Suwannee-St. Johns Group

Sierra ClubNewsletter

Published monthly except June and August from Gainesville, VOLUME 39 • NUMBER 9 • November 2009

gator, only to what brown tree snakes did on Guam when have the gator they arrived in cargo ships after World War roll over, grab II? There, the snakes decimated many of the snake in Guam’s 12 native forest birds, with three its mouth and species pushed into extinction. then swim off Dr. Kenneth Krysko, herpetologist at the with the snake Florida Museum of Natural History, who is firmly clutched our speaker for November 5, had this to say in its mouth. about pythons in Florida: “Its diverse habi- In another tats and suitable climates have facilitated ex- hectic battle, an otics becoming established and expanding alligator again their ranges.” managed to Dr. Krysko, Collections Manager, Divi- grab a python sion of Herpetology, received his Ph.D. in in its mouth wildlife ecology and conservation at UF in but, after more 2001. He is studying king snakes that have than 24 hours, declined severely throughout Florida. the python broke free and GENERAL MEETING Pythons and Other Exotics escaped. Thursday, Nov. 5, 7:30 p.m. How Much Damage Can They Cause? Entomology/Nematology Building on the UF campus, Alligators can ** room 3118 ** grow to 20 feet (Just east of the Performing Arts Center. Turn south off By Dwight Adams and, when they multiply, these snakes may Hull Road on to Natural Areas Road.) nowbirds are not the gain the upper hand on the gators, especially the smaller ones. Large numbers of pythons pythons only exotic species that feeding on small alligators could decimate and visit sunny Florida in the their population. other exotics winter.S Now Burmese pythons Could these large pythons become a con- cern here? Various exotics that first showed dr. kenneth krysko florida museum of history are joining the crowds visiting up in South Florida or elsewhere in the the Everglades. Unfortunately, South are now common this far north. Ar- the pythons do not leave when madillos, fire ants, Cuban frogs, anoles, and a host of other exotics have become wide- Natural Area Rd. the weather turns hot. spread in SSJ territory. Recently, tourists at Pa-hay-okee Over- Many of these invasive exotics are a threat look in Everglades National Park watched to the biodiversity of Florida’s native ecosys- a battle between an alligator and a python. tems and wildlife. Could the pythons wipe Surge Area Rd. The snake wrapped itself around the alli- out birds throughout the State similar to Natural Area Drive

CLIMATE CHANGE II—RAPID CHANGE ...... 4 $20 per gallon? ...... 5 EXCOMM BALLOT AND CANDIDATE STATEMENTS...... 6-7. 2 Suwannee-St. Johns Sierra Club November 2009

tion of airboats in Alachua County. I am Make Noise With Your Ballot happy to report that we anticipate a favor- able resolution soon. In fact, the Alachua By Rob Brinkman encouraging if people would at least vote County Commission is expected to take ovember is the month that we for those who represent you in how your initial action on a draft ordinance to im- Nask all of our members to do money is spent and where our very limited pose a curfew on the nighttime operation of something with their SSJ Newslet- resources are directed. these astoundingly loud boats. Thanks to the persistence of this year’s However it takes at least two readings to ter, namely, fill out the ballot on the nominating committee, we have exceeded enact an ordinance and there is a vocal or- inside of the back cover and mail it the by-laws requirement for a competitive ganized opposition, so the outcome is less in. The problem is, if this year is election by having three candidates more than certain. Please look for meeting no- anything like last year, the number than the number of seats to be elected. I tices on the vote on the curfew ordinance of ballots will be appallingly low. want to thank all of the fine candidates for in early November. The Sunday paper will Expressed as a percentage, it has for their willingness to serve and make a major have this, as will the SSJ website. People commitment of their time and energy. showing up and respectfully communicat- some time now been in the single Please show your appreciation to all of the ing their opinion really does make a differ- digits, in fact, low single digits. candidates by filling out the ballot CHAIR’S ence, so please help us get this issue One of the ways I often describe the Si- and returning it per the instructions, across the finish line this month. erra Club to non-members is that we are which should be followed carefully unusual in our democratic grassroots tradi- so that your ballot is counted. Sadly, tions among conservation groups. While I will be shocked if there are more Nuke News any conservation group needs and appreci- than 100 ballots to be counted, so Recently, while cutting a hole ates its members’ financial support, the Si- please shock me! CORNER in the containment structure for erra Club seeks to involve the membership the Crystal River nuclear reactor, a in our ongoing work to protect the planet. large crack was discovered, raising concerns I often make appeals for volunteers in this Airboat noise about the continued structural integrity of monthly column; however I understand One issue that the SSJ group has been the containment structure. and expect that few can find the time and working on for longer than I have been a One might ask why they were cutting a energy to get directly involved. It would be member is a curfew on the nighttime opera- see CORNER, page 5

