Food, Friends, and Climate Talk with CamdenCAN and Others — February 22
Feb 14, 2024
One of the challenges of the climate crisis is the gradual nature of the change. We feel it, though, daily, in a winter like this, where days are sunny and warm and lawns are bare, with a mud season that seems to stretch from December through April.
In Camden we also have a repeated visual of sea level rise—sunny day flooding as shown on the photo above. It’s a reminder of the reality of sea level rise.
CamdenCAN was created as a grassroots group to help Camden navigate the multi-level issues presented by the climate crisis. Our biggest aim is to get folks talking about the topic. Next week we’re holding a potluck dinner at the Congo Church—and we hope you’ll come so we can meet you and hear your thoughts on the climate crisis here in Camden.
At the potluck we’ll give a short intro to our group, and present ideas we have for future climate action—but mostly we want to hear from you. We hope you’ll join us.
CamdenCAN Future Projects
Below are some ideas about future CamdenCAN action and outreach. We’ll go over these at the potluck, and look for your input on these and other potential actions. What do you want to do to help Camden face the climate crisis?
- Home Energy Tour—Many of our neighbors have reduced their greenhouse gas emissions by installing heat pumps, solar, and hot-water heat pumps. We’re interested in setting up a tour of some of these homes, with homeowners willing to share highs and lows. Need a lead and a committee to set it up, possibly for May 2024?
- Investigation and Advocacy for Municipal Solar—Camden has a solar array at Sagamore Farms. This action involves researching that project and reporting back, also exploring possibilities for both that solar farm and other community efforts to use solar to reduce town energy emissions and expenses. Need a lead and a committee—work to happen through Fall 2024.
- Outreach and Support for Camden Harbor Resilience Plan—As the town gathers its thoughts about convening these discussions, CamdenCAN will help publicize events and promote engagement opportunities. Any folks interested in social media or press outreach are encouraged to join this action.
- Reading Group/Conversations on Maine’s Climate Plan, Maine Won’t Wait—There is a great deal of information in the state’s climate plan and the December 2023 update. We could create a monthly/reading discussion group to explore the potential the plan opens up. Just need interested folks, and perhaps a leader.
Upcoming CamdenCAN Events
2/15/24, Thursday, 1-2:30 pm, Picker Room, CPL, Camden Conversation Circle. Join others concerned about our climate future in small facilitated conversation circles. There’ll be resources for actions, too. The goal is to help one another explore living in this remarkable period. See the events calendar at the library, too.
2/21/24, Wednesday, 5-5:45 pm, Climate Conversation Circle. This evening session has been added. See above.
2/22/24, Thursday, 5:30-7:30 pm, Community Potluck, co-hosted by CamdenCAN and the First Congregational Church, 55 Elm St., Camden. Socialize 530 to 630. At 630 CamdenCAN will kickoff information sharing and discussion. CamdenCAN’s steering committee members will be on hand to talk about their organization, climate action in town to date, and ways to engage in climate work going forward. You don’t have to be a Camden resident to attend. Bring a dish to share—or not. We’ll have plenty. No need to preregister, but you can preregister by replying to this newsletter.
3/6/22, Wednesday, 5-5:45 pm, Climate Conversation Circle. See above.
3/13/24, Wednesday, 6:30 – 8 pm, French Conference Room, Camden Talks Climate, “Plugging Into Home Solar.” A panel discussion by homeowners, for homeowners, on the ins-and-outs of rooftop (and backyard) solar. Moderated by Pete Kalajian, the event the event will also cover the differences between community and private solar, and also to provide information about CMP’s net-billing practices.
Other Local Climate News/Events
2/15/24, 5 pm, Camden Planning Board with Maine’s State geologist, Pete Slovinsky, talking about piers and sea level rise. Visit Camden’s You Tube Page to find the live feed.
2/21/24, 6 pm, Rockport Public Library, Brian Robinson, Reducing Unnecessary Energy Waste In Your Home, sponsored by the Rockport Conservation Committee.
2/27/24, 12-1 pm, Merryspring Nature Center, Camden, Maine’s Historical Climate Record with Sean Birkel, Maine State Climatologist.
2/28/24, 5-7 pm, Liberator Brewing, Rockland, Midcoast Climate, Energy, and Green Building Happy Hour. Drinks and conversation with colleagues and neighbors. Share announcements about events, committees, volunteer opportunities, funding, jobs (seeking or hiring), and anything else you’re excited about. All are welcome, especially if you work in energy efficiency, green building, clean energy, climate solutions, environmental protection, and are enthusiastic about our local ecosystems and economies.
Concluding Thoughts
We’re living in challenging times. We shouldn’t face the climate crisis alone. Join us February 22 to help strengthen the community bonds we’ll need as we create Camden’s fossil-free future.
We hope to see you then.