Join Our Celebration, Shape Our Future

By Christopher Bartlett

Got a minute? We'd love to know what you think. Which of Sustainable Woodstock's activities over the past year have been the most worthwhile in making life in our town more environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable?


Was it the establishment of five community garden locations? Or our effort to create the town's first Economic Development Commission? Did you attend the winter sustainability film series? What do you think of our ongoing efforts to develop Woodstock's East End "Jungle"? Are the Naked Table activities and community lunches appealing to you? Are you involved in the 10% Challenge to reduce the town's energy consumption? Do you support the Local First initiative? What did you think of "Awakening the Dreamer" conference? How about our recycling activity at the Covered Bridges Half Marathon or our sponsorship of Trek to Taste?

Yes, we've been busy over the past year. In addition to delivering this long list of programs and activities (and many more), we've hired a director, appointed a board, and obtained our own office. And thanks to the tireless volunteer activity of a dedicated group, and the financial support of many others, we'd like to think that Sustainable Woodstock is now a well established force for positive change in our community.

So a year after our last community picnic, Sustainable Woodstock's board of trustees decided it was time for another community-wide event. "So much has happened thanks to the volunteer activity and financial support of so many people," said Anne Macksoud, co-chair of the board. "We thought it was time to invite everyone to celebrate what has been achieved, and to talk about where we want to go in the future."

The event is scheduled for Monday, July 26, from 6 to 8 pm at the Billings Farm and Museum Visitor's Center, and will begin with a very short program to describe where we've come from and where we're going, including a couple of brief films documenting some of our major achievements over the past year.

But the main purpose of the evening is to engage with members of the community over sustainable (and sustaining) hors d'oeuvres and refreshments. During this time, board members and those engaged in the various action groups and initiatives will be keen to talk to everyone about what we're doing, where we are going, and how anyone can help. They will also be keen to hear any ideas and suggestions about our activities from members of the community.

"As a volunteer driven organization, Sustainable Woodstock can thrive and succeed only through the active involvement of community members," said Denise Lyons, co-chair of the board. "At this event, we want to hear from all those who believe in our vision and mission so that everyone has the opportunity to help shape our future."

So we hope you can come to our celebration of this wonderful community. And we'd love to hear your ideas about how we can make it an even better place to live and work. If you need more information, please contact us or call 457-2911.