FOLDING PARTY Visit the National and Local Sierra Club Websites! Interested in hosting a newsletter folding National: http://www.sierraclub.org • Local: http://www.gatorsierra.org party? Contact Scott Camil at 375-2563

Suwannee-St. Johns Group Chairs & Executive Committee Suwannee-St. Johns Group Sierra Club Chair Rob Brinkman 225-3230 [email protected] Newsletter (UPS 317-370) is published 10 Conservation Chair Chuck Hawkins 505-803-3736 [email protected] months a year, except June and August, Education Chair Maryvonne Devensky 352-871-1606 [email protected] by the Suwannee-St. Johns Group Sierra Administrative and Program Co-Chair Dwight Adams 378-5129 [email protected] Club, 1024 NW 13th Ave, Gainesville, Legislative Liaison Steve Williams 386-397-2945 [email protected] 32601. Non-member subscription rate Social Chair Brack Barker 352-528-3751 [email protected] is $5.00. Periodicals Postage Paid is paid Treasurer and Publicity Roberta Gastmeyer 336-2404 [email protected] at the Gainesville, FL 32608 post office. Membership Chair Whitey Markle 352-595-5131 [email protected] Postmaster: Send change of addresses to Outings Chair Robert Fisher 514-7674 [email protected] Suwannee- St. Johns Group Sierra Club Events Coordinator Sherry Steiner 375-2563 [email protected] Newsletter, c/o The Sierra Club, Mem- Newsletter Folding Scott Camil 375-2563 [email protected] ber Services, P.O. Box 52968, Boulder, Webmaster Louis Clark 373-5377 [email protected] CO 80328-2968. Send both your old Fundraising Chair Knox Bagwell 468-1790 [email protected] and new addresses and a Sierra address Newsletter Executive Editor Kathy Cantwell 395-7441 [email protected] label, which contains your member- Newsletter Co-Editor Chuck Hawkins 505-803-3736 [email protected] ship number. PLEASE ADDRESS ALL Newsletter Design Colin Whitworth 372-2464 [email protected] GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE FOR Secretary Art Stockwell 339-6528 [email protected] THE SUWANNEE-ST. JOHNS GROUP Excomm member Coral McDonald 363-0617 [email protected] OF THE SIERRA CLUB TO: P.O. BOX 13951, GAINESVILLE, FL 32604. November 2009 Suwannee-St. Johns Sierra Club 3

