Meeting Minutes, October 14, 2020
Attending: Wendell Cerne, Chris Ferrier, Susan Fontaine, Bernie Gardner, Marjorie Hanlon, Beth Hudacko, Janis Owens, and Mike Wilson
What can we do during Pandemic?
The pandemic is limiting what we can accomplish. We can educate one another on various topics and continue to be more political. Janis will write a letter to the Clipper recommending local candidates for environmentalists to vote for. Mike suggests we all support state bill H763, which is designed to protect pollinators. We will discuss further ideas post election.
Dues are Due – Beth
It is that time of year. Beth will draft an email to send to our base. We generally get a better response to snail mail so we need to consider that as well.
Next Meeting
Wednesday, November, 4 7:30 zoom or Senior Center, depending on pandemic status.
Ongoing Projects not discussed:
Alden School Partners – David A.
Anti-Idling – Wendell
minutes by Susan Fontaine
What can we do during Pandemic?
The pandemic is limiting what we can accomplish. We can educate one another on various topics and continue to be more political. Janis will write a letter to the Clipper recommending local candidates for environmentalists to vote for. Mike suggests we all support state bill H763, which is designed to protect pollinators. We will discuss further ideas post election.
Dues are Due – Beth
It is that time of year. Beth will draft an email to send to our base. We generally get a better response to snail mail so we need to consider that as well.
Next Meeting
Wednesday, November, 4 7:30 zoom or Senior Center, depending on pandemic status.
Ongoing Projects not discussed:
Alden School Partners – David A.
Anti-Idling – Wendell
minutes by Susan Fontaine
Meeting Minutes, November 6, 2019
Education – Janis
Rachel Stadelman, a fourth grade teacher at Alden School, asked for our help with a class reading unit on climate change. We will work and talk with the students.
Leadership Award – Carla and Chris
After extended discussion, we decided to expand our award program from one to four awards for different age groups matching each school population. We will not give an award for an age group if there is no application that meets our criteria. C&C will draft more specific criteria, including suggested project areas/ideas, for each age group. The High School criteria will include civic/political engagement and the award will be for $200; the other three will remain at $100. C&C will come up with an estimated cost for marketing the award program (e.g. printing). We will solicit sponsors for the program to help meet the additional financial costs. JimS will talk with Island Creek Oysters.
Composting – MikeW
Black Earth Composting, a North Shore company that is looking to expand to the South Shore, contacted Mike and have spoken with Gary of the Duxbury DPW about providing composting services in town. Two types of service are possible – curb side or transfer station pickup. Mike says Duxbury could save as much as 40% off tipping fees which could be a huge win-win given the massive increase in transfer station fees being considered (from $25 to $150?).
Anti-Idling – Wendell
Wendell wrote an anti-idling article for the Clipper and a letter to the School Superintendent with information for his note to parents. Although the BOS verbally agreed to enforce the anti-idling law in 2018, we still have no written statement from the town regarding enforcement.
We discussed possible next steps: get signatures on a petition, pass the word mouth to mouth, hand out information cards to “idlers”, and speak with the town business association.
Zero Waste Wednesday – Foodsmith, a business in town, is hosting an event to encourage less waste and reached out to us for information on sustainability and composting.
Rachel Stadelman, a fourth grade teacher at Alden School, asked for our help with a class reading unit on climate change. We will work and talk with the students.
Leadership Award – Carla and Chris
After extended discussion, we decided to expand our award program from one to four awards for different age groups matching each school population. We will not give an award for an age group if there is no application that meets our criteria. C&C will draft more specific criteria, including suggested project areas/ideas, for each age group. The High School criteria will include civic/political engagement and the award will be for $200; the other three will remain at $100. C&C will come up with an estimated cost for marketing the award program (e.g. printing). We will solicit sponsors for the program to help meet the additional financial costs. JimS will talk with Island Creek Oysters.
Composting – MikeW
Black Earth Composting, a North Shore company that is looking to expand to the South Shore, contacted Mike and have spoken with Gary of the Duxbury DPW about providing composting services in town. Two types of service are possible – curb side or transfer station pickup. Mike says Duxbury could save as much as 40% off tipping fees which could be a huge win-win given the massive increase in transfer station fees being considered (from $25 to $150?).
Anti-Idling – Wendell
Wendell wrote an anti-idling article for the Clipper and a letter to the School Superintendent with information for his note to parents. Although the BOS verbally agreed to enforce the anti-idling law in 2018, we still have no written statement from the town regarding enforcement.
We discussed possible next steps: get signatures on a petition, pass the word mouth to mouth, hand out information cards to “idlers”, and speak with the town business association.
Zero Waste Wednesday – Foodsmith, a business in town, is hosting an event to encourage less waste and reached out to us for information on sustainability and composting.
Meeting Minutes, October 2, 2019
Town Composting
Mike W. was absent, but Jim S. reported that Mike is trying to connect Duxbury with Black Earth Composting, which will collect compost materials from either the Transfer Station or curbside. It is estimated that 40% of the town’s incinerated trash could be composted reducing tipping fees.
Anti-Idling Campaign
Wendell C. met with the Duxbury Board of Selectman (BOS) at their regular monthly meeting on September 30. This was the second time he has met with BOS on this matter. Wendell recommended to the BOS that they set the date of November 1 to begin enforcement of the anti-idling law and that they use the town’s all-call system to make residents aware. He also recommended that they increase signage around town, by October 18. Wendell reported that he had also met with the School Committee on Sept. 18 and recommended that they publicize the anti-idling law in their newsletters, which they have done at the grade 6-12 level. Wendell is also drafting an article on anti-idling for The Clipper.
Plastic Straws and Containers
Jim S. reported that Marjorie H., who was absent, is working on a list of the businesses in town that she plans to approach regarding eliminating plastics.
Foodsmith
Jim S. reported that the café approached Sus Dux for help with their “Zero Waste Wednesdays” campaign which they plan to start soon. Stay tuned.
Joint Programming with DBMS and Manomet Inc.
Jim S. reported that Janis had met with representatives of DBMS and Manomet Inc. regarding a speaker series for this year. Ted Lawson suggested the theme of “Know Your Bay”. Possible topics include the green crab infestation and what to do about it; the truth about plovers, sharks and whales; and the future of the beach.
The current plans calls for three events this year with Manomet and DBMS, one each in January, February and March.
Screening of The Human Element, also at DBMS is planned for April, close to Earth Day. This event will be held in conjunction with The Citizens Climate Lobby.
Beach Cleanup and Trash Sweep
The beach cleanup is scheduled for 10/5/19 from 9 to12.
This year’s Trash Sweep is scheduled for October 13 at 9:00 and will be centered at The Duxbury Church, which is located at 2 Tremont St.
Next meeting will be November 6 @ 7:30
Meeting Minutes, May 9, 2018
ATTENDING: Janis Owens, Mike Wilson, Walter Cerne, Chris Ferrier, Carla Ferrier, Susan Fontaine, Beth Hudacko, Paul Mabey, Jim Savicki and Pam Webster Walsh.
April Minutes: approved
Environmental Award Review: Carla & Chris
Lessons learned:
Thanks to Paul Mabey’s nomination, 4 SusDux members (Jim Savicki, Janis Owens, Mike Wilson and Susan Fontaine) were honored with Community Volunteer Awards.
Education Committee:
We should consider coordinating with North and South River.
Community Garden: Jim & Mike
Mark Sandeen of Sustainable Lexington and Carol Odan of MCAN gave presentations on MA communities working towards 100% renewable energy.
Lexington is focusing on buildings (rather than transportation) and has a 25 year plan to achieve 100% renewable energy including municipal, residential, and commercial buildings. Lexington’s first step has been Municipal Energy Aggregation with 100% renewal energy. Mark described their implementation lessons (e.g. including all stake holders, having expert help from green architects, getting sponsors and town partners, retrofitting historic buildings).
Carol discussed Municipal Energy Aggregation implementation in other towns – Brookline opted for 25% renewables as a starting point.
Municipal Energy Aggregation is a state sponsored program that helps towns hire a power broker/consultant to negotiate group electricity discount plans for town buildings and residents. The plan can specify a percentage of renewable energy and include multiple options. The resulting purchase agreement generally runs for 2-3 years. The program can be set up so customers opt into it or opt out of it. Opt out gets more customers included. Customers can opt into and out of the program at any time.
AEC Meeting: Susan
The AEC had a strategy discussion with their Board of Selectmen sponsor, Ted Flynn, to review and prioritize several projects the AEC has been studying and to work out a plan for working with the town. Some potential projects are:
April Minutes: approved
Environmental Award Review: Carla & Chris
Lessons learned:
- start advertising for submissions earlier
- close submissions after science fair
- do more work with Alden (MCAS interfering?) e.g. find a supportive teacher
- sponsor educational tie-ins to awards – e.g. have Stormy Mayo (blue whale expert) give talk
- create a more exciting backdrop for award ceremony
- include SusDux project help as as part of award
- encourage environmental clubs in schools (Cohasset has one? talk with Garnett and her mother)
Thanks to Paul Mabey’s nomination, 4 SusDux members (Jim Savicki, Janis Owens, Mike Wilson and Susan Fontaine) were honored with Community Volunteer Awards.
Education Committee:
We should consider coordinating with North and South River.
Community Garden: Jim & Mike
- All plots taken
- Shade tree down
- Water pump to be fixed
Mark Sandeen of Sustainable Lexington and Carol Odan of MCAN gave presentations on MA communities working towards 100% renewable energy.
Lexington is focusing on buildings (rather than transportation) and has a 25 year plan to achieve 100% renewable energy including municipal, residential, and commercial buildings. Lexington’s first step has been Municipal Energy Aggregation with 100% renewal energy. Mark described their implementation lessons (e.g. including all stake holders, having expert help from green architects, getting sponsors and town partners, retrofitting historic buildings).
Carol discussed Municipal Energy Aggregation implementation in other towns – Brookline opted for 25% renewables as a starting point.
Municipal Energy Aggregation is a state sponsored program that helps towns hire a power broker/consultant to negotiate group electricity discount plans for town buildings and residents. The plan can specify a percentage of renewable energy and include multiple options. The resulting purchase agreement generally runs for 2-3 years. The program can be set up so customers opt into it or opt out of it. Opt out gets more customers included. Customers can opt into and out of the program at any time.
AEC Meeting: Susan
The AEC had a strategy discussion with their Board of Selectmen sponsor, Ted Flynn, to review and prioritize several projects the AEC has been studying and to work out a plan for working with the town. Some potential projects are:
- Municipal Energy Aggregation
- Ecar charging stations
- Solar canopy
- Storm preparedness/resiliency – battery storage for one or more of town solar arrays
- LED street lights
- publicize CET programs in town (Green schools program, Ecobuilding Bargains, Recycling Works - business help with recycling, free Columbia Gas customer energy use assessments, and help writing applications for agriculture grants);
- car stickers with our logo (Jim; Chris will send info);
- recycling or ban of polystyrene;
- banning town purchase of bottled water;
- banning sale of nips and
- creating a booklet with information for businesses on greener alternatives for them, similar to the booklet “Buy Better, Toss Smarter” put out by Cape and Island Green. (Janis will ask them if we can just use theirs!).
Meeting Minutes, April 4, 2018
Members Attending: Mike Wilson, Janis Owens, Beth Hudacko, Jim Savicki, Carla Ferrier, Paul Mabey, Hannah Knighton, Wendell Cerne
Minutes: February minutes accepted
Membership and Treasurers Report: We had an addition of $40 in membership dues and Expenses of $20 for printing. Membership is currently at 8 families and 15 individuals.
Guest: We had Hannah Knighton join us. Hannah is a recent college grad working on her masters in scientific writing. She is applying for an internship at Wood Hole for this summer. She wrote a report, Going Green in Duxbury, for her internship. We discussed various points that she researched for this paper. Susan Fontaine's information to her helped with her research.
Environmental Award: We have received 4 project proposals for consideration. We are emailing the recipients for further information about their projects. Project ideas include composting, planting trees, bee care, and whale protection. We will be choosing our project to award by April 11 so we can have an announcement for the Clipper in time for our Earth presentation on Sunday, April 22 at the library. Janis is to call the library to reserve a room.
Education Committee: Co-presentation with the library: we discussed ideas for topics but came to no conclusions.
Community Garden: Ground breaking and clearing is scheduled for Sunday, April 8.
Business Recycling Initiative: The BOH will be working on upgrading their regulations to require recycling and will notify private haulers of this update. A meeting will be held in the Fall to discuss the changes.
New Business: A proposal for a recycling system at DBMS was presented by Ted Lawson. The entire system is priced at $2960, $300 of which is for signage. We voted to contribute to the signage cost of $300.
Wendell Cernie talked about the anti-idling law and working on getting Duxbury to enforce this law. It is on the state books but is seldom enforced. We have a problem with shoppers, trucks and cars at the school idling their cars too long and we would like to see this law have some teeth. Wendell will enquire at the town manager's office about who we should speak to first about getting some action on this.
Meeting adjourned at 9:15.
Minutes: February minutes accepted
Membership and Treasurers Report: We had an addition of $40 in membership dues and Expenses of $20 for printing. Membership is currently at 8 families and 15 individuals.
Guest: We had Hannah Knighton join us. Hannah is a recent college grad working on her masters in scientific writing. She is applying for an internship at Wood Hole for this summer. She wrote a report, Going Green in Duxbury, for her internship. We discussed various points that she researched for this paper. Susan Fontaine's information to her helped with her research.
Environmental Award: We have received 4 project proposals for consideration. We are emailing the recipients for further information about their projects. Project ideas include composting, planting trees, bee care, and whale protection. We will be choosing our project to award by April 11 so we can have an announcement for the Clipper in time for our Earth presentation on Sunday, April 22 at the library. Janis is to call the library to reserve a room.
Education Committee: Co-presentation with the library: we discussed ideas for topics but came to no conclusions.
Community Garden: Ground breaking and clearing is scheduled for Sunday, April 8.
Business Recycling Initiative: The BOH will be working on upgrading their regulations to require recycling and will notify private haulers of this update. A meeting will be held in the Fall to discuss the changes.
New Business: A proposal for a recycling system at DBMS was presented by Ted Lawson. The entire system is priced at $2960, $300 of which is for signage. We voted to contribute to the signage cost of $300.
Wendell Cernie talked about the anti-idling law and working on getting Duxbury to enforce this law. It is on the state books but is seldom enforced. We have a problem with shoppers, trucks and cars at the school idling their cars too long and we would like to see this law have some teeth. Wendell will enquire at the town manager's office about who we should speak to first about getting some action on this.
Meeting adjourned at 9:15.
Meeting Minutes, June 6, 2017
ATTENDING: Janis Owens, Mike Wilson, Chris Ferrier, Carla Ferrier, Susan Fontaine, Beth Hudacko, Paul Mabey, Pam Magnarelli, Marion Thayer, and Jim Savicki.
Susan Fontaine, Secretary.
- Minutes: May minutes passed.
- Membership and Treasurers Report: Membership correction: we have 17 individual, and 13 family members.
- Education Committee: DBMS will share a screening with us of “The Plastic Ocean” in September.
- Ban the Bag Bylaw: Paul says Foodies found that too many customers were not reusing the thick plastic bags, so they now only give them to people who say they will reuse them. Mike reports that a grocer in Harwich began giving out the same thick plastic bag to meet bag ban criteria, but eventually charged $0.10 per bag.
- Community Garden: The current crop of gardeners are working working out well.
- Alternative Energy Committee: The AEC, which lacked a quorum at their last meeting, discussed how to efficiently coordinate with the town.
- Young Person Award: We began a discussion that will continue over the summer. Some tidbits:
- Group to meet over summer - Janis, Mike, Jim, C&C, Pam, and probably others! (missed some)
- Write a press release about the award before the first award ceremony.
- Keep the selection process simple.
- Write one “mission” statement and give examples of different age qualifications.
- Keep emphasis on leadership (name it Sustainable Leadership Award?).
- Needs some structure (or will fall apart) but keep minimal. Closing date March; Announce winner on Earth Day (April).
- Ask Fenna for advice!
- Have a Sea Turtle (or turtle?) logo.
- Use sustainable or recyclable materials in the award certificate.
- DBMS Hydration Station: DBMS and Island Creek Oyster each agreed to contribute $500 toward installation of an outdoor hydration station. We voted to contribute the remaining $500. SusDux and Island Creek will be recognized on a plaque.
- New Business: Mike told us about a Lenox Mass. Non-profit, Recycling Works, that has created a program with Mass. DEP to help communities increase business recycling. Their website is cetonline.org. Mike will invite a representative to our next meeting in September. Perhaps we could get other local towns to join us in a business recycling drive.
- Future projects to consider:
- car stickers with our logo (Jim; Chris will send info);
- nips;
- recycling or ban of polystyrene;
- by-law requiring all local trash haulers to recycle;
- banning town purchase of bottled water; and
- creating a booklet with information for businesses on greener alternatives for them, similar to the booklet “Buy Better, Toss Smarter” put out by Cape and Island Green. (Janis will ask them if we can just use theirs!)
Susan Fontaine, Secretary.
Meeting Minutes, May 3, 2017
ATTENDING: Janis Owens, Mike Wilson, Chris Ferrier, Carla Ferrier, Susan Fontaine, Beth Hudacko, Paul Mabey, Derek Reese, Melissa Rosenbladt, Marion Thayer, and Jim Savicki.
7. Young Person Award: The following list is a summary of our discussion:
8. New Business: Future projects to consider/:
Susan Fontaine, Secretary.
- Minutes: April Minutes passed.
- Membership and Treasurers Report: We have 2 new individual members, bringing our membership totals to 19 individuals & 10 families.
- Education Committee: DBMS will share a screening with us of “The Plastic Ocean.” Janis will suggest we wait until Sept. for the screening.
- Ban the Bag Bylaw: Janis brought in a thick plastic bag that Foodies is handing out free to customers. We decided to gather information from other towns where something of this sort has happened. We might also want to check in with the DPW to get informtion on numbers in the trash.
Susan reports that the BOH will be glad to have our help with the transition to the bag ban and that the Town Clerk will let us know when she hears back from the Attorney General’s office. The by-law takes effect 6 months after AG approval. - Community Garden: The electric fence is fixed; all plots are taken; and the Duxbury Community Garden Club has a plot.
We discussed some additional topics for promoting sustainable landscaping locally that we will discuss in the fall:
- Edible landscaping - Susan will gather information;
- Landscaping with native plants -
- Bringing Nature Home, book by Doug Tallamy (we could buy for library)
- Grow Native, Waltham, Garden in the Woods, and Nature Conservancy info resources;
- and Storm Drainage Mitigation -
- EPA is requiring storm drainage mitigation plans, 10 yrs plans
- Town Hall – perhaps we could contact town hall and offer help
- Target in Hanover has rain gardens in its parking area.
7. Young Person Award: The following list is a summary of our discussion:
- Susan showed gift for our first award but has not set up a time & date for presentation.
- We discussed how to encourage child leadership rather than just authority lead projects.
- Who will review nominations? Us? Someone else? (Matt Damon and Josh Cutler were suggested!)
- Ought we to involve the schools? Scouts? Outdoor learning Center? Science Fair?
8. New Business: Future projects to consider/:
- nips;
- recycling or ban of polystyrene;
- by-law requiring all local trash haulers to recycle;
- banning town purchase of bottled water; and
- creating a booklet with information for businesses on greener alternatives for them, similar to the booklet “Buy Better, Toss Smarter” put out by Cape and Island Green. (Janis will ask them if we can just use theirs!)
- Janis will find out if DBMS sells bottled water and whether they are interested in having a hydration station.
- Jim will ask Island Creek Oyster about helping with funds if we decide to move forward.
Susan Fontaine, Secretary.
Meeting Minutes, April 5, 2017
ATTENDING: Janis Owens, Mike Wilson, Chris Ferrier, Carla Ferrier, Susan Fontaine, Beth Hudacko, Paul Mabey, Pam Magnarelli, Marion Thayer, Jim Savicki, and Burkhard Schuettler
Minutes: March Minutes passed.
Membership and Treasurers Report: We have 2 new individual members, one a conservation lawyer, the other a PR specialist, bringing our membership totals to 19 individuals & 10 families.
Education Committee: Our Solar Panel was well attended by 35-40 people. One attendee, from Direct Solar, expressed to Pam an interest in pursuing a town initiative. Pam will gather more information to present at our next meeting.
We will celebrate passage of our bag ban by-law with a party, Saturday, May 6. Alcohol and glasses provided by SusDux; bring a snack/hors‘doeuvre to share, and your own plate and eating utensils.
Community Garden: This Saturday is spring cleanup at the garden.
Alternative Energy Committee: The AEC continues looking for new projects and has a speaker on energy resiliency and battery technology on the agenda for the 4/11 meeting. Barbara Bartlett may also come to discuss ideas for the 20% energy usage reduction plan for the Green Community application. AEC is considering an electric car charger, possibly at the High School, and plans to pass information on charger installations to local businesses that may be interested.
Hydration Station at DBMS: Janis will find out if DBMS sells bottled water and whether they are interested in having a hydration station. Jim will ask Island Creek Oyster about helping with funds if we decide to move forward.
Litter Sweep: The Duxbury spring litter sweep will be Saturday, May 6, 8AM to 4PM; rain date May 7. Volunteers should register at Tarkiln Community Center beginning at 8am. Litter filled bags must be returned to Tarkiln on Rt:53 by 4pm. Paul brought in one of the trash grabbers he bought for the sweep with our donation.
Further info at http://www.town.duxbury.ma.us/Public_Documents/DuxburyMA_BBoard/059D154A-000F8513
Young Person Award: The following list is a summary of our discussion:
Susan Fontaine, Secretary.
Minutes: March Minutes passed.
Membership and Treasurers Report: We have 2 new individual members, one a conservation lawyer, the other a PR specialist, bringing our membership totals to 19 individuals & 10 families.
Education Committee: Our Solar Panel was well attended by 35-40 people. One attendee, from Direct Solar, expressed to Pam an interest in pursuing a town initiative. Pam will gather more information to present at our next meeting.
- We discussed joining with DBMS to screen the documentary “A Plastic Ocean” at DBMS on a weeknight in June. Janis will discuss with DBMS sharing the screening cost of $350 and buying a copy for the library.
- Paul told us that the lint catcher discussed at Cora Ball’s presentation on Lint at DBMS has been funded and information is available at the following sites: http://rozaliaproject.org/stop-microfiber-pollution/ ; https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/879498424/cora-ball-microfiber-catching-laundry-ball
We will celebrate passage of our bag ban by-law with a party, Saturday, May 6. Alcohol and glasses provided by SusDux; bring a snack/hors‘doeuvre to share, and your own plate and eating utensils.
Community Garden: This Saturday is spring cleanup at the garden.
Alternative Energy Committee: The AEC continues looking for new projects and has a speaker on energy resiliency and battery technology on the agenda for the 4/11 meeting. Barbara Bartlett may also come to discuss ideas for the 20% energy usage reduction plan for the Green Community application. AEC is considering an electric car charger, possibly at the High School, and plans to pass information on charger installations to local businesses that may be interested.
Hydration Station at DBMS: Janis will find out if DBMS sells bottled water and whether they are interested in having a hydration station. Jim will ask Island Creek Oyster about helping with funds if we decide to move forward.
Litter Sweep: The Duxbury spring litter sweep will be Saturday, May 6, 8AM to 4PM; rain date May 7. Volunteers should register at Tarkiln Community Center beginning at 8am. Litter filled bags must be returned to Tarkiln on Rt:53 by 4pm. Paul brought in one of the trash grabbers he bought for the sweep with our donation.
Further info at http://www.town.duxbury.ma.us/Public_Documents/DuxburyMA_BBoard/059D154A-000F8513
Young Person Award: The following list is a summary of our discussion:
- Carla and Chris F. volunteered to come up with ideas for criteria, age groups, and implementation.
- Susan will get a turtle related gift for our first award and set up a time & date for presentation.
- Pam suggested Rita Maria Benoit, at the schools, as a source of good advice.
- We liked the idea of an award for grade school as well as for older kids, and basing the award in part on individual initiative.
- Chris suggested we solicit nominees or do a call for entries.
- It was suggested that we could coordinate with the science fair fand give out our award at the HS senior awards ceremony.
- We need a certificate or plaque to go with the award. (Before first award?)
- recycling or ban of polystyrene;
- by-law requiring all local trash haulers to recycle;
- banning town purchase of bottled water; and
- creating a booklet with information for businesses on greener alternatives for them, similar to the booklet “Buy Better, Toss Smarter” put out by Cape and Island Green. (Janis will ask them if we can just use theirs!)
Susan Fontaine, Secretary.
Meeting Minutes, March 1, 2017
ATTENDING: Mike Wilson, Janis Owens, Chris Ferrier, Susan Fontaine, Beth Hudacko, Paul Mabey, Marion Thayer, Jim Savicki, Burkhard Schuettler
Minutes: Feb. Minutes passed.
Membership and Treasurers Report: Two more individual members - total of 17(??) individuals & 10 families.
Education Committee: Solar Panel
Pam, Marion and David are meeting 3/2 to finalize details, including the poster. The press release appeared in the Clipper and was sent to the Ledger, Marine, and Boston Globe South. Chris will send an e-version of the poster to Janis who will forward it to SSSh and Duxbury Helping Duxbury.
We reviewed a final draft of the Solar Panel poster by Chris and decided to print 25 copies. Chris has given some of our graphics to David at the Library for his use. We discussed putting several versions of the new logo online for use by members.
Janis will talk with DBMS about a joint screening of the documentary “A Plastic Ocean” this spring. The screening fee is $350.
Ban the Bag Bylaw: We have purchased 442 organic cotton bags with our logo in one color for ~$840 to give out at Town Meeting. We scheduled members to staff the table for Saturday Town Meeting, starting one hour before TM starts (8AM), and for the first half hour of evening carry-overs. We also gathered member phone numbers so we can notify members when the vote nears. Janis will track TM votes and notify everyone (including emailing our mailing list) of the vote timing.
The by-law has official approval from the following groups: ConCom, FinCom, BOS, BOH, Open Space Committee, and Audubon. Janis will email information Representative Calter and ask for his approval.
Jim and Janis will hand out our bags and posters in front of Foodies Thursday 3-5 if Foodies grants permission. Susan and Janis will hand out information Tuesday and Wednesday at the Senior Center starting at 9AM each day. This week is the time to hang posters around town. Susan will set up a display for the Library and our TM table. Janis will find the SusDux banner for TM table.
Jim has reusable mesh product bags that we can also give out at TM.
Community Garden: A day to clean up the plots needs to be set up and the electric fence, which was down all last summer, needs to be fixed. Funds are available to pay for an electrician.
Alternative Energy Committee: AEC has a new member who is an intern architect. The AEC is researching a grant for an electric car charging station to be shared by the town hall and First Parish Church.
Upcoming Events: We discussed 4 environmental events in March.
Litter Sweep: We voted to approve Paul’s request for funding of ~$200 for 20 “grabbers” which will enable volunteers to more easily pick up trash.
New Business: We voted to set up criteria for giving an award to a young resident for environmental action with the first award going to Garnett Segall.
Our next meeting will be Wed., April 5, 2017, 7:00, at the Senior Center.
Susan Fontaine, Secretary.
Minutes: Feb. Minutes passed.
