Footnotes Issue #101: June 26th, 2015
The Georgia Chapter Office Paddles Georgia
Each year in June, the Georgia River Network organizes a week-long paddle trip called Paddle Georgia to offer a space for friends and family to share time together building memories; to educate Georgians about each river's animal life, plant life, and water issues; and to fundraise for organizations dedicated to working to protect our rivers. For this year's 11th annual event, Paddle Georgia partnered with the Ogeechee Riverkeeper to host 7 days of paddling 95 miles of the 294-mile-long blackwater Ogeechee River that flows through eastern Georgia.
On Thursday, June 25th, the Georgia Chapter Office joined Paddle Georgia for Professionals Day, a day set aside during the weeklong adventure for river advocates to join in on the fun. We paddled the 12 mile stretch between Dasher's Landing and Morgan's Bridge, passing through Eden, GA and landmarks such as the CSX Shortline & Statesboro-Savannah Railroad. The trip highlighted wildlife such as Shad, "America's Lost Fish," and Swallowtail Kites which we spotted soaring above the riverside forests. The trip also featured many impressive swamp cypress trees along the edges of the river.
The trip was a metaphorical one that demonstrated how the Georgia Chapter works together as a team during ongoing campaigns to protect Georgia's environment. At the onset, we were all eager to get into to water at the launch site, helping one another get in our boats and take off. We traveled closely together, keeping an eye out to make sure no team member got left behind. As we rounded each bend, we would shout out warnings to each other about the obstacles ahead. Inevitably, some of us capsized (well, most of us!), but the best part was stopping to help our fellow staff member out of the water and back into their boat.
We stopped for lunch at the halfway point to share a meal together while exchanging feedback to strenghten and build upon the work each of us have before us. We discussed not only how we can better support each other, but also how we can help support our volunteers--the lifeblood of our organization. Afterwards, each of us got back into our boats, re-energized for the remainder of the journey ahead. The last 6 miles were long and tiring, but seeing our teammates press forward, and calling out to each other, "We're almost there!" kept us moving along.
In the end, we all pulled through! Having successfully navigated every obstacle together, we emerged as an even stronger team, ready to take on the next challenge.
From left to right: Brionté McCorkle, Conservation and Communications Coordinator; Yeou-Rong Jih, long-time Beyond Coal volunteer; Colleen Kiernan, Chapter Director; Ian Karra, Beyond Coal Organizer; and Joshua Hanthorn, Wildlands and Wildlife Coordinator |
Cobb EMC Forensic Audit Released
The long awaited forensic audit of Cobb Electric Management Corporation (EMC) has been finally released. Cobb EMC made headlines in 2007 when members filed a class-action lawsuit against former CEO Dwight Brown and other leaders charging that their money was being funneled into questionable dealings made by Cobb Energy Management Corporation, also known as Cobb Energy, which was created in 1997 as a for-profit subsidiary of Cobb EMC. While Dwight Brown was arrested and charged with 31 counts of racketeering and theft, the audit reveals the involvement of several others, including Dean Alford, who may have also profited personally. In light of this new information, there is potential for more charges to be made. Click here to watch the WSB-TV report.
Sierra Club Meetings
Smart Energy Committee Meeting, Monday, July 6, 7:00 p.m. Wildlands & Wildlife Committee Meeting, Monday, July 20, 7:00 p.m. RAIL Committee Meeting, Monday, July 27, 7:00 p.m. |
Don't live in Atlanta? Check out our Local Groups.
Other Events
June 27th - Healing Hike at Sweetwater! - Join us for an easy-to-moderate hike with our friends at Outdoor Afro. The hike will include a view of the five story ruins of the Civil War-era New Manchester textile mill and focus on the history of the Sweetwater Creek Valley. We will see the lovely whitewater rapids which provide great photo opportunities. $5 parking; but you can save $5 by securing a GA State Park pass from your local library. We will meet in the parking lot at 3PM. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a camera, lots of water and snacks. Call 1-678-744-4989 when you arrive. Click here to register.
July 15th - Sierra Club & Beer - Every other month, Sierra Club and Beer provides a space and great beer for meeting like-minded people, while learning a little something new. There is even team trivia to make the night more interesting! Be sure to stick around through the end, when we give out door prizes. This month, we will be joining with Georgians for Pastured Poultry to celebrate Pastured Poultry Week. Please consider biking and PLEASE RSVP so we are sure to bring enough brew for everyone! Click here to register.
July 23rd - Outings Leader Training 101 - Do you like spending time in the outdoors? Like seeing new places and meeting new people? If you have ever thought about leading outings, then this is the perfect volunteer opportunity for you! The Sierra Club has been offering outings for over 100 years, furthering the Sierra Club's conservation goals around the country. Attend our Outings Leader Training 101 to learn how you can lead outdoor events with the Sierra Club of Georgia. Special class taught by Sierra Club volunteers! We will cover Core Outings Information, History and Programs, Leader Requirements, Planning and Conducting an Outing, and Safety Management. Click here to register.
August 1st - Hike and Swim at Panther Creek Falls - Join us for a 6.8 mile round trip hike and swim at Panther Creek Falls. Panther Creek Falls is a high-volume powerful affair that dumps over a large and ragged rock face into one of the largest pools in the Georgia Mountains. The majority of the trail is flat and shaded with only a few steep inclines. We will hike at a moderate pace until we reach the 70 foot waterfall where we will spend a couple of hours swimming and having lunch before heading back to the trailhead. Limit 12. Click here to register.
REGISTRATION OPEN! October 23 to 25th - 2015 Georgia Chapter Retreat - The Georgia Chapter’s bi-annual gathering will take place At Crooked River State Park in St. Mary’s, GA. Join us and experience a weekend of fun, adventure and learning with your fellow Sierra Club volunteers and leaders from all over Georgia. We will go on hikes, paddle down the river and take a trip to Cumberland Island! There will also be an opportunity to participate in workshops about the Sierra Club, our history, and the issues we work on. On Saturday evening, we will host an awards banquet to recognize our volunteer leaders. Click here for more information and to register! |
Looking for more? Check out our Meetup Group for even more events!
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