Inner City Outings News Kids’ Outing: Exploring and back to Kate’s. This flat-water, no cur- Thank you to everyone who signed up the Prairie via La Chua Trail rent, beginner’s paddle is suitable for every- to volunteer with the ICO program. If you one. Each person should bring their own missed the General meeting and want to be What can you find on Paynes Prairie in drink and a potluck veggie/salad/dessert involved with the Inner City Outing pro- the fall? Come join us in a sensory scaven- dish to share. We will provide BBQ burg- gram, please contact me by phone at 352- ger hunt. We’ll be searching for new and ers (beef and veggie) and hot dogs over an 224-5774, or email at marydeven@yahoo. different sounds and smells. We hope to see open fire as the Potanos did and then finish com. We will probably have our first out- the migrating sandhill cranes as they return off the day back at Kate’s. ing in early December. here for winter. With or without cranes Reservations needed (if you want to eat). (Editor’s note: Inner City Outings is a the prairie is a great place for kids! Bring Contact Knox Bagwell at (352) 468-1790 Sierra Club program which helps inner city a snack and we’ll share the sense of taste or [email protected] to RSVP. children experience the outdoors) as well. By Knox Bagwell By Maryvonne Devensky We will be guided by a wetlands ecolo- gist, but everyone, no matter how small, has something to contribute. We will meet on Saturday, November October Mushroom ID hike Coral Ardisia Removal 21 at 9:30 am at the Paynes Prairie north A beautiful fall day, good friends, and a at San Felasco State Preserve rim parking lot. To get there, take SE 15th hike in the woods: it doesn’t get any better. St. past Boulware Springs Park. Before the Unless you’re looking for mushrooms and Help remove the invasive exotic plant, road takes a hard turn to the left, look for find them! Coral Ardisia, to help save the native, un- the brown park sign on a spur road to the Fifteen of us met and carpooled up to derstory growth in the hammock area of right: Camp Ranch Road. We’ll meet in the the Temple property. After an all-round San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park, parking lot and head out together. Please, introduction to each other and to the craft on Nov. 7, from 9 to noon. no children under 12 without an adult. We of mushroom lore, we hit the trails. At first Location: Trailhead adjacent to the should wrap up around noon. shy and diffuse, fungi were soon popping parking lot on Millhopper Call or email Kristina Jack- out all over and, by the time we made the Road. All volunteers will be son to RSVP at (352) 372- creek crossing, there was a patch of chan- provided with a parking per- 2464 or kristina_jackson@att. terelles suitably sufficient to supply every mit during this event. net. one with a sample. Meandering up the Recommended items to bring: Durable By Kristina Jackson road we discussed Florida natural history, long pants, sturdy shoes, a hat and a wa- exchanged cultural information and travel ter bottle; water, insect repellent and work tips, and did a bit of birding and botaniz- gloves. Feel free to bring your own. ing. Politicals was kept to a minimum. This event is open to and benefits the Prairie Creek Paddle & Bar-B-Q After a picnic on the platform overlook- public. Enjoy a totally wild trip down the same ing the pond, we headed back to the cars By Robert Fisher creek the Potano Indians used some centu- but the best was yet to come in the form ries ago. This designated Florida Paddling of criptically black Horn of Plenty: Cra- Trail and outflow of Newman’s Lake on terellus fallax, discovered by Jeff, a newly the south end is located near SR 20 and renewed mycophyll. Bird Feeder Cleaning Event to Kate’s fish camp. It sits on the edge of A successful foray, in my opinion, always Benefit Alachua Audubon Society urban Gainesville which, thankfully, the includes expanded species identification Potanos didn’t have to contend with, al- and we snagged two without much effort. Need your bird feeder cleaned? Bring though those loose gators were abundant Lacterius luteolus is approximately five by your dirty feeder to Wild Birds Unlimited even back then! five cenitmeters, planer with depressed in Gainesville. A team of volunteers will We will meet no later than 9:30 a.m. center, yellowish-buff colored (hence the clean your feeders. A donation of $3 to on Saturday, December 12, at Kate’s fish name), copious watery white latex look- $5 per feeder is requested. Proceeds go to camp, which is located at 6518 SE Haw- ing like curdled milk staining cinnamon Alachua Audubon Society. thorne Rd. (SR 20) Gainesville 32641. brown, decurrent close gills, stocky brittle Date: Saturday, November 21, 2009 Rentals are available and you can find equal stipe, mild “corn meal” taste and dis- Time: 10 am to 3 pm out more information about the rentals tinctly fishy odor. Not many, maybe three. Location: Wild Birds Unlimited lo- at www.katesfishcamp.com or by calling Lepiota cristata is a lovely delicate parasol cated at Millhopper Square, 4215 NW (352) 372-1026. mushroom, we only found one. Stately 16th Blvd; Gainesville, FL 32606. Phone: We will paddle the 3-4 hour roundtrip white with a fragile superior collar annu- (352) 381-1997 down Prairie Creek to CR 234 in Rochelle see OUTINGS, next page 4 Suwannee-St. Johns Sierra Club November 2009 Climate Change II–Rapid Change

