to allow a study participant to briefly observe swallows on your property, please email René Laubach at rlaubach@massaudubon.org. Learn more about the study, and how to participate, at www.massaudubon.org/bigbarnstudy.

 Mass Audubon works to protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and wildlife. Together with more than 100,000 members, we care for 35,000 acres of conservation land, provide school, camp, and other educational programs for 225,000 children and adults annually, and advocate for sound environmental policies at local, state, and federal levels. Founded in 1896 by two inspirational women who were committed to the protection of birds, Mass Audubon has grown to become a powerful force for conservation in New England. Today we are respected for our sound science, successful advocacy, and innovative approaches to connecting people and nature. Each year, our statewide network of wildlife sanctuaries welcomes nearly half a million visitors of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds and serves as the base for our work. To support these important efforts, call 800-AUDUBON (800-283-8266) or visit www.massaudubon.org

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Western Mass Action to Support NY Fair Elections Act

from Represent Us

The New York legislature is on the verge of passing an historic law that would rout out money in politics corruption, so we’re filling up a FREE bus with activists from Western Mass to head to Albany and support the fight.

It’s called the Fair Elections Act and it would not only cleanup New York politics, but it could provide a critical springboard for the entire anti-corruption movement. But a group of senators are standing in the way. If we hit them with massive public pressure, the law can pass.

Will you join us on the bus? It’s free, we’ve got the $100 bill costumes. Plus you’ll get free Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, roll with a marching band, and hang out with our friends at Ben Cohen’s Stamp Stampede (He’s “Ben” of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream).

When you sign up, be sure to click the “Bus from Northampton” checkbox so we can count you in.

When: Bus leaves Northampton, MA at 9am, Wednesday, June 5th, 2013. We get back at 5pm.

Where: Meet the bus at Sheldon Field Park and Ride (51 Old Ferry Road and Rt 9). The Rally is at West Capitol Park, Albany, NY

What: Press Conference and fun money suit rally with Represent.Us, Stamp Stampede and FREE Ben & Jerry’s ice cream!

Why: Pressure the NY Senate to pass the NY Fair Elections Act — get big money corruption out of politics and help springboard the issue of corrupt elections onto the national stage.

This is important, and we need you to be part of it. (and don’t worry….if wearing a costume isn’t your thing, you can wear whatever you want!)

This law has a real chance of winning, but only if we the people ramp up the pressure in these next few weeks. 

Sign up here to attend the event and put on a money suit!

Check out this video to see how fun this action can be.

You being there could make the difference in this groundbreaking legislation!

See you there,

Rose Bookbinder, Campaign Manager
and the entire Represent.Us team

 

Represent.Us | Read the American Anti-Corruption Act

Represent.Us is the campaign to support The American Anti-Corruption Act. United Republic is a bold, new challenge to the undue influence of well-financed special interests over American politics and government.

United Republic, P.O. Box 60008, Florence, MA 01062, 855-585-8100

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 “Activist Family Camp” this July

Build the New Economy This Summer!

Camp Commons

THEME: TELLING THE NEW STORY
Facing the Future, Building Hope: Concrete Tools for Community Resilience

July 7 – 14
Come for the whole week or just a few days

Book directly with World Fellowship Center
Then RSVP to info@localcircles.org

More details
Invite your friends on Facebook

How do you feel about economic equity? Environmental justice? What about singing, eating, and laughing? Or hanging out by a gorgeous lake in the mountains with cool people?

If any of these things interest you, join us at “Camp Commons” this summer, a family activist camp at World Fellowship Center, NH, July 7 – 14!

Come for the entire week or just a few days for the joy of exploration, singing, rethinking, dancing, laughter, eating, sharing skills and organizing strategies, and more singing, storytelling and game playing.

Camp Commons will be multi-generational week-long summer camp for community resilience activists. If you’re working on economic and ecological justice, strengthening the commons, building community resilience or the transition to the new economy, or making the world a better place, you don’t want to miss it.

Book your accomodations directly with World Fellowship Center (click here), then please RSVP to us at info@localcircles.org. There are diverse accommodation options – from camping to nice private guest rooms ($46 – $80 a day, per adult, including 3 meals, meeting rooms, facilities, etc.).

Camp Commons will feature morning workshops, afternoon recreation time, and evening programming. Topics include:

·         Climate Activism and the Campaign to Divest from Fossil Fuels

·         Stories from Community Resilience & Transition efforts

·         Introduction to Transition movement

·         “Walk Out, Walk On: Daring to Live the New Future Now”

·         The Art of Storytelling & Activism

·         Wealth Inequality & the New Economy

For a complete list of speakers and workshops, visit http://localcircles.org/2013/03/04/campcommons.

Organized by the New England Resilience & Transition Hub, with help from the Institute for Policy Studies and World Fellowship. Click here for more info, and here to invite your friends on Facebook.

Hope to see you there,
Sarah Byrnes & Chuck Collins

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Williamstown Rural Lands to Hold Children’s Summer Art and Nature Programs

The Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation is offering week-long, half-day summer art and nature programs for children at its Sheep Hill headquarters on Cold Spring Road (Route 7) in Williamstown.