Membership and Treasurers Report: Two more individual members - total of 17(??) individuals & 10 families.
Education Committee: Solar Panel
Pam, Marion and David are meeting 3/2 to finalize details, including the poster. The press release appeared in the Clipper and was sent to the Ledger, Marine, and Boston Globe South. Chris will send an e-version of the poster to Janis who will forward it to SSSh and Duxbury Helping Duxbury.
We reviewed a final draft of the Solar Panel poster by Chris and decided to print 25 copies. Chris has given some of our graphics to David at the Library for his use. We discussed putting several versions of the new logo online for use by members.
Janis will talk with DBMS about a joint screening of the documentary “A Plastic Ocean” this spring. The screening fee is $350.
Ban the Bag Bylaw: We have purchased 442 organic cotton bags with our logo in one color for ~$840 to give out at Town Meeting. We scheduled members to staff the table for Saturday Town Meeting, starting one hour before TM starts (8AM), and for the first half hour of evening carry-overs. We also gathered member phone numbers so we can notify members when the vote nears. Janis will track TM votes and notify everyone (including emailing our mailing list) of the vote timing.
The by-law has official approval from the following groups: ConCom, FinCom, BOS, BOH, Open Space Committee, and Audubon. Janis will email information Representative Calter and ask for his approval.
Jim and Janis will hand out our bags and posters in front of Foodies Thursday 3-5 if Foodies grants permission. Susan and Janis will hand out information Tuesday and Wednesday at the Senior Center starting at 9AM each day. This week is the time to hang posters around town. Susan will set up a display for the Library and our TM table. Janis will find the SusDux banner for TM table.
Jim has reusable mesh product bags that we can also give out at TM.
Community Garden: A day to clean up the plots needs to be set up and the electric fence, which was down all last summer, needs to be fixed. Funds are available to pay for an electrician.
Alternative Energy Committee: AEC has a new member who is an intern architect. The AEC is researching a grant for an electric car charging station to be shared by the town hall and First Parish Church.
Upcoming Events: We discussed 4 environmental events in March.
Litter Sweep: We voted to approve Paul’s request for funding of ~$200 for 20 “grabbers” which will enable volunteers to more easily pick up trash.
New Business: We voted to set up criteria for giving an award to a young resident for environmental action with the first award going to Garnett Segall.
Our next meeting will be Wed., April 5, 2017, 7:00, at the Senior Center.
Susan Fontaine, Secretary.
Meeting Minutes, February 1, 2017
ATTENDING: Mike Wilson, Janis Owens, Chris Ferrier, Susan Fontaine, Beth Hudacko, Paul Mabey, Marion Thayer, Burkhard Schuettler
Minutes: Jan. Minutes passed.
Membership and Treasurers Report: Two more family members - total of 16 individuals & 10 families.
Education Committee: Solar Panel Mike will introduce Josh and Josh will introduce the panel. Energy Sage is joining the panel. A local realtor, D. Wood, join panel to discuss buying and selling houses with solar. We still need a panel member for Community Solar and for solar financing options. Sustainable Sharon has done work with Community Solar and may be able to pass on information. Phil Angel, an installer, will do the library display. Marion will talk with Mass Clean Energy. (Andy Belvin was mentioned as a good MassCEC member to talk with). We ought to speak with Tom Calter about our bag ban as we did with Josh.
We reviewed 4 draft Solar Panel poster ideas from Chris and chose one. Posters will be available by our next meeting.
Ban the Bag Bylaw: Janis visited DBMS to ask about hanging a poster but they need to get permission from the board first. Janis will ask to hang a poster at Duxbury Liquors. Susan reviewed the status of presentations and our store canvassing. We have a table reserved for Town Meeting.
Alternative Energy Committee: Nothing new to report.
New Business: Janis says DBMS management is interested in decreasing plastic water bottles and we might consider helping them get a hydration station.
Our next meeting will be Wed., March 1, 2017, 7:00, at the Senior Center.
Susan Fontaine, Secretary.
Minutes: Jan. Minutes passed.
Membership and Treasurers Report: Two more family members - total of 16 individuals & 10 families.
Education Committee: Solar Panel Mike will introduce Josh and Josh will introduce the panel. Energy Sage is joining the panel. A local realtor, D. Wood, join panel to discuss buying and selling houses with solar. We still need a panel member for Community Solar and for solar financing options. Sustainable Sharon has done work with Community Solar and may be able to pass on information. Phil Angel, an installer, will do the library display. Marion will talk with Mass Clean Energy. (Andy Belvin was mentioned as a good MassCEC member to talk with). We ought to speak with Tom Calter about our bag ban as we did with Josh.
We reviewed 4 draft Solar Panel poster ideas from Chris and chose one. Posters will be available by our next meeting.
Ban the Bag Bylaw: Janis visited DBMS to ask about hanging a poster but they need to get permission from the board first. Janis will ask to hang a poster at Duxbury Liquors. Susan reviewed the status of presentations and our store canvassing. We have a table reserved for Town Meeting.
Alternative Energy Committee: Nothing new to report.
New Business: Janis says DBMS management is interested in decreasing plastic water bottles and we might consider helping them get a hydration station.
Our next meeting will be Wed., March 1, 2017, 7:00, at the Senior Center.
Susan Fontaine, Secretary.
Meeting Minutes, January 4, 2017
ATTENDING: Mike Wilson, Susan Fontaine, Beth Hudacko, Jim Savicki, Marion Thayer, Chris Ferrier, Burkhard Schuettler
1. Minutes: Dec. Minutes passed with corrections.
2. Membership: One more individual member - 14 individuals & 8 families.
3. Education Committee: The date for our Solar Panel event at the Library is changed to 3/23/17. Marion has been unable to find resources for Community Solar and plans to try Energy Save next. Susan will contact AEC members as well and JimS suggested we contact Seth Pickering (our Green Community representative). The committee is meeting with the Library staff tomorrow.
4. Ban the Bag Bylaw: Members have spoken with and handed out by-law information to 8 town businesses – Foodies, Rite Aid, Sportworks, Talbots, Rock Paper Scissors (manager not spoken with), Tsangs, Dr. Weimeyer, and Osbournes. Janis plans to revisit Foodies since the manager was not in. So far nothing negative – Talbots, Sportworks and Rock Paper Scissors already use thicker bags; Rite Aid’s manager will defer to main office which has already dealt with bag-bans; Osbourne’s is enthusiastic about eliminating thin plastic bags, and Dr. Weimeyer and Tsangs only use very small plastic bags (NOTE: at the meeting we thought the small bags were allowed, but our bylaw does not exclude bags based on size). Susan will send out an updated list of businesses yet to be visited. Susan will plan a meeting to update our presentation (script is long) and give other members an opportunity to learn it (Janis cannot do all the presentations). We decided that at least one other member, besides a speaker, should be present at major presentations. The presentation for the Rotary Club is being rescheduled. Susan will give a small, informal, presentation to the AEC next week. (NOTE: Susan will begin contacting other groups on our list to set up additional presentations.)
Chris showed us a draft of an attention getting flyer that we can post around town (library, Senior Center, Transfer Station, etc.) and in stores that indicate their support. We will review the draft and Chris will shrink it to fit legal size paper.
Susan spoke briefly with Josh Cutler about our bag-ban. He supports bag bans but prefers a different version than the one we have on the warrant, and mentioned that a state wide bag ban is likely to be considered this year. JimS offered to speak with Josh to learn more and Susan will find out when he will be in town.
Mike presented a time line to guide our efforts; Susan will maintain it. We decided to start letters to the editor in Feb., at least one every other week. Susan will call Mr. Mittell of the Clipper to discuss the details of the bag ban.
5. Community Garden: Plot sign ups for current gardeners is underway (8 or 9 taken so far). Remaining plots will be offered to newcomers in mid-Jan.
6. Alternative Energy Committee: Nothing new to report.
Our next meeting will be Wed., Feb. 1, 2017, 7:30, at the Senior Center.
Susan Fontaine, Secretary.
1. Minutes: Dec. Minutes passed with corrections.
2. Membership: One more individual member - 14 individuals & 8 families.
3. Education Committee: The date for our Solar Panel event at the Library is changed to 3/23/17. Marion has been unable to find resources for Community Solar and plans to try Energy Save next. Susan will contact AEC members as well and JimS suggested we contact Seth Pickering (our Green Community representative). The committee is meeting with the Library staff tomorrow.
4. Ban the Bag Bylaw: Members have spoken with and handed out by-law information to 8 town businesses – Foodies, Rite Aid, Sportworks, Talbots, Rock Paper Scissors (manager not spoken with), Tsangs, Dr. Weimeyer, and Osbournes. Janis plans to revisit Foodies since the manager was not in. So far nothing negative – Talbots, Sportworks and Rock Paper Scissors already use thicker bags; Rite Aid’s manager will defer to main office which has already dealt with bag-bans; Osbourne’s is enthusiastic about eliminating thin plastic bags, and Dr. Weimeyer and Tsangs only use very small plastic bags (NOTE: at the meeting we thought the small bags were allowed, but our bylaw does not exclude bags based on size). Susan will send out an updated list of businesses yet to be visited. Susan will plan a meeting to update our presentation (script is long) and give other members an opportunity to learn it (Janis cannot do all the presentations). We decided that at least one other member, besides a speaker, should be present at major presentations. The presentation for the Rotary Club is being rescheduled. Susan will give a small, informal, presentation to the AEC next week. (NOTE: Susan will begin contacting other groups on our list to set up additional presentations.)
Chris showed us a draft of an attention getting flyer that we can post around town (library, Senior Center, Transfer Station, etc.) and in stores that indicate their support. We will review the draft and Chris will shrink it to fit legal size paper.
Susan spoke briefly with Josh Cutler about our bag-ban. He supports bag bans but prefers a different version than the one we have on the warrant, and mentioned that a state wide bag ban is likely to be considered this year. JimS offered to speak with Josh to learn more and Susan will find out when he will be in town.
Mike presented a time line to guide our efforts; Susan will maintain it. We decided to start letters to the editor in Feb., at least one every other week. Susan will call Mr. Mittell of the Clipper to discuss the details of the bag ban.
5. Community Garden: Plot sign ups for current gardeners is underway (8 or 9 taken so far). Remaining plots will be offered to newcomers in mid-Jan.
6. Alternative Energy Committee: Nothing new to report.
Our next meeting will be Wed., Feb. 1, 2017, 7:30, at the Senior Center.
Susan Fontaine, Secretary.
Meeting Minutes, December 7, 2016
ATTENDING: Janis Owens, Mike Wilson, Susan Fontaine, Beth Hudako, Dick Rothschild, Jim Savicki, Marion Thayer, Chris Ferrier
Minutes: Nov. Minutes Passed
Membership and Treasurers Report: 13 individuals; 8 families
Education Committee:
The date for our Solar Panel at the Library will be changed. The committee is meeting with the Library staff again this week. Marion is having difficulty finding a speaker for Community Solar. The committee considered adding information on solar roof shingles, but may not because that technology is less efficient than panels and not yet mainstream.
Ban the Bag Bylaw:
The bylaw has been accepted for the 2017 Town Meeting Warrant. The next step is to talk with businesses in town. Janis will put together a draft handout for businesses that includes the bylaw, a short summary, and a one page bullet list that includes cost difference between current bags and their replacements. Susan will organize members to canvass businesses by area. Janis and Paul volunteered to visit Foodies and Rite Aid respectively. Susan will contact the town business association to set up time to speak with them after Christmas. Dick will research potential increased costs to businesses; Jim and Mike will research answers to common objections to bag bans; Janis will research experiences of businesses who have already adapted to bag bans.
Our new member, Chris, volunteered to create a pamphlet from our presentation and various handouts. We discussed having someone, Janis or possibly Chris, update our website.
Community Garden:
Jim will be sending out sign up sheets for next year soon.
Alternative Energy Committee:
The second Planning Board Meeting on zoning for solar to meet Green Community Status criteria 1 and 2 went well and the Town is moving forward on GC.
New Business:
We discussed getting a permanent display case at the Library for us or for Environmental topics in general.
Our next meeting will be Wed., Jan. 4, 2017, 7:30, at the Senior Center.
Susan Fontaine, Secretary.
Minutes: Nov. Minutes Passed
Membership and Treasurers Report: 13 individuals; 8 families
Education Committee:
The date for our Solar Panel at the Library will be changed. The committee is meeting with the Library staff again this week. Marion is having difficulty finding a speaker for Community Solar. The committee considered adding information on solar roof shingles, but may not because that technology is less efficient than panels and not yet mainstream.
Ban the Bag Bylaw:
The bylaw has been accepted for the 2017 Town Meeting Warrant. The next step is to talk with businesses in town. Janis will put together a draft handout for businesses that includes the bylaw, a short summary, and a one page bullet list that includes cost difference between current bags and their replacements. Susan will organize members to canvass businesses by area. Janis and Paul volunteered to visit Foodies and Rite Aid respectively. Susan will contact the town business association to set up time to speak with them after Christmas. Dick will research potential increased costs to businesses; Jim and Mike will research answers to common objections to bag bans; Janis will research experiences of businesses who have already adapted to bag bans.
Our new member, Chris, volunteered to create a pamphlet from our presentation and various handouts. We discussed having someone, Janis or possibly Chris, update our website.
Community Garden:
Jim will be sending out sign up sheets for next year soon.
Alternative Energy Committee:
The second Planning Board Meeting on zoning for solar to meet Green Community Status criteria 1 and 2 went well and the Town is moving forward on GC.
New Business:
We discussed getting a permanent display case at the Library for us or for Environmental topics in general.
Our next meeting will be Wed., Jan. 4, 2017, 7:30, at the Senior Center.
Susan Fontaine, Secretary.
Meeting Minutes, November 2, 2016
ATTENDING: Janis Owens, Mike Wilson, Paul Mabey, Susan Fontaine, Beth Hudako, Dick Rothschild, Jim Savicki, Marion Thayer, Laurie Hall, Ilene Harvitz, Richard Bates
GUESTS: Peter Mackin, Superintendent of Duxbury Water Department; George Wadsworth, Chair of Water and Sewer Advisory Board
Status of Duxbury Water Supply – Peter Mackin & George Wadsworth
The Duxbury Water Department has 12 wells (all drawing from the South Coastal Aquifer), 11 full time employees, 3 million gallons of water storage and is self funding based on water use fees. The Mass DEP recently decreased the municipal water pumping cap state wide for town water permits. All town water permits now call for a max of 65 gallons per capita, down from the previous 80 gallons per capita. Duxbury has 2 years to meet the new per capita goal. Our water department feels that the cuts are unreasonable and are concerned that Duxbury will be unable to stay under the cap during the summer months unless outside water use is severely restricted and conservation policies adopted. They plan to work on water conservation education and more policing of water use restrictions. The DEP applies the functional equivalent of “fines” on towns that do not meet the cap by forcing them to spend money on water system improvements. The cap only applies to town pumping -- water pumped out of the aquifer from private wells does not count toward the DEP cap.
While this year’s water level monitoring at our wells showed record lows (probably due to the drought), Peter and George believe our aquifer is in good shape. George emphasized that 80% of the water the town pumps is returned to the ground through our private septic systems. We also get a lot of rain (George says almost 60”; Mass DEP says 42-47”) and that a large portion of that water filters into the aquifer. George and Peter are not concerned about the potential impact of private water pumping on our aquifer, even for large users (e.g. North Hill Golf Course, Town sporting fields). Peter is more worried about water quality than quantity. Neither George nor Peter has been able to learn why the cap was decreased for us (except DEP’s desire to simplify permitting by having the same cap for all Mass towns) nor how the value of 65 gallons per capita was chosen. One of DEP’s rationales for lowering the cap is to aid cold water fisheries (e.g. herring runs), but Duxbury’s pumping has no impact on these.
When asked how SusDux can help, Peter asked for our support at Town Meeting for funding of better filtering at some wells.
For additional information, see the following report on our aquifer from Mass DEP and USGS: click here
Membership
Twelve members and six families have renewed their memberships.
Education Committee — Solar Panel II
Marion, David and Pam met to plan our Solar Panel II which will be 3/9/17 at the library. Josh Cutler will again be moderator. Jim is researching information sources for community solar and will find out if MassCEC has a screened list of rooftop installers. Susan will request a list of town rooftop solar permits and create a list of installers who have worked in town.
Recycling — Bag-Ban By-law
We met with the Town Manager and the Town Planner to set in motion our bag-ban bylaw. The Town Manager sent the bylaw to Town Counsel for review and we have set up our first presentation which is with the Board Of Health. Susan and Janis did a quick, first review of Plymouth’s Power Point presentation and some of us will meet Monday for further editing. Susan is collecting a list of stores that will be impacted by our bag-ban, so please note which stores give out single use plastic bags with handles as you shop around town. Janis will get information on the MA. Attny. Gen.’s reviews of similarly worded bylaws.
AEC
Our Town Planner gave a brief summary of the Green Community Criteria and presented several small town owned plots of land to meet G.C. criteria 1 & 2 at the Planning Board meeting of 10/26. The Chair expressed doubts of the value of our becoming a G.C. in spite of the school’s need of $500,000 for updates that could be covered by a G.C. grant and a grant we have already received to cover costs of applying for G.C. status.
Our next meeting will be Wed., Dec. 7, 2016, 7:30, at the Senior Center.
Susan Fontaine, Secretary.
GUESTS: Peter Mackin, Superintendent of Duxbury Water Department; George Wadsworth, Chair of Water and Sewer Advisory Board
Status of Duxbury Water Supply – Peter Mackin & George Wadsworth
The Duxbury Water Department has 12 wells (all drawing from the South Coastal Aquifer), 11 full time employees, 3 million gallons of water storage and is self funding based on water use fees. The Mass DEP recently decreased the municipal water pumping cap state wide for town water permits. All town water permits now call for a max of 65 gallons per capita, down from the previous 80 gallons per capita. Duxbury has 2 years to meet the new per capita goal. Our water department feels that the cuts are unreasonable and are concerned that Duxbury will be unable to stay under the cap during the summer months unless outside water use is severely restricted and conservation policies adopted. They plan to work on water conservation education and more policing of water use restrictions. The DEP applies the functional equivalent of “fines” on towns that do not meet the cap by forcing them to spend money on water system improvements. The cap only applies to town pumping -- water pumped out of the aquifer from private wells does not count toward the DEP cap.
While this year’s water level monitoring at our wells showed record lows (probably due to the drought), Peter and George believe our aquifer is in good shape. George emphasized that 80% of the water the town pumps is returned to the ground through our private septic systems. We also get a lot of rain (George says almost 60”; Mass DEP says 42-47”) and that a large portion of that water filters into the aquifer. George and Peter are not concerned about the potential impact of private water pumping on our aquifer, even for large users (e.g. North Hill Golf Course, Town sporting fields). Peter is more worried about water quality than quantity. Neither George nor Peter has been able to learn why the cap was decreased for us (except DEP’s desire to simplify permitting by having the same cap for all Mass towns) nor how the value of 65 gallons per capita was chosen. One of DEP’s rationales for lowering the cap is to aid cold water fisheries (e.g. herring runs), but Duxbury’s pumping has no impact on these.
When asked how SusDux can help, Peter asked for our support at Town Meeting for funding of better filtering at some wells.
For additional information, see the following report on our aquifer from Mass DEP and USGS: click here
Membership
Twelve members and six families have renewed their memberships.
Education Committee — Solar Panel II
Marion, David and Pam met to plan our Solar Panel II which will be 3/9/17 at the library. Josh Cutler will again be moderator. Jim is researching information sources for community solar and will find out if MassCEC has a screened list of rooftop installers. Susan will request a list of town rooftop solar permits and create a list of installers who have worked in town.
Recycling — Bag-Ban By-law
We met with the Town Manager and the Town Planner to set in motion our bag-ban bylaw. The Town Manager sent the bylaw to Town Counsel for review and we have set up our first presentation which is with the Board Of Health. Susan and Janis did a quick, first review of Plymouth’s Power Point presentation and some of us will meet Monday for further editing. Susan is collecting a list of stores that will be impacted by our bag-ban, so please note which stores give out single use plastic bags with handles as you shop around town. Janis will get information on the MA. Attny. Gen.’s reviews of similarly worded bylaws.
AEC
Our Town Planner gave a brief summary of the Green Community Criteria and presented several small town owned plots of land to meet G.C. criteria 1 & 2 at the Planning Board meeting of 10/26. The Chair expressed doubts of the value of our becoming a G.C. in spite of the school’s need of $500,000 for updates that could be covered by a G.C. grant and a grant we have already received to cover costs of applying for G.C. status.
Our next meeting will be Wed., Dec. 7, 2016, 7:30, at the Senior Center.
Susan Fontaine, Secretary.
Meeting Minutes, October 5, 2016
ATTENDING: Janis Owens, Mike Wilson, Dick Rothschild, Marion Thayer, Beth Hudako, Paul Mabey
Minutes: - Approved, with one typo correction.
Membership & Treasurer’s Report: .
Beth is preparing to mail out newsletters to the membership, updating our activities and requesting dues. Janis will email this newsletter to members as well. Dick suggested creating a tear-off section at the bottom of the newsletter to be used as an identifier when they send along their yearly dues.
Education Committee Report:
David, from the library, would like to hold another joint presentation on solar energy as a follow-up to last year’s successful event – inviting many of the same presenters to update their data. Mike will talk to NRG to find a representative who could talk about solar farms as an alternative to purchasing panels.
Recycling Committee Report – Ban the Bag Plan:
We discussed Plymouth’s Ban the Bag Article which will be presented at their Town Meeting this month. It was decided that we would need Susan’s expertise to move this Article through our own government.
Community Garden Committee Report:
Mike said the year was very successful, despite the draught. The fall clean-up will be at the end of Oct.
Guest Speaker: - Water Dept. Superintendent, Peter J. Macklin, will speak at our November meeting.
Dick suggested that we request members submit questions prior to our November meeting.
Alternative Energy Committee Report: - Susan was unavailable.
New Projects:
Other Business:
Mike received articles from Fenna about various recycling, composting and other sustainable subjects. Her thought was to promote our group’s efforts by publishing educational materials about these subjects in The Clipper. Paul will make exploratory calls to the editor.
Our next meeting will be Wed. Nov. 2, 2016, at 7:30 in the Senior Center (2nd floor).
Paul Mabey, temp.
Minutes: - Approved, with one typo correction.
Membership & Treasurer’s Report: .
Beth is preparing to mail out newsletters to the membership, updating our activities and requesting dues. Janis will email this newsletter to members as well. Dick suggested creating a tear-off section at the bottom of the newsletter to be used as an identifier when they send along their yearly dues.
Education Committee Report:
David, from the library, would like to hold another joint presentation on solar energy as a follow-up to last year’s successful event – inviting many of the same presenters to update their data. Mike will talk to NRG to find a representative who could talk about solar farms as an alternative to purchasing panels.
Recycling Committee Report – Ban the Bag Plan:
We discussed Plymouth’s Ban the Bag Article which will be presented at their Town Meeting this month. It was decided that we would need Susan’s expertise to move this Article through our own government.
Community Garden Committee Report:
Mike said the year was very successful, despite the draught. The fall clean-up will be at the end of Oct.
Guest Speaker: - Water Dept. Superintendent, Peter J. Macklin, will speak at our November meeting.
Dick suggested that we request members submit questions prior to our November meeting.
Alternative Energy Committee Report: - Susan was unavailable.
New Projects:
Other Business:
Mike received articles from Fenna about various recycling, composting and other sustainable subjects. Her thought was to promote our group’s efforts by publishing educational materials about these subjects in The Clipper. Paul will make exploratory calls to the editor.
Our next meeting will be Wed. Nov. 2, 2016, at 7:30 in the Senior Center (2nd floor).
Paul Mabey, temp.
Meeting Minutes, September 7, 2016
ATTENDING: Janis Owens, Mike Wilson, Susan Fontaine, Beth Hudako, Melissa Rosenbladt, Dick Rothschild, Jim Savicki, Marion Thayer, Gene Wyatt
- Minutes – Approved
- Membership & Treasurer’s Report - No Treasury activity. Beth is preparing to mail out membership update letters this month.
- Education Committee — Marion will talk with David (at the library) about the possibility of re-doing our Solar Panel and, if we do, any changes he has in mind. We hope to add information on community solar.
- Recycling, Bag-Ban By-law--Ken Stone updated us on Plymouth’s bag-ban by-law which is headed for a vote this spring. The by-law has met with (mostly) approval - a majority of the Plymouth BOS and FinCom, a slew of conservation groups, and several local polls. Ken has a meeting planned with members of the Chamber of Commerce. We voted unanimously to pursue getting our bag-ban by-law on the March 2017 Town Meeting Warrant. Janis will email Plymouth’s updated by-law draft and fact sheet for our review, and email a copy of Plymouth’s power point presentation to Dick who is preparing ours. Susan will get details on how to put a by-law up for vote. Dick proposed that we prepare a list of organizations we should approach for endorsements, prioritized by ease of approval.
- Community Garden--The gardens were a big success this season, with well educated gardeners and no neglected plots. Since the garden has its own well, our gardeners were not subject to town watering restrictions. However, Jim suggests we discuss whether or not we should follow them anyway because our well draws on the same aquifer as the town’s wells.
- Town Water Supply--Janis told us that Duxbury may have a water conservation issue. The town has over pumped water the past few summers and the exemption allowing it to do so has run out. This means the town will need to reduce its usage from approximately 80 gallons per resident to its allowed cap of 65. The head of our town water department will join us at our next meeting to discuss these issues and the state of the our aquifer. Several nearby towns, notably Taunton, Carver, and Middleboro, are banding together to protect their aquifer (which may be different than ours). Gene told us that MWRA helped Kingston with leaks in their water distribution system and that the town of Sharon has done good work with water issues. The Jones River Watershed will be another good information resource.
- Wind Advisory Committee
- New Projects
- water conservation outreach for town
- business recycling
- adding composting to community garden
- revisiting previous projects, e.g. decreasing junk mail, reminding people of auto anti-idling laws
- Other Business
Meeting Minutes, June 1, 2016
ATTENDING: Susan Fontaine, Beth Hudako, Pam Magnorelli, Janis Owens, Marion Thayer
3. Other Business
- Minutes – Approved
- Education Committee – No Report
- Recycling, Bag-Ban By-law
- Community Garden – No report
- AEC
3. Other Business
- Depending on the outcome of the state bag-ban we may need a new project. One possibility is to work on increasing recycling at the schools and town businesses. In September we will e-poll our members for ideas.
- Sustainable South Shore is holding a meeting in a wilderness area in Pembroke on June 11. It will start with a nature walk at 3. The meeting and a pizza-sandwich-pot-luck buffet will follow from 4-6. Janis will email further information.
Meeting Minutes, May 5, 2016
ATTENDING: Susan Fontaine, Beth Hudako, Paul Mabey, Pam Magnorelli, Janis Owens, Marion Thayer, Judi Vose
The Solar Panel Panel follow-up was delayed. David (from the library) might want to host another Solar Panel with additional features such as a home solar installation tour, community solar, and discussions of related legislation.
- Minutes – Approved.
- Membership & Treasurer’s Report – No change.
- Education Committee –
The Solar Panel Panel follow-up was delayed. David (from the library) might want to host another Solar Panel with additional features such as a home solar installation tour, community solar, and discussions of related legislation.