Editor’s note: This is the 2nd part of an article. can override the others if sufficiently strong. human burning of fossil fuels as the most The 1st part was in last month’s newsletter. SO2 and volcanic particles can reflect sun- likely cause. light and temporarily cool the Earth, over- You may find a reading of scientific pa- By Chuck Hawkins riding the warming effects of elevated CO2 pers refreshing (or depressing). Try the ong-term climate data predicts concentration. El Nina can lower tempera- American Institute of Physics at www.aip. Lthat we are beginning a long tures over large portions of the Earth. org/climate/history, the Intergovernmen- 90,000-year cooling to the next Ice The average Earth temperature is rising tal Panel on Climate Change at www.ipcc. according to measured temperature data ch, and The Two-Mile Time Machine: Ice Age (Fig. 1). But we see shorter cli- from over 7,000 land-based monitors, over Cores, Abrupt Climate Change, and Our mate spikes that ride on top of the 3,300 ocean sensors, and many ships at sea. Future, by Richard Alley, Princeton Univ. long-term trends. What are they, Is this temperature spike simply a bump Press, 2000. and are we now in a natural rapid from natural causes, or is it related to hu- Author: Chuck Hawkins has a background spike in the climate? man contributions that influence the air- in Bioengineering and Electrical Engineering. water-land climate forces? He is presently an adjunct professor in the ECE Science has identified many rapid cli- In science, as opposed to theoretical Dept. at the . mate forces. Air born forces include: CO2, math, there are no absolute proofs. Scien- methane, SO2, H2O, volcano and fossil tists thrive on debate and squabble among fuel particulates, and ozone depletion. Wa- themselves over interpretation and accuracy ter climatic forces include el Nino, ocean of data. But typically a consensus forms algae, disturbances in the Atlantic Ocean when a theory survives intense criticism. (NAO, AMO oscillations), and ocean heat- The scientific community, with minor ex- ing. Ground climatic forces include snow- ceptions, accepts the geophysical measure- ice sunlight reflection (albedo), vegetation ments comparing the past 150 years with affect on CO2 and greenhouse gas venting the past 750k years and their implications. and absorption. Although the sun powers We have seen more extreme Earth tem- all climate change, direct solar influence is peratures. But the recent rate of change of either miniscule (the 11-year solar cycle) or global temperature rise and CO2 levels and undetermined (the lack of sunspots to ex- the unprecedented high CO2 levels com- plain the recent Little Ice Age). pared over hundreds of thousands of years Fig. 1. Temperature changes over past 150k years from ice core at Antarctic Vostok site. Some of these forces are linked, but all from deep ice and ocean core data point to

OUTINGS, from previous page poisonous Lepiotas: the Petite Parasol, I knew there were some nasty Lepiotas L. castanea which has profuse rusty-to- but was unaware any were deadly. So every- lus, the blocky orange-brown scales merge cinnamon scales on the lower stipe and body learned something. Both were identi- into a central disk on the pileus giving this a-annulate Deadly Parasol L. joserondii, fied through Arora’s Mushrooms Demysti- beauty the nickname Brown-eyed Parasol. responsible for at least one death in upper fied, 1986,T en Speed Press. It may be easily confused with two deadly . By Karen Garren

Looking for a way to get involved? Don’t have a lot of time? Like to write? Like the environment? Then the Sierra newsletter committee is for you. We have a need for enthusiastic writers for our newsletter committee. Whatever your interest, a we can find a place for you. Contact Kathy Cantwell at [email protected] or 352-395-7441. November 2009 Suwannee-St. Johns Sierra Club 5

natural gas (CH4) consumption. An Iowa entrepreneur founded Freedom Fertilizer in Iowa in 2008 to make fertilizer using wind power for the energy and water and air for $20 Per Gallon? the constituents N and H (this is my invest- a review by Dwight Adams pelled automobile has diminished, to be re- ment tip). his incredibly foresighted book born as the electric car, which will lead the In $20 per gallon, Steiner discusses vari- Tshould be required reading for urban revolution and suburban decay into ous possible sources of alternatives to fossil decision makers at all levels of gov- full swing at $12 per gallon since commut- fuel. I disagree with him on some of his ing by car is no longer affordable. Did you conclusions here, in particular, his assess- ernment and industry. The sub- ever expect that the price of gasoline would ment of solar that he dismisses “because title says it all—as we saw already solve the problem of sprawl growth? the sun does not shine all the time”. He in 2008 when gasoline reached $4/ Small towns and US manufac- claims, incorrectly, that there gallon, many desirable changes oc- turing are predicted to undergo BOOKREVIEW is no way to store the energy. curred in our lives. For example, a renaissance at $14 per gallon. Then, strangely, he contra- Americans drove 100 billion fewer Wal-Mart, based on shipping dicts himself by describing cheap junk from China, is ex- how solar can be used to pro- miles in 2008 than in 2007. pected to succumb at this stage! duce hydrogen from water, The book chapters are appropriately la- Locavores will rule at $16 per to be used when the sun is beled $4, $6, $8 etc., with short phrases gallon since shipping food long not shining to generate elec- indicating what Steiner expects to happen distances will be too expensive, tricity in a fuel cell. Despite at that price per gallon. For example, at $6/ creating a shift to small farms this criticism, I highly recom- gal the SUV is predicted to meet its death and organic fertilizer. mend this book for anyone along with 4000 fewer automobile deaths Steiner has a very interesting who wants to find out more and a dramatic drop in obesity. discussion of finding an “al- about energy-related issues. At $8 gallon, Steiner predicts that the ternative to eating fossil fuel,” Dwight Adams is a retired skies will empty, as planes, the ultimate gas which refers to making ammo- UF Professor Emeritus in Phys- guzzlers, become very expensive to fly. He nia fertilizer from natural gas. $20 Per Gallon: How ics and a long-time member of predicts that the US domestic air network He points out that producing the Inevitable Rise in the SSJ Sierra Club Execu- the Price of Gasoline will contract by 50% with many airline ammonia (NH3) currently Will Change Our Lives tive Committee. He is also the hubs closing. uses 1% of the world’s power for the Better Waste Management Chair of At $10 per gallon, the petroleum pro- and uses 4% of the fossil fuel By Christopher Steiner Sierra Club Florida.

