The Engaged Sierran
Meet Lauren Kilmister
Our intern Lauren provides invaluable assistance to Cathy Corkery, organizing volunteers by emailing, creating action groups, and phone calling. She majored in environmental studies, and minored in political studies, making her a perfect fit for the New Hampshire State Chapter. Lauren would like to learn all she can about grassroots organizing and how environmental policy is created during her internship. She feels NHSC is the ideal place to meet these goals; we agree.
On a personal note, Lauren was born and brought up in Dunbarton. Her family adopts rescued greyhounds, and raises chickens and bees. Please welcome Lauren to our organization when you meet her -- it looks like Cathy will make sure she attends (works?) every possible event!
Action Teams are the Next Step to Success
On Saturday, June 8, the NHSC had its first Strategic Planning Meeting in nearly five years. There was a great energy in the group throughout the entire day, as we discussed issues the NHSC should focus on in the coming months.
Action Teams were formed around the following subjects: Climate Change, Fundraising, Outings/Events, Tar Sands, Transportation, Volunteering, and Renewable Energy. Each team is tasked with holding meetings and taking steps towards self-specified goals – which means lots of opportunities to get involved! If you would like more information, or would like to join an Action Team, please email Laurenk823@gsinet.net or call 224-8222. Our goal is to have ten members on each team, so there's plenty of opportunities.
Chapter Chair Jerry Curran (left) and Jim Allmendinger |
The day concluded with the presentation of NHSC's first Bob Norman Leadership Award, given to Jim Allmendinger, ExCom member, Political Committee member, and more -- for his dedication to protecting our environment. Congratulations, Jim! You are a power of example.
Thank you to our wonderful and varied speakers: Kurt Ehrenberg, Nick Cohen and Kary Jenks (ExCom), Jess Clark (America Votes), Rachel Martin (SC Organizing Manager), Jay McCaffrey (SC Beyond Coal Team), Jerry Curran (NHSC Chapter Chair), Lauren Kilmister (NHSC Intern), and of course, Cathy Corkery (NHSC Chapter Director).
Help The Chapter – Buy Sierra Club Merchandise
It's important to stay hydrated during these hot summer days, and what better way than with Sierra Club hats and water bottles? We now offer 100% Organic Cotton hats, BPA-free Camelbak water bottles, and stainless steel water bottles and tumblers – all complete with the Sierra Club logo! Come visit our tables at the Amherst Fourth of July Parade and Concord Market Days, or call 224-8222 to get yours today!
July Welch and Dickey Outing
What: Moderate loop hike to Welch and Dickey summits, 4.5 miles
Who: Adults able to handle 1500 feet of elevation over a moderate hike, young adults with experience.
When: Saturday, July 20, 2013
Incidentals: Wear hiking boots, bring water and extra layers
On Saturday July 20, NH Sierra Club members and friends will enjoy a 4.5 mile loop hike along open ledges and summit two distinctive peaks. The 1,500 feet total elevation gain offers incredible views both along the trails and from each summit. The panoramic views from the top are the real reward of the hike. Free and open to the public.
At one time, this area was covered with red oak and red spruce, with smatterings of white pine. Welch and Dickey Mountains are susceptible to lightning strikes, and in the 1880's, fire ravaged both of these mountains, leaving a bald peak. Today, the mountains are part of the White Mountain National Forest, and jack pine is present, but a declining species. Jack pine is a fire dependent species – the cones require high heat to open and scatter seeds.
Click for more information on Mountains Welch and Dickey.
RSVP REQUIRED: By July 16, 2013 to Ron Janowitz, 603-625-9848. Have more questions? Contact Outing Leader Ron Janowitz at 603-625-9848.
Mark Your Calendars
Watch our Calendar for upcoming outings in August and September, including a rescheduled picnic on Lake Massabesic.
Volunteer OpportunitiesOpportunities abound to spend time with other Sierrans and connect with new people. Volunteer to represent the NH Chapter during the Concord Market Days on July 18, 19 and 20. Or, volunteer to spend the 4th of July with the Sierra Club in Amherst, NH. Email Intern Lauren if you'd like to volunteer. Last year's Concord Market Days volunteers: Cindy Reid, Katie Irwin and Eric Orff. |
Shout Outs For Great Work in Maine!
To Eliot, Maine: Thank you to the hard working volunteers, members and friends in Eliot and the Maine Chapter! Earlier this month, the town passed an article at town meeting asking the Environmental Protection Agency to examine and analyze the air pollution emitted from Schiller coal plant just across the river from the sleepy little town in Portsmouth, NH.
To lead volunteer Kimberly Richards with a band of 10 to 20 volunteers knocked on doors, made phone calls and held numerous meetings to raise awareness about the pollution that has been troubling the Maine community for decades. For years, the residents of Eliot have tried to address the noise, soot and other emissions floating across the Piscataqua River without resolving the impacts to the health and safety levels in the town until now.
The Clean Air Act allows in situations such as this, where the source of pollution and the affected population are in neighboring states, for the EPA to review the permits and pollution levels and further make a determination if it meets health and safety standards. The town will send the EPA a letter outlining the request in the coming days.
ACTION: Please thank the town of Eliot for standing up against the polluter, Public Service Company of New Hampshire, with a letter to the Portsmouth Herald or the Foster's Daily Democrat in Dover. They are helping all of the Seacoast get the clean air we've been asking for!
Grist Blog, by the Sierra Club's own Mary Anne Hitt