Green Mountains, Blue Water
Earth Care News
April 2019
In this newsletter:
Save the Date: VTIPL’s Annual Conference – Saturday, Oct. 26, Middlebury!
Congregations Nationwide Participating in Faith Climate Action Week
The Alchemy of Art and Science: Leahy Center Environmental Summit
Leahy Environmental Summit Evening Reception and Film Screenings
Contact Your Senator(s) – Ask for Their Support of the Weatherization Bill
Weatherization Information from VT Climate and Health Alliance
Paris to Pittsburgh Film Showings on April 8, 10, and 22
Active Hope Workshop – Saturday, Apr. 13, Champlain Valley UU, Middlebury
Counterpoint Chorus to Perform World Premiere of “Six Degrees” on Apr. 25
RootSkills Workshop in Brattleboro, May 18
From Lake Champlain Committee – 200 Years of Lake Ice Data
Reminders: 350VT’s Middlebury to Montpelier Walk; LEAP Energy Fair 4/6
Save the Date: VTIPL’s Annual Conference – Saturday, Oct. 26, Middlebury!
This year, VTIPL’s annual conference will be held at the Middlebury Congregational Church on Saturday, October 26. More details will be in the newsletter in coming months. Save the date!
Congregations Nationwide Participating in Faith Climate Action Week
Faith Climate Action Week is the annual National Interfaith Power & Light event when clergy across the country are preaching about Earth care and congregations are taking action in various ways to care for the planet. Though it’s publicized as being from April 5 -14 this year, congregations can choose to have their events anytime in April, May, or when it works for them. The Faith Climate Action Week materials are available for free download.
When your congregation has something planned, please let VTIPL know and post it on the Faith Climate Action Week website.
The Alchemy of Art and Science: Leahy Center Environmental Summit
This daylong event will be held at ECHO – Leahy Center for Lake Champlain – 1 College Street, Burlington, on Friday, April 5 from 8 am – 5 pm. Dan Borelli, Director of Exhibitions, Harvard Graduate School of Design, will be the Keynote Speaker. The Summit will look at how artists and scientists can partner to communicate the value of water protection and restoration projects. Register and get more information here.
Leahy Environmental Summit Evening Reception and Film Screenings
On the evening of Thursday, April 4, before the Summit on Friday, there will be a reception at ECHO in Burlington and film screenings of: City on the Water; Voices for Clean Water Short Film Competition; and The Ghost Fleet. To attend, please RSVP.
Contact Your Senator(s) – Ask for Their Support of the Weatherization Bill
To everyone who contacted their representative asking for support of the Weatherization Bill, H. 439, many thanks! The bill passed the House and will move to the Senate this week. Now it’s time to contact our senators and ask them to support it! More information is in this VTDigger article. Call the Sergeant At Arms office to leave a message for your senator(s): 802-828-2228.
Weatherization Information from VT Climate and Health Alliance
VT Climate and Health Alliance has produced a short video about the benefits of weatherization and posted it on their website. Their website also has information about Vermont’s weatherization program, and about the adverse health effects of unweatherized homes. Find out more here.
Paris to Pittsburgh film showings on April 8, 10, and 22
VT Interfaith Power & Light and VT Climate and Health Alliance are collaborating to show the National Geographic documentary Paris to Pittsburgharound the state. The three film showings, from 7 – 9 pm, are free and open to the public. Each film showing will be followed by a panel discussion focused on weatherization. The showings will be:
–Monday, April 8th at Colchester Meeting House (830 Main Street). Lieutenant Governor David Zuckerman will be the Moderator of the panel discussion at this film showing.
–Wednesday, April 10 at the United Community Church of St. Johnsbury (1325 Main Street). Representative Scott Campbell will be a panelist.
–Monday, April 22 at Grace Congregational Church, Rutland (8 Court Street). Representative Robin Chesnut-Tangerman will be a panelist.
This informative film is focused on the climate crisis and the many solutions people across the country are finding to address it. Light refreshments will be offered. Contact VTIPL for more information and to let us know if your community is interested in having a film showing.
Active Hope Workshop – Saturday, Apr. 13, Champlain Valley UU, Middlebury
Marc Lapin and Kristen Andrews lead this workshop with practices from the teachings of Joanna Macy. It will offer inspiration and courage during these times of turmoil and opportunity. Participants may come for a half day (9 – 12:30) or a full day (9 – 4) on April 13. A $10 suggested donation will be contributed to local causes. Please bring your own lunch. The Champlain Valley UU Society is at 2 Duane Court, Middlebury. For more information or to register, call Heidi Willis at 802-352-4327 or email. The workshop is sponsored by Addison County Interfaith Climate Action Network and the Middlebury Area Clergy Association.
Counterpoint Chorus Performs “Six Degrees” World Premiere on Apr. 25
Vermont’s professional a cappella group Counterpoint will perform at First Congregational Church, Manchester, Apr. 25, 6 pm. They will be joined by students from Burr and Burton Academy and Maple Street School. The title, Six Degrees, refers both to what would be a cataclysmic result if Earth’s average temperature warmed by six degrees, and also to the “six degrees of separation” that connect all of humanity. Counterpoint is continuing the activist legacy of the group’s founder, Robert De Cormier, who delivered a message of peace and justice through his music. The group will also give the performance in Fairlee on Thurs., May 23 and Weston on Sun., July 14. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door (students with ID – $5). More information is on the website or you can call 802-540-1784 or email.
RootSkills Workshop in Brattleboro, May 18
New England Grassroots Environment Fund’s RootSkills workshop on May 18 is a skill-building and networking event aimed at organizers working around social, racial, and environmental justice efforts in New England. The focus will be on centering equity in rural communities, specifically considering economic and race disparities. Registration is on a sliding scale with stipends and scholarships available. More info is here or contact Tess Beem.
From Lake Champlain Committee – 200 Years of Lake Ice Data
In the Lake Champlain Committee’s recent updates, read about Lake Champlain’s freeze-over dates (or lack thereof) in the 200 years from 1816 – 2018. Scroll down on the page to see the graph.
Reminders:
350Vermont’s Next Steps Walk from Middlebury to Montpelier — April 5 – 9
This 350VT 53-mile sacred walk for climate justice from Middlebury to the State House in Montpelier will be April 5 – 9. Participants can join in for all or part of it. At the State House, the group will escalate their call for a ban on fossil fuel infrastructure. Register and get more details.
LEAP Energy Fair: April 6, Crossett Brook Middle School, Duxbury
Waterbury’s energy committee, LEAP, is sponsor of this largest VT annual energy fair. It’s held in Crossett Brook Middle School gym, Duxbury, Saturday, Apr. 6, 9 am – 3 pm. Free admission. Here are details.
VTIPL helps people of faith and spirit better understand the climate crisis and take action to care for Earth.
Vermont Interfaith Power and Light
P.O. Box 209, Richmond, VT 05477
info@vtipl.org 802-434-3397 www.vtipl.org