WHERE:  Firehouse Restaurant
WHEN:  Wednesday, Nov. 12th, starting at 6:00pm
WHAT:  Tom Wilson: Building Science & Sustainability

For those who don't know him, Tom Wilson is a Building Performance Specialist with Residential Energy Services and Home Remedies.  He's been inspecting homes and providing sustainable solutions since 1974. His practice emphasizes upgrading existing homes for improved thermal performance, health, safety, comfort, durability, affordability and energy efficiency.  In addition he has co-authored several books and numerous magazine articles, trained hundreds of contractors and made conference presentations all across the nation.

This event is open to the public and admission is free.

Wine (suggested donation $3) and desserts will be available during a review of the organization's accomplishments over the past year, discussion and input about future programming, and introduction and ratification of new Board Members.

Closing out the evening will be "The Kickapoo Valley: Gem of Wisconsin," a colorful presentation honoring the storied history of the region, with Patti Knower and Brad Steinmetz.

Get out of the rain, enjoy a glass of wine, tasty dessert and come spend some time with the crew from VSN!

Dairyland noted that the coal blend change, combined with advancements in recycling opportunities, allowed the cooperative to change direction.

"We are pleased to make this announcement and appreciate the support and patience of the landowners, who have worked with us throughout this process," said Sans Crainte. "We also thank cooperative and community members who listened, offered constructive ideas and have trusted in Dairyland's long history of working with members."

The Broadcaster has the full story here. Dairyland's press release and press conference statement on the issue are here

Tia describes the significance of the emerging green charter schools sector in public education.   Meet Tia at the first Green Charter Schools National Conference in Madison, WI on November 7-8 website here

THE REAL WEALTH OF THE NATION

  by Tia Nelson

Wisconsin has long been an incubator for prescient ideas about the connection between human society and the natural environment.  John Muir's boyhood in the backwoods near Portage, Wis., provided a foundation for his early leadership in a dawning environmental protection movement.

A Sand County Almanac, Aldo Leopold's description of the area around his Sauk County, Wis., home, has inspired natural stewardship throughout the world and is required reading for anyone with an interest in conservation.

My father, the late U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson, launched the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970, as an annual day of observance and nationwide teach-in about environmental issues because he recognized the significance of educating children and young adults about the natural world.

Today, as we reap the effects of pernicious economic activity, a failing energy policy and atmospheric warming, I find my father's words both foreboding and reassuring:

"Forging and maintaining a sustainable society is The Challenge for this and all generations to come. At this point in history, no nation has managed to evolve into a sustainable society. We are all pursuing a self-destructive course of fueling our economies by drawing down our natural capital--that is to say, by degrading and depleting our resource base--and counting it on the income side of the ledger. ... [T]he real wealth of a nation is its air, water, soil, forests, rivers, lakes, oceans, scenic beauty, wildlife habitats, and biodiversity."

More in the full story...

Thurs., Oct. 30th, 7:00, Vernon Memorial Hospital Medical Office Building Community Rm, Lower Level, 407 Main St., Viroqua.

Here he is at Bobfest talking about our history of political corruption and progressives pushing back:

This dynamic and inspiring speaker shares nonpartisan views about our legislators and real democracy. Democracy Campaign is a network of citizens fighting government corruption and working for fair elections since 1995. Co-sponsored by Crawford stewardship Project and Valley Stewardship Network.

In the coming months, we expect Dairyland Power Cooperative to announce which proposed Vernon County site will be the preferred landfill for new coal ash waste. The community of neighbors surrounding the three proposed lime and coal ash dump sites near Asbury Ridge and North Ridge want people to see what's at stake.

Ten homes will be decorated for the fall season and ready for visitors to view the properties and meet the families affected by the three proposed sites. Expanding upon the usual home tour, this fall tour incorporates open houses as well as outdoor activities and sponsor exhibits. Along the way participants will find hayrides, bonfires, local vendors, artists & crafters, farm animals, a movie, silent auctions, treats to drink and eat, wine & cheese to sample, door prizes, information regarding solar and wind power generation, real life uses of green technology, and spectacular scenery. Silent auction items to date include an antique clock, a cut Christmas tree, a pheasant hunt with five birds, a year's supply of free organic milk, a package of wildlife art prints from some of the Wisconsin stamp contest wins, green home consultations, and dinners from local restaurants. All sponsors are local! This will be a fantastic way to spend a fall day in the country.