Environmental educator and Science Enrichment Specialist Kathy Chesney and local artist and art educator Julia Morgan-Leamon return to Sheep Hill in Williamstown to lead programs designed to engage children in nature and artistically express its wildness. Kathy and Julia both have a variety of experience in teaching and in running summer nature and art programs.

Summer begins on Monday June 24 with Art, Writing and Nature for 9 -12 year olds with Morgan-Leamon.  Through daily writing exercises, storytelling, drawing, and arts, children will explore what it means to BE a resident of the natural world.

Programs offered in July include Parent and Preschooler Nature Exploration

Monday  July 1 through Wednesday July 3, from 10-11:30 AM. The gentle nature exploration will be led by WRLF staff.

Science and nature programs with Kathy Chesney will start with Create and Discover for 7-9 year olds on Monday July 8. Functional and imaginative craft projects will use a variety of materials including leather, wool, and clay dug from the stream.  Habitat Exploration for 6-8 year olds will begin Monday July 15.  Each day will introduce a nature topic featuring the pond, meadow, stream and woodlands, and their swimming, hopping, and flying inhabitants.

Starting July 29, a three-day, all-day rustic furniture building workshop for 9-12 year olds will be led by outdoor educator Art Evans. Participants will gather wild and recycled materials and can choose to build a bench or a table using rustic techniques and hand tools. The workshop will focus on basic design and building skills, safe tool use, and identification of suitable materials.

In the final art and nature program, Look to the Animals for 5 – 7 year olds beginning Monday August 5, participants will make art through painting, sculpture, animal yoga and performing games about the creatures of Sheep Hill’s meadow, forest, pond, and stream.

 WRLF Executive Director Leslie Reed-Evans states “Kathy, Julia, and Art bring to Sheep Hill the enthusiasm and experience needed to connect children to the wonders of the natural world, and inspire their curiosity and creativity.  We are very excited to welcome them back to Sheep Hill.”

Week-long programs run from 9 until 1 and pre-registration is required for all summer programs. Space is limited. For more information or for registration forms contact the WRLF at ruraland@wrlf.org, or 413-458-2494.  Information is also available on the WRLF website, at www.wrlf.org.

The Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation is a non-profit, member-supported land conservation trust committed to preserving the rural New England character of Williamstown and the surrounding area.  Sheep Hill is a conservation property and the WRLF headquarters, and is located on Route 7, about 1 mile south of the rotary in Williamstown center. 

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Berkshire Taconic community foundation is currently seeking two high performance individuals for key staff positions.

Please share this announcement with those you believe would make strong candidates for our dedicated team working to make a difference in our community.

Operations Director:

·         Oversee the IT infrastructure for entire Foundation

·         Database management (Foundation Information Management Systems – FIMS)

·         Responsible for website and online portal functionality

·         Coordinate work flow, processes and systems

·         Excellent organizational, project management, communication, problem solving and technical skills

·         Full job description and requirements

Controller:

·         Responsible for the overall management and integrity of the Foundation’s financial records

·         Fund and grant management

·         Investment reporting and reconciliation

·         Oversee financial transactions, policies and procedures–including gifts, accounts payable, disbursements and pledges

·         Maintain records and controls, and provide financial reports

·         Manage payroll, benefits and insurance policies

·         Full job description and requirements

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The Schumacher Center for a New Economics Seeking an Intern

The Schumacher Center for a New Economics—heir to the legacy programs of the E.F. Schumacher Society—is seeking an intern to assist the coordinator of the local currency program, BerkShares.  BerkShares are the Berkshire Region’s nationally and internationally recognized local currency.  This past fall, BerkShares celebrated the 6th anniversary of their issue, and the organization BerkShares, Inc., held its first general membership meeting, where the members elected a strong 12-person Board of Trustees.  BerkShares is ready to grow, and the BerkShares Intern will play an important role in the next phase of the program.  The intern will work under the supervision of BerkShares Coordinator, Alice Maggio.

 

The BerkShares Intern will have the following responsibilities:

  • Work with the Program Coordinator to populate BerkShares’ new website.
  • Help to develop marketing materials for BerkShares
  • Handle inquiries from local, national, and international press via email and telephone, as well as in-person visits.
  • Maintain the BerkShares database
  • Communicate with participating BerkShares businesses and banks.
  • Contribute to the social media presence of BerkShares on Facebook and Twitter.

 

Qualified candidates will have:

  • Excellent writing and presentation skills
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Comfort with interviews and public speaking
  • Ability to work independently
  • Strong interest in local economies and local currencies
  • Strong interest in community organizing
  • Prior experience with web-editing, especially with Drupal platforms
  • Candidates with graphic design skills are preferred
  • Applicants must have a current U.S. Driver’s License and preferably would have the use of a car
  • Familiarity with the Southern Berkshire region

 

Hours for this position are flexible.

 

If interested, contact Alice Maggio, BerkShares Coordinator, at info@berkshares.org or 413 528-1737.

 

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