- Recycling, Bag-Ban By-law –
- Community Garden –
- Other Business –
Meeting Minutes, April 6, 2016
Attending: Dick, Mike, Pam, Marion Jim, Beth, Paul - There were no other guests.
Minutes from the previous meeting were accepted without changes.
Membership and treasury reports remained unchanged from the previous month.
Outdoor Learning Area update: OLA Dedication and Open House is set for 4-6PM on Wednesday May 4th. The next OLA meeting to firm up final plans for this event is scheduled for Tuesday April 12th.
Judi has ordered the plaque honoring Rachel Carson and Olga Owens Huckins which will be mounted by Kris Brennan to a stone monument. The stone has already been installed along the path leading into the OLA. Sustainable Duxbury has agreed to help fund some of the cost. We are waiting for Judi’s final figures.
Recycling Committee update: Janis was out for the evening with Martin Short and Steve Martin, so she updated the Ban the Bag effort via the following email.
We have to meet and come together on the bylaw we would like to take to the town manager and selectmen. We can go with the Plymouth bylaw which was our original intent. Or review the many other towns’ bylaws and see if there is one we like better. But basically we all as a group have to decide on what bylaw wording works best for Duxbury. As of right now, according to Mass Green network (massgreen.org), there are now 19 towns including Plymouth with Bag Bans in the works, 6 of which have reached the point of being on Town Warrants for a vote this Spring. It seems to be the thing to do. I have a brochure already designed in my head. So the big thing we need to do to move forward is coming up with our wording for our bylaw. I plan to pull together a meeting ASAP.
The warrant needs to be approved and accepted by the end of November, with drafts submitted by September. Dick suggested moving forward with the wording already discussed in meetings with the Plymouth group.
Education Committee update: Because of the successful solar panel forum, David Murphy from the library has inquired about developing a follow-up presentation for this fall. Mike will contact him.
Ideas suggested were net metering and rebate updates from Josh Cutler as well as a Solar Tour of homes in Duxbury. Pam volunteered her home to be included so that people could see the actual control panels, etc. Jim thought there might already be an annual fall tour put on by MCEC or possibly SSSH that we could utilize.
Alternative Energy Committee update: Susan was unable to attend, so she sent along the following email.
A lot has happened regarding GC in past 2 days. AEC is now fully committed to and enthusiastic about GC!!!! We have subdivided into 5 groups, each focused on a different GC area - 4 groups for the GC 5 criteria (the 2 about zoning & expedited permitting for solar were combined into one group) and one for "marketing." Duxbury's new town planner, Valerie Massard, is working with us to coordinate with town. Next step is meeting with town manager and impacted department heads (building inspector, public works, facilities, planning) to hammer out details (e.g. what town will do, staff commitments, official liaison, etc). Meeting should happen in the next 2 weeks.
We plan to put 2 items on the next town meeting warrant - 1) stretch code and 2) solar zoning and expedited permitting for a 1-2 acre site. The town planner wants TM warrant drafts in by September - my guess is end of month. (Janis, will there be any bag ban by-law impact?) It will be critical to get out the information on GC, benefits to the town, and correct lots of misinformation well in advance. Kingston's town planner told us that some Duxbury residents think GC means a wind turbine in town and there is also lots of bad info regarding Stretch building code floating around.
Once AEC is coordinated with the town and work begun, we will start on educational, marketing, type stuff. There will be presentations before planning board and other town committees, BOS, etc. where SusDux can help.
Kingston town planner said the two most important things for them in GC effort were 1) community champions, and 2) quick, easy GC "sales" pitch (not his words). He continually repeated a little GC almost mantra ($$ spent on energy upgrades, $$ from grants & utilities, $ from town (almost nothing), $$$$ money saved (only with actual figures).
Community Garden update: Jim and Mike were there for the group clean up but, so was the heavy rain.
Future Guest Speakers: Jim suggested MassClimateAction.Net as a good reference for speakers.
New Business: Annual Spring Litter Sweep is scheduled for Sat. May 7th from 8-4 at Tarkiln School.
Mike will be unavailable for the next scheduled meeting on Wed. May 4th.
Submitted by Paul Mabey
Minutes from the previous meeting were accepted without changes.
Membership and treasury reports remained unchanged from the previous month.
Outdoor Learning Area update: OLA Dedication and Open House is set for 4-6PM on Wednesday May 4th. The next OLA meeting to firm up final plans for this event is scheduled for Tuesday April 12th.
Judi has ordered the plaque honoring Rachel Carson and Olga Owens Huckins which will be mounted by Kris Brennan to a stone monument. The stone has already been installed along the path leading into the OLA. Sustainable Duxbury has agreed to help fund some of the cost. We are waiting for Judi’s final figures.
Recycling Committee update: Janis was out for the evening with Martin Short and Steve Martin, so she updated the Ban the Bag effort via the following email.
We have to meet and come together on the bylaw we would like to take to the town manager and selectmen. We can go with the Plymouth bylaw which was our original intent. Or review the many other towns’ bylaws and see if there is one we like better. But basically we all as a group have to decide on what bylaw wording works best for Duxbury. As of right now, according to Mass Green network (massgreen.org), there are now 19 towns including Plymouth with Bag Bans in the works, 6 of which have reached the point of being on Town Warrants for a vote this Spring. It seems to be the thing to do. I have a brochure already designed in my head. So the big thing we need to do to move forward is coming up with our wording for our bylaw. I plan to pull together a meeting ASAP.
The warrant needs to be approved and accepted by the end of November, with drafts submitted by September. Dick suggested moving forward with the wording already discussed in meetings with the Plymouth group.
Education Committee update: Because of the successful solar panel forum, David Murphy from the library has inquired about developing a follow-up presentation for this fall. Mike will contact him.
Ideas suggested were net metering and rebate updates from Josh Cutler as well as a Solar Tour of homes in Duxbury. Pam volunteered her home to be included so that people could see the actual control panels, etc. Jim thought there might already be an annual fall tour put on by MCEC or possibly SSSH that we could utilize.
Alternative Energy Committee update: Susan was unable to attend, so she sent along the following email.
A lot has happened regarding GC in past 2 days. AEC is now fully committed to and enthusiastic about GC!!!! We have subdivided into 5 groups, each focused on a different GC area - 4 groups for the GC 5 criteria (the 2 about zoning & expedited permitting for solar were combined into one group) and one for "marketing." Duxbury's new town planner, Valerie Massard, is working with us to coordinate with town. Next step is meeting with town manager and impacted department heads (building inspector, public works, facilities, planning) to hammer out details (e.g. what town will do, staff commitments, official liaison, etc). Meeting should happen in the next 2 weeks.
We plan to put 2 items on the next town meeting warrant - 1) stretch code and 2) solar zoning and expedited permitting for a 1-2 acre site. The town planner wants TM warrant drafts in by September - my guess is end of month. (Janis, will there be any bag ban by-law impact?) It will be critical to get out the information on GC, benefits to the town, and correct lots of misinformation well in advance. Kingston's town planner told us that some Duxbury residents think GC means a wind turbine in town and there is also lots of bad info regarding Stretch building code floating around.
Once AEC is coordinated with the town and work begun, we will start on educational, marketing, type stuff. There will be presentations before planning board and other town committees, BOS, etc. where SusDux can help.
Kingston town planner said the two most important things for them in GC effort were 1) community champions, and 2) quick, easy GC "sales" pitch (not his words). He continually repeated a little GC almost mantra ($$ spent on energy upgrades, $$ from grants & utilities, $ from town (almost nothing), $$$$ money saved (only with actual figures).
Community Garden update: Jim and Mike were there for the group clean up but, so was the heavy rain.
Future Guest Speakers: Jim suggested MassClimateAction.Net as a good reference for speakers.
New Business: Annual Spring Litter Sweep is scheduled for Sat. May 7th from 8-4 at Tarkiln School.
Mike will be unavailable for the next scheduled meeting on Wed. May 4th.
Submitted by Paul Mabey
Meeting Minutes, February 3, 2016
ATTENDING: Susan Fontaine, Paul Mabey, Pam Magnarelli, Janis Owens, Jim Savicki, Marion Thayer, Mike Wilson
Minutes – Approved.
Membership & Treasurer’s Report – No changes.
Education Committee - Solar Panel Publicity:
We have heard nothing back from the schools regarding official student participation. Call again? Marion & Pam will coordinate.
Mike reports that PAC TV is set to interview Josh and panel participants, and film a bit of the event.
Mike will talk with the 2 speakers regarding presentation materials and handouts, and is coordinating audio-visual equipment.
If Mike finds that neither speaker can provide handouts, then Susan will (try) to create one using Dick’s Clipper article and information from other contacts.
Janis (and Marion) will set up a meeting with Dave on 2/22 to check on presentation materials and last minute details.
Marion will put together small bios of speakers and pass it on to Josh for introductions.
It would be nice to have information on near term changes to net metering laws and caps. (Who was given this item? Susan?)
Susan will add up the number and KWs of solar installations in Duxbury in the past 5 years and try to gather a list of local installers.
We will arrive at the library by 6 the night of the event.
Bag-Ban Bylaw
The Plymouth effort has been postponed until their Oct. Town Meeting due to several unforseen issues:
Community Garden –
All plots are taken for 2016. Four gardeners lost their opportunity to sign up again for failing to clean up their plots post season. Mike reminded each several times. Two plots were deemed too shaded for continued use and have been “retired.” We are on the lookout for a new beekeeper.
AEC –
A mini-presentation was given by Barb Bartlett at the 2/2 meeting on Town energy usage and school roof-top solar plans. Barbara told us that we can fit 1.9MW of solar on the roofs of the new H.S. and Chandler which is much more than we thought possible. While great news, this project will bring our power purchase agreements up to 95% of Town electric usage which is over our intended maximum 80-85%. At 95%, the Town could be at risk of having to purchase more power than used during periods of low electric demand. It also puts us in a bind regarding Green Community status as part of G.C. is a plan to reduce energy usage by 20% in 5 years. Mitigating factors are that the GC reduction plan includes all energy sources, including natural gas, oil, gas for vehicles, and we may have some leeway to lower our commitment in one power purchase agreement. The AEC is double checking our power purchase agreements and our rooftop solar plans.
Mike Berry, DOER consultant, also gave a presentation on the Stretch Code for Green Community status. Some changes in building codes and improved understanding of the code should make it much easier to get Stretch adopted in Duxbury.
Other Business – Paul Mabey reports that Judi Vose’s presentation to the School Committee on highlighting Olga Owens Huckins and Rachel Carson in the H.S. Outdoor Center went well and her proposal was approved.
Our next meeting will be Wed., March 2, 2016, 7:30, at the Senior Center.
Susan Fontaine, Secretary.
Minutes – Approved.
Membership & Treasurer’s Report – No changes.
Education Committee - Solar Panel Publicity:
- Fenna’s article has been sent to the Clipper. Pam’s will be sent 2/17.
- Posters will be hung in French Memories, Foodies, Thrift Store, West Winds, Market Depot, Senior Center, Library, and the Coffee Shop and Bakery at Millbrook Corner. Contact Janis for more posters if needed.
- Marion (or Pam?) will contact Josh to request he publicize the Forum with his email list.
- Janis will send the poster to Jim & Susan who will forward it to SusSSh and the AEC.
- Marion will send out (or resend) press releases next week.
We have heard nothing back from the schools regarding official student participation. Call again? Marion & Pam will coordinate.
Mike reports that PAC TV is set to interview Josh and panel participants, and film a bit of the event.
Mike will talk with the 2 speakers regarding presentation materials and handouts, and is coordinating audio-visual equipment.
If Mike finds that neither speaker can provide handouts, then Susan will (try) to create one using Dick’s Clipper article and information from other contacts.
Janis (and Marion) will set up a meeting with Dave on 2/22 to check on presentation materials and last minute details.
Marion will put together small bios of speakers and pass it on to Josh for introductions.
It would be nice to have information on near term changes to net metering laws and caps. (Who was given this item? Susan?)
Susan will add up the number and KWs of solar installations in Duxbury in the past 5 years and try to gather a list of local installers.
We will arrive at the library by 6 the night of the event.
Bag-Ban Bylaw
The Plymouth effort has been postponed until their Oct. Town Meeting due to several unforseen issues:
- Plymouth FinCom wouldn’t pass the by-law warrant petition because it had not yet been reviewed and approved by the Board of Health, which is slated to enforce the by-law.
- The Plymouth Moderator wouldn’t allow it on the warrant because he thought it might be illegal.
- There is some confusion as to whether a citizen’s petition is the correct method to get it on the warrant because it is a by-law.
Community Garden –
All plots are taken for 2016. Four gardeners lost their opportunity to sign up again for failing to clean up their plots post season. Mike reminded each several times. Two plots were deemed too shaded for continued use and have been “retired.” We are on the lookout for a new beekeeper.
AEC –
A mini-presentation was given by Barb Bartlett at the 2/2 meeting on Town energy usage and school roof-top solar plans. Barbara told us that we can fit 1.9MW of solar on the roofs of the new H.S. and Chandler which is much more than we thought possible. While great news, this project will bring our power purchase agreements up to 95% of Town electric usage which is over our intended maximum 80-85%. At 95%, the Town could be at risk of having to purchase more power than used during periods of low electric demand. It also puts us in a bind regarding Green Community status as part of G.C. is a plan to reduce energy usage by 20% in 5 years. Mitigating factors are that the GC reduction plan includes all energy sources, including natural gas, oil, gas for vehicles, and we may have some leeway to lower our commitment in one power purchase agreement. The AEC is double checking our power purchase agreements and our rooftop solar plans.
Mike Berry, DOER consultant, also gave a presentation on the Stretch Code for Green Community status. Some changes in building codes and improved understanding of the code should make it much easier to get Stretch adopted in Duxbury.
- Stretch is much less of a stretch than in the past and has gained wider acceptance with builders, including those who operate in Duxbury.
- Stretch is easier on Historic houses than the Base Code because it includes Town as well as Federally recognized Historic Houses in its exemptions. It also offers much greater latitude in energy trade-offs for the builder to meet code.
Other Business – Paul Mabey reports that Judi Vose’s presentation to the School Committee on highlighting Olga Owens Huckins and Rachel Carson in the H.S. Outdoor Center went well and her proposal was approved.
Our next meeting will be Wed., March 2, 2016, 7:30, at the Senior Center.
Susan Fontaine, Secretary.
Meeting Minutes, November 4, 2015
ATTENDING: Fenna Hanes, Mike Wilson, Janis Owens, Dick Rothschild, Marion Thayer, Beth Hudako, Jim Savicki, Paul Mabey, Pam Magnarelli, Susan Fontaine, Judi Vose
Minutes
Minutes from the October meeting were approved.
Membership
Our signup so far: 8 families, 14 individuals. Beth will email our membership letter to Mike who will email it out to the membership list.
Recycling Committee
Janis Owens reported that a meeting was held. The committee discussed further meetings with Hannafords and Stop & Shop and determined that a more efficient use of our time would be spent on the ban the bag bylaw. Ken Stone of Plymouth is heading up a multi-town task force to look into writing a bylaw. We are coordinating efforts to research other towns that have passed bylaws to review their bylaws and find out what went into their efforts. We can then determine how we would all like to proceed with the wording of the bylaw and the process we must take to get the bylaw passed. Dick reached out to Kingston and we have Gene Wyatt volunteering to attend meetings. Janis reached out to Pembroke and Marshfield via Sustainable South Shore but has not heard from anyone as yet. Jim reminded us that Plymouth had attempted banning bags about 5 years ago.
Our committee also discussed working with local businesses on better recycling practices. We will also review the town wide recycling bins in the spring to see if there are more needed and where.
Education Committee
Two meetings with the library were held. The library wants to focus on solar energy. A panel discussion is being worked on for Thursday, February 25, which will consist of local residents that have experience with solar installation on their homes. Fenna is looking into Energy Sage which is funded by private money and works as a clearing house for what is available for customers. She will also investigate the Massachusetts Clean Energy Council and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. Fenna and Pam attended a panel on Energy hosted by Josh Cutler in Pembroke on October 29. Fenna will connect with him to see if he would like to collaborate with us. Susan brought up community solar option. Other panelists may consist of a representative to discuss what the town is doing in the way of solar energy.
Susan reported on the AEC. There is a contract with wind power in Plymouth. The AEC is looking for a mission. They want to look into some emergency planning such as using our solar panels for electricity when the power goes down. As of now we cannot tap into that power. We also opened up discussion on Green Communities. Susan handed out her very thorough report she had done 2 years ago. At that time the AEC felt the zoning and stretch code requirements were impossible. Susan still feels it is possible. Paul and Susan agreed to get together and see what kind of plan it would take to get GC through.
A meeting was held with the new science coordinator. There is an after school club run with the help of Island Creek Oysters, “Foodworks.” They are looking for ideas for curriculum for the winter term. They meet once per week on Thursdays.
Paul reported on the Outdoor Learning Area. We again agreed to co-sponsor goatscaping for help in cleaning up the area.
Community Garden
All cleaned up and over for the winter.
Nominations
Fenna announced that she will be resigning because she is moving in February. Nominations for officers was decided and needs to be sent out to the members: Co-Chairs: Mike Wilson and Janis Owens, Secretary: Susan Fontaine, Treasurer: Beth Hudacko. Once the membership has “voted” the officers will be ushered in during the December meeting.
Janis Owens, Secretary.
Minutes
Minutes from the October meeting were approved.
Membership
Our signup so far: 8 families, 14 individuals. Beth will email our membership letter to Mike who will email it out to the membership list.
Recycling Committee
Janis Owens reported that a meeting was held. The committee discussed further meetings with Hannafords and Stop & Shop and determined that a more efficient use of our time would be spent on the ban the bag bylaw. Ken Stone of Plymouth is heading up a multi-town task force to look into writing a bylaw. We are coordinating efforts to research other towns that have passed bylaws to review their bylaws and find out what went into their efforts. We can then determine how we would all like to proceed with the wording of the bylaw and the process we must take to get the bylaw passed. Dick reached out to Kingston and we have Gene Wyatt volunteering to attend meetings. Janis reached out to Pembroke and Marshfield via Sustainable South Shore but has not heard from anyone as yet. Jim reminded us that Plymouth had attempted banning bags about 5 years ago.
Our committee also discussed working with local businesses on better recycling practices. We will also review the town wide recycling bins in the spring to see if there are more needed and where.
Education Committee
Two meetings with the library were held. The library wants to focus on solar energy. A panel discussion is being worked on for Thursday, February 25, which will consist of local residents that have experience with solar installation on their homes. Fenna is looking into Energy Sage which is funded by private money and works as a clearing house for what is available for customers. She will also investigate the Massachusetts Clean Energy Council and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. Fenna and Pam attended a panel on Energy hosted by Josh Cutler in Pembroke on October 29. Fenna will connect with him to see if he would like to collaborate with us. Susan brought up community solar option. Other panelists may consist of a representative to discuss what the town is doing in the way of solar energy.
Susan reported on the AEC. There is a contract with wind power in Plymouth. The AEC is looking for a mission. They want to look into some emergency planning such as using our solar panels for electricity when the power goes down. As of now we cannot tap into that power. We also opened up discussion on Green Communities. Susan handed out her very thorough report she had done 2 years ago. At that time the AEC felt the zoning and stretch code requirements were impossible. Susan still feels it is possible. Paul and Susan agreed to get together and see what kind of plan it would take to get GC through.
A meeting was held with the new science coordinator. There is an after school club run with the help of Island Creek Oysters, “Foodworks.” They are looking for ideas for curriculum for the winter term. They meet once per week on Thursdays.
Paul reported on the Outdoor Learning Area. We again agreed to co-sponsor goatscaping for help in cleaning up the area.
Community Garden
All cleaned up and over for the winter.
Nominations
Fenna announced that she will be resigning because she is moving in February. Nominations for officers was decided and needs to be sent out to the members: Co-Chairs: Mike Wilson and Janis Owens, Secretary: Susan Fontaine, Treasurer: Beth Hudacko. Once the membership has “voted” the officers will be ushered in during the December meeting.
Janis Owens, Secretary.
Meeting Minutes, October 7, 2015
ATTENDING: Fenna Hanes, Mike Wilson, Janis Owens, Dick Rothschild, Marion Thayer, Bill Thayer, Beth Hudako, Jim Savicki, Paul Mabey, Deb Leeman, Ilene Horvitz, Pam Maganarelli, John Rusinack
Presentation by The Goatscaping Company
Elaine Philbrick did a presentation of her company of 3 years using goats for landscaping purposes. Out west in Washington and California goatscaping has been a big business for many years now, employing some 400 goats that live with goat wranglers, cleaning up highways and other large areas. Her company can do very small jobs, as small as 1/8 acre areas. She has 12 herds of 4 goats each. They rent by the week for $750/week. They already have 225 rental weeks with 150 customers over 70 towns. Information can be found on www.gogreengoat.com.
Minutes
Minutes from the September 2 meeting were approved.
Membership
Our signup so far: 5 families, 9 singles. An email reminder will be sent in one month.
Recycling Committee
Janis Owens reported that a meeting will be held prior to our November 7 meeting to discuss plans for the future.
Education Committee
Several members met with David Murphy of the library and he would like the library to concentrate on solar energy this year. We discussed various ways we could help with that. We discussed a panel discussion with neighbor representatives who have done varying things with solar in their homes. Pam Magnarelli would be willing to share her experience. She put up 13 solar panels through the Mass Save program and Next Step Living. They have not paid an electric bill since April. Last year they had enough credit to get through the winter. Dick mentioned going through NRG as he cannot do solar panels on his house. NRG has built and operates a solar farm in Massachusetts from which it furnishes the solar electricity generated to individual home owners. Electricity cost is below current utility rate and is guaranteed not to increase over the term of the contract. There are many ways to tap into solar energy. Fenna, Marion, and Pam may work together to get a panel together. The problem will be getting more people to come to the program. Dick wants to discuss ways we can broaden the audience for this. Janis mentioned advertising the program as a money saver. Paul mentioned bringing the panel discussion to various churches for their after service get togethers. We discussed what the school is doing with their panels. Fenna and Marion will try to find out more information.
Green communities was brought up again as if we were a green community we would get a lot of grant money to help put these energy programs into action. Janis will email Susan Fontaine of the AEC to find out what happened with our becoming a Green Community.
Paul went to the Outdoor Learning Area meeting. Behind the middle school they have put up a sign at the beginning of the trail. They have spoken with Wildlands Trust who offered to help the school clean out the invasive plants and vines in the area. We also talked about helping them to clean up the area.
Community Garden
There are 10 productive plots still. The committee is encouraging members to come clean up their plots. The committee wants to focus on developing a sub-committee to set up a system for a food pantry.
Other Business
Janis said she would look into Mass Power Forward.
Our next meeting will be Wed., November 7, 2015, 7:30, at the Senior Center.
Janis Owens, Secretary.
Presentation by The Goatscaping Company
Elaine Philbrick did a presentation of her company of 3 years using goats for landscaping purposes. Out west in Washington and California goatscaping has been a big business for many years now, employing some 400 goats that live with goat wranglers, cleaning up highways and other large areas. Her company can do very small jobs, as small as 1/8 acre areas. She has 12 herds of 4 goats each. They rent by the week for $750/week. They already have 225 rental weeks with 150 customers over 70 towns. Information can be found on www.gogreengoat.com.
Minutes
Minutes from the September 2 meeting were approved.
Membership
Our signup so far: 5 families, 9 singles. An email reminder will be sent in one month.
Recycling Committee
Janis Owens reported that a meeting will be held prior to our November 7 meeting to discuss plans for the future.
Education Committee
Several members met with David Murphy of the library and he would like the library to concentrate on solar energy this year. We discussed various ways we could help with that. We discussed a panel discussion with neighbor representatives who have done varying things with solar in their homes. Pam Magnarelli would be willing to share her experience. She put up 13 solar panels through the Mass Save program and Next Step Living. They have not paid an electric bill since April. Last year they had enough credit to get through the winter. Dick mentioned going through NRG as he cannot do solar panels on his house. NRG has built and operates a solar farm in Massachusetts from which it furnishes the solar electricity generated to individual home owners. Electricity cost is below current utility rate and is guaranteed not to increase over the term of the contract. There are many ways to tap into solar energy. Fenna, Marion, and Pam may work together to get a panel together. The problem will be getting more people to come to the program. Dick wants to discuss ways we can broaden the audience for this. Janis mentioned advertising the program as a money saver. Paul mentioned bringing the panel discussion to various churches for their after service get togethers. We discussed what the school is doing with their panels. Fenna and Marion will try to find out more information.
Green communities was brought up again as if we were a green community we would get a lot of grant money to help put these energy programs into action. Janis will email Susan Fontaine of the AEC to find out what happened with our becoming a Green Community.
Paul went to the Outdoor Learning Area meeting. Behind the middle school they have put up a sign at the beginning of the trail. They have spoken with Wildlands Trust who offered to help the school clean out the invasive plants and vines in the area. We also talked about helping them to clean up the area.
Community Garden
There are 10 productive plots still. The committee is encouraging members to come clean up their plots. The committee wants to focus on developing a sub-committee to set up a system for a food pantry.
Other Business
Janis said she would look into Mass Power Forward.
Our next meeting will be Wed., November 7, 2015, 7:30, at the Senior Center.
Janis Owens, Secretary.
Meeting Minutes, September 2, 2015
Present: Jim Savicki, Dick Rothschild, Marion Thayer, Paul Mabey, Fenna Hanes and guest Pam Magnarelli
Minutes: Were approved as read except that the date for the September meeting had a typo. The minutes said September 3rd and the actual meeting was on September 2nd.
Membership Report: There was no membership report as Beth Hudacko was not present. Paul Mabey made a suggestion to increase membership by renewing memberships in September rather than January since a number of people go away for the winter and may not receive our renewal information. In addition, with the holidays, renewing one’s membership may slip between the cracks. Jim Savicki made a motion to change membership renewal from January to September. Paul Mabey seconded the motion. The members present accepted the motion. Fenna will contact Beth to ask her to send out the renewal letter in September. The dues will stay the same at $20.
Treasury Report: There was no treasury report as Beth Hudacko was not present.
Recycling Committee Report: Committee Chair Janis Owens was not at the meeting. There was discussion about the Argument column in the August 23rd Boston Globe South section both pro and con responses to the question, “Should Massachusetts institute a statewide ban on single use plastic bags?” We agreed that more discussion needed to be had with the goal of holding a recycling committee meeting prior to our next full committee on October 7th. Since committee chair Janis Owens was not at the meeting, Fenna will send her an email with the following two questions: 1) when will she be back from her trip so she can schedule a committee meeting; 2) would she follow up with Clint Richmond a person from Brookline who contacted us and was involved in banning plastic bags in Brookline.
Education Committee Report: Committee Chair Fenna Hanes reported that Kathy L. McCarthy is the new science coordinator for the Duxbury middle and high school since Cheryl Lewis now holds another position at the school. Fenna has reached out to her but she has not been able to connect with her. She will try again and will ask to set up a meeting to discuss possible collaborations. Pam Magnarelli, who has worked at the Duxbury schools offered to join the Education Committee. Paul reminded us that he is a member of the Outdoor Learning Center Committee and will keep us posted on its progress. Paul mentioned the “Food Matters” program at the Middle School.
