October 2019

Sustainable Warwick Minutes 

Wednesday October 16, 2019

Actions and Events:

  • Urge Gov. Cuomo not to allow the Danskammer power plant in Newburgh to be updated to a fracked gas plant:  518-474-8390 or sign on to email by clicking this link for foodandwaterwatch.org.

  • Drawdown, Live Stream on proven methods of addressing climate change, at Wisner Library Community Room on Friday, Oct. 18 at 7:30 p.m. (Come to the potluck dinner at the library first and stay for this event).

  • Vegetarians and Friends potluck dinner, Monday, Oct. 21 at 6:30 in Warwick Community Center  SWVandF@gmail.com for more information.

  • From Paris to Pittsburgh, a film on what cities and towns worldwide are doing to address climate change (sponsored by SUNY and O.C. Audubon Society) at SUNY Orange, Harriman Hall 111 on Friday, Oct. 25 at 7:15 p.m.

  • Large scale renewables for NYS online teach-in Wed., Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. Sign up here.

  • Donations of $25 requested via PayPal or check to P.O. Box 1270, Warwick, NY 10990 made out to Community2gether, with Sustainable Warwick in memo line.

  • Book Discussion,The Last Whalers: Three Years in the Far Pacific with a Courageous Tribe and a Vanishing Way of Life by Doug Bock Clark at Wisner Library Boardroom, Tuesday, Nov. 12 at noon.

In Attendance: Payton Swenson (meeting chair), Catherine King, Bill King, Christy Erfer, Bill Makofske, Mary Makofske, Michael Helme, Bill Greene, Paul Manza, Greg Galluccio, Keith Swenson (guest speaker).

Minutes:

  • Openings for a new treasurer/liaison to Community2gether, 3 new Steering Committee members, and new members on the Membership Committee. Elections will occur in November. Please contact a member of the Steering Committee or email sustainablewarwick5@gmail.com if interested.

  • Guest speaker Keith Swenson of Righteous Seafood described how fishing technologies and ignorance of ecosystems led to the collapse of some fisheries and how quotas, restrictions, and consumer choices are preserving others. Aquaculture is increasing, and more vegetarian feed is being developed there. He suggested the Monterey Bay Aquarium site for lists of sustainable seafood. seafoodwatch.org/consumers

  • Catherine King, Warwick HS senior and FFA member, asked for ideas for her senior project working with elementary students on sustainability issues. Bill G. volunteered to advise her. She is also looking for a mentor for her project. Anyone willing to be a mentor or assist with ideas, please contact her.  Catherine also said the Environmental Club would like to do something for Earth Day. Payton volunteered to put her in touch with the Earth Fest group.

  • Michael will be in Albany Oct. 17 for the Public Service Commission hearing to announce whether the PSC will continue to support new gas infrastructure for heating or support heat pumps. Michael noted that whatever the decision, the PSC needs to continue to hear from citizens about transitioning off fossil fuels.

  • Paul Manza expressed concern about the rollout of G5 technology, which some scientists have questioned in terms of health impacts. Paul said that Brussels, Belgium, and some California towns have prohibited G5. Bill M. and Mary will research the issue. 


minutes by Mary Makofske

Christy Erfer