The Tree Dance was the first event sponsored by the Community Forest Education Project. We feel it was very successful. We showed the new Jackson State Forest video and "A Call to Action." We had a diverse crowd of young and old. The Latino community participated with a ballet folklorico. There was a capoeira demonstration, as well as belly dancing and speakers. The evening ended with a community dance. We wish to thank the entertainers who donated their time and a special thanks to Red Bud and Die Trying who played for free. Thanks to Jenny Burnstad, Charlie Byrne, Alexis Connelly, Roger Franklin, Abby Kaufman, Christina Kelly, Brent Lorenz, Shelly McCoy, Doug Mosel, Denise Rourke, Adam Williams, and Yanahe. These people ran errands, baked desserts, set up, cleaned up, and sold tickets, drinks and food. We could not have put on this event without your help.
Vicki Oldham has resigned from the Board of Directors to take on the position of Environmental Coordinator. We are seeking someone to complete her term to December 2002.
The Trees Grant "Community Forest Education Project" will be conducting two hikes this summer, one in late June the other in July. The purpose of these hikes is to explore forest ecology in an intact ecosystem (Montgomery WoodsÑHike #1) and to observe the destruction of poor forestry practices (Jackson Demonstration State ForestÑHike #2). Our intention is to teach and demonstrate the value of an intact forest and to encourage restoration and protection of our remaining forestlands. We encourage you to sign up for both hikes if possible. Call the MEC or come by to sign up. Be quick, space is limited.
The first Thursday of each month the MEC will be hosting a Video Night at our office. Our intention is to promote community education and discussion. A donation will be requested, with a discount given to MEC members.
Without our core volunteers there would be no Mendocino Environmental Center. We would like to publicly thank and recognize the following people for their essential and steadfast support. Chris Bennett, for attending every Board meeting and recording the minutes; Mary McClanahan-Calvert for fundraising, reception, Coordination Council work and being our Peace and Justice Spokesperson; Kristin Frith for fundraising, and organizing and inspiring our volunteers; Dale Glaser for maintaining our membership data base and our website; Bruce Haldane for Newsletter contributions; Amanda Hamburg for Coordination Council, fundraising and tabling at events; Matt Hamburg for volunteer reception, Coordination Council and help with the Newsletter; Greg Hancock for keeping our feeble computers and network patched together; Vicki Oldham for Coordination Council, fundraising, Newsletter contributions, reception and spokesperson role; Lang Russel for Coordination Council, Newsletter help, office plumbing, electrical maintenance and forestry representation; Priscilla Thomas for maintaining our e-mail; and Johanna Schultz for Newsletter distribution and petition gathering.
So often much of the work of the Mendocino Environmental Center goes unnoticed. The following are some of our projects we've worked on in 2002: 1) Grading Ordinance Committee. Although we've removed ourselves from the advisory committee we are still working on a sustainable grading ordinance for our county. 2) California Heritage Tree Initiative petition. We have collected over 2,000 signatures. 3) Sponsored community forums on the War on Terrorism. Co-sponsored an Energy Forum, showing of "What I Learned about U.S. Foreign Policy" and community discussion, a benefit for Mendocino Wireless, Tree Dance, Earth Day in Alex Thomas Park, Teach-In for Bari vs. the FBI, David Rovic's concert for New Albion School, Penny Rosenwasser's presentation on the Israeli peace movement, Ukiah's Walk and Roll Festival, Pinoleville Indian Community Tribal Meeting, musical concert with Jules Graves, and an evening with Julia Butterfly Hill. 4) Commented on the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas Environmental Impact Report. 5) Helped The Committee to Restore JDSF by stuffing a letter requesting support in our Newsletter, calling supporters for a rally, writing comments and speaking before the Board of Supervisors. 6) Provided office space for various groups to meet. 7) Answering the daily requests from the community for advice and help. As always, our volunteers did most of this work.
Copyright Mendocino Environmental Center 2002
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