Community Garden Committee Report: Jim reported that the gardens are slowing down. PACTV did a follow-up video showing the abundance of produce and flowers that have grown since the initial video in the spring. Fenna will ask Co-Chair Mike Wilson to send the link to the video to our membership email list and ask Janice to post the link on the SD website. We talked about planning to provide produce for the Duxbury Food Pantry next year. Paul and Marion volunteered to help Jim with this work.
Plans for coming year activities: Fenna reported that David Murphy from the Duxbury Free Library had contacted her regarding collaborations during this year’s program year. The focus of the programs will be solar energy. It was mentioned that the Boston Globe had a section on solar energy in the Living section this past Sunday. Fenna and Marion will schedule a meeting with David to talk about possibly co-sponsoring some meetings. An issue for SD is the low attendance rate at our previous education programs at the Library.
Fenna will submit a brief article about our monthly meetings and a message for the Calendar section to the Clipper to generate interest in our work.
We ran out of time so the other suggested activities for the coming year: Collaboration with the business community and Composting were postponed until our October meeting.
New Business-Spiritual and Sustainable Update: Jim Savicki reported that Lois Wood’s “Spiritual and Sustainable” initiative regarding a collaboration among the 12 houses of worship in Duxbury to become more “Green” has been dropped due to lack of participation by enough of the houses of worship. Lois had presented the initiative at our May 2015 meeting.
October meeting: The October meeting will be held, Wednesday, October 7, 2015 from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm in the Walker Room at the Duxbury Senior Center. Elaine Mullin from the Goatscaping Company will make a presentation about her work.
Submitted by Fenna Hanes, Co-Chair
Minutes: Were approved as read except that the date for the September meeting had a typo. The minutes said September 3rd and the actual meeting was on September 2nd.
Membership Report: There was no membership report as Beth Hudacko was not present. Paul Mabey made a suggestion to increase membership by renewing memberships in September rather than January since a number of people go away for the winter and may not receive our renewal information. In addition, with the holidays, renewing one’s membership may slip between the cracks. Jim Savicki made a motion to change membership renewal from January to September. Paul Mabey seconded the motion. The members present accepted the motion. Fenna will contact Beth to ask her to send out the renewal letter in September. The dues will stay the same at $20.
Treasury Report: There was no treasury report as Beth Hudacko was not present.
Recycling Committee Report: Committee Chair Janis Owens was not at the meeting. There was discussion about the Argument column in the August 23rd Boston Globe South section both pro and con responses to the question, “Should Massachusetts institute a statewide ban on single use plastic bags?” We agreed that more discussion needed to be had with the goal of holding a recycling committee meeting prior to our next full committee on October 7th. Since committee chair Janis Owens was not at the meeting, Fenna will send her an email with the following two questions: 1) when will she be back from her trip so she can schedule a committee meeting; 2) would she follow up with Clint Richmond a person from Brookline who contacted us and was involved in banning plastic bags in Brookline.
Education Committee Report: Committee Chair Fenna Hanes reported that Kathy L. McCarthy is the new science coordinator for the Duxbury middle and high school since Cheryl Lewis now holds another position at the school. Fenna has reached out to her but she has not been able to connect with her. She will try again and will ask to set up a meeting to discuss possible collaborations. Pam Magnarelli, who has worked at the Duxbury schools offered to join the Education Committee. Paul reminded us that he is a member of the Outdoor Learning Center Committee and will keep us posted on its progress. Paul mentioned the “Food Matters” program at the Middle School.
Community Garden Committee Report: Jim reported that the gardens are slowing down. PACTV did a follow-up video showing the abundance of produce and flowers that have grown since the initial video in the spring. Fenna will ask Co-Chair Mike Wilson to send the link to the video to our membership email list and ask Janice to post the link on the SD website. We talked about planning to provide produce for the Duxbury Food Pantry next year. Paul and Marion volunteered to help Jim with this work.
Plans for coming year activities: Fenna reported that David Murphy from the Duxbury Free Library had contacted her regarding collaborations during this year’s program year. The focus of the programs will be solar energy. It was mentioned that the Boston Globe had a section on solar energy in the Living section this past Sunday. Fenna and Marion will schedule a meeting with David to talk about possibly co-sponsoring some meetings. An issue for SD is the low attendance rate at our previous education programs at the Library.
Fenna will submit a brief article about our monthly meetings and a message for the Calendar section to the Clipper to generate interest in our work.
We ran out of time so the other suggested activities for the coming year: Collaboration with the business community and Composting were postponed until our October meeting.
New Business-Spiritual and Sustainable Update: Jim Savicki reported that Lois Wood’s “Spiritual and Sustainable” initiative regarding a collaboration among the 12 houses of worship in Duxbury to become more “Green” has been dropped due to lack of participation by enough of the houses of worship. Lois had presented the initiative at our May 2015 meeting.
October meeting: The October meeting will be held, Wednesday, October 7, 2015 from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm in the Walker Room at the Duxbury Senior Center. Elaine Mullin from the Goatscaping Company will make a presentation about her work.
Submitted by Fenna Hanes, Co-Chair
Meeting Minutes, February 4, 2015
Present: Beth Hudacko, Paul Mabey, Jim Savicki, Burkhard Schuettler, Marion Thayer, Mike Wilson
Minutes: From the December 3, 2014 meeting were read and approved.
Membership: Beth has send out dues letter.
Treasurerʼs report: It was voted on and approved to spend up to $300 for an ad in the Clipper for the upcoming Feb. 26 panel discussion.
Recycling committee: Members of the committee reported on the meeting held at Stop and Shop on January 20 with representatives of Stop and Shop and Hannafordʼs and Brian Houghton of Mass. Food Association. Discussion centered on the possible banning of plastic bags. The representatives stated that they have exceeded their current goal of 30% reduction of plastic bag use and believe that there will eventually be a statewide mandate for further reduction. It was agreed that they would continue to explore ways to reduce use of plastic bags and that Sustainable Duxbury would work on ways we might assist them in the effort. Another meeting is scheduled for March 3, 2015.
Community Garden: Most of the plots are taken for this summer. The Duxbury Middle School wants a plot for their “Food Matters” program. Education committee: The Jan. 22 showing of the “Symphony of the Soil” film at the Library was well attended and received. Posters for the panel discussion of “Brown is the New Green” to be held at the Library on Feb. 26, 2015 were distributed to members to post around town.
New business: Tracy Mayo of the Board of Health would like a member of Sustainable Duxbury to attend their meetings.
The next meeting of Sustainable Duxbury will be held on Wednesday March 4, 2015.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:50pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Marion Thayer
Minutes: From the December 3, 2014 meeting were read and approved.
Membership: Beth has send out dues letter.
Treasurerʼs report: It was voted on and approved to spend up to $300 for an ad in the Clipper for the upcoming Feb. 26 panel discussion.
Recycling committee: Members of the committee reported on the meeting held at Stop and Shop on January 20 with representatives of Stop and Shop and Hannafordʼs and Brian Houghton of Mass. Food Association. Discussion centered on the possible banning of plastic bags. The representatives stated that they have exceeded their current goal of 30% reduction of plastic bag use and believe that there will eventually be a statewide mandate for further reduction. It was agreed that they would continue to explore ways to reduce use of plastic bags and that Sustainable Duxbury would work on ways we might assist them in the effort. Another meeting is scheduled for March 3, 2015.
Community Garden: Most of the plots are taken for this summer. The Duxbury Middle School wants a plot for their “Food Matters” program. Education committee: The Jan. 22 showing of the “Symphony of the Soil” film at the Library was well attended and received. Posters for the panel discussion of “Brown is the New Green” to be held at the Library on Feb. 26, 2015 were distributed to members to post around town.
New business: Tracy Mayo of the Board of Health would like a member of Sustainable Duxbury to attend their meetings.
The next meeting of Sustainable Duxbury will be held on Wednesday March 4, 2015.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:50pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Marion Thayer
Meeting Minutes, January 8, 2015
ATTENDING: Fenna Hanes, Mike Wilson, Janis Owens, Dick Rothschild, Marion Thayer, Beth Hudako, Paul Mabey, Jim Savicki and Susan Fontaine.
Minutes: Minutes of December meeting approved.
Membership Report: Beth will update our membership renewal letter and mail it out.
Treasury Report: Beth will send a check to Cranberry Hospice.
Nominations:
Co-chairs: Fenna Hanes and Mike Wilson
Secretary: Janis Owens
Treasurer: Beth Hudacko
A motion was made and seconded. Everyone voted yes on the slate.
Recycling Committee: Dick Rothschild offered to organize a meeting with the three major food stores in our area: Stop & Shop, Hannaford, and Foodies about eliminating/reducing the amount of plastic bags. Instead of going the legislative route we could accomplish this voluntarily. We will probably be meeting at Stop & Shop and the meeting will include Brien Houghton of the Mass Food Association.
Paul Mabey would like to invite Tracy Mayo, Board of Health director to one of our meetings to discuss community business recycling practices. The Business Association will be contacted by Janis Owens. Dick suggested going to the state to find out about enforcing recycling laws.
Community Garden: Jim is doing signups. They have until Jan 10 to sign up. The aquatics club run by Chris Sherman wants a plot. They will need to come up with a plan to send the kids over all summer.
Film Series: Fenna has sent out publicity to Globe South, Patriot Ledger, Clipper, WATD, Wicked Local, PAC TV, Newcomers Club, Garden Club. Jim is looking into seeing who the town’s person that is working with the Greenscapes Program. We will send a flyer and press release to our mailing list. We discussed distribution of the flyer to various locations in the area: Hall’s Corner, DBMS, Kingston and Marshfield super markets.
Other Business: Susan discussed a bylaw on town meeting agenda about ground mounted solar panels. The Planning Board is currently discussing this bylaw at the Jan 12 meeting. It is an article on the town meeting warrant.
Our next meeting will be Wed., 2/4/15, 7:30, at the Senior Center.
Janis Owens, Secretary.
Minutes: Minutes of December meeting approved.
Membership Report: Beth will update our membership renewal letter and mail it out.
Treasury Report: Beth will send a check to Cranberry Hospice.
Nominations:
Co-chairs: Fenna Hanes and Mike Wilson
Secretary: Janis Owens
Treasurer: Beth Hudacko
A motion was made and seconded. Everyone voted yes on the slate.
Recycling Committee: Dick Rothschild offered to organize a meeting with the three major food stores in our area: Stop & Shop, Hannaford, and Foodies about eliminating/reducing the amount of plastic bags. Instead of going the legislative route we could accomplish this voluntarily. We will probably be meeting at Stop & Shop and the meeting will include Brien Houghton of the Mass Food Association.
Paul Mabey would like to invite Tracy Mayo, Board of Health director to one of our meetings to discuss community business recycling practices. The Business Association will be contacted by Janis Owens. Dick suggested going to the state to find out about enforcing recycling laws.
Community Garden: Jim is doing signups. They have until Jan 10 to sign up. The aquatics club run by Chris Sherman wants a plot. They will need to come up with a plan to send the kids over all summer.
Film Series: Fenna has sent out publicity to Globe South, Patriot Ledger, Clipper, WATD, Wicked Local, PAC TV, Newcomers Club, Garden Club. Jim is looking into seeing who the town’s person that is working with the Greenscapes Program. We will send a flyer and press release to our mailing list. We discussed distribution of the flyer to various locations in the area: Hall’s Corner, DBMS, Kingston and Marshfield super markets.
Other Business: Susan discussed a bylaw on town meeting agenda about ground mounted solar panels. The Planning Board is currently discussing this bylaw at the Jan 12 meeting. It is an article on the town meeting warrant.
Our next meeting will be Wed., 2/4/15, 7:30, at the Senior Center.
Janis Owens, Secretary.
Meeting Minutes, December 3, 2014
Present: Fenna Hanes, Mike Wilson, Janis Owens, Marion Thayer, Dick Rothschild
Nomination of Officers:
Fenna Hanes and Mike Wilson for co-chair, one more year
Janis Owens, Secretary
Beth Hudacko, Treasurer
Letter to be sent to membership and voting to take place at January meeting.
Recycling committee update:
Paul reported via email that he has not gotten in touch with the Board of Health yet but is working on it. Janis Owens to get in touch with Duxbury Business Association to discuss their recycling efforts at various businesses in town.
A discussion ensued, led by Dick Rothschild about his recent visit to Santa Barbara where they have adopted the Single-Use Carryout Bag Ordinance. The ordinance prohibits certain stores from providing single-use plastic carryout bags to customers at the point of sale and requires a 10-cent charge for each paper bag provided to customers. The 10-cent charge on paper bags may be retained by stores for use in complying with the ordinance. Dick is going to look into arranging a meeting with our surrounding grocery stores (Hannaford, Stop & Shop, Roche Brothers, Shaws) to discuss the possible adoption of a similar practice here.
Community Garden: Mike reported that Jim is working on a letter to the gardeners. Jon McClusky’s mother passed away recently. We voted to donate $100 to Cranberry Hospice in her memory.
Film Committee: We discussed possible participants in the Panel discussion scheduled for February 26 at the library. Jim spoke with Greenscapes (www.greenscapes.org), a group of local organizations that work together to educate the public about water conservation and protection. They have an education arm that discusses lawns and garden care.
Our film schedule is:
January 22: Symphony of the Soil
February 26: Panel Discussion
March 19: Dirt
Janis spoke with Tod Breitenstein from South Shore Organics who is willing to be part of the panel to discuss soil and composting and building gardens.
Our next meeting will be Wednesday, January 7, 2015.
Submitted by Janis Owens
Nomination of Officers:
Fenna Hanes and Mike Wilson for co-chair, one more year
Janis Owens, Secretary
Beth Hudacko, Treasurer
Letter to be sent to membership and voting to take place at January meeting.
Recycling committee update:
Paul reported via email that he has not gotten in touch with the Board of Health yet but is working on it. Janis Owens to get in touch with Duxbury Business Association to discuss their recycling efforts at various businesses in town.
A discussion ensued, led by Dick Rothschild about his recent visit to Santa Barbara where they have adopted the Single-Use Carryout Bag Ordinance. The ordinance prohibits certain stores from providing single-use plastic carryout bags to customers at the point of sale and requires a 10-cent charge for each paper bag provided to customers. The 10-cent charge on paper bags may be retained by stores for use in complying with the ordinance. Dick is going to look into arranging a meeting with our surrounding grocery stores (Hannaford, Stop & Shop, Roche Brothers, Shaws) to discuss the possible adoption of a similar practice here.
Community Garden: Mike reported that Jim is working on a letter to the gardeners. Jon McClusky’s mother passed away recently. We voted to donate $100 to Cranberry Hospice in her memory.
Film Committee: We discussed possible participants in the Panel discussion scheduled for February 26 at the library. Jim spoke with Greenscapes (www.greenscapes.org), a group of local organizations that work together to educate the public about water conservation and protection. They have an education arm that discusses lawns and garden care.
Our film schedule is:
January 22: Symphony of the Soil
February 26: Panel Discussion
March 19: Dirt
Janis spoke with Tod Breitenstein from South Shore Organics who is willing to be part of the panel to discuss soil and composting and building gardens.
Our next meeting will be Wednesday, January 7, 2015.
Submitted by Janis Owens
Meeting Minutes, November 5, 2014
Present: Fenna Hanes, Mike Wilson, Janis Owens, Jim Savicki, Susan Fontaine, Beth Hudacko, Paul Mabey, Marion Thayer, Bill Thayer, Mia Antonia, Paul Mabey, Burkhard Shuettler, Margie Canty, Lewis Randa
Speaker – Mary Lampert, executive director of Pilgrim Watch (http://www.pilgrimwatch.org) spoke to us about Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station. She presented a power point supported talk about the problems with nuclear power in general and in particular, Entergy’s Pilgrim Station. We received copies of this presentation [this is available to anyone interested].
Highlights included:
• Her position that nuclear power should not be considered for clean energy credit. The DEP is drafting a ruling on carbon emission. Final draft is due end of year. The question is should Pilgrim get credit as a clean energy source. How to define “clean”: it means emitting no carbon which nuclear power would qualify as clean under this definition. The broader picture however, is that nuclear is not clean when looked at from the entire fuel cycle from mining to processing into fuel.
Her presentation went on to describe the many problems with nuclear power and Pilgrim:
• Accidents: there have been 5 meltdowns in 35 years. It could happen.
• Pilgrim is the same design as Fukushima so parallels can be drawn.
• The design is a flawed design from the start. The biggest risk is a spent fuel rod fuel pool fire.
• Another risk is the dry cask storage: location, monitoring and security problems.
• Security is a big risk factor. The plant is very vulnerable by sea and air. Land is better but not good.
• Station blackout could happen. The largest factor in the Fukushima meltdown was power loss. Pilgrim has only 2 main diesel generators and only 8 hours in battery backup.
• Flooding: the station is very close to sea level and the level is rising due to climate change.
• Seismic issues: “The new seismic hazard was found to exceed the safe shutdown.”
• Aging plant requires more maintenance. It is 42 years old. Pilgrim is currently losing money and therefore, Entergy will not spend enough on maintenance.
• There are health issues in areas surrounding nuclear plants. Elevated cancer rates have been documented.
• Cape Cod bay is being used to cool the plant. This adversely affects the wildlife and quality of the bay.
• The main issue is do we really need Pilgrim. Are these huge risks really worth the amount of power it generates.
Submitted by Janis Owens
Speaker – Mary Lampert, executive director of Pilgrim Watch (http://www.pilgrimwatch.org) spoke to us about Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station. She presented a power point supported talk about the problems with nuclear power in general and in particular, Entergy’s Pilgrim Station. We received copies of this presentation [this is available to anyone interested].
Highlights included:
• Her position that nuclear power should not be considered for clean energy credit. The DEP is drafting a ruling on carbon emission. Final draft is due end of year. The question is should Pilgrim get credit as a clean energy source. How to define “clean”: it means emitting no carbon which nuclear power would qualify as clean under this definition. The broader picture however, is that nuclear is not clean when looked at from the entire fuel cycle from mining to processing into fuel.
Her presentation went on to describe the many problems with nuclear power and Pilgrim:
• Accidents: there have been 5 meltdowns in 35 years. It could happen.
• Pilgrim is the same design as Fukushima so parallels can be drawn.
• The design is a flawed design from the start. The biggest risk is a spent fuel rod fuel pool fire.
• Another risk is the dry cask storage: location, monitoring and security problems.
• Security is a big risk factor. The plant is very vulnerable by sea and air. Land is better but not good.
• Station blackout could happen. The largest factor in the Fukushima meltdown was power loss. Pilgrim has only 2 main diesel generators and only 8 hours in battery backup.
• Flooding: the station is very close to sea level and the level is rising due to climate change.
• Seismic issues: “The new seismic hazard was found to exceed the safe shutdown.”
• Aging plant requires more maintenance. It is 42 years old. Pilgrim is currently losing money and therefore, Entergy will not spend enough on maintenance.
• There are health issues in areas surrounding nuclear plants. Elevated cancer rates have been documented.
• Cape Cod bay is being used to cool the plant. This adversely affects the wildlife and quality of the bay.
• The main issue is do we really need Pilgrim. Are these huge risks really worth the amount of power it generates.
Submitted by Janis Owens
Meeting Minutes, October 8, 2014
Present: Fenna Hanes, Beth Hudacko, Paul Mabey, Marion Thayer, Mike Wilson, Janis Owens, Jim Savicki, Susan Fontaine, Mia Antonia
Minutes – From September were approved.
Membership – Beth: Nothing to report.
AEC news and update – Susan Fontaine: The Plymouth Future Generation Wind turbine project is on track and may begin construction as early as spring ’15. The AEC added three new members, increasing its size from eleven to thirteen.
Bottle Bill – The updated Bottle Bill Citizens Petition will be on the November ballot. Paul brought some posters and flyers for us to use and hand out supplied by the Audubon Society. Jim will work on setting up a table prior to the election. Website will be updated with information. Members will be emailed and asked to help. Paul is on the Twitter team. Go to Facebook for the Yes on 2 page and like it.
Recycling Committee – The committee will have more news after they meet again. Paul reported about composting. The town is not ready to go with a plan working with Positive Effects. Peter needs more facts and figures. He will then decide.
Community Gardens – Jim is trying to get the cleanup done. 6 people are on the waiting list for next year.
Education Committee – Fenna and Marion are preparing for a presentation at Elements, the Montessori school in Duxbury for Tuesday, October 14 at 8:30 AM.
Films: We talked about presenting “Symphony of the Soil”. It costs $200 for the new film (the older film is Dirt is only $39. Symphony is an update.) Jim suggested possibly showing both films. We talked about looking for sponsors to help co-sponsor. We will be touching base with David at the library to set some dates. We also talked about getting someone to do a presentation.
Next meeting: Mary Lampert of Pilgrim Watch (http://www.pilgrimwatch.org) has been invited to our next meeting. We discussed ways to get out the word and have more people come. Send out 2 emails, one for save the date. Susan will invite the AEC members. We will give her 1 hour. Post on website.
New Business – Paul announced that Pembroke will be having a Pembroke Clean Streets event on October 19 from 12 to 2.
Next meeting - The next meeting will be November 5, 2014 at the Senior Center.
Submitted by Janis Owens
Minutes – From September were approved.
Membership – Beth: Nothing to report.
AEC news and update – Susan Fontaine: The Plymouth Future Generation Wind turbine project is on track and may begin construction as early as spring ’15. The AEC added three new members, increasing its size from eleven to thirteen.
Bottle Bill – The updated Bottle Bill Citizens Petition will be on the November ballot. Paul brought some posters and flyers for us to use and hand out supplied by the Audubon Society. Jim will work on setting up a table prior to the election. Website will be updated with information. Members will be emailed and asked to help. Paul is on the Twitter team. Go to Facebook for the Yes on 2 page and like it.
Recycling Committee – The committee will have more news after they meet again. Paul reported about composting. The town is not ready to go with a plan working with Positive Effects. Peter needs more facts and figures. He will then decide.
Community Gardens – Jim is trying to get the cleanup done. 6 people are on the waiting list for next year.
Education Committee – Fenna and Marion are preparing for a presentation at Elements, the Montessori school in Duxbury for Tuesday, October 14 at 8:30 AM.
Films: We talked about presenting “Symphony of the Soil”. It costs $200 for the new film (the older film is Dirt is only $39. Symphony is an update.) Jim suggested possibly showing both films. We talked about looking for sponsors to help co-sponsor. We will be touching base with David at the library to set some dates. We also talked about getting someone to do a presentation.
Next meeting: Mary Lampert of Pilgrim Watch (http://www.pilgrimwatch.org) has been invited to our next meeting. We discussed ways to get out the word and have more people come. Send out 2 emails, one for save the date. Susan will invite the AEC members. We will give her 1 hour. Post on website.
New Business – Paul announced that Pembroke will be having a Pembroke Clean Streets event on October 19 from 12 to 2.
Next meeting - The next meeting will be November 5, 2014 at the Senior Center.
Submitted by Janis Owens
Meeting Minutes, September 3, 2014
Present: Fenna Hanes, Beth Hudacko, Paul Mabey, Burkhard Schuettler, Marion Thayer, Mike Wilson, Janis Owens, Jim Savicki
Minutes – From June 4 were approved and ready to go on the website.
Membership – Beth: Nothing new.
Bottle Bill – The updated Bottle Bill Citizens Petition will be on the November ballot. If voted in with a majority, it will become law. We discussed whether we should send a letter to the Clipper asking for people to vote YES on this issue. We would like the letter into the Clipper for October 15 with a letter response (perhaps by Paul) October 22. We should also email the membership just before election day to encourage a vote of “yes.”
Recycling Committee – The committee will have more news after they meet again, October 15. It seems like recycling in Duxbury is being fairly well, with good signage at the transfer station. Compliance is good. Paul Mabey mentioned providing the town with a QRC symbol so people can scan and go directly to the web for information on recycling.
Positive Effects (PE): Paul updated us on PE plan. They can receive grant money to help towns with composting if they get towns to sign up for their services. Towns can sign up for free and the grant will pay for the buckets that can be handed out to residents. PE will have a truck at the transfer station to accept the composting materials. Peter Butkus is reluctant to be the first town to sign up. We discussed encouraging the town and Peter to go forward on this project.
Community Gardens – Jim mentioned having an idea for the showing of a film about sustainable gardening that would interest the Community Garden and other members of SusDux: “Dirt.” $40 to buy and show. We also discussed “A Symphony of the Soil,” a newer documentary from the people who did “The Future of Food.” The library is interested in this topic and co-hosting a film with us. We discussed doing a preview of the movies. (They both can be seen in their entirety on YouTube.)
We also discussed a possible contribution of food from the community garden going to the food pantry but we would need someone from CG to come forward and coordinate this.
Education Committee – Elements, the Montessori school in Duxbury, requested a presentation from us for Tuesday, October 14 at 8:30 AM. Fenna and Marion offered to do this presentation.
We received a contact form from Wendy Dameron of the Cub Scouts (Cub Scout Pack 62) also requested a presentation for January 13 at 7 PM. We want to know how old and how large the group will be. Jim and Mike will help with us and Mike will contact them.
New Business – September 21 there is a rally/parade in New york City organized by 350.org and 350ma.org. Information is on our website. Information will be sent out to our members. Cheryl Lewis at the school will be sent information by Jim Savicki. Jim is going to the rally.
We discussed inviting Pixie Lambert of Pilgrim Coalition to come speak at one of our meetings.
Next meeting - The next meeting will be the second Wednesday of October, Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at the Senior Center.
Submitted by Janis Owens
Minutes – From June 4 were approved and ready to go on the website.
Membership – Beth: Nothing new.
Bottle Bill – The updated Bottle Bill Citizens Petition will be on the November ballot. If voted in with a majority, it will become law. We discussed whether we should send a letter to the Clipper asking for people to vote YES on this issue. We would like the letter into the Clipper for October 15 with a letter response (perhaps by Paul) October 22. We should also email the membership just before election day to encourage a vote of “yes.”
Recycling Committee – The committee will have more news after they meet again, October 15. It seems like recycling in Duxbury is being fairly well, with good signage at the transfer station. Compliance is good. Paul Mabey mentioned providing the town with a QRC symbol so people can scan and go directly to the web for information on recycling.
Positive Effects (PE): Paul updated us on PE plan. They can receive grant money to help towns with composting if they get towns to sign up for their services. Towns can sign up for free and the grant will pay for the buckets that can be handed out to residents. PE will have a truck at the transfer station to accept the composting materials. Peter Butkus is reluctant to be the first town to sign up. We discussed encouraging the town and Peter to go forward on this project.
Community Gardens – Jim mentioned having an idea for the showing of a film about sustainable gardening that would interest the Community Garden and other members of SusDux: “Dirt.” $40 to buy and show. We also discussed “A Symphony of the Soil,” a newer documentary from the people who did “The Future of Food.” The library is interested in this topic and co-hosting a film with us. We discussed doing a preview of the movies. (They both can be seen in their entirety on YouTube.)
We also discussed a possible contribution of food from the community garden going to the food pantry but we would need someone from CG to come forward and coordinate this.
Education Committee – Elements, the Montessori school in Duxbury, requested a presentation from us for Tuesday, October 14 at 8:30 AM. Fenna and Marion offered to do this presentation.
We received a contact form from Wendy Dameron of the Cub Scouts (Cub Scout Pack 62) also requested a presentation for January 13 at 7 PM. We want to know how old and how large the group will be. Jim and Mike will help with us and Mike will contact them.
