Rockland Green Map

Anyone out there who likes Green Maps and the hopeful future and sustainable communities that Green Map projects usually contribute to? Here is a chance to join thousands of mappers all around the world to make a difference in one´s own back yard. Read more about the Green Map System and come on board in Rockland!

Important meeting coming up!

What: Community Discussion on Indian Point after Fukushima

When: Tuesday, April 26, 7 p.m.

Where: Nanuet Library

Why: Rockland County is right next to Indian Point (Stony Point is only about 4 miles and New City about 10 miles away). We should be concerned and aware and take action.

The disaster in Japan - nuclear reactors dangerously close still to
meltdown - has raised questions about the risks we Hudson Valley
residents face with Indian Point nuclear power plant in our area.

* Americans in Japan within 50 miles of the Fukushima nuclear
reactor have been advised to evacuate. Why, then, are Americans living
with only a 10-mile evacuation zone? With 20 million people living
within 50 miles of Indian Point, is a 50 mile evacuation even
conceivable?
* With the spent fuel pools outside containment structures at
Fukushima remaining out of control, many are now questioning the
safety of spent fuel rods at Indian Point.
* Would leaks from the plant impact Rockland’s drinking water if
plans to desalinate the Hudson for drinking water move ahead?
* How crucial is the power from Indian Point?
* What would be needed to shut the plant down?

Longtime environmental advocates Marilyn Elie, Susan Shapiro, and
Maureen Ritter will moderate the discussion.

For more information, email pkurtz9@gmail.com
or deby1012@verizon.net or call 845 358-3386.

Thanks Remy Chevalier and the Rockland Finds and Archives (R_F_A) newsletter for the information about the meeting.

The first Earth Day, on April 22, 1970, activated 20 million Americans from all walks of life and is widely credited with launching the modern environmental movement. (www.earthday.org)

All around the world there are festivities and activities the coming weeks to celebrate Earth Day. In Rockland as well - here are a few of them, but many more can be found in the Rockland County Tourism Calendar.

- Earth Day dance to global grooves while supporting local farms, April 16

Read more at the Rockland Farm Alliance website, where you also can subscribe to the RFA e-mail list and get the newsletter with updates and events. For more information, please visit the Lift Nyack website: www.liftnyack.com

Where: Lift Nyack, 42 Main Street in Nyack
When: Saturday, April 16, 8:30 - 11:30pm
What: Dancing & drumming, with special dance performances
Why: Because it’s fun and it’s supporting local farms!
How Much: $10

- Perennial Garden Maintenance Workshop, April 19

Want to learn how to clean up and maintain a perennial garden? For more information about the workshop, please contact us at info@rocklandfarm.org.

Where: Rockland County Solid Waste Management Authority on Torne Valley Rd in Hillburn
When: April 19 10am - 12pm; May 1 1-3pm
What: Perennial Garden Maintenance Workshop
How Much: FREE!

- Earth Day Activities at Bear Mountain Zoo, April 24
Celebrate Earth Day and springtime with some family and earth-friendly fun at Trailside Museums and Zoo. Open on April 24 10:30 AM-3:00 PM. There will be nature-related displays, activities and games, plus some tips to help you look after Mother Earth!
There is not a separate admission fee for the zoo. There is a $8.00 parking fee at Bear Mountain State Park. More information and contactinfo  in the RC Tourist calendar

- Earth Day in Nyack on April 30

Saturday, 11am-5pm (Rain Date: Sunday, May 1) in Memorial Park off Depew Ave, Nyack.

Earth Day looks to promote awareness and appreciation of our environment. The festivities will include farming and composting, organic planting and gardening, beekeeping, solar, wind and water power initiatives. More information in the RC Tourist calendar

I just learned that the INDIAN POINT SAFE ENERGY COALITION (IPSEC) is arranging a community forum on Indian Point tonight. The invitation reads:

Welcome to a Community Forum on Indian Point

MONDAY, APRIL 11, 7pm

at the Greenburgh Town Hall
177 Hillside Avenue, White Plains, NY

The disaster in Japan — nuclear reactors leaking radiation at dangerous levels, on top of earthquake and tsunami devastation, highlights the risks we Hudson Valley residents face in the event of a similar catastrophe.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) identifies the Indian Point facility, out of all 104 nuclear reactors in this country, as the one with the highest risk of catastrophic failure due to an earthquake.

Americans in Japan within 50 miles of the Fukushima nuclear reactor have been advised to evacuate. Why are WE living with only a 10-mile evacuation zone?

Nearly 20 million people live within 50 miles of Indian Point, but there are no plans for a 50-mile evacuation. Is such an evacuation even conceivable? Could our beautiful Hudson Valley become permanently uninhabitable, its soil, vegetation, and water supplies contaminated for generations to come?

We stand with the people of Japan and take action together to protect our homes and families.

Note: The Rockland Greenmap takes no side in the nuclear debate at this moment, but encourages community participation and local action for a safe and sustainable future for all.