Submitted by Transition Lopez Island
The current devastation of our planet has unleashed a deep desire in many of us to do all we can, while we still can, to avert the worst of the catastrophic impacts of the climate crisis.
As a first step, Transition Lopez Island is hosting a 3-day event on Nov. 1-3 to launch a Fossil Fuel Free by ‘33 campaign at the Lopez Center.
It is an invitation for all of us in the community to look honestly at and talk candidly about necessary change. And to ask: “What can we do for the future of our children? How quickly can we become fossil-free?”
Speakers, decision-makers, community members, storytellers, musicians, youth leaders and vendors will gather to share stories; analyses; solutions; plans; music; food; art and conversations. There will also be activities for kids throughout the event such as building solar ovens, games and making ornaments from recyclable materials.
Friday, Nov. 1
The event kicks off at 5 p.m. with finger food reception to open the “Walk of What If” to the public, an interactive walkway showcasing local solutions and ideas from around the world. The “Walk” will be up through Sunday.
“Our Voice, Our Future,” a special film produced by Matteus Rabel for this event will be shown, followed by Sharon Abreu’s Climate Monologues; White Bear’s poetry; and music by Kenny Ferrugiaro and Stanley & Kip Greenthal.
Saturday, Nov. 2
Starting at 10 a.m., the “Walk” is open for the public to view. Also, all are welcome to check out electric cars and try out electric bikes. Bicycle generators, carbon calculators and a recycled plastic 3D print machine will also be available.
A “Green Home Tour” will start at noon with presentations by OPALCO and San Juan Island Conservation District, Community Challenge and Sage Building Solutions. Free lunch and transportation by electric vehicles will be provided.
From 3-6 p.m. is a deep dive into thematic discussions.
Starting at 3 p.m. is a talk by Rick Eggerth of the Sierra Club on plastics, followed by a panel discussion at 4 p.m. on agriculture, food, climate and county plan by Erika Shook, community development director of SJC, Faith Van De Putte and Ken Akopiantz, farmers and community leaders. An Energy and Transportation panel then follows, featuring OPALCO; Ryan Palmateer; Chris Greacen; and Jelte Harnmeijer.
El Taco ‘Bout it food truck will be selling delicious tacos for dinner.
The evening program will kick off at 7 p.m. with a Lopez Youth panel and the second showing of the short film “Our Voice, Our Future” short film. Senator Liz Lovelett will give the keynote address, followed by a community discussion with a council member and an OPALCO board member.
Sunday Nov. 3
Nikyta Palmisani will lead the workshop “Building a Better Lopez” at 10:30 a.m., followed by Inner Refl Community Sing-Along – Sharon Abreu & Mike Hurwicz.
For more info and details, visit transitionlopezisland.org.