New Business – September 21 there is a rally/parade in New york City organized by 350.org and 350ma.org. Information is on our website. Information will be sent out to our members. Cheryl Lewis at the school will be sent information by Jim Savicki. Jim is going to the rally.
We discussed inviting Pixie Lambert of Pilgrim Coalition to come speak at one of our meetings.
Next meeting - The next meeting will be the second Wednesday of October, Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at the Senior Center.
Submitted by Janis Owens
Meeting Minutes, June 4, 2014
Present: Wendell Cerne, Susan Fontaine, Fenna Hanes, Beth Hudacko, Paul Mabey, Dick Rothchild, Burkhard Schuettler, Marion Thayer, Judi Vose, Mike Wilson
Minutes – Dick Rothchild suggested a change to the minutes regarding the proposed Tree By-law as follow as follows:
Fenna Hanes will tell Lorrie Hall that we like the idea of a protective tree bylaw but cannot support one until we know the specifics. For example, what size trees, located where, and how would such a bylaw be enforced? As it turns out, Fenna had already contacted Lorrie Hall by email but the essence of the message she sent was the same: we need more information before we could support the proposed by-law.
Membership – We received two more membership payments at the meeting tonight. The total paid membership is 35. Beth passed out a revised list of members’ contact information.
Bottle Bill – Additional signatures were due to Jim S. by Monday, June 2nd. The House and Senate have not yet arrived at a compromise bill and it is very likely that the measure will go on the ballot for the November election.
Recycling Committee – A meeting of the committee had been scheduled for Tuesday, June 3rd with a representative of the Integrated Paper Recycling, the organization that handles Duxbury’s single stream waste, but it has been rescheduled to Tuesday, June 10, 2014 at 7:00 pm at Janis Owens house. Committee members will bring items that are questionable if they are recyclable or not to the meeting to help us determine what is recyclable or not. Burkhard is working on a flyer that uses a QR code that goes to a list of what can be recycled or not. The flyer also has a link to the South Shore Recycling Cooperative that has a list of what is recyclable or not. Paul and Burkhard will check with Bruce O’Neil at the transfer station about posting information at the dump. Burkhard also talked about the use of social media and there was interest in having a student come to a future meeting to show the committee how to use it.
We talked about follow up with Positive Effects (PE), which made a presentation to the committee and to the town officials a couple of months ago. Paul will follow up with PE to check on the status
Community Gardens – All 23 plots have been planted and the plots are being watered. There are plans to cover the blueberry bushes. It was suggested that Jim send an email to the gardeners and the SD member list asking for help with this project. It was also suggested that we invite John McClusky, the trustee of the property, to be a guest at a future meeting to thank him for his support and to talk about future collaborations.
Education Committee – The Outdoor Science Learning Center at the new school has dropped the word “Science” since it will incorporate more than science, in particular, there is a great connection to the history of the property. Judi and Paul will be attending the next meeting of the committee tomorrow, June 5, 2014.
Movie Committee – Paul attended a showing of sustainability films in Boston and recommended a movie called “Symphony of the Soil” that was recently released. We have to figure out how we can obtain it. Judi said she may have a contact at a source called E Inc. Fenna is talking with a lawyer in town to get an assessment on showing a movie called “Unacceptable Levels.” This is still a work in progress.
New Business – Judi Vose was honored with a “Speak for Thyself” award from the Alden Kindred. Dick asked about the status of the “no free bags” initiative and it was suggested that this would be a good initiative for the recycling committee. He will bring it up at their next meeting.
The Alternative Energy Committee – Susan reported that the AEC is reviewing its mission since it has primarily completed its stated goals regarding alternative energy sources.
Next meeting - The next meeting will be Wednesday, September 3, 2014 at the Senior Center. It was suggested that the various committees meet during the summer to keep the momentum going.
Minutes – Dick Rothchild suggested a change to the minutes regarding the proposed Tree By-law as follow as follows:
Fenna Hanes will tell Lorrie Hall that we like the idea of a protective tree bylaw but cannot support one until we know the specifics. For example, what size trees, located where, and how would such a bylaw be enforced? As it turns out, Fenna had already contacted Lorrie Hall by email but the essence of the message she sent was the same: we need more information before we could support the proposed by-law.
Membership – We received two more membership payments at the meeting tonight. The total paid membership is 35. Beth passed out a revised list of members’ contact information.
Bottle Bill – Additional signatures were due to Jim S. by Monday, June 2nd. The House and Senate have not yet arrived at a compromise bill and it is very likely that the measure will go on the ballot for the November election.
Recycling Committee – A meeting of the committee had been scheduled for Tuesday, June 3rd with a representative of the Integrated Paper Recycling, the organization that handles Duxbury’s single stream waste, but it has been rescheduled to Tuesday, June 10, 2014 at 7:00 pm at Janis Owens house. Committee members will bring items that are questionable if they are recyclable or not to the meeting to help us determine what is recyclable or not. Burkhard is working on a flyer that uses a QR code that goes to a list of what can be recycled or not. The flyer also has a link to the South Shore Recycling Cooperative that has a list of what is recyclable or not. Paul and Burkhard will check with Bruce O’Neil at the transfer station about posting information at the dump. Burkhard also talked about the use of social media and there was interest in having a student come to a future meeting to show the committee how to use it.
We talked about follow up with Positive Effects (PE), which made a presentation to the committee and to the town officials a couple of months ago. Paul will follow up with PE to check on the status
Community Gardens – All 23 plots have been planted and the plots are being watered. There are plans to cover the blueberry bushes. It was suggested that Jim send an email to the gardeners and the SD member list asking for help with this project. It was also suggested that we invite John McClusky, the trustee of the property, to be a guest at a future meeting to thank him for his support and to talk about future collaborations.
Education Committee – The Outdoor Science Learning Center at the new school has dropped the word “Science” since it will incorporate more than science, in particular, there is a great connection to the history of the property. Judi and Paul will be attending the next meeting of the committee tomorrow, June 5, 2014.
Movie Committee – Paul attended a showing of sustainability films in Boston and recommended a movie called “Symphony of the Soil” that was recently released. We have to figure out how we can obtain it. Judi said she may have a contact at a source called E Inc. Fenna is talking with a lawyer in town to get an assessment on showing a movie called “Unacceptable Levels.” This is still a work in progress.
New Business – Judi Vose was honored with a “Speak for Thyself” award from the Alden Kindred. Dick asked about the status of the “no free bags” initiative and it was suggested that this would be a good initiative for the recycling committee. He will bring it up at their next meeting.
The Alternative Energy Committee – Susan reported that the AEC is reviewing its mission since it has primarily completed its stated goals regarding alternative energy sources.
Next meeting - The next meeting will be Wednesday, September 3, 2014 at the Senior Center. It was suggested that the various committees meet during the summer to keep the momentum going.
Meeting Minutes, October 2, 2013
ATTENDING: Mike Wilson, Fenna Hanes, Janis Owens, Jim Savicki, Paul Mabey, Carol Langford, Kathy Palmer
Topics Discussed:
1. Community Garden – Jim:
In November the garden will be cleaned out for the winter.
2. Recycling committee
We are waiting until the November meeting to see how the recycle bins work throughout the fall sports season. We will invite Peter Butkus or someone else from the town to come to our next meeting.
4. Bottle Bill update
Petition forms are available. Judi and Terry Vose collected signatures at the Duxbury Beach Sweep, Jim and Mike will be doing petitions at the Unitarian Church. Paul will have petitions at the litter sweep. Fenna and Janis will cover Foodies. We will have some at the October 17 film presentation. Mike will send an email to Beth, Marion and Nancy Nowak. Mike Wilson is the point person and forms will be given out and collected by Mike.
5. Climate Change movies — Fenna and Janis
Switch: October 17. We all agreed to distribute flyers throughout town. Other publicity ideas were discussed. Facebook postings, The Clipper, email blasts, inviting AEC members and town officials. Jim will send information to Sustainable South Shore list.
6. Guest for November meeting — Fenna
Someone from DPW to discuss the success of the recycle bins.
7. New Business – Mike and Janis
Mike will follow up with our contact at Positive Effects an organization involved with food waste recycling and composting.
The Duxbury Business Association asked us if we would like to co-sponsor distribution of reusable shopping bags. Janis will draft a SD logo we could use.
Next meeting is the first Wednesday in November 6, 7:30, Senior Center.
Topics Discussed:
1. Community Garden – Jim:
In November the garden will be cleaned out for the winter.
2. Recycling committee
We are waiting until the November meeting to see how the recycle bins work throughout the fall sports season. We will invite Peter Butkus or someone else from the town to come to our next meeting.
4. Bottle Bill update
Petition forms are available. Judi and Terry Vose collected signatures at the Duxbury Beach Sweep, Jim and Mike will be doing petitions at the Unitarian Church. Paul will have petitions at the litter sweep. Fenna and Janis will cover Foodies. We will have some at the October 17 film presentation. Mike will send an email to Beth, Marion and Nancy Nowak. Mike Wilson is the point person and forms will be given out and collected by Mike.
5. Climate Change movies — Fenna and Janis
Switch: October 17. We all agreed to distribute flyers throughout town. Other publicity ideas were discussed. Facebook postings, The Clipper, email blasts, inviting AEC members and town officials. Jim will send information to Sustainable South Shore list.
6. Guest for November meeting — Fenna
Someone from DPW to discuss the success of the recycle bins.
7. New Business – Mike and Janis
Mike will follow up with our contact at Positive Effects an organization involved with food waste recycling and composting.
The Duxbury Business Association asked us if we would like to co-sponsor distribution of reusable shopping bags. Janis will draft a SD logo we could use.
Next meeting is the first Wednesday in November 6, 7:30, Senior Center.
Meeting Minutes, September 4, 2013
ATTENDING: Mike Wilson, Fenna Hanes, Janis Owens, Jim Savicki, Beth Hudacko, Marion Thayer.
1. Membership and Treasury Report – Beth Hudacko:
We have 50 paid members. Beth handed out a membership list of names. 88 or so are on our mailing list.
2. Community Garden – Jim:
Banner year for cucumbers and lots of tomatoes. All is well in the garden. Clean up will be in November like last year. Jim sends out a monthly email and will taking care of when to clean out the garden beds. There has been a neighborhood dog running around the garden so a sign has gone up warning gardeners. We may also do a speaker again this winter like we did last year with John Bilber of Holly Hill Farm. The blueberries got eaten by the birds this year and take a lot of care.
3. Recycling committee – Janis Owens:
A report from Paul Mabey was read:
“DPW Recap:
I spoke to Jim and Bruce of DPW about the ten recycle bins located throughout the town. They are both very pleased with how well our recycling effort has panned-out. The four Sustainable bins located at Coppens Field have gotten plenty of use from the soccer organizations. There are two in the Harbor Masters parking lot, two at the beach parking lot, one at Tarkiln Field and one in the DPW garage - all of which are getting plenty of use. They were successfully moved around town for various events (music festival) during the summer and I imagine they will be
in big demand in the future. I am hoping DPW will purchase more of them.
Jim said they originally had trouble obtaining the proper size bags for the bins, but have had no other issues with their use. They certainly are a great success!”
Fenna mentioned we should get some information in the Clipper about the program. We need to order more decals for the 3 bins at Coppens Field. We also need to find out if the town is saving any money by recycling the bottles instead of having them go into the trash.
4. Bottle Bill update — Mike Wilson
Claire Sullivan will not be organizing the citizen’s petition drive. We will be working with Phil Sego of the Sierra Club or with MassPIRG to get 100,000 signatures in 60 days. The petition is with the attorney general and secretary of state. Should be ready the week of September 16. We will then need to organize volunteers to help get signatures. They are preparing a YouTube video that will explain how to get the signatures properly. September 21 they need volunteers to be at the hazardous waste collection sites in Plymouth, Carver, Hanover, and Abington to get signatures.
5. Climate Change movies — Fenna and Janis
Fenna met with the library to set up dates for the 3 movies we want to do this year in October, January and April. Switch is the first movie we will do in October. We voted to buy the screening rights for $250 which will include all promotional material: flyers, email template, press release, web flyer. Beth will issue payment. Once we have a date from the library we can order the film material.
6. Guest for October meeting — Fenna
We are interested in having someone from Positive Effects, a local compost company, come speak to us about doing town wide composting at the transfer station.
Next meeting is the first Wednesday in October 2.
Janis Owens.
1. Membership and Treasury Report – Beth Hudacko:
We have 50 paid members. Beth handed out a membership list of names. 88 or so are on our mailing list.
2. Community Garden – Jim:
Banner year for cucumbers and lots of tomatoes. All is well in the garden. Clean up will be in November like last year. Jim sends out a monthly email and will taking care of when to clean out the garden beds. There has been a neighborhood dog running around the garden so a sign has gone up warning gardeners. We may also do a speaker again this winter like we did last year with John Bilber of Holly Hill Farm. The blueberries got eaten by the birds this year and take a lot of care.
3. Recycling committee – Janis Owens:
A report from Paul Mabey was read:
“DPW Recap:
I spoke to Jim and Bruce of DPW about the ten recycle bins located throughout the town. They are both very pleased with how well our recycling effort has panned-out. The four Sustainable bins located at Coppens Field have gotten plenty of use from the soccer organizations. There are two in the Harbor Masters parking lot, two at the beach parking lot, one at Tarkiln Field and one in the DPW garage - all of which are getting plenty of use. They were successfully moved around town for various events (music festival) during the summer and I imagine they will be
in big demand in the future. I am hoping DPW will purchase more of them.
Jim said they originally had trouble obtaining the proper size bags for the bins, but have had no other issues with their use. They certainly are a great success!”
Fenna mentioned we should get some information in the Clipper about the program. We need to order more decals for the 3 bins at Coppens Field. We also need to find out if the town is saving any money by recycling the bottles instead of having them go into the trash.
4. Bottle Bill update — Mike Wilson
Claire Sullivan will not be organizing the citizen’s petition drive. We will be working with Phil Sego of the Sierra Club or with MassPIRG to get 100,000 signatures in 60 days. The petition is with the attorney general and secretary of state. Should be ready the week of September 16. We will then need to organize volunteers to help get signatures. They are preparing a YouTube video that will explain how to get the signatures properly. September 21 they need volunteers to be at the hazardous waste collection sites in Plymouth, Carver, Hanover, and Abington to get signatures.
5. Climate Change movies — Fenna and Janis
Fenna met with the library to set up dates for the 3 movies we want to do this year in October, January and April. Switch is the first movie we will do in October. We voted to buy the screening rights for $250 which will include all promotional material: flyers, email template, press release, web flyer. Beth will issue payment. Once we have a date from the library we can order the film material.
6. Guest for October meeting — Fenna
We are interested in having someone from Positive Effects, a local compost company, come speak to us about doing town wide composting at the transfer station.
Next meeting is the first Wednesday in October 2.
Janis Owens.
Meeting Minutes, June 5, 2013
ATTENDING: Mike Wilson, Fenna Hanes, Brad MacKenzie, Janis Owens, Jim Savicki, Judi Vose, Dick Rothschild, Beth Hudacko, Laurel Flanagan, Paul Mabey, Marion Thayer and Susan Fontaine.
GUEST: Claire Sullivan, South Shore Recycling Cooperative
1. New Bottle Bill - Claire Sullivan, South Shore Recycling Cooperative:
The current Bottle Law has been a big success - bottles covered by it are recycled at a much higher rate than those not. However, it has not changed in 30 years. Several versions of an Updated Bottle Bill (UBB) are under consideration by MA lawmakers. The UBB would:
· expand coverage to include “new age” beverages such as bottled water in all of its forms, energy drinks, and teas, and
· increase the fees to bottle recyclers by about a penny per bottle.
Most towns and 77% of Mass. residents are in favor of the UBB but senior legislators have refused over the years to allow a vote on similar bills. (Large beverage distributors are against it.) Sen. Hedlund included a version of the UBB as an amendment to the Senate budget and another version, H2943 (co-sponsored by our own Josh Cutler), is currently in the joint TUE committee.
If neither of these versions pass this year (we should know by 6/30), then environmental groups will try to get a UBB onto the next state ballot. A ballot initiative requires 70k approved signatures (translates into ~110k “raw” signatures). We agreed to at least 30 hours of getting signatures (with an average of 10 signatures per hour means ~300 signatures) between mid-September and early November. Claire will send us forms and information. Some ideas for getting signatures:
· Standing outside oft frequented spots such as Foodies, the Post Office and the Transfer Station - for Hannafords and Stop & Shop we would collect signatures separately for residents of Kingston and Duxbury;
· Asking High Schoolers to help; and
· Going around your neighborhood.
2. Membership and Treasury Report – Beth Hudacko:
We are up to 50 members. Admission fees for the Great Migrations Presentation covered almost half of its cost. The cost of recycling bins came to $585.32. Beth will send membership information to the people who expressed interest at our Garden Club show table.
3. Community Garden Club Show Table – Judi Vose:
The Sustainable Duxbury table for the Community Garden Club show was a success and took second prize. We thanked Judy (Terry Vose & SusanF too!) for all the work designing and putting up the table, and Paul Mabey for helping with clean up.
4. Education committee update – Mike Wilson, Fenna Hanes:
The Great Migration presentation was fantastic and well received but attendance was lower than we had hoped. The collaboration with the Middle School worked very well. Our goal is to host 3 movie showings before next summer. Judi suggested a movie on bees and Brad suggested “Bag It.” We discussed hooks to increase attendance such as paring a popular movie with an environmental one and serving wine and cheese.
The committee is meeting with Cheryl Lewis from the schools to talk over plans.
5. Recycling committee – Janis Owens, Dick Rothschild:
After the committee met with Peter Buttkus, head of the town Department of Public Works, to discuss our 4 bins for Chandler School Field, the town decided to install 6 bins on the beach, for a total of 14 public recycling bins in Duxbury. Our bins say “Keep’n it Clean and Green, Sustainable Duxbury.” We decided to remind coaches to instruct kids on using the bins and to check the bins for trash (Paul Mabey). Jim Savicki suggested we ask the town for data on the amount of recycling collected and calculate the money saved on trash fees.
6. Community Gardens committee update – Jim Savicki:
Things are going well at the garden. We do not plan to have an open house this year.
7. Alternative Energy Committee update – Susan Fontaine
Three positions are opening up on the AEC. To apply for one, fill out a volunteer form at Town Hall administrative office, noting interest in the AEC. The town has begun getting credits from the Acushnet solar power array. Construction on our solar installation at the Transfer Station is being held up minor issues. The NexAmp solar contract is stalled. Jim Goldenberg will meet with the new town manager to discuss AEC work including staff time needed for the Green Community effort. The Wind Advisory Committee is in danger of being de-commissioned.
8. Summer plans
This is our last meeting until September. We will update our notice in the Clipper.
9. Mass. Solar Hot Water Program – Susan Fontaine
Massachusetts has a new solar program that subsidizes residential, rooftop, solar hot water systems. The heated water can be used to preheat water before it enters a regular water heater or home heating system. The firm handling the program is looking for a local group to help inform residents. We decided against sponsoring it because the technology is old and inefficient. It makes more sense to put our effort into a newer technology such as rooftop Photovoltaic.
10. Silent Spring 50’th Anniversary Event – Judi Vose:
Judi Vose presented us with a photo book commemorating the Silent Spring 50’th Anniversary Event as thanks for our help.
Susan Fontaine, Secretary.
GUEST: Claire Sullivan, South Shore Recycling Cooperative
1. New Bottle Bill - Claire Sullivan, South Shore Recycling Cooperative:
The current Bottle Law has been a big success - bottles covered by it are recycled at a much higher rate than those not. However, it has not changed in 30 years. Several versions of an Updated Bottle Bill (UBB) are under consideration by MA lawmakers. The UBB would:
· expand coverage to include “new age” beverages such as bottled water in all of its forms, energy drinks, and teas, and
· increase the fees to bottle recyclers by about a penny per bottle.
Most towns and 77% of Mass. residents are in favor of the UBB but senior legislators have refused over the years to allow a vote on similar bills. (Large beverage distributors are against it.) Sen. Hedlund included a version of the UBB as an amendment to the Senate budget and another version, H2943 (co-sponsored by our own Josh Cutler), is currently in the joint TUE committee.
If neither of these versions pass this year (we should know by 6/30), then environmental groups will try to get a UBB onto the next state ballot. A ballot initiative requires 70k approved signatures (translates into ~110k “raw” signatures). We agreed to at least 30 hours of getting signatures (with an average of 10 signatures per hour means ~300 signatures) between mid-September and early November. Claire will send us forms and information. Some ideas for getting signatures:
· Standing outside oft frequented spots such as Foodies, the Post Office and the Transfer Station - for Hannafords and Stop & Shop we would collect signatures separately for residents of Kingston and Duxbury;
· Asking High Schoolers to help; and
· Going around your neighborhood.
2. Membership and Treasury Report – Beth Hudacko:
We are up to 50 members. Admission fees for the Great Migrations Presentation covered almost half of its cost. The cost of recycling bins came to $585.32. Beth will send membership information to the people who expressed interest at our Garden Club show table.
3. Community Garden Club Show Table – Judi Vose:
The Sustainable Duxbury table for the Community Garden Club show was a success and took second prize. We thanked Judy (Terry Vose & SusanF too!) for all the work designing and putting up the table, and Paul Mabey for helping with clean up.
4. Education committee update – Mike Wilson, Fenna Hanes:
The Great Migration presentation was fantastic and well received but attendance was lower than we had hoped. The collaboration with the Middle School worked very well. Our goal is to host 3 movie showings before next summer. Judi suggested a movie on bees and Brad suggested “Bag It.” We discussed hooks to increase attendance such as paring a popular movie with an environmental one and serving wine and cheese.
The committee is meeting with Cheryl Lewis from the schools to talk over plans.
5. Recycling committee – Janis Owens, Dick Rothschild:
After the committee met with Peter Buttkus, head of the town Department of Public Works, to discuss our 4 bins for Chandler School Field, the town decided to install 6 bins on the beach, for a total of 14 public recycling bins in Duxbury. Our bins say “Keep’n it Clean and Green, Sustainable Duxbury.” We decided to remind coaches to instruct kids on using the bins and to check the bins for trash (Paul Mabey). Jim Savicki suggested we ask the town for data on the amount of recycling collected and calculate the money saved on trash fees.
6. Community Gardens committee update – Jim Savicki:
Things are going well at the garden. We do not plan to have an open house this year.
7. Alternative Energy Committee update – Susan Fontaine
Three positions are opening up on the AEC. To apply for one, fill out a volunteer form at Town Hall administrative office, noting interest in the AEC. The town has begun getting credits from the Acushnet solar power array. Construction on our solar installation at the Transfer Station is being held up minor issues. The NexAmp solar contract is stalled. Jim Goldenberg will meet with the new town manager to discuss AEC work including staff time needed for the Green Community effort. The Wind Advisory Committee is in danger of being de-commissioned.
8. Summer plans
This is our last meeting until September. We will update our notice in the Clipper.
9. Mass. Solar Hot Water Program – Susan Fontaine
Massachusetts has a new solar program that subsidizes residential, rooftop, solar hot water systems. The heated water can be used to preheat water before it enters a regular water heater or home heating system. The firm handling the program is looking for a local group to help inform residents. We decided against sponsoring it because the technology is old and inefficient. It makes more sense to put our effort into a newer technology such as rooftop Photovoltaic.
10. Silent Spring 50’th Anniversary Event – Judi Vose:
Judi Vose presented us with a photo book commemorating the Silent Spring 50’th Anniversary Event as thanks for our help.
Susan Fontaine, Secretary.
Meeting Minutes, April 3, 2013
ATTENDING: Mike Wilson, Jim Savicki. Janis Owens, Judi Vose, Dick Rothschild, Brooke Flemming, Ted Carpenter, Paul Mabey, and Susan Fontaine.
Topics Discussed:
1. How to Handle Minutes:
We decided to get the minutes out quickly so they will be emailed to and reviewed by all attendees, then emailed to members and posted to the web site by the secretary.
2. Membership Committee:
We have received dues from 33 “units” representing 48 individual members.
3. Community Garden – Jim Savicki:
The Committee has 2 work days planned, each with 10-12 folk already signed up. Five extra plots have been added and prepared for planting; all other plots were manured and turned. Twelve people signed up to care for the blueberry bushes that were planted two years ago. They plan to install netting to protect the berries from birds. The berries are to be shared among all gardeners.
4. Education Committee –Mike Wilson:
The Great Migrations presentation will be Thursday, May 9, 7:30 at the PAC. David Hamlin, Director and Executive Producer, will show a pastiche of his award winning Great Migration films along with behind the scenes stories followed by a Q&A session. It will be about 90 minutes. David Hamlin will also give a 60 minute presentation to about 550 students at the Middle School.
We will need volunteers to help publicize the event and on the night of the presentation.
We will start putting up posters this week and will include garden and pet stores. Dick will write a press release to be published in local papers and the Globe the week before the event. David Hamlin is tentatively scheduled to give an interview on WATD radio. Brooke suggested we might be able to use the School’s reverse phone system to notify parents.
5. Other Education Projects:
• The presenter for the talk on edible landscaping we sponsored was a no show. In the future we will touch base with all speakers in the week prior to an event (minimum of 72 hours), leaving enough time to cancel if necessary.
• We are sponsoring a talk on the new bottle bill tomorrow. Mike, Jim and Janis will bring our brochures and other information on SusDux to the meeting.
• We discussed ways to involve the renewed Green Club at the High School. Judi suggested something from the book “Bringing Nature Home” by Douglas Tallamy. It might also be possible to get the club involved in the Chandler Garden project.
• Judi suggested a presentation in May or June by Richard Hyman based on his book Frogmen. Frogmen is Richard’s personal account of diving with Jacques Cousteau. He could also talk about more current work by the Cousteau grandchildren. Judi will bring more information to our next meeting. Link to Richard Hyman’s web site: http://www.richardehyman.com/
6. Recycling Committee – Paul Mabey:
The committee sent out a press release about the first four bins which were put out a week ago. The committee is planning to purchase additional bins for the soccer field at Chandler. The DPW has agreed to empty these.
Paul is planning the first Duxbury Litter Sweep of the year for Saturday, May 4.
7. Alternative Energy Committee & WAC – Susan Fontaine:
A member of MassCEC gave a very interesting presentation to the Wind Advisory Committee. MassCEC is doing acoustic testing of wind turbines that will include infrasound (subaudible frequencies), gathering information from towns with existing turbines, and studying the impact of wind turbines on property values. Wind turbines with the closest residence further than 5x tip height have generated no complaints.
Next meeting is Wed., 5/1.
Susan Fontaine, Secretary.
Topics Discussed:
1. How to Handle Minutes:
We decided to get the minutes out quickly so they will be emailed to and reviewed by all attendees, then emailed to members and posted to the web site by the secretary.
2. Membership Committee:
We have received dues from 33 “units” representing 48 individual members.
3. Community Garden – Jim Savicki:
The Committee has 2 work days planned, each with 10-12 folk already signed up. Five extra plots have been added and prepared for planting; all other plots were manured and turned. Twelve people signed up to care for the blueberry bushes that were planted two years ago. They plan to install netting to protect the berries from birds. The berries are to be shared among all gardeners.