CORNER, from page 2 charging customers for nuclear reactors (all Inner City Outings of the proposed Florida reactors are the On a much more encouraging note, the hole; it was to replace a steam generator. Westinghouse AP 1000 design) that may Inner City Outings (ICO) program that Another question would be, why wasn’t the never be built. was the subject of last month’s program need to replace a steam generator anticipat- Regardless of their safety or radioactive meeting continues to move forward to- ed? Because the plant was designed and waste issues, there are less expensive op- wards the first ICO which, we hope, will be licensed originally for a 40-year life. Now tions, such as real efforts at conservation, in December. I want to thank all of those Progress Energy wants to extend the license something the PSC has refused to require, who have stepped up to volunteer with the for another twenty years. and various forms of renewable energy. ICO program. If you’re not feeling sufficiently insecure Did I mention that they are all far safer and about your future in this area, the following do not produce materials that can be used week the NRC announced that it had con- to make nuclear weapons? Putnam County Conservation cerns about the ability of the outer shield In a way, this news, while disconcerting, I recently attended the fundraising event building for the proposed Levy County is helpful in our efforts to oppose nuclear for the Putnam Land Conservancy to de- nuclear reactors to withstand things like power plants. There will be some changes liver a $500.00 check on behalf of SSJ in hurricanes or tornadoes. There were also soon at the PSC since two new members, recognition of our own Kathy Cantwell’s concerns with the effect that the large tank appointed by Governor Crist, will take of- efforts to not only help found PLC, but of cooling water above the reactor would fice in January. This is particularly timely lobby for millions in state grant money to have on the structure. considering the ongoing investigations of make a major conservation purchase on Nevertheless the PSC continues to fully the PSC and its staff by the Tallahassee the Alachua/Putnam County border just support both FPL and Progress Energy in states attorney and the FDLE. east of Hawthorne. 6 Suwannee-St. Johns Sierra Club November 2009

