North Common Event

The gathering at the north end of the Amherst Common will be informal.  There are plans for a clothesline on which are hung statements from people who have found ways to reduce their environmental impact.  No speeches are planned although these may take place spontaneously (soap-boxers.)  Some local musicians may play and there may be singing by those on the common, for example the song Step by Step. Perhaps a cairn for everybody to add to will be created.  Displays of information offered by local organizations or individuals are welcome, for example information about biochar will be available.  Nobody knows exactly what is going to happen, so come and find out, and help it happen!

The event is scheduled to start at noon and mostly will be a place to mingle.  The walkers coming from the proposed solar site in Hadley, and the bikers coming from the Mount Tom power plant in Holyoke, will arrive around 12:30.

The Apple festival will also be on the Common at the same time, and we are happy about this since the support of local agriculture is very much consistent with the goals of Amherst350.

(Below this point is history, superceded by events.)

Small Planning Group Meeting for the North Common Event- 8/9/11

Next small group meeting set on Sunday, August 21 at 4pm [Contact Anne for location details]

  • Discussed constraints on the type of activity we can plan on North Common. A speaker, media console, sound system and stage have a fee and require additional permits. The event can focus on information sharing, and stimulating visual presentation of energy production and conservation.
  • Main idea for North Common Event:   A series of large visual graphic panels with information comparing Mtn Tom, Yankee Power to alternative energy plants (wind, solar, hydro). A “Taking Action” Mural in which people can post individual actions they have taken to reduce energy use/ fossil fuel reliance. “Good apple” piñatas signifying solar, wind, hydro, human power (containing candy/treats)  and “Bad apple” piñatas signifying Mt Tom, Vermont Yankee, Diesel, Coal (containing  coal, and “C0-2 monsters”) – something fun for kids to do. Several folks in “bad apple” and “good apple” costumes walking Apple Festival to draw people’s attention to North Common space/info.
  • Tim Holcomb will be involved in GCC 350 Events, and would like to get the discussions happening there to be live-streamed to the common, or nearby room. Although City Hall does not have free space open on weekends, Grace Episcopal may be an option. The planning group will be in contact with Tim to make sure we are able to collaborate/share resources.
  • Anne and Laura will be present at the event itself, several other of our small group are unavailable and/or have previous commitments on the 24th.
  • Discussed rain location : Grace Episcopal Parish Hall (Lucy will contact and reserve if possible).
  • Discussed ideas and events suggested by Tim Holcomb, and how to incorporate with the rest of the activities we’d like to do on the common.
  • Discussed local organizations which we can contact about having information booths, tables, or volunteering:
    • Amherst Co-op?
    • Coop Power
    • Transition Amherst
    • Margaret Holt-Jonas – Local community member w/ lots of knowledge:  List of faith energy groups
    • Sirius Community
    • Hitchcock Center for the Environment *
    • Stephanie Chicorelli of Town of Amherst
    • Energy Committee
    • Sustainability Committee
    • Amherst High School – Jeffery Friedman (Lucy will email)
    • 5 college environmental groups  (interested in kid’s tables/manning piñatas?)
      • Louise Grossline – Mt Holyoke
    • UMASS Wind Energy Program (Laura has a contact)
    • Interfaith Coalition Mailing –Anne Perkins will email listserv
    • CISA
    • NOFA – New England Organic Farmers Assoc.
    • Deb Friedman – A youth religious education coordinator who may have another contact/educator that may be interested in a kid’s booth
    • Abby Jinks- GCC faculty
  • Questions and things we need support/help with from the large group meeting on August 16th:
    • Do we want to invite commercial businesses for this event?
    • Do we have any ideas or resources for a bike rack?
    • Can outreach contact local businesses about donating 5-gallon water jugs (for bikers and marchers)?
    • Can we get a 5-10% discount off apple festival foods for our bikers and marchers?

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