4. Education Committee –Mike Wilson:
The Great Migrations presentation will be Thursday, May 9, 7:30 at the PAC. David Hamlin, Director and Executive Producer, will show a pastiche of his award winning Great Migration films along with behind the scenes stories followed by a Q&A session. It will be about 90 minutes. David Hamlin will also give a 60 minute presentation to about 550 students at the Middle School.
We will need volunteers to help publicize the event and on the night of the presentation.
We will start putting up posters this week and will include garden and pet stores. Dick will write a press release to be published in local papers and the Globe the week before the event. David Hamlin is tentatively scheduled to give an interview on WATD radio. Brooke suggested we might be able to use the School’s reverse phone system to notify parents.
5. Other Education Projects:
• The presenter for the talk on edible landscaping we sponsored was a no show. In the future we will touch base with all speakers in the week prior to an event (minimum of 72 hours), leaving enough time to cancel if necessary.
• We are sponsoring a talk on the new bottle bill tomorrow. Mike, Jim and Janis will bring our brochures and other information on SusDux to the meeting.
• We discussed ways to involve the renewed Green Club at the High School. Judi suggested something from the book “Bringing Nature Home” by Douglas Tallamy. It might also be possible to get the club involved in the Chandler Garden project.
• Judi suggested a presentation in May or June by Richard Hyman based on his book Frogmen. Frogmen is Richard’s personal account of diving with Jacques Cousteau. He could also talk about more current work by the Cousteau grandchildren. Judi will bring more information to our next meeting. Link to Richard Hyman’s web site: http://www.richardehyman.com/
6. Recycling Committee – Paul Mabey:
The committee sent out a press release about the first four bins which were put out a week ago. The committee is planning to purchase additional bins for the soccer field at Chandler. The DPW has agreed to empty these.
Paul is planning the first Duxbury Litter Sweep of the year for Saturday, May 4.
7. Alternative Energy Committee & WAC – Susan Fontaine:
A member of MassCEC gave a very interesting presentation to the Wind Advisory Committee. MassCEC is doing acoustic testing of wind turbines that will include infrasound (subaudible frequencies), gathering information from towns with existing turbines, and studying the impact of wind turbines on property values. Wind turbines with the closest residence further than 5x tip height have generated no complaints.
Next meeting is Wed., 5/1.
Susan Fontaine, Secretary.
SUMMARY OF MEETING March 6, 2013
ATTENDING: Fenna Hanes, Mike Wilson, Paul Mabey, Marion Thayer, Beth Hudacko, Nancy Nowack, and Susan Fontaine.
Topics Discussed:
Bottle Bill Presentation – Maureen Bates, Guest:
Maureen Bates, a Legislative Aide for Josh Cutler, told us about the details of the new Massachusetts Bottle Bill that Josh is co-sponsoring. The new Bottle Bill is an updated version of the previous Bottle Redemption Bill which has been in effect since 1983. The new bill expands the types of bottles covered to include bottles from “new age drinks” such as water & its variations, tea, and sport drinks. It also increases the fee per bottle paid (by wholesalers) to redemption centers to cover increases in cost since 1983 from 2.25 cents to 3.25 cents. The new Bill does not cover bottles for baby formula, dairy, prescription medications and biodegradable bottles, and exempts small stores from the requirement to handle bottle returns.
Maureen tells us that while 83% of state residents support the bill, it is being opposed by commercial interests, including L. Knife, a large beer distributor in Kingston, and other businesses.
The new Bottle Bill will increase the incentive to recycle bottles which now account for 15.2% of our landfill waste by volume and 5.4% by weight. Many more empty bottles never make it to landfills and end up polluting our neighborhoods and oceans. States with such bottle bills have a much higher rate of recycling than states without.
The new bill has passed in the Senate and is now in committee, and is coming up for a vote in the House. We can help by attending public hearings, signing petitions, and telling others about the bill. The Sierra Club is a good source of information:
http://www.sierraclubmass.org/issues/conservation/ubb/ubb_home.html
Membership Committee and Treasurer Report – Beth Hudako:
In response to our approximately 65 dues letters, we have 28 paid member “units” (39 individuals). We will send a second mailing to non responders and possibly call people.
Community Garden – Mike Wilson:
We have tentatively scheduled a work party for 3/23 to move a fence and turnover four new plots. The Holly Hill Farm presentation on organic gardening was a success with more than 30 attendees.
We are sponsoring John Root’s 90 minute presentation, “Edible Perennial Gardening and Landscaping,” on Tuesday, April 2, 6:30-8:30 in the Merry Room at the Library. Fenna will distribute posters to members for posting. Susan will get the information to the Community Garden Club and Jim to our Community Garden members.
Education Committee – Fenna Hanes, Mike Wilson, Marion Thayer:
David Hamlin, director of the Emmy award winning Nat. Geo. 2010 documentary “Great Migrations,” will give a presentation Thursday, May 9, possibly 7:30, at the PAC. We are leaning towards charging a $5 entry fee for adults (children free) and will discuss it further at our next meeting. The middle school is interested in having David Hamlin do something during the day with students. We generated many ideas on how to advertise the presentation:
Our kindergarten recycling presentation was a hit with the children and received good coverage in both the Clipper and Reporter.
Recycling Committee – Paul Mabey:
The committee met with the school Facilities Manager, Don Burgess, and Duxbury Public Schools Business Administrator, Susan Nauman, who were very supportive of the project. The school trash hauler, Waste Management, is donating 4 recycling bins for the project and the High School has agreed to take care of emptying the bins into their recycling dumpsters. The Facilities Manager will place the bins on the fields between the Middle School, Library and Student Union, as well as on a High School field. The committee requested and we authorized $300 for signage which we hope to have completed in time to get the bins deployed by team tryouts (late March).
Alternative Energy Committee – Susan Fontaine:
The AEC is concerned about the Town Meeting vote on Article 19 - Payment In Lieu of Taxes for the solar array planned for the capped landfill – and has asked us to notify our base. The first of the town’s solar power contracts, in Acushnet, has begun generating power.
Susan Fontaine, Secretary.
ATTENDING: Fenna Hanes, Mike Wilson, Paul Mabey, Marion Thayer, Beth Hudacko, Nancy Nowack, and Susan Fontaine.
Topics Discussed:
Bottle Bill Presentation – Maureen Bates, Guest:
Maureen Bates, a Legislative Aide for Josh Cutler, told us about the details of the new Massachusetts Bottle Bill that Josh is co-sponsoring. The new Bottle Bill is an updated version of the previous Bottle Redemption Bill which has been in effect since 1983. The new bill expands the types of bottles covered to include bottles from “new age drinks” such as water & its variations, tea, and sport drinks. It also increases the fee per bottle paid (by wholesalers) to redemption centers to cover increases in cost since 1983 from 2.25 cents to 3.25 cents. The new Bill does not cover bottles for baby formula, dairy, prescription medications and biodegradable bottles, and exempts small stores from the requirement to handle bottle returns.
Maureen tells us that while 83% of state residents support the bill, it is being opposed by commercial interests, including L. Knife, a large beer distributor in Kingston, and other businesses.
The new Bottle Bill will increase the incentive to recycle bottles which now account for 15.2% of our landfill waste by volume and 5.4% by weight. Many more empty bottles never make it to landfills and end up polluting our neighborhoods and oceans. States with such bottle bills have a much higher rate of recycling than states without.
The new bill has passed in the Senate and is now in committee, and is coming up for a vote in the House. We can help by attending public hearings, signing petitions, and telling others about the bill. The Sierra Club is a good source of information:
http://www.sierraclubmass.org/issues/conservation/ubb/ubb_home.html
Membership Committee and Treasurer Report – Beth Hudako:
In response to our approximately 65 dues letters, we have 28 paid member “units” (39 individuals). We will send a second mailing to non responders and possibly call people.
Community Garden – Mike Wilson:
We have tentatively scheduled a work party for 3/23 to move a fence and turnover four new plots. The Holly Hill Farm presentation on organic gardening was a success with more than 30 attendees.
We are sponsoring John Root’s 90 minute presentation, “Edible Perennial Gardening and Landscaping,” on Tuesday, April 2, 6:30-8:30 in the Merry Room at the Library. Fenna will distribute posters to members for posting. Susan will get the information to the Community Garden Club and Jim to our Community Garden members.
Education Committee – Fenna Hanes, Mike Wilson, Marion Thayer:
David Hamlin, director of the Emmy award winning Nat. Geo. 2010 documentary “Great Migrations,” will give a presentation Thursday, May 9, possibly 7:30, at the PAC. We are leaning towards charging a $5 entry fee for adults (children free) and will discuss it further at our next meeting. The middle school is interested in having David Hamlin do something during the day with students. We generated many ideas on how to advertise the presentation:
- Manomet Observatory, SSSh, and Wildlands Trust can help,
- Through churches; Nancy Nowack will talk with the Unitarian Universalist church
- Local newspapers, Public TV, and local radio (Catherine Cullen, UU minister, has a radio show)
- Posters around town
- South Shore Conservatory
Our kindergarten recycling presentation was a hit with the children and received good coverage in both the Clipper and Reporter.
Recycling Committee – Paul Mabey:
The committee met with the school Facilities Manager, Don Burgess, and Duxbury Public Schools Business Administrator, Susan Nauman, who were very supportive of the project. The school trash hauler, Waste Management, is donating 4 recycling bins for the project and the High School has agreed to take care of emptying the bins into their recycling dumpsters. The Facilities Manager will place the bins on the fields between the Middle School, Library and Student Union, as well as on a High School field. The committee requested and we authorized $300 for signage which we hope to have completed in time to get the bins deployed by team tryouts (late March).
Alternative Energy Committee – Susan Fontaine:
The AEC is concerned about the Town Meeting vote on Article 19 - Payment In Lieu of Taxes for the solar array planned for the capped landfill – and has asked us to notify our base. The first of the town’s solar power contracts, in Acushnet, has begun generating power.
Susan Fontaine, Secretary.
February 6, 2013
SUMMARY OF MEETING Feb. 6, 2013
ATTENDING: Susan Fontaine, Fenna Hanes, Paul Mabey, Janis Owens, Jim Savicki, Marion Thayer, Judi Vose (aka. Judith), and Mike Wilson.
Topics Discussed:
Approval of Minutes
In the interest of keeping our members informed, future minutes will be reviewed by the co-chairs and released within 10 days of meetings.
Membership Committee Report – as read from Beth Hudako’s report:
Dues letters, which were mailed 1/28, cost $78.56 (envelopes and stamps) and have brought in $370 so far. Our current balance is $3,945.08.
Community Garden – Jim, Mike:
All garden plots are taken, including the new ones, and we have a waiting list. We may have to postpone Saturday’s gardening talk because of snow.
We decided to accept an offer from the Community Garden Club of Duxbury (CGCD) to host a table (30”x72”) at their Spring Flower Show, May 17 & 18. We will decide at our next meeting how to use the table. Current suggestions are:
information about Sustainable Duxbury;
• possible programs for community composting of food scraps;
• success of our Community Garden; and
• gardening with native plant species.
Fenna will be our contact with the CGCD and will get information about the composting group in Plymouth. Judi will send Fenna contact information for the woman who led Hamilton’s community composting efforts.
Education Committee – Marion, Janis:
The committee has created a 20 minute presentation on plastic bottles that will debut tomorrow at 2 sessions of a Chandler kindergarten class. Fenna will take photos. We will suggest that the class follow-up with a field trip to the transfer station.
Recycling Committee – Janis, Paul:
At their next meeting (Tuesday, Feb 19, 7:30 at Marion Thayer's house), the committee will select which recycling bin to buy. They will then seek funding for the cost of the bin which will be more than $1,000. Possible sources are Duxbury Schools, SSSh, Island Creek Oysters, and Coca Cola. The schools have endorsed the project.
Outreach Activities – Fenna, Mike:
We plan to sponsor 3 events a year. For our first, David Hamlin, director of the Emmy award winning Nat. Geo. 2010 documentary “Great Migrations” and a family friend of Mike’s, will come to Duxbury as part of a presentation on his film(s). We selected 5/6 or 5/30 as possible dates. Depending on audience estimates, we will hold it at the PAC or the library. We discussed whether or not to charge an entrance fee or request donations, and ways to estimate attendance. (Selling tickets will be a lot of work.) We could ask interested people to pre-register, as the library does, to give us an estimate.
We will talk with the schools about ways to encourage student attendance (extra credit?) and to let them know that David will be available to speak at the schools as well.
We talked about some other possibilities for outreach:
“Edible Perennial Gardening and Landscaping” - John Root’s 90 minute slide presentation. We decided this was not a good match for us.
“Switch” – a non-partisan movie explaining how our electric power is generated. The movie license costs $260. We could get someone from the Mass. Dept. of utilities for a Q&A.
“Chasing Ice” – Janis is researching this movie; a possibility for fall.
“Promised Land” – Judi will look into this movie for us.
Short Films – Judi has a catalogue of free, educational, short, environmental films we could use for a film festival.
Anyone who wants to attend the next meeting of the Outreach Activities Committee (7:00, 2/14, at Fenna’s house) please contact Fenna Hanes.
WAC/AEC/Green Community – Susan, Jim:
Concern was expressed that the WAC (Wind Advisory Committee) canceled its Jan meeting and has not yet planned another.
According to the draft minutes of the AEC’s last meeting, the planned transfer station solar array must be decreased in size because some nearby trees cannot be cut. The array will still provide half a meg of power. They hope to break ground by May/June 2013. Pegasus’s Acushnet solar array, the town’s first renewable energy contract, will soon begin generating power.
The Green Community project status has not changed from the last update. Judi suggested we contact Rob Garrity (MCAN) because he has lots of experience with GC towns and is an excellent public speaker.
Mass. Bottle Bill
Josh Cutler, who is co-sponsor of the new Bottle Bill, will talk with us about it at the beginning off our next meeting, 3/6.
Susan Fontaine, Secretary.
ATTENDING: Susan Fontaine, Fenna Hanes, Paul Mabey, Janis Owens, Jim Savicki, Marion Thayer, Judi Vose (aka. Judith), and Mike Wilson.
Topics Discussed:
Approval of Minutes
In the interest of keeping our members informed, future minutes will be reviewed by the co-chairs and released within 10 days of meetings.
Membership Committee Report – as read from Beth Hudako’s report:
Dues letters, which were mailed 1/28, cost $78.56 (envelopes and stamps) and have brought in $370 so far. Our current balance is $3,945.08.
Community Garden – Jim, Mike:
All garden plots are taken, including the new ones, and we have a waiting list. We may have to postpone Saturday’s gardening talk because of snow.
We decided to accept an offer from the Community Garden Club of Duxbury (CGCD) to host a table (30”x72”) at their Spring Flower Show, May 17 & 18. We will decide at our next meeting how to use the table. Current suggestions are:
information about Sustainable Duxbury;
• possible programs for community composting of food scraps;
• success of our Community Garden; and
• gardening with native plant species.
Fenna will be our contact with the CGCD and will get information about the composting group in Plymouth. Judi will send Fenna contact information for the woman who led Hamilton’s community composting efforts.
Education Committee – Marion, Janis:
The committee has created a 20 minute presentation on plastic bottles that will debut tomorrow at 2 sessions of a Chandler kindergarten class. Fenna will take photos. We will suggest that the class follow-up with a field trip to the transfer station.
Recycling Committee – Janis, Paul:
At their next meeting (Tuesday, Feb 19, 7:30 at Marion Thayer's house), the committee will select which recycling bin to buy. They will then seek funding for the cost of the bin which will be more than $1,000. Possible sources are Duxbury Schools, SSSh, Island Creek Oysters, and Coca Cola. The schools have endorsed the project.
Outreach Activities – Fenna, Mike:
We plan to sponsor 3 events a year. For our first, David Hamlin, director of the Emmy award winning Nat. Geo. 2010 documentary “Great Migrations” and a family friend of Mike’s, will come to Duxbury as part of a presentation on his film(s). We selected 5/6 or 5/30 as possible dates. Depending on audience estimates, we will hold it at the PAC or the library. We discussed whether or not to charge an entrance fee or request donations, and ways to estimate attendance. (Selling tickets will be a lot of work.) We could ask interested people to pre-register, as the library does, to give us an estimate.
We will talk with the schools about ways to encourage student attendance (extra credit?) and to let them know that David will be available to speak at the schools as well.
We talked about some other possibilities for outreach:
“Edible Perennial Gardening and Landscaping” - John Root’s 90 minute slide presentation. We decided this was not a good match for us.
“Switch” – a non-partisan movie explaining how our electric power is generated. The movie license costs $260. We could get someone from the Mass. Dept. of utilities for a Q&A.
“Chasing Ice” – Janis is researching this movie; a possibility for fall.
“Promised Land” – Judi will look into this movie for us.
Short Films – Judi has a catalogue of free, educational, short, environmental films we could use for a film festival.
Anyone who wants to attend the next meeting of the Outreach Activities Committee (7:00, 2/14, at Fenna’s house) please contact Fenna Hanes.
WAC/AEC/Green Community – Susan, Jim:
Concern was expressed that the WAC (Wind Advisory Committee) canceled its Jan meeting and has not yet planned another.
According to the draft minutes of the AEC’s last meeting, the planned transfer station solar array must be decreased in size because some nearby trees cannot be cut. The array will still provide half a meg of power. They hope to break ground by May/June 2013. Pegasus’s Acushnet solar array, the town’s first renewable energy contract, will soon begin generating power.
The Green Community project status has not changed from the last update. Judi suggested we contact Rob Garrity (MCAN) because he has lots of experience with GC towns and is an excellent public speaker.
Mass. Bottle Bill
Josh Cutler, who is co-sponsor of the new Bottle Bill, will talk with us about it at the beginning off our next meeting, 3/6.
Susan Fontaine, Secretary.
January 2, 2013
SUMMARY OF MEETING on January 2, 2013
ATTENDING: Janis Owens, Fenna Hanes, Mike Wilson, Jim Savicki, Judith Vose, Selden Tearse, Dick Rothschild, Marion Thayer, George Baird, Beth Hudacko and Paul Mabey.
Topics Discussed:
ATTENDING: Janis Owens, Fenna Hanes, Mike Wilson, Jim Savicki, Judith Vose, Selden Tearse, Dick Rothschild, Marion Thayer, George Baird, Beth Hudacko and Paul Mabey.
Topics Discussed:
- Election of new Co-Chair – Mike Wilson was formally nominated and unanimously elected. Thank You Mike!
- Dues were collected from members present and George Baird will draft a letter to be sent to members, supporters and businesses, soliciting funds for the organization’s treasury, which stands at just above $3600. It was suggested that a “supporter” could contribute monetarily without needing to be involved with ongoing emails and meetings.
- Recycling Committee Report – Claire Sullivan of South Shore Recycling will be a guest at the next meeting of the Recycling Sub-committee on January 17. The plan to test a bottle recycling receptacle at a single outdoor location is moving forward with the blessing of the DPW and will hopefully be in place for the spring sports season. Information about this pilot program should be sent to parents through the recreation department, the school department and all town youth sports organizations. The possibility of volunteers educating parents and children about recycling bottles during sporting events at the target field was suggested. Congratulations to the town of Concord for banning the sale of single-use water bottles except in emergencies. A request was made to visit the North Andover facility as a group to learn more about what should and should not be thrown into single stream compactors advancing our expertise on the subject and allowing the group to pass this knowledge on to the town. Janis received an email request from a Kindergarten Teacher about a possible visit by our group to help answer the question: “Where does my water bottle go?” Ideas for a presentation ranged from providing products made from commonly recycled items to a field-trip to the Transfer Station or other Recycler.
- Community Gardens Report – Jim has signed up 100% of the available plots for 2013 and will be discussing expansion by adding four to six plots to accommodate the waiting list of gardeners. The soil has been tilled, manure and rye grass added, which will then be tilled again this spring.
- AEC had nothing to report and the Wind Committee may meet later this month.
- Sustainable South Shore – Jim is now President of SSSH and would like to form a board made up of members from each of the Town Chapters which would meet possibly twice yearly. He is also looking for feedback from all Chapters about the potential conflict of interest with Viridian, an alternative energy supplier. Should this organization be promoting and endorsing a for-profit company or merely providing information on all “green energy” suppliers? This Chapter was clearly leaning towards the latter — a non-endorsement approach. Jim also mentioned that the thermal imaging camera is available to the Member Chapters for a nominal fee that will help homeowners find and reduce wasted energy/heat in their homes.
- Climate Change Programs – Sustainable Duxbury is looking for suggestions about providing presentations throughout the year to a wide audience. Some of the speakers suggested so far were from the Climate Reality Project, 350.org and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Also suggested were movies such as, Chasing Ice or Gasland and a teaching program called Science in the Garden (A program that teaches 2nd-5th graders about using scientific evidence and observation to study plant and animal interactions). More suggestions are welcome.
December 5, 2012
SUMMARY OF MEETING Dec 5, 2012
ATTENDING: Marion Thayer, Jim Savicki, Janis Owens, Dick Rothschild, Beth Hudako, Mike Wilson, and Susan Fontaine.
Topics Discussed:
1. Recycling Committee – Janis Owens, Dick Rothschild:
The committee selected three school playing fields as candidates for the test recycle bin. The town’s past attempts at public recycling bins failed because people used them for regular trash. The committee is considering a three bin system with specially shaped openings for trash, cans, and paper as a way to fix this problem. The hope is that the unusual openings will remind people the bin is for recycling. The town is cooperating with our efforts and coaches have agreed to instruct students on using the bins.
The bins are expensive, ranging from $800 to $2000. We discussed several possible sources of funding: NEGREF (New England Grass Roots Environmental Funding?), Sustainable South Shore, and the Schools.
Claire Sullivan of South Shore Recycling Cooperative will attend our next meeting.
2. Community Garden – Jim Savicki:
The committee has notified current gardeners that they have until 1/1 to sign up for their plots. After that, remaining plots will be available for new gardeners. Five are already on the waiting list.
Cow manure has been laid on the plots and a work day is planned for Sunday to turn it into the soil. Jim and Mike are looking into having Holly Hill Farm teach a class for our gardeners next spring.
3. WAC/AEC/Green Community Update – Susan Fontaine, Jim Savicki:
The WAC (Wind Advisory Committee) will meet every other month. The next meeting is tentatively planned for 1/9 or 1/16 and will be an educational talk about wind turbines by MassCEC. The group discussed the potential for small scale, vertical axis turbines in Duxbury. (Dick R mentioned that levelized costs for different types of electrical generation show that wind is less expensive than solar, and similar to the cost of coal.)
The AEC may look into a new MassCEC program to generate power using compostables in an anerobic digester. The AEC will seek Green Community status for Duxbury in 2014.
4. Sustainable South Shore and thermal camera - Jim Savicki:
Congratulations to Jim Savicki who is the new president of Sustainable South Shore.
We will have the SSSh thermal camera for two months this winter. We need four volunteers to learn how to use the camera to find thermal leaks and to evaluate Duxbury homes. A house evaluation takes 1.5 to 2 hours and will cost about $50.
5. Climate Change – Janis:
We discussed hosting speakers, movies, or other events relating to climate change. Ideas mentioned include showing the movies “Chasing Ice”, “Kilowatt Hours” (owned by SSSh), and movies available through the library; inviting book authors, politicians, Rob Garrity (MCAN), and the Union of Concerned Scientists to speak; and collaborating with Plimoth Plantation (Ed Russell) and the AEC. We could attract more people if we offer refreshments.
6. Nominations for New Co-Chair & Dues - Janis Owens:
Mike Wilson has been nominated for co-chair to replace Janis whose term is up. Susan F (secretary) will solicit votes from our membership in time for our next meeting.
Dues collection time is here. Beth H will put together information from previous dues collections. We may computerize our membership list to simplify addressing. We discussed adding another dues tier for sustainers or friends.
Susan Fontaine, Secretary.
ATTENDING: Marion Thayer, Jim Savicki, Janis Owens, Dick Rothschild, Beth Hudako, Mike Wilson, and Susan Fontaine.
Topics Discussed:
1. Recycling Committee – Janis Owens, Dick Rothschild:
The committee selected three school playing fields as candidates for the test recycle bin. The town’s past attempts at public recycling bins failed because people used them for regular trash. The committee is considering a three bin system with specially shaped openings for trash, cans, and paper as a way to fix this problem. The hope is that the unusual openings will remind people the bin is for recycling. The town is cooperating with our efforts and coaches have agreed to instruct students on using the bins.
The bins are expensive, ranging from $800 to $2000. We discussed several possible sources of funding: NEGREF (New England Grass Roots Environmental Funding?), Sustainable South Shore, and the Schools.
Claire Sullivan of South Shore Recycling Cooperative will attend our next meeting.
2. Community Garden – Jim Savicki:
The committee has notified current gardeners that they have until 1/1 to sign up for their plots. After that, remaining plots will be available for new gardeners. Five are already on the waiting list.
Cow manure has been laid on the plots and a work day is planned for Sunday to turn it into the soil. Jim and Mike are looking into having Holly Hill Farm teach a class for our gardeners next spring.
3. WAC/AEC/Green Community Update – Susan Fontaine, Jim Savicki:
The WAC (Wind Advisory Committee) will meet every other month. The next meeting is tentatively planned for 1/9 or 1/16 and will be an educational talk about wind turbines by MassCEC. The group discussed the potential for small scale, vertical axis turbines in Duxbury. (Dick R mentioned that levelized costs for different types of electrical generation show that wind is less expensive than solar, and similar to the cost of coal.)
The AEC may look into a new MassCEC program to generate power using compostables in an anerobic digester. The AEC will seek Green Community status for Duxbury in 2014.
4. Sustainable South Shore and thermal camera - Jim Savicki:
Congratulations to Jim Savicki who is the new president of Sustainable South Shore.
We will have the SSSh thermal camera for two months this winter. We need four volunteers to learn how to use the camera to find thermal leaks and to evaluate Duxbury homes. A house evaluation takes 1.5 to 2 hours and will cost about $50.
5. Climate Change – Janis:
We discussed hosting speakers, movies, or other events relating to climate change. Ideas mentioned include showing the movies “Chasing Ice”, “Kilowatt Hours” (owned by SSSh), and movies available through the library; inviting book authors, politicians, Rob Garrity (MCAN), and the Union of Concerned Scientists to speak; and collaborating with Plimoth Plantation (Ed Russell) and the AEC. We could attract more people if we offer refreshments.
6. Nominations for New Co-Chair & Dues - Janis Owens:
Mike Wilson has been nominated for co-chair to replace Janis whose term is up. Susan F (secretary) will solicit votes from our membership in time for our next meeting.
Dues collection time is here. Beth H will put together information from previous dues collections. We may computerize our membership list to simplify addressing. We discussed adding another dues tier for sustainers or friends.
Susan Fontaine, Secretary.
November 7, 2012
ATTENDING: Marion Thayer, Jim Savicki, Janis Owens, Dick Rothschild, Fenna Hanes, Mike Wilson, Paul Mabey, Sean Sullivan, and Susan Fontaine.
Special Note: PAC TV Interviews of SusDux Members Fenna, Janis, Mike, and Jim
The show, Plymouth Community News, airs Thursday 11/29 at 8PM on Comcast Channel 13 and Verizon Channel 43, can be also seen on Friday at 1:00 p.m., Saturday at 10:30 a.m., and Monday at 3:00 p.m. You can stream it on the web: PACTV.org. Click on PACTV Community News.
