New Speaker Series Focuses on Sustainability
-Conversations at the Lake: Dan Morse, Program Coordinator
In September 2006, Pine Lake initiated a discussion series called ‘Conversations at the Lake.” This new series featured a number of speakers leading informal discussions on a broad range of issues relating to sustainability and the environment. The talks, which were held on weekday evenings throughout the semester, all followed the same format: a potluck dinner in the Robertson Lodge at 7 p.m. followed by a talk in the Strawbale at 8 p.m.
Tom Salo of Franklin Mountain Hawk Watch kicked off the series with a fascinating discussion of the impact of wind farms on bird migration.
Garrett Cole ‘06, a former Pine Lake resident, talked about his experiences hiking over many miles of the Appalachian Trail. (His photos from the trail were amazing.)
Dennis Valente, supervisor of the town of Davenport, shared lessons from his unique experience in leading the town through the aftermath of the June 2006 flood.
Dan Shapley ’99 and Lynn Hodgens ’99 spoke about balancing the desire to do good for the environment with the need to make a living: Dan is environment editor, new media editor, and reporter at the Poughkeepsie (NY) Journal, and Lynn graduated from Vermont Law School in May with a juris doctor degree, and now works at a small general practice law firm in western New York and volunteers as a legal worker for the National Lawyers' Guild in its environmental justice sub-committee, assisting Americans Indians impacted by Hurricane Katrina.
Shortly after the November mid-term elections, Adam Flint, of Hartwick’s Sociology Department, led a lively discussion on post-election politics and American foreign policy.
Tom and Denise Warren of Stone and Thistle Farm a gave a talk entitled “Organic--it’s not what it used to be.” Within this context, they led a great discussion about the history of the Organic designation and issues consumers face in choosing between organic and local food. They also talked about the operation of their family farm, and their plans for the future--including the current construction of a farm restaurant featuring local and organic food.
The “Conversations” series continue this spring. Be sure to visit http://www.hartwick.edu/pinelake.xml to stay updated on what’s going on at Pine Lake. We have many great talks this Spring including a student J Term experience in New Zealand, a world-wide permaculture expert, and a talk by three area woman on natural birthing.
