GMO Labeling Bill Progressing?
The Connecticut Sierra Club, along with coalition partners Food & Water Watch and GMOFreeCT, received a temporary victory last week when the Connecticut Senate passed a very good GMO labeling bill (35 to 1). It was a temporary high because the House passed its own version, which would have made labeling GMOs (genetically modified organisms) almost impossible in the near future.
The House bill had provisions for labeling GMOs in Connecticut:
- Five other states had to pass similar legislation first (Connecticut not being one of them)
- Two of those states had to border Connecticut or be New York and New Jersey
- The population of the five states had to be at least 25 million people
- Three of the five Governors had to be left-handed Geminis (just kidding)
Senator Don Williams (pictured) has been a steadfast supporter of labeling GMOs (introducing a bill years ago). We had a successful rally on the steps of the Capitol May 21st with about 200 in attendance. The main resistance to labeling our food with GMOs is coming from Representative (and House Speaker) Brendan Sharkey and Governor Malloy. At the time of this newsletter the House version was going back to the Senate. By the time you read this check our website for updated information. The legislative session ends June 5.
Kayaking Events:
June 15
Greater Hartford Sierra Club Lake Kayaking
Free and open to the public.
Meet Saturday, June 15, 10:00 a.m. at Lower Bolton Pond state boat launch, 1043 Boston Turnpike, Rt 44, Bolton, CT.
175-acre quiet lake is good for a couple hours of relaxed paddling to start the season off. Leader Renee goes spring through autumn most weekends, and is considering some weekday nights during the summer at local spots.
RSVP yes only by Thursday, June 13 to Renee at mchawigirl@yahoo.com, or to be placed on her kayak email list for future events.
June 30
Greater Hartford Sierra Club Essex Coves Kayaking
Free and open to the public.
Meet Sunday, June 30, noon at the town of Essex Kayak/Canoe launch off Teal Road near the town center. We will paddle the North Cove above and South Cove below.
You can rent a kayak at 11:00 a.m. at EMS Waterford if you don't have one. Reserving ahead of time is recommended.
Directions:
GPS - Use 25 Teal Lane, Essex, CT
Written - Take Rte. 9 to Exit 3, Rte. 154, then left onto West Avenue, veering left onto N. Main Street and immediately right onto Bushnell Street where you see a marina. Go left onto Teal Lane. Grassy parking lot and easy put in setup for kayaks/canoes. Bring lunch to enjoy in boat or we can hit the town for supper.
RSVP yes only by Friday, June 18, 8:00 p.m. to Renee at mchawigirl@yahoo.com, or to be placed on her kayak email list for future events.
Rules:
Safety vests must be worn at all times.
Please no cell phone use on the water.
Hiking Event: Nod Brook Wildlife Area, Simsbury/Avon - June 23
Free and open to the public.
Meet Sunday, June 23, 10:00 a.m. at Nod Brook entrance off parking lot at Tower Business Park (Rte. 10/202, 86 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury). Look for red stone wall at road just south of the gardening store and north of Old Meadows Plains Road. Meet in far right corner of large parking lot by metal gate.
We'll enjoy a 1 1/2 hour easy pace hike amid 137 acres along the Farmington River, with three ponds, lush open meadows, and marshlands. Bring lunch to enjoy in shade by the river.
RSVP yes only by Friday, June 21, 8:00 p.m. to Renee at mchawigirl@yahoo.com, or to be placed on her hike email list for future events.
Rules:
Children 10 and older welcome.
Friendly dogs welcome but messes must be cleaned up.
Please no smoking or cell phone use on the trail.
Event: Do the Math Documentary in West Hartford - June 13
Sierra Club-Greater Hartford Group
Westmoor Park, 119 Flagg Road, West Hartford, CT
Join the Greater Hartford Group for their monthly meeting and potluck dinner on Thursday, June 13. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., dinner is at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting and presentation will begin at 7:30 p.m.
We will be screening the new documentary, Do the Math (42 min.) by global grassroots organizer 350.org, featuring founder and author Bill McKibben. As the planet lurches past 400 ppm concentration of CO2, Do The Math is an extremely timely film about the rising movement in the United States to change the terrifying maths of the climate crisis and challenge the fossil fuel industry.