Topics Discussed:
Compostable Food Pickup Service Offered – Guest - Sean Sullivan:
A local food recycling company, Positive Effects LLC, is offering curbside pickup of compostable foods (not meat, fish, or dairy). The waste is composted and then used on a local farm to grow organic fruits and vegetables, 10% of which are donated to charities. The service includes a fresh container with each pickup and costs $8 a week. For more information, see www.positiveeffectsllc.com or call (774) 678-1611.
We discussed a possible future project to expand Transfer Station recycling to food waste through Positive Effects LLC. SusDux will tell members about Positive Effects and include a description on our web site.
Chandler School Garden Status – Fenna Hanes reporting for Brook Fleming:
The group working on the garden with Brook is expanding the plan by:
A suggestion was made to include the garden in second grade curriculum and then allow older students to continue involvement.
AEC/Green Community Update – Susan Fontaine:
The AEC is laying the groundwork now to apply for Green Community (GC) status in 2014. The AEC will be canceling plans to put Stretch Code (a more energy efficient building code that is part of GC) before town vote in 2013. The biggest concern is that Stretch Code, separate from GC, might not make sense to the voters and be voted down. If turned down in 2013, then (theoretically) it could not be voted on again in 2014. SusDux will help garner support for GC. We discussed how to gain necessary support within town administration.
Community Garden – Jim Savicki:
The garden has been cleared and is ready for fertilizing. Jim Savicki and Mike Wilson are taking a class on garden winterizing. All but two people from last year want a plot next year and we already have 4 new plot requests. John Mcklusky, Mike, and Ann and George Baird are forming a “garden board.” SusDux will continue involvement as an informed facilitator. It was suggested that Holy Hill Farm, Cohasset, might be a good model.
Recycling Committee – Janis Owens, Dick Rothschild:
The Recycling Committee’s goal is to set up one test recycling bin by Spring, probably on a school playing field. Janis is researching how Scituate has set up public recycling. Dick Rothschild and Paul Mabey will meet with the DPW seeking information and cooperation. Ideally, the recyclables will be picked up by the same people who empty public trash bins.
Nominations for New Co-Chair: - Janis Owens:
Janis’s two year term as co-chair is up and it is time to solicit nominations for a new co-chair. Janis will draft a letter to send to our membership.
PAC TV Interviews of SusDux Members
Dick R will request a copy.
Susan Fontaine, Secretary.
Special Note: PAC TV Interviews of SusDux Members Fenna, Janis, Mike, and Jim
The show, Plymouth Community News, airs Thursday 11/29 at 8PM on Comcast Channel 13 and Verizon Channel 43, can be also seen on Friday at 1:00 p.m., Saturday at 10:30 a.m., and Monday at 3:00 p.m. You can stream it on the web: PACTV.org. Click on PACTV Community News.
Topics Discussed:
Compostable Food Pickup Service Offered – Guest - Sean Sullivan:
A local food recycling company, Positive Effects LLC, is offering curbside pickup of compostable foods (not meat, fish, or dairy). The waste is composted and then used on a local farm to grow organic fruits and vegetables, 10% of which are donated to charities. The service includes a fresh container with each pickup and costs $8 a week. For more information, see www.positiveeffectsllc.com or call (774) 678-1611.
We discussed a possible future project to expand Transfer Station recycling to food waste through Positive Effects LLC. SusDux will tell members about Positive Effects and include a description on our web site.
Chandler School Garden Status – Fenna Hanes reporting for Brook Fleming:
The group working on the garden with Brook is expanding the plan by:
- adding specifics on maintenance to the garden plan,
- meeting with people in charge school yard maintenance, and
- thinking about how to pass the garden onto new generations of parents/students.
A suggestion was made to include the garden in second grade curriculum and then allow older students to continue involvement.
AEC/Green Community Update – Susan Fontaine:
The AEC is laying the groundwork now to apply for Green Community (GC) status in 2014. The AEC will be canceling plans to put Stretch Code (a more energy efficient building code that is part of GC) before town vote in 2013. The biggest concern is that Stretch Code, separate from GC, might not make sense to the voters and be voted down. If turned down in 2013, then (theoretically) it could not be voted on again in 2014. SusDux will help garner support for GC. We discussed how to gain necessary support within town administration.
Community Garden – Jim Savicki:
The garden has been cleared and is ready for fertilizing. Jim Savicki and Mike Wilson are taking a class on garden winterizing. All but two people from last year want a plot next year and we already have 4 new plot requests. John Mcklusky, Mike, and Ann and George Baird are forming a “garden board.” SusDux will continue involvement as an informed facilitator. It was suggested that Holy Hill Farm, Cohasset, might be a good model.
Recycling Committee – Janis Owens, Dick Rothschild:
The Recycling Committee’s goal is to set up one test recycling bin by Spring, probably on a school playing field. Janis is researching how Scituate has set up public recycling. Dick Rothschild and Paul Mabey will meet with the DPW seeking information and cooperation. Ideally, the recyclables will be picked up by the same people who empty public trash bins.
Nominations for New Co-Chair: - Janis Owens:
Janis’s two year term as co-chair is up and it is time to solicit nominations for a new co-chair. Janis will draft a letter to send to our membership.
PAC TV Interviews of SusDux Members
Dick R will request a copy.
Susan Fontaine, Secretary.
October 10, 2012
ATTENDING: Janis Owens, Fenna Hanes, Jim Savicki, Anne Baird, Marion Thayer, Judi Vose, Brooke Fleming, Paul Mabey
School Update: (Fenna) We will write a letter to the editor of the Clipper thanking those students from Duxbury High that volunteered at the South Shore Celebration.
Chandler Courtyard Garden: (Brooke) There is a committee and a potential plan drawn up. Brooke felt there may not be room for our help. She will speak to Heather Edwards to see what is scheduled and when. They talked about planting daffodil bulbs and shrubbery around the solar panels. Judi mentioned a book, Bringing Nature Home, that might help pick out local plants to work with.
Community Garden: (Jim) John McCluskey wants to form a group—Mike, Jim, the Bairds and garden members—to meet and plan the future. By November 1 they hope all plots will be cleaned out. The plots will be fertilized and planted with winter green cover crop. Next March this will be cultivated in. December 1 will be the sign up for current members. By January 1 they will know if any plots are available for new members. There is talk about expanding the number of plots.
Recycling Committee: (Janis) A committee will form and plan to meet by next meeting. Anyone interested can join this new committee. Paul Maybe was at our meeting and he is very active in cleaning up litter in town. We will be joining forces to see how we can work together.
PAC-TV: They are planning on coming to our next meeting to film it. Several of us will meet with them before the meeting in order to be interviewed about Sustainable Duxbury. Mike and Jim will talk about Community Gardens; Fenna will speak about our work with the schools; Janis will talk about recycling and Sustainable Duxbury in general.
Other business: Judi Vose introduced Viridian and her plan to join their electrical power green plan. She is signing up under Magic Moon as a fundraiser for them. Anyone interested can get in touch with Judi for more information.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00.
School Update: (Fenna) We will write a letter to the editor of the Clipper thanking those students from Duxbury High that volunteered at the South Shore Celebration.
Chandler Courtyard Garden: (Brooke) There is a committee and a potential plan drawn up. Brooke felt there may not be room for our help. She will speak to Heather Edwards to see what is scheduled and when. They talked about planting daffodil bulbs and shrubbery around the solar panels. Judi mentioned a book, Bringing Nature Home, that might help pick out local plants to work with.
Community Garden: (Jim) John McCluskey wants to form a group—Mike, Jim, the Bairds and garden members—to meet and plan the future. By November 1 they hope all plots will be cleaned out. The plots will be fertilized and planted with winter green cover crop. Next March this will be cultivated in. December 1 will be the sign up for current members. By January 1 they will know if any plots are available for new members. There is talk about expanding the number of plots.
Recycling Committee: (Janis) A committee will form and plan to meet by next meeting. Anyone interested can join this new committee. Paul Maybe was at our meeting and he is very active in cleaning up litter in town. We will be joining forces to see how we can work together.
PAC-TV: They are planning on coming to our next meeting to film it. Several of us will meet with them before the meeting in order to be interviewed about Sustainable Duxbury. Mike and Jim will talk about Community Gardens; Fenna will speak about our work with the schools; Janis will talk about recycling and Sustainable Duxbury in general.
Other business: Judi Vose introduced Viridian and her plan to join their electrical power green plan. She is signing up under Magic Moon as a fundraiser for them. Anyone interested can get in touch with Judi for more information.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00.
September 5, 2012
ATTENDING: Janis Owens, Fenna Hanes, Gerry Dopp, Marischka Dopp, Beth Hudacko, Dick Rothschild, Anne Baird, George Baird, Marion Thayer, Cheryl Lewis, Pat Jessup, Mike Wilson
May Minutes: Reviewed and approved. It has been suggested that we mail out the minutes to the membership for approval before publishing on the website.
Treasurer’s Report: Current balance: $3,653.64. No action since May when we had $700 expense for the Rachel Carson event and income of $40 from dues.
Guests and Projects
Community Garden:
Pat Jessup came to our meeting to find out more about the Community Garden. This brought up a discussion of how the community garden has done this year. We thanked the committee who ran the “Open Garden” in July and produced a brochure about the garden. The Stewart foundation has a lot of ideas of what they want to do with the garden and will be forming a board of consultants to help run it. A Sustainable Duxbury group, Mike Wilson, Jim Savicki, Anne and George Baird, will meet to decide how we will help closing up the garden this October. They will also see what help we will provide in the future in renewing memberships and opening any available gardens for new gardeners. They will plan to meet and report back to us at our next meeting.
Cheryl Lewis, who is the science department head for the high and middle school, told us she has been working with Jim and Fenna for a couple of years now focusing on project based learning. She is looking for school-community involvement. She reported on several school initiatives:
Honor Society: Cheryl and Fenna reported that, with the help of Karen Irvine from the school, several students may be interested in volunteering at the South Shore Celebration that is being held by Sustainable South Shore, October 6, at the Marshfield Fair Grounds. Anne Baird offered to man a table for Sustainable Duxbury at the Celebration. Possibly Beth will help out.
Chandler Garden: The garden is continuing to move ahead. Fenna mentioned that Brooke Flemming is still interested in helping out with those plans.
Island Creek Oysters is helping to sponsor an aquacutlure club at the middle school. Fenna’s organization help provide an educational system that will help launch this project. Dr. Abe, who is the head of the project that the Island Creek Oyster Foundation is supporting in Haiti, is doing a presentation at the school first thing Friday morning. He is also doing a presentation for the public at DBMS Thursday night. The children will not only learn the science behind fish farming but they will also be involved in raising funds to help support this aquaculture project in Haiti.
Cheryl has written a grant to Battelle with the idea of setting up a science learning center in the new school campus. She wants to have an outdoor meeting area that will involve the surrounding conservation land that backs up to the library and school. Sustainable Duxbury will be available to help with this project as it moves along.
Goals for Sustainable Duxbury:
Form a Recycling Committee to study and see what we can do to expand recycling in town areas such as the beach. George Baird, Dick Rothschild, Marion Thayer, Beth Hudacko, and Janis Owens agreed to start the committee and will set a date for the first meeting.
Recruiting new members: Anne Baird mentioned that some of the events we had at the transfer station gave us some visibility and opportunities for education. Dick mentioned that we have enough members but need to get more who are willing to become involved in our sustainable initiatives. Marion suggested we include an email along with the minutes that mentions the various things we are working on. For Recycling contact: Janis Owens; for Community Gardens, contact: Mike Wilson; for Education projects, contact: Fenna Hanes. Dick suggested we get listed on the town talent bank. He will follow up on this and report back by next meeting. Gerry Dopp suggested we send more letters to the editor in the Clipper to talk about our programs.
Mailing list: We discussed that we need to be non-partisan in our mailings to our members. We decided to keep emails to Sustainable Duxbury news only. People are getting too many emails.
Terry Vose requested to use our mailing list to do a mailing about his group that is working to vote down the Town Meeting decision to lower the CPA from 3% to 1%. He wanted to do a postcard telling people to vote No on this issue. We voted not to use our mailing list for this purpose.
Meeting adjourned at 9:10.
May Minutes: Reviewed and approved. It has been suggested that we mail out the minutes to the membership for approval before publishing on the website.
Treasurer’s Report: Current balance: $3,653.64. No action since May when we had $700 expense for the Rachel Carson event and income of $40 from dues.
Guests and Projects
Community Garden:
Pat Jessup came to our meeting to find out more about the Community Garden. This brought up a discussion of how the community garden has done this year. We thanked the committee who ran the “Open Garden” in July and produced a brochure about the garden. The Stewart foundation has a lot of ideas of what they want to do with the garden and will be forming a board of consultants to help run it. A Sustainable Duxbury group, Mike Wilson, Jim Savicki, Anne and George Baird, will meet to decide how we will help closing up the garden this October. They will also see what help we will provide in the future in renewing memberships and opening any available gardens for new gardeners. They will plan to meet and report back to us at our next meeting.
Cheryl Lewis, who is the science department head for the high and middle school, told us she has been working with Jim and Fenna for a couple of years now focusing on project based learning. She is looking for school-community involvement. She reported on several school initiatives:
Honor Society: Cheryl and Fenna reported that, with the help of Karen Irvine from the school, several students may be interested in volunteering at the South Shore Celebration that is being held by Sustainable South Shore, October 6, at the Marshfield Fair Grounds. Anne Baird offered to man a table for Sustainable Duxbury at the Celebration. Possibly Beth will help out.
Chandler Garden: The garden is continuing to move ahead. Fenna mentioned that Brooke Flemming is still interested in helping out with those plans.
Island Creek Oysters is helping to sponsor an aquacutlure club at the middle school. Fenna’s organization help provide an educational system that will help launch this project. Dr. Abe, who is the head of the project that the Island Creek Oyster Foundation is supporting in Haiti, is doing a presentation at the school first thing Friday morning. He is also doing a presentation for the public at DBMS Thursday night. The children will not only learn the science behind fish farming but they will also be involved in raising funds to help support this aquaculture project in Haiti.
Cheryl has written a grant to Battelle with the idea of setting up a science learning center in the new school campus. She wants to have an outdoor meeting area that will involve the surrounding conservation land that backs up to the library and school. Sustainable Duxbury will be available to help with this project as it moves along.
Goals for Sustainable Duxbury:
Form a Recycling Committee to study and see what we can do to expand recycling in town areas such as the beach. George Baird, Dick Rothschild, Marion Thayer, Beth Hudacko, and Janis Owens agreed to start the committee and will set a date for the first meeting.
Recruiting new members: Anne Baird mentioned that some of the events we had at the transfer station gave us some visibility and opportunities for education. Dick mentioned that we have enough members but need to get more who are willing to become involved in our sustainable initiatives. Marion suggested we include an email along with the minutes that mentions the various things we are working on. For Recycling contact: Janis Owens; for Community Gardens, contact: Mike Wilson; for Education projects, contact: Fenna Hanes. Dick suggested we get listed on the town talent bank. He will follow up on this and report back by next meeting. Gerry Dopp suggested we send more letters to the editor in the Clipper to talk about our programs.
Mailing list: We discussed that we need to be non-partisan in our mailings to our members. We decided to keep emails to Sustainable Duxbury news only. People are getting too many emails.
Terry Vose requested to use our mailing list to do a mailing about his group that is working to vote down the Town Meeting decision to lower the CPA from 3% to 1%. He wanted to do a postcard telling people to vote No on this issue. We voted not to use our mailing list for this purpose.
Meeting adjourned at 9:10.
May 30, 2012
ATTENDING: Janis Owens, Fenna Hanes, Jim Savicki, Gerry Dopp, Beth Hudacko, Dick Rothschild, Anne Baird, Carol Langford, John Nugent and George Baird
RACHEL CARSON CELEBRATION: The Rachel Carson Day conceived and organized by Judi Vose was a great success! Over 100 people attended and were reminded of Ms Carson’s impact on care for the world’s environment though her book, “Silent Spring”
Judi and Teri now own the house and beautiful grounds that Ms. Carson visited before writing her book. Many of our members and other people had an unusual opportunity to tour the property and attend the programs. Sustainable Duxbury contributed $400 for the tent rental and was asked by Judy to pay for the rental chairs. This request prompted a healthy discussion of the need for an improved approach to provide funds for projects.
Some of the ideas included: a project budget before we approve any sponsorship; an annual budget based on the approval of all projects, a grant request which would be written by the Project Manager and include details of the project and funds needed. Several people suggested an annual budgeted allocation of funds for different areas such as education, community gardens etc.
Dick Rothschild suggested that we take a vote regarding Judy’s request and make it clearly understood that we are providing up to $300 as requested for the chair rentals. Following a vote, ( unanimous in favor), George Baird agreed to add a statement of financial guidance and process to the present By-Laws written and approved in August 2009. This proposal is found at the end of the meeting summary.
COMMUNITY GARDEN PUBLICITY COMMITTEE:
Committee members to date include: Marian Thayer, Jim Savicki, Mike Wilson, Dick Rothschild and George Baird. Dick provided a “Community Garden Publicity Proposal which included a description of the garden tour, (“An Open Garden”) to be held July 22, 2012, 3-5 PM, at the garden on Bay Ridge Road, Duxbury.
The event will feature a “self guided tour”, light refreshments, and distribution of a brochure. Elected community leaders and others will be invited, and there will be posters in the usual places around town to urge all people interested in gardens to join us. Members of the Community Garden Publicity Committee will meet again at the Baird’s home, Wednesday evening at 7:30 PM. June 6.
Duxbury Farmers Market
Fenna Hanes and Janis Owens reminded us that Sustainable Duxbury will be given a table at the Duxbury Farmers market that begins on June 28th and urged us to attend and use the table to spread the word about Sus Dux. Please call either person if you are willing to spend some time at the market manning our table and talking to people about our organization.
Possible ADDITION TO SUSTAINABLE DUXBURY’S RESOLUTION OF BY-LAWS
AUGUST 12, 20009
PROPOSED ARTICLE 7---FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
A. INCOME SOURCES: Sustainable Duxbury’s income is based on, (but not limited to) the following sources: membership dues, gifts, projects, events, and payments made for work performed.
B. MANAGEMENT & PROCESS:
1. A Treasurer is elected by the members for a term of two years. The incumbent’s role is to manage all funds, maintain the accounts, track the dues payments, manage all funds both spent and received for approved projects, and to provide financial guidance to the Board members and ensure that all members are aware of the organization’s financial condition at anytime.
2. Project Managers will provide a budget for a pending project before it is approved by the membership attending a meeting in which the concept is being discussed. All approved expenses will be submitted by the Project Manager or other membersand paid by check by the Treasurer after the material or work has been delivered.
RACHEL CARSON CELEBRATION: The Rachel Carson Day conceived and organized by Judi Vose was a great success! Over 100 people attended and were reminded of Ms Carson’s impact on care for the world’s environment though her book, “Silent Spring”
Judi and Teri now own the house and beautiful grounds that Ms. Carson visited before writing her book. Many of our members and other people had an unusual opportunity to tour the property and attend the programs. Sustainable Duxbury contributed $400 for the tent rental and was asked by Judy to pay for the rental chairs. This request prompted a healthy discussion of the need for an improved approach to provide funds for projects.
Some of the ideas included: a project budget before we approve any sponsorship; an annual budget based on the approval of all projects, a grant request which would be written by the Project Manager and include details of the project and funds needed. Several people suggested an annual budgeted allocation of funds for different areas such as education, community gardens etc.
Dick Rothschild suggested that we take a vote regarding Judy’s request and make it clearly understood that we are providing up to $300 as requested for the chair rentals. Following a vote, ( unanimous in favor), George Baird agreed to add a statement of financial guidance and process to the present By-Laws written and approved in August 2009. This proposal is found at the end of the meeting summary.
COMMUNITY GARDEN PUBLICITY COMMITTEE:
Committee members to date include: Marian Thayer, Jim Savicki, Mike Wilson, Dick Rothschild and George Baird. Dick provided a “Community Garden Publicity Proposal which included a description of the garden tour, (“An Open Garden”) to be held July 22, 2012, 3-5 PM, at the garden on Bay Ridge Road, Duxbury.
The event will feature a “self guided tour”, light refreshments, and distribution of a brochure. Elected community leaders and others will be invited, and there will be posters in the usual places around town to urge all people interested in gardens to join us. Members of the Community Garden Publicity Committee will meet again at the Baird’s home, Wednesday evening at 7:30 PM. June 6.
Duxbury Farmers Market
Fenna Hanes and Janis Owens reminded us that Sustainable Duxbury will be given a table at the Duxbury Farmers market that begins on June 28th and urged us to attend and use the table to spread the word about Sus Dux. Please call either person if you are willing to spend some time at the market manning our table and talking to people about our organization.
Possible ADDITION TO SUSTAINABLE DUXBURY’S RESOLUTION OF BY-LAWS
AUGUST 12, 20009
PROPOSED ARTICLE 7---FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
A. INCOME SOURCES: Sustainable Duxbury’s income is based on, (but not limited to) the following sources: membership dues, gifts, projects, events, and payments made for work performed.
B. MANAGEMENT & PROCESS:
1. A Treasurer is elected by the members for a term of two years. The incumbent’s role is to manage all funds, maintain the accounts, track the dues payments, manage all funds both spent and received for approved projects, and to provide financial guidance to the Board members and ensure that all members are aware of the organization’s financial condition at anytime.
2. Project Managers will provide a budget for a pending project before it is approved by the membership attending a meeting in which the concept is being discussed. All approved expenses will be submitted by the Project Manager or other membersand paid by check by the Treasurer after the material or work has been delivered.
May 2, 2012
ATTENDING: Marion Thayer, Jim Savicki, Judi Vose, Dick Rothschild, Fenna Hanes, Chris Connors, and Susan Fontaine.
Topics Discussed:
Community Garden – Jim Savicki:
The Community Garden plots are sold out. One gardener on the waiting list decided to turn an unused corner into a small plot. If the gardens grow enough produce, we may contribute to a food pantry being organized by the Lion’s Club at St. Pauls Church of the Nazarene. The garden members will coordinate watering during dry periods using well water and a regular sprinkler. For the remainder of the year, Sustainable Duxbury expects minimal involvement. Thank you Jim S, Mike Wilson, and Anne Baird for all of the work you put into making the Community Garden such a success.
We discussed how to extend the Community Garden into additional plots around town. Dick will publish an article early this summer about the success of the garden. Jim will talk to the trust manager about having an “opening” party at the site. We could invite the selectmen and members of the conservation and agriculture committee. We are aiming for the weekend before or after the Fourth of July and we could call it a “Food Independence Celebration.”
Energy Workshop – Jim Savicki:
We are sponsoring a talk at the library on Tuesday, 5/8 about MassSave home energy saving programs. Power and gas users pay into a utility fund that supports free home and apartment energy audits; free services for minor improvements such as switching to CFL lighting, programmable thermostats, water saver shower heads, and plugging small air leaks; and discounted services on major energy saving projects such as insulation, and replacing home heating and cooling equipment.
School Projects Status – Fenna Hanes:
The Chandler School Garden is moving forward with the completion of a master plan and overview document.
Fenna attended a Green Schools conference, sponsored by www.projectgreenschools.org. She purchased and donated to the schools a curriculum that includes sustainable projects.
Dick Rothschild gave a tour of his home geothermal system and cistern to 2 town teachers. The teachers’ students are doing an energy efficient house design project.
Silent Spring Celebration – Judi Vose:
Judi is planning an area at the event where people, especially children, can create and hang “flags”, made of ribbon or paper, stating how they plan to help the environment.
AEC Update – Susan Fontaine:
Representatives from Viridian Energy (a third party energy supplier, www.viridian.com) spoke to the AEC about their renewable electricity option that will be available to NSTAR customers by early June. Customers will have 2 Viridian energy programs to choose from – 27% renewable and 100% renewable. The 27% renewable rates will be 5-15% less than regular NSTAR rates. The 100% renewable option will cost more than non-renewable rates, but less than NSTAR’s 100% renewable rate. The interface to Viridian is behind NSTAR, so customers who choose Viridian as their power supplier will see no difference in billing or support, which will still be through NSTAR.
The Pegasus solar project in Acushnet has funding and is moving forward; the NEXAMP solar project is stalled and changes are being made to the contract; and the town solar project by the transfer station may start construction as early as September.
The AEC is forming a subcommittee on public education. Fenna will talk with them about our ongoing work in this area.
We discussed how to ensure that the new school is as green as possible. The first step is to find out what they currently have planned.
Susan Fontaine, Secretary.
Topics Discussed:
Community Garden – Jim Savicki:
The Community Garden plots are sold out. One gardener on the waiting list decided to turn an unused corner into a small plot. If the gardens grow enough produce, we may contribute to a food pantry being organized by the Lion’s Club at St. Pauls Church of the Nazarene. The garden members will coordinate watering during dry periods using well water and a regular sprinkler. For the remainder of the year, Sustainable Duxbury expects minimal involvement. Thank you Jim S, Mike Wilson, and Anne Baird for all of the work you put into making the Community Garden such a success.
We discussed how to extend the Community Garden into additional plots around town. Dick will publish an article early this summer about the success of the garden. Jim will talk to the trust manager about having an “opening” party at the site. We could invite the selectmen and members of the conservation and agriculture committee. We are aiming for the weekend before or after the Fourth of July and we could call it a “Food Independence Celebration.”
Energy Workshop – Jim Savicki:
We are sponsoring a talk at the library on Tuesday, 5/8 about MassSave home energy saving programs. Power and gas users pay into a utility fund that supports free home and apartment energy audits; free services for minor improvements such as switching to CFL lighting, programmable thermostats, water saver shower heads, and plugging small air leaks; and discounted services on major energy saving projects such as insulation, and replacing home heating and cooling equipment.
School Projects Status – Fenna Hanes:
The Chandler School Garden is moving forward with the completion of a master plan and overview document.
Fenna attended a Green Schools conference, sponsored by www.projectgreenschools.org. She purchased and donated to the schools a curriculum that includes sustainable projects.
Dick Rothschild gave a tour of his home geothermal system and cistern to 2 town teachers. The teachers’ students are doing an energy efficient house design project.
Silent Spring Celebration – Judi Vose:
Judi is planning an area at the event where people, especially children, can create and hang “flags”, made of ribbon or paper, stating how they plan to help the environment.
AEC Update – Susan Fontaine:
Representatives from Viridian Energy (a third party energy supplier, www.viridian.com) spoke to the AEC about their renewable electricity option that will be available to NSTAR customers by early June. Customers will have 2 Viridian energy programs to choose from – 27% renewable and 100% renewable. The 27% renewable rates will be 5-15% less than regular NSTAR rates. The 100% renewable option will cost more than non-renewable rates, but less than NSTAR’s 100% renewable rate. The interface to Viridian is behind NSTAR, so customers who choose Viridian as their power supplier will see no difference in billing or support, which will still be through NSTAR.
The Pegasus solar project in Acushnet has funding and is moving forward; the NEXAMP solar project is stalled and changes are being made to the contract; and the town solar project by the transfer station may start construction as early as September.
The AEC is forming a subcommittee on public education. Fenna will talk with them about our ongoing work in this area.
We discussed how to ensure that the new school is as green as possible. The first step is to find out what they currently have planned.
Susan Fontaine, Secretary.
