Coal Country
Across the country this week thousands of Americans are gathering at more than 850 parties to watch the award-winning documentary, Coal Country. Coal has an impact on every single community -- one way or another.
Coal has been the focal point of the Georgia Chapter’s Smart Energies Solutions the past few years. From smog to mercury to CO2, coal-fired power plants are one of the largest sources of dangerous air pollution in the U.S. The consequences for human hearts and lungs are staggering. Yet plans are on the table to build two new coal-fired power plants in Georgia.
The documentary, a stunning film that reveals the devastation of mountaintop removal coal mining to the forests, streams, and communities of Appalachia, comes to Decatur for free on November 15th. Produced by Mari-Lynn Evans and Phylis Geller, Coal Country brings us inside the lives of Appalachian residents who are directly threatened by mountaintop-removal, a destructive mining practice where mountaintops are blasted away to expose the coal and the waste is then dumped in the waterways of nearby communities. As it takes us through each stage of coal mining and processing, Coal Country reveals the shocking true cost of America's over-reliance on coal.
Join State Representatives DuBose Porter, Mary Margaret Oliver, Stephanie Stuckey Benfield, Elly Dobbs, Kathy Ashe, and Representative Pat Gardner at Push-Push Theater on Sunday, November 15 from 5-7p.m. as they host a film screening of new movie and talk about Georgia’s energy and economic future. Enjoy a panel discussion to follow the film. This is a family-friendly screening and cookies will be on hand for the kids! To RSVP please follow this link.
If Decatur is not convenient, there are other house parties located around the state including Augusta, Conyers, and Cumming. To find the house party closest to you click here.
For more information about the film, visit www.sierraclub.org/coalcountry.
Sierra Club Meetings
Executive Committee Meeting, Saturday, November 14th, Genie Strickland 404-607-1262 x 221 Fundraising Committee Meeting, Sunday, November 15th, 2:00p.m., Sandy Stewart & Erin Wetty - Co-Chairs, call 404-607-1262 x 225 RAIL Committee Meeting, Monday, November 23rd, 6:45p.m., Jim Dexter 678-313-2407, jimdex@aol.com Smart Energy Team Meeting, Monday, December 7th, Erin Glynn - Sierra Club Staff, 404-607-1262 x 233 |
*Sad News*
Georgia Chapter Program Manager Seandra Rawls is leaving the Georgia Chapter. Seandra has been with the Georgia Chapter since October of 2007 and has provided her organizing expertise to the Smart Energies Team and No New Coal Campaigns. Seandra will be staying in the environmental movement but please do wish her goodbye as October 20th is her last day. Thank you Seandra for all you have done!
Environmental Events
Enviro Expo USA
Saturday & Sunday, November 14th & 15th, 10-5p.m.
Georgia World Congress Center
Atlanta’s only green consumer expo located in the City’s Zero Waste Zone. Enviro Expo USA offers an exciting and educational forum that is a family-friendly event to educate and motivate individuals to be better stewards of the environment. The show offers the latest in eco-friendly products and services, covering everything from organics to alternative energy and transportation. The event is free admission and the Sierra Club will have a booth along with handling seven recycle/compost stations around the floor. For more information click here.
Stone Mountain Park Cherokee Trail Walk
Sunday, November 22nd
Stone Mountain Park
Take a leisurely walk on the 6 mile long historical Cherokee Trail that goes around the base of Stone Mountain. Most of the trail is in woods and travels on the banks of lakes and across the foot of the mountain. You'll be surprised how remote it feels even though you're well within Metro Atlanta. The walk will take 3-4 hours. If you're interested, please send an email to Regina at walkwithme@juno.com and reference Cherokee Trail in the subject. For more information click here.
Al Gore Visits Atlanta
Monday, November 23rd, 7p.m.
600 Peachtree Battle Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30327
Environment Georgia is sponsoring a free event in Atlanta where Al Gore will discuss his experiences fighting for our planet and his latest book, "Solutions to the Climate Crisis: The opportunities and choices we must make in the US and around the world," as part of the Eizenstat Family Memorial Lecture series. To take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to hear Al Gore speak click here to RSVP to the event today.
Inner City Outings Gift Wrapping Fundraiser
Many dates available
REI – Atlanta & Perimeter stores
Help the Inner City Outings Program continue taking inner city kids into the great outdoors by wrapping gifts at REI. Two people per shift are needed at both locations. Please contact Dolly for the Atlanta store at (404)639-6062 or ddk4@cdc.gov and Maggie for Perimeter at (267)701-5919 or mdaven1@msn.com. Available dates include 12/11 & 18th (5-9p.m.), 12/12 & 19th (10-2p.m., 2-5p.m., 5:30-9p.m.), 12/13 & 20th (11-2:30p.m., 2:30-6p.m.), and 12/21 – 12/23 (6-9p.m.).
Georgia Chapter Wish List
As you may know, the Georgia Chapter recently relocated to Decatur at East Decatur Station right next to the Avondale (E7) Marta Station. With the opening of the Georgia Chapter’s new office, we are looking for several items that could make the office even more functional and take advantage of our new space. Please, if you can help with any of the items below contact Genie Strickland in the Georgia Chapter Office at 404-607-1262 x 221.
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