Dwight Adams • [email protected] change, and how to make these goals universally ac- ronment as one of the key issues important to me as Joined 1982, motivated by James Watt. Conserva- ceptable social behavior. an individual and to us as a community. I moved tion Committee first year, CC chair next year, then to Gainesville in May ‘07 and have been an active Group Chair two years, Excom through present. NKwanda Jah • [email protected] member of Veterans for Peace as well as a founding Worked on solid waste & recycling at local, state, and Long-time local community activist; a founder member of Iraq Veterans Against the War, Gaines- national level (national committee chair two years) and current Director of the Cultural Arts Coalition ville. I regularly attend Sierra Club folding parties and growth management. Leading role in Alachua and the Annual 5th Ave Arts Festival; founder, past and have also attended the Sierra Club legislative lob- County comp plan “battles” for 20 years, Liaison director of Girl Power, an after school program for bying training in St. Petersburg. I look forward to in various cases. Florida Wildlife Federation “Land middle school girls; creator and organizer of the helping Sierra Club achieve its goals. Conservationist of Year” award for stopping massive Environmental Ambassadors which instructs youth RV camping site on Suwannee. Founding chair SSJ between ages 14-20 to take care of the environment Travis Pillow • [email protected] Global Warming Committee. Sierra Club Florida and then to teach others in the African American During my time as a journalism student at the legislative committee, conservation advisory team, community about protecting our natural resources; University of Florida, I’ve worked to mobilize my fel- chair waste minimization campaign, 75% recycling. member of several local agencies including Alachua low students to get involved in the local community County Branch of NAACP, Three Rivers Legal Ser- by voting for conservation candidates, promoting Maryvonne Devensky • [email protected] vices, Black AIDS Services and Education, City of ballot initiatives to slow out of control development I joined the Sierra Club to go on outings in 1997, Gainesville EEO Change Team; recipient of numer- and protect wild places, and supporting local sustain- when I lived in Palm Beach County. Then I helped ous local awards. able agriculture. I’ve written about these issues for a with the group Hotline, and I became a member of variety of local publications, and as an online editor the Loxahatchee Excom group in 1999. In the last Melanie Ladenheim • [email protected] of the Fine Print. I am interested in developing new 10 years, I became an Outing Leader, an Education Having lived in Gainesville for 14 years, I have ways to better inform the public about issues we care chair, and was Group chair for a year. I love nature watched with deep sadness as our city has become less about using technology and new media. and I volunteered to lead educational outings in the of what we used to be known as: “the tree city.” Being Inner City Outing program that we are starting in the a real estate broker, my views on development often Sherry Steiner • [email protected] Suwannee-St. Johns group. I think enjoying nature do not mesh with the industry norm. As a strong Special education teacher for Levy County home- and learning about it should be part of every child’s advocate for the environment, my first priority is to bound handicapped students. Worked on campaign life. be certain that my business model supports the ideals against the Newberry cement plant; on Charter One of sustainability. I proudly serve as a board mem- Amendment to allow Alachua County to have stricter Robert Fisher • [email protected] ber and Treasurer for the Coalition for Responsible environmental regulations than the state; to elect en- Ph.D.-level scientist based at the University of Growth. We successfully stopped the billion dollar vironmental candidates to the Alachua County Com- Florida Health Science Center, dedicated bike com- giant, PREIT (Springhills Development.) I have at- mission, including Mike Byerly; on campaigns to muter, avid backpacker/hiker and trail runner, and tended folding parties. prevent major industrial development, including life member of the Sierra Club. For the past two those of Robbins and Kosman-Rothseiden. Worked years, I have served as the Outings Chair. Primary Whitey Markle • [email protected] to support the Coalition for Responsible Growth interests to pursue as a member of Excom in the fu- Since joining the SSJ Group, I have worked on sev- in their fight to prevent the Spring Hills develop- ture include reinvigorating the current membership eral important regional issues such as The Ocklawaha ment. Served on EXCOM for seven years: Political, of the Suwannee St. Johns Group by providing op- River and Airboat Noise. I am on the steering com- Newsletter Folding and Nominating Committees portunities for members to connect with the “Great mittee for the Smart Growth Coalition in Marion and newsletter editing. For the past six years, serving Outdoors,” attracting new membership, especially County, I’ve attended membership and Fundraising as Events Coordinator. younger people, and organizing events for collabora- training in San Francisco, multiple Water-related tive endeavors with like-minded conservation and en- workshops, and association meetings in Putnam, Michael Wright • [email protected] vironmental groups. Marion, Alachua, and Levy Counties (PCEC, SGC, I’ve been a member of the Sierra Club for years SJRWMD, and W.A.R.), I’ve also been successful in but in the past I was not directly involved in the lo- Chuck Hawkins • [email protected] my efforts to curb Airboat noise. If re-elected, I’ll cal chapter’s activities. Now that I’m retired, I look I joined the Sierra Club last December. I am now continue our efforts to save and preserve the resources forward to having the time to participate in the local a co-editor of the Sierra Club Newsletter, and Chair in North Central Florida. Please re-elect me. organization, and I’d be happy to use whatever skills I of the Conservation Subcommittee of the ExComm. might have to do my part.w I have a background in technical magazine publishing Anthony Maroun • [email protected] and engineering. My technical interests lie in energy As an vet and full-time political science BALLOT NEXT PAGE alternative development to fossil-free power, climate student at UF, I have come to understand the envi- November 2009 Suwannee-St. Johns Sierra Club 7 SUWANNEE ST. JOHNS GROUP SIERRA CLUB ELECTION FOR 2010-2011 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS executive committee Each year, the Suwannee-St. Johns Group Sierra Club holds elections for Executive Committee (ExCom) members. The ExCom makes decisions concerning the Group’s policy and direction and it represents the Group on a local level. We have a total of 15 ExCom officers serving staggered 2-year terms. This year we will be electing 8 officers. We do not elect members for particular positions, only as members at-large. Then the new executive committee appoints its members to the various posi- tions (eg Chair, Conservation Chair, Secretary, etc). Voting Instructions: Indicate your choices by checking the line in front of the names of the candi- dates. Each member may cast one ballot, voting for no more than eight (8) persons. Joint member- ships (as indicated by a “J” after the 3305 on the top line of your address label on the back of this page) are entitled to 2 votes. The second column on the ballot is provided for this. Do not vote twice if you do not have a joint membership. Mailing Instructions: Remove this page from the newsletter and fold the ballot so that your mem- bership number appears on the outside. Place the ballot in an envelope and mail to: Sierra Club Elec- tion Committee, C/O Roberta Gastmeyer, 4118 NW 69th St, Gainesville FL 32606. Ballots must be received by December 7th, 2009. Please be sure to mail your ballot in time to al- low delivery by that date. If you have any questions about this procedure, contact Roberta Gastmeyer at 352-336-2404 or [email protected]. To protect your confidentiality, after confirming your membership, election committee members will remove the label portion before opening the rest of the ballot Ballots will be counted on Dcember 8th at 4:30pm at Roberta Gastmeyer’s house at 4118 NW 69th St, Gainesville. This meeting is open to all Sierra Club members. Y ou may call Roberta at 336- 2404 for directions. Use this column for single memberships or the 1st voter Use this column only for 2nd voter in joint membership households. in joint membership households. *Vote for up to, but no more than, 8 candidates* *Vote for up to, but no more than, 8 candidates*