April 4, 2012
ATTENDING: Becky Chin, Beth Hudacko, Marion Thayer, Jim Savicki, Janis Owens, Pat Coulter, Judi Vose, Dick Rothschild, and Susan Fontaine.
Topics Discussed:
Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant Problems - Becky Chin, Guest Speaker:
Becky Chin, a member of the Duxbury Nuclear Advisory Committee, spoke to us about many serious problems at the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant. Pilgrim is the same age and design as the nuclear reactors in Fukushima, Japan, that had multiple core meltdowns last year. Many of the design flaws and bad practices that contributed to the Fukushima meltdowns also exist at the Pilgrim plant. Duxbury and several other towns had asked the NRC to require that the most serious problems be fixed before Pilgrim was relicensed. However, the NRC has recommended relicensing the plant for another 20 years without requiring the changes.
Following is a brief description of some of the problems Becky described at Pilgrim:
3,200 spent fuel rods are being stored in a pool designed to hold 800. At Fukushima, spent fuel rods in overcrowded storage pools caused explosions that destroyed much of the plant. Spent fuel rods can be stored much more safely in dry casks.
Design flaws and a venting system that can cause large amounts of radiation to be released. Similar venting systems have failed when tested. The fix is to install a special filter.
Radioactive tritium is leaking into the water table beneath the plant.
Radiation is not being effectively monitored and tracked around the plant. Duxbury may install its own monitor. Adult leukemia is more prevalent near the plant than in other areas (4x according to Becky).
Martha Coakley has filed a lawsuit to force Pilgrim’s owner, Entergy, to fix some of these problems. We can help by writing to her in support.
Community Garden – Jim Savicki:
The Community Garden plots are almost sold out. The land is tilled and fertilized; the plots are laid out and fenced in. Island Creek Oyster donated $1,500 towards the cost of materials, and fees for the plots brought in an additional $700. Jim has turned the finances for the garden over to the trust manager. If you want to visit the garden, the address is 66 Bay Ridge Rd., on the left.
School Projects Status – Jim Savicki:
The school hydration stations were featured in a newspaper article. Two High School students will be doing projects with Sustainable Duxbury. One will video-record the anniversary celebration in honor of Rachel Carson’s book Silent Spring. The other will add a page on composting to our web site. The parents at Chandler School are working to make the school garden happen this year.
AEC Update – Susan Fontaine:
The Wind Bylaw Committee is being formed and anyone interested should fill out a talent form at the town hall.
Beach Recycling – Janis:
Janis suggested we look into getting recycling bins on the beach. She pointed out that there are no recycle bins available for public use anywhere in town.
Susan Fontaine, Secretary.
Topics Discussed:
Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant Problems - Becky Chin, Guest Speaker:
Becky Chin, a member of the Duxbury Nuclear Advisory Committee, spoke to us about many serious problems at the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant. Pilgrim is the same age and design as the nuclear reactors in Fukushima, Japan, that had multiple core meltdowns last year. Many of the design flaws and bad practices that contributed to the Fukushima meltdowns also exist at the Pilgrim plant. Duxbury and several other towns had asked the NRC to require that the most serious problems be fixed before Pilgrim was relicensed. However, the NRC has recommended relicensing the plant for another 20 years without requiring the changes.
Following is a brief description of some of the problems Becky described at Pilgrim:
3,200 spent fuel rods are being stored in a pool designed to hold 800. At Fukushima, spent fuel rods in overcrowded storage pools caused explosions that destroyed much of the plant. Spent fuel rods can be stored much more safely in dry casks.
Design flaws and a venting system that can cause large amounts of radiation to be released. Similar venting systems have failed when tested. The fix is to install a special filter.
Radioactive tritium is leaking into the water table beneath the plant.
Radiation is not being effectively monitored and tracked around the plant. Duxbury may install its own monitor. Adult leukemia is more prevalent near the plant than in other areas (4x according to Becky).
Martha Coakley has filed a lawsuit to force Pilgrim’s owner, Entergy, to fix some of these problems. We can help by writing to her in support.
Community Garden – Jim Savicki:
The Community Garden plots are almost sold out. The land is tilled and fertilized; the plots are laid out and fenced in. Island Creek Oyster donated $1,500 towards the cost of materials, and fees for the plots brought in an additional $700. Jim has turned the finances for the garden over to the trust manager. If you want to visit the garden, the address is 66 Bay Ridge Rd., on the left.
School Projects Status – Jim Savicki:
The school hydration stations were featured in a newspaper article. Two High School students will be doing projects with Sustainable Duxbury. One will video-record the anniversary celebration in honor of Rachel Carson’s book Silent Spring. The other will add a page on composting to our web site. The parents at Chandler School are working to make the school garden happen this year.
AEC Update – Susan Fontaine:
The Wind Bylaw Committee is being formed and anyone interested should fill out a talent form at the town hall.
Beach Recycling – Janis:
Janis suggested we look into getting recycling bins on the beach. She pointed out that there are no recycle bins available for public use anywhere in town.
Susan Fontaine, Secretary.
March 7, 2012
ATTENDING: Mike Wilson, Beth Hudacko, Marion Thayer, Jim Savicki, Janis Owens, Brooke Fleming, Fenna Hanes, Soren Jensen, Gina Rainwater Thayer, and Susan Fontaine.
Topics Discussed:
Guest Speaker
Gina Rainwater Thayer, from the Duxbury Farmer’s Market Board, offered us a table at the Market for the Community Garden free of charge on the condition that profit from the table go to Sustainable Duxbury. We can sell produce, jam, arts and crafts, and hand out SusDux literature. Brooke has a tent we can use. We voted to accept this generous and exciting offer. Gina will put information about our Community Garden on the Market’s web site: www.duxburyfarmersmarket.org. The Market opens Thursday, June 28, 1:30-5:30.
Future Guests:
Becky Chin will speak at our April meeting about the relicensing and repair issues at Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant.
Pilgrim Coalition – Fenna Hanes:
The Pilgrim Coalition is marking the anniversary of the Fukushima disaster with a walk on Sunday, 3/11. The walk begins at 1pm at the Lobster Pound, 252 Manomet Point Road, Plymouth and ends at the Pilgrim Power Plant (~5 miles). There will also be a 4pm vigil at the First Parish UU Church, 19 Town Square, Plymouth. For more information, go to http://www.pilgrimcoalition.org/action/
Please endorse the citizen’s petition at the Special Town Meeting which starts 9am, this Saturday, 3/10. The petition authorizes Duxbury to ask the NRC to stop the relicensing process of Pilgrim until certain repairs are made. The repairs would fix problems that contributed to the Fukushima Power Plant catastrophe.
Volunteers are needed to hand out Coalition literature outside of the Town Meeting Saturday, 3/10.
Treasurer’s Report – Beth Hudacko:
After receipt of $560 dues from 35 members, we have $4303.64. Janis will email dues reminders to our mailing list of 86 people.
Community Garden – Jim Savicki:
We have rented out 10 garden plots and have 8 remaining. JimS will be tilling and adding compost to the soil this Saturday morning (3/10), beginning at 9am. Volunteers to help are welcome. The garden is at 66 Bay Ridge Rd. JimS plans to surround the garden with a solar powered, electric fence to discourage animals. Town residents have asked for space for bee hives.
AEC Update – Susan Fontaine:
Both AEC related articles on the Town Meeting Warrant are going to be indefinitely postponed. The Stretch Building Code article, which must be approved before Duxbury can apply for Mass. Green Community status, will be postponed because historic houses in town may not be eligible for the code’s Historic House Exemption. If not exempt, then renovations and additions to historic houses must meet the code.
The citizen group responsible for the article amending the wind turbine by-law has agreed to indefinitely postpone their article in exchange for the creation of a wind by-law advisory committee.
Soren Jensen, who is very knowledgeable about wind power in Denmark, told us that a 1.24 mile setback is not the rule anywhere in the world and that a study in Denmark has shown that the vast majority of anti-wind articles (365) published are by the same 5 or 6 people.
School Related Projects – Fenna Hanes:
Earth Day – Janis:
We are looking for ideas on how to participate in Earth Day, Sunday, April 22. Carol Langford suggested we join with the Interfaith Council in donating and planting trees, but we already planted trees for the 350.org 10/10/10 event. Last year we cleared brush and trash at Camp Wing.
Educating Town about Climate Change – Janis:
Janis suggested we begin a program of educating town residents about the reality and predicted impact of global climate change. Janis will research the possibility of having the Climate Reality Project give a presentation here in June.
Susan Fontaine, Secretary.
Topics Discussed:
Guest Speaker
Gina Rainwater Thayer, from the Duxbury Farmer’s Market Board, offered us a table at the Market for the Community Garden free of charge on the condition that profit from the table go to Sustainable Duxbury. We can sell produce, jam, arts and crafts, and hand out SusDux literature. Brooke has a tent we can use. We voted to accept this generous and exciting offer. Gina will put information about our Community Garden on the Market’s web site: www.duxburyfarmersmarket.org. The Market opens Thursday, June 28, 1:30-5:30.
Future Guests:
Becky Chin will speak at our April meeting about the relicensing and repair issues at Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant.
Pilgrim Coalition – Fenna Hanes:
The Pilgrim Coalition is marking the anniversary of the Fukushima disaster with a walk on Sunday, 3/11. The walk begins at 1pm at the Lobster Pound, 252 Manomet Point Road, Plymouth and ends at the Pilgrim Power Plant (~5 miles). There will also be a 4pm vigil at the First Parish UU Church, 19 Town Square, Plymouth. For more information, go to http://www.pilgrimcoalition.org/action/
Please endorse the citizen’s petition at the Special Town Meeting which starts 9am, this Saturday, 3/10. The petition authorizes Duxbury to ask the NRC to stop the relicensing process of Pilgrim until certain repairs are made. The repairs would fix problems that contributed to the Fukushima Power Plant catastrophe.
Volunteers are needed to hand out Coalition literature outside of the Town Meeting Saturday, 3/10.
Treasurer’s Report – Beth Hudacko:
After receipt of $560 dues from 35 members, we have $4303.64. Janis will email dues reminders to our mailing list of 86 people.
Community Garden – Jim Savicki:
We have rented out 10 garden plots and have 8 remaining. JimS will be tilling and adding compost to the soil this Saturday morning (3/10), beginning at 9am. Volunteers to help are welcome. The garden is at 66 Bay Ridge Rd. JimS plans to surround the garden with a solar powered, electric fence to discourage animals. Town residents have asked for space for bee hives.
AEC Update – Susan Fontaine:
Both AEC related articles on the Town Meeting Warrant are going to be indefinitely postponed. The Stretch Building Code article, which must be approved before Duxbury can apply for Mass. Green Community status, will be postponed because historic houses in town may not be eligible for the code’s Historic House Exemption. If not exempt, then renovations and additions to historic houses must meet the code.
The citizen group responsible for the article amending the wind turbine by-law has agreed to indefinitely postpone their article in exchange for the creation of a wind by-law advisory committee.
Soren Jensen, who is very knowledgeable about wind power in Denmark, told us that a 1.24 mile setback is not the rule anywhere in the world and that a study in Denmark has shown that the vast majority of anti-wind articles (365) published are by the same 5 or 6 people.
School Related Projects – Fenna Hanes:
- Hydration Station - There will be a newspaper article about the school Hydration Stations written by JimS, the High School Principal, and the Superintendant.
- Rachel Carson Celebration - A teacher at the High School has agreed to either find a student to video the event or do it himself. Another teacher will enlist the help of the photo club.
- Chandler Garden - We are waiting to hear from the school. If work on the garden isn’t begun by April, then it will have to wait until next year.
- HS Senior Projects – Several seniors are planning projects to add information to our web site, such as how to build a chicken coop and about recycling in town.
- Job and Career Fair - JimS was asked if SusDux could contribute to the Job and Career Fair at the High School in April. We will suggest they call MassCEC, DOER, Cape Wind, and possibly SED (wind development company).
Earth Day – Janis:
We are looking for ideas on how to participate in Earth Day, Sunday, April 22. Carol Langford suggested we join with the Interfaith Council in donating and planting trees, but we already planted trees for the 350.org 10/10/10 event. Last year we cleared brush and trash at Camp Wing.
Educating Town about Climate Change – Janis:
Janis suggested we begin a program of educating town residents about the reality and predicted impact of global climate change. Janis will research the possibility of having the Climate Reality Project give a presentation here in June.
Susan Fontaine, Secretary.
February 1, 2012
ATTENDING: Mike Wilson, Pat Coulter, Marion Thayer, Jim Savicki, Janis Owens, George Baird, Fenna Hanes, Judi Vose, David Amory, and Susan Fontaine.
Topics Discussed:
Guest Speaker – Jim Savicki:
Jim will look into inviting a guest speaker on solar power to a Sustainable Duxbury meeting.
NOTE: MassCEC is extending the rebate program for solar hot water. Go to http://www.masscec.com/index.cfm/cdid/12710/pid/11150 for more information.
Treasurer’s Report – Marion Thayer:
We have approximately $3,770 and are in the process of switching accounts and records to the new Treasurer, Beth Hudacko. George reports that all of the dues letters have been sent, about 72.
New Web Site and Blog – Janis Owens:
Thanks to hard work by JanisO and Makai McClintock our new web site is up and running on a new host. Check it out at: www.sustainableduxbury.org/ Host fees are paid through 2014. Send anything you want posted to Janis. Janis will look into broadening the search tags so that our site is easily found.
Community Garden Update – Jim Savicki:
The 1/27 organizing meeting went well. Despite it being mid-winter, people are signing up to reserve plots for this summer. We will start planning for fencing, etc., when we get 10 people signed up which should be soon, so if you are interested contact Jim S. ASAP. Go to our Events page for more information.
Jim printed flyers and hung 20 around town. Members volunteered to hang more flyers.
We decided to restrict plots to Duxbury residents for now. The land (approximately 120’x60’) can accommodate up to 14-16 gardeners, but we will start with 12. A plot costs $50 a year, which is the least expensive in town. Jim sent a soil sample out for testing. Island Creek Oysters has pledged $1,000 for fencing. Additional action items: stake out, design, and fence plots, find out how much manure we need, and find someone to plow and harrow the land.
School Initiative – Fenna, JimS:
The Middle School has installed the donated Hydration Station but has decided to not purchase another.
Fenna reports a scheduling conflict at the High School with the event Duxury Honors Olga Owens Huckins and Rachael Carson, 5/27, 10-3. Also, she found that we need to be more specific about what we would like students to do rather than having them propose ideas. One possibility is to have a student videotape the celebration. Judi will join Fenna at the next meeting with the schools.
Fenna told us about a teaching curriculum, designed for Middle Schools and higher, on Marine and Freshwater Aquaculture, that she will propose to the public and Montessori schools in town.
Silent Spring Celebration – Judi Vose:
Duxbury is the site of the bird sanctuary where the key environmental book Silent Spring, whose 50’th anniversary is this year, was inspired. Judi is organizing a celebration, Duxury Honors Olga Owens Huckins and Rachael Carson, 5/27, 10-3, which will take place on the property, called the Spring House, where these historic events occurred. Roger Payne, the founder of Ocean Alliance, and his wife, actress Lisa Harrow, will be on the panel of 7 notable environmentalists and authors at the celebration. Plimouth Plantation will also host an event in conjunction with the celebration. Pat Coulter offered to ask St. John Church for the additional chairs that Judi needs for the festival
Sustainable Duxbury Wind Subcommittee – Jim S., Janis O., Susan Fontaine:
The anti-wind turbine group in Duxbury gave 2 presentations on the proposed wind turbine by-law changes to the Planning Board and will be giving additional presentations to the Financial Committee (2/7) and Board of Selectmen (2/13). Any resident can speak at the meetings. If we want wind turbines to remain possible in Duxbury, then we need to speak out.
The wind subcommittee will send out information to help members interested in writing to local newspapers or speaking at public meetings.
The Mass Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Public Health have released their Independent Report on Potential Health Effects of Wind Turbines. The press release with a summary of its findings and a link to the full report is at:
http://www.mass.gov/dep/public/press/0112wind.htm
Among the key findings: “There is no evidence for a set of health effects from exposure to wind turbines that could be characterized as a "Wind Turbine Syndrome." “
A public comment period on the report is open until Monday, March 19 at 5 p.m. Information on how to submit comments is at the above link. Also there will be a public comment meeting Thursday, February 16, from 5–8 p.m. at the Bourne High School, Beth Bourne Auditorium, 75 Waterhouse Road, Bourne
The AEC will host a presentation on Stretch Codes at the 2/7 meeting, 7:00 (not the usual 7:30), Senior Center. The Town Meeting must pass the codes, which are stricter building codes, before Duxbury can gain Green Community status.
Susan Fontaine, Secretary.
Topics Discussed:
Guest Speaker – Jim Savicki:
Jim will look into inviting a guest speaker on solar power to a Sustainable Duxbury meeting.
NOTE: MassCEC is extending the rebate program for solar hot water. Go to http://www.masscec.com/index.cfm/cdid/12710/pid/11150 for more information.
Treasurer’s Report – Marion Thayer:
We have approximately $3,770 and are in the process of switching accounts and records to the new Treasurer, Beth Hudacko. George reports that all of the dues letters have been sent, about 72.
New Web Site and Blog – Janis Owens:
Thanks to hard work by JanisO and Makai McClintock our new web site is up and running on a new host. Check it out at: www.sustainableduxbury.org/ Host fees are paid through 2014. Send anything you want posted to Janis. Janis will look into broadening the search tags so that our site is easily found.
Community Garden Update – Jim Savicki:
The 1/27 organizing meeting went well. Despite it being mid-winter, people are signing up to reserve plots for this summer. We will start planning for fencing, etc., when we get 10 people signed up which should be soon, so if you are interested contact Jim S. ASAP. Go to our Events page for more information.
Jim printed flyers and hung 20 around town. Members volunteered to hang more flyers.
We decided to restrict plots to Duxbury residents for now. The land (approximately 120’x60’) can accommodate up to 14-16 gardeners, but we will start with 12. A plot costs $50 a year, which is the least expensive in town. Jim sent a soil sample out for testing. Island Creek Oysters has pledged $1,000 for fencing. Additional action items: stake out, design, and fence plots, find out how much manure we need, and find someone to plow and harrow the land.
School Initiative – Fenna, JimS:
The Middle School has installed the donated Hydration Station but has decided to not purchase another.
Fenna reports a scheduling conflict at the High School with the event Duxury Honors Olga Owens Huckins and Rachael Carson, 5/27, 10-3. Also, she found that we need to be more specific about what we would like students to do rather than having them propose ideas. One possibility is to have a student videotape the celebration. Judi will join Fenna at the next meeting with the schools.
Fenna told us about a teaching curriculum, designed for Middle Schools and higher, on Marine and Freshwater Aquaculture, that she will propose to the public and Montessori schools in town.
Silent Spring Celebration – Judi Vose:
Duxbury is the site of the bird sanctuary where the key environmental book Silent Spring, whose 50’th anniversary is this year, was inspired. Judi is organizing a celebration, Duxury Honors Olga Owens Huckins and Rachael Carson, 5/27, 10-3, which will take place on the property, called the Spring House, where these historic events occurred. Roger Payne, the founder of Ocean Alliance, and his wife, actress Lisa Harrow, will be on the panel of 7 notable environmentalists and authors at the celebration. Plimouth Plantation will also host an event in conjunction with the celebration. Pat Coulter offered to ask St. John Church for the additional chairs that Judi needs for the festival
Sustainable Duxbury Wind Subcommittee – Jim S., Janis O., Susan Fontaine:
The anti-wind turbine group in Duxbury gave 2 presentations on the proposed wind turbine by-law changes to the Planning Board and will be giving additional presentations to the Financial Committee (2/7) and Board of Selectmen (2/13). Any resident can speak at the meetings. If we want wind turbines to remain possible in Duxbury, then we need to speak out.
The wind subcommittee will send out information to help members interested in writing to local newspapers or speaking at public meetings.
The Mass Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Public Health have released their Independent Report on Potential Health Effects of Wind Turbines. The press release with a summary of its findings and a link to the full report is at:
http://www.mass.gov/dep/public/press/0112wind.htm
Among the key findings: “There is no evidence for a set of health effects from exposure to wind turbines that could be characterized as a "Wind Turbine Syndrome." “
A public comment period on the report is open until Monday, March 19 at 5 p.m. Information on how to submit comments is at the above link. Also there will be a public comment meeting Thursday, February 16, from 5–8 p.m. at the Bourne High School, Beth Bourne Auditorium, 75 Waterhouse Road, Bourne
The AEC will host a presentation on Stretch Codes at the 2/7 meeting, 7:00 (not the usual 7:30), Senior Center. The Town Meeting must pass the codes, which are stricter building codes, before Duxbury can gain Green Community status.
Susan Fontaine, Secretary.
January 4, 2012
ATTENDING: George Baird, Anne Baird, Janis Owens, Jim Savicki, Marion Thayer, Fenna Hanes, Mike Wilson, and Susan Fontaine.
Topics Discussed:
Sustainable Duxbury Officer Elections:
The nominees were approved unanimously. Fenna Hanes replaces Jim Savicki as co-chair; Beth Hudako replaces Marion Thayer as Treasurer; Susan Fontaine was approved as Secretary.
Community Garden Update – Ann Baird:
Ann has arranged a meeting with the land’s trustee to discuss plans with interested town residents on 1/27, 10am, at the Senior Center. We would like to know how much support there is in town for a community garden before investing lots of time and effort. Ann has emailed the information to the residents interested in our previous community garden project. Jim S put a brief article in the Clipper describing the project and asking interested residents to contact Ann or Jim S. Susan F and Carol Langford will share the information with the Community Garden Club.
Before the trustee meeting on 1/27, Jim S will meet with the trustee’s lawyer to iron out some details.
We discussed ground rules for the Community Garden starting with the draft from our previous community garden project. Our eventual goal is to have members of the Community Garden take over and manage the project.
We discussed asking the High School and Boy Scouts for young people interested in helping us prepare the garden. We have plots to lay-out, and walkways and fencing to build.
School Initiative – Fenna:
Chandler School Garden – Brook Fleming and Jim S met with the Chandler school council mand discussed ways we could help them integrate plans for a school garden into their plans for using the courtyard. This work is continuing.
Middle School Hydration Station – Jim S. brought together a town resident who has a free Hydration Station to donate and school officials who want a Hydration Station for the Middle School. The PTO has decided they will fund a second station and the installation of both stations. All four stations will be moved to the new school and hopefully there will be no machines dispensing bottled water in the new building.
Fenna H will talk with the teacher who handles Senior Projects and Community Service about finding students interested in helping Judy Vose with the Rachel Carson Celebration May 27 and, possibly, with the Community Garden.
Membership and Dues - George Baird:
George is drafting a letter to tell Sustainable Duxbury that it is time to renew membership for 2012 and send dues of $20 to Beth Hudako or Marion Thayer. The letter should be sent by the end of Jan.
Sustainable Duxbury Wind Subcommittee – Jim S., Janis O.:
Two articles proposing major changes to the town’s current wind turbine by-law are on the warrant for the 3/10/2012 town meeting. If passed, these changes will effectively ban wind turbines in Duxbury.
Janis has drafted a brochure explaining why we want wind power. Sub-committee members will speak in support of the current by-law at the Planning Board public hearing on 1/9. The sub-committee is planning a to work with the AEC to fight the by-law change prior to the March 10th town meeting.
George thanked JimS and Dick for their wonderful contributions to the Clipper on wind turbines.
Petition for Repairs to Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant – Fenna:
Fenna passed around a citizen’s petition for a Special Town Meeting Warrant Article. The Article adds Duxbury to a list of local towns requesting a freeze of the relicensing process until certain repairs are made to the Pilgrim Nuclear Power. Pilgrim is the same design and age as the Fukushima Plant in Japan. The repairs are intended to prevent Pilgrim from experiencing problems similar to what happened in 2011 at Fukushima (e.g. core meltdown, explosions, massive release of radiation). If passed, the warrant will allow Duxbury to ask the NRC to make Pilgrim relicensing contingent on these repairs. Call Fenna for more information or to sign the petition.
Susan Fontaine, Secretary.
Topics Discussed:
Sustainable Duxbury Officer Elections:
The nominees were approved unanimously. Fenna Hanes replaces Jim Savicki as co-chair; Beth Hudako replaces Marion Thayer as Treasurer; Susan Fontaine was approved as Secretary.
Community Garden Update – Ann Baird:
Ann has arranged a meeting with the land’s trustee to discuss plans with interested town residents on 1/27, 10am, at the Senior Center. We would like to know how much support there is in town for a community garden before investing lots of time and effort. Ann has emailed the information to the residents interested in our previous community garden project. Jim S put a brief article in the Clipper describing the project and asking interested residents to contact Ann or Jim S. Susan F and Carol Langford will share the information with the Community Garden Club.
Before the trustee meeting on 1/27, Jim S will meet with the trustee’s lawyer to iron out some details.
We discussed ground rules for the Community Garden starting with the draft from our previous community garden project. Our eventual goal is to have members of the Community Garden take over and manage the project.
We discussed asking the High School and Boy Scouts for young people interested in helping us prepare the garden. We have plots to lay-out, and walkways and fencing to build.
School Initiative – Fenna:
Chandler School Garden – Brook Fleming and Jim S met with the Chandler school council mand discussed ways we could help them integrate plans for a school garden into their plans for using the courtyard. This work is continuing.
Middle School Hydration Station – Jim S. brought together a town resident who has a free Hydration Station to donate and school officials who want a Hydration Station for the Middle School. The PTO has decided they will fund a second station and the installation of both stations. All four stations will be moved to the new school and hopefully there will be no machines dispensing bottled water in the new building.
Fenna H will talk with the teacher who handles Senior Projects and Community Service about finding students interested in helping Judy Vose with the Rachel Carson Celebration May 27 and, possibly, with the Community Garden.
Membership and Dues - George Baird:
George is drafting a letter to tell Sustainable Duxbury that it is time to renew membership for 2012 and send dues of $20 to Beth Hudako or Marion Thayer. The letter should be sent by the end of Jan.
Sustainable Duxbury Wind Subcommittee – Jim S., Janis O.:
Two articles proposing major changes to the town’s current wind turbine by-law are on the warrant for the 3/10/2012 town meeting. If passed, these changes will effectively ban wind turbines in Duxbury.
Janis has drafted a brochure explaining why we want wind power. Sub-committee members will speak in support of the current by-law at the Planning Board public hearing on 1/9. The sub-committee is planning a to work with the AEC to fight the by-law change prior to the March 10th town meeting.
George thanked JimS and Dick for their wonderful contributions to the Clipper on wind turbines.
Petition for Repairs to Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant – Fenna:
Fenna passed around a citizen’s petition for a Special Town Meeting Warrant Article. The Article adds Duxbury to a list of local towns requesting a freeze of the relicensing process until certain repairs are made to the Pilgrim Nuclear Power. Pilgrim is the same design and age as the Fukushima Plant in Japan. The repairs are intended to prevent Pilgrim from experiencing problems similar to what happened in 2011 at Fukushima (e.g. core meltdown, explosions, massive release of radiation). If passed, the warrant will allow Duxbury to ask the NRC to make Pilgrim relicensing contingent on these repairs. Call Fenna for more information or to sign the petition.
Susan Fontaine, Secretary.
