On Earth Day, we hosted a panel discussion “Gardening for Change,” moderated by North Fork Environmental Council President, Mark Haubner. The evening began with a fun leaf cleanup challenge pitting a leaf blower against tag team rakers Randy Wade and Margaret De Cruz. Randy and Margaret were “on a mission.” They have helped pass restrictions on the use of gas leaf blowers in their home village of Greenport and are now determined to rid Southold Town of the incessant noise and air pollution associated with gas-powered blowers.

Randy had 100 signatures on a petition and strong backing from allies at ReWild North Fork, when she went to Southold Town Board meeting in June. Though “receptive to the change” the Board is “knee deep in the zoning update right now.” Residents were encouraged to attend Southold Conservation Advisory Council meetings on the first Wednesday of the month at 4:30 pm, bringing data to show how gas leaf blowers are affecting our community, and our growing concern for the men and women who operate these machines. Keep up the pressure!

NOTE: We are collecting non-perishable foods on an ongoing basis for our ally, C.A.S.T. They always need staples as well as personal care items and baby wipes and diapers (esp. sizes 4,5 & 6). There is a box for these donations in the foyer.  Additionally, we are starting to collect for our REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE table, at North Fork Environmental Council’s REPAIR CAFÉ on Saturday, September 13 from 1-4pm in Riverhead. Mark your calendars and start bringing in your unused paper goods: greeting cards, bows, wrapping paper, gift bags, note cards, notebooks, writing paper, envelopes, stationery, cardboard boxes, calendars, etc. There will be more details in the August Free Spirit.

With our April Share The Plate collection we were able to give the Butterfly Effect Project $180.00. Sunday, May 18th we were treated to another visit from their inspiring founder, Tijuana Fulford. She spoke briefly about the “over 600 boys and girls across 31 in-school and out-of-school chapters” served by the organization. Then four “Butterflies” shared their own personal stories of metamorphosis to prove “that when given the right tools and encouragement, every child has the potential to break cycles and achieve greatness.” In hope that we may, leave our children and our children’s children’s children a better place.

Your SAC / 8th Principle Task Force meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month. The next meeting is July 9, from 4-5 pm, in person (small gathering space) OR via Zoom link which will be emailed on Tuesday. Do you have questions/concerns/ideas? Contact me at pattemcgoo@yahoo.com or (631)997-9405.

Patte McManus