___ Dwight Adams ___ Whitey Markle ___ Dwight Adams ___ Whitey Markle ___ Maryvonne Devensky ___ Anthony Maroun ___ Maryvonne Devensky ___ Anthony Maroun ___ Robert Fisher ___ Travis Pillow ___ Robert Fisher ___ Travis Pillow ___ Chuck Hawkins ___ Sherry Steiner ___ Chuck Hawkins ___ Sherry Steiner ___ NKwanda Jah ___ Mike Wright ___ NKwanda Jah ___ Mike Wright ___ Melanie Ladenheim ___ Melanie Ladenheim Suwannee-St. Johns Group Sierra Club Periodicals U.S. POSTAGE NEWSLETTER PAID P.O. Box 13951 Gainesville FL 32608 Gainesville FL 32604

Explore, enjoy and protect the planet

November 2009 CALENDAR OF EVENTS NOV 5—SSJ Sierra Club Group general meeting, 7:30 p.m., in the Entomology/Nem- atology Building on the UF campus, room 3118. See page 1 for details. NOV 7—Coral ardisia pull, San Felasco Hammock State Park, 9 a.m. to noon. See page 3 for details. NOV 12—SSJ Sierra Club Executive Committee meeting, 7 p.m., at the Santa Fe Community College Downtown Gainesville campus in the Board Meeting room. NOV 21— Kids outing at Paynes Prairie, 9:30 a.m., starting at the north rim parking lot. See page 3 for details. NOV 21—Bird house cleaning, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Wild Birds Unlimited, located in the Millhopper Square, 4215 NW 16th Blvd. (352-381-1997). See page 3 for details. NOV 30—Folding Party for the December newsletter, 7 p.m., at the home of Gary and Paula Wheeler, 5826 SW 18th St., Gainesville. Call 352-377-0684 for info. DEC 7—Deadline for receiving ballots for SSJ Sierra Club elections. See page 7. DEC 12—Prairie Creek paddle, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. See page 3 for details.

Support the Sierra Club and Get New Customers Ad prices for a single issue are: Ad prices for 10 issues are: To advertise, contact: 1/8 page $ 35 1/8 page $ 315 ¼ Page $ 65 ¼ Page $ 585 Kathy Cantwell ½ Page $120 ½ Page $ 1080 352-395-7441 Full Page $175 Full Page $ 1575