The CAT’s working group has had a busy and productive year. Especially noteworthy were: Tim Flynn’s and Peter Watt’s presentation to congregation members of the UUA’s Climate Justice Revival materials in October; Tim’s work to develop the new Energy Savings Resource Bank; several after-coffee-hour discussion groups; and the years-long effort by Allen Clark and others to monitor Montpelier plans for improved flood management, and to switch from fossil to biofuels for church heat. Also, Peter dreamed up and created the Climate Action bulletin board, and Maryann Ludlow will be leading the prescription bottle recycling project. Many thanks to them, and to Mary Alice Bisbee, Harris Webster and Karen Voll who worked with us before circumstances caused them to move on. Well done, all!

And great gratitude for the steady support of Rev. Joan, Emily, Elaine and so many others.

Thanks also to Diana Chase, John José, Jared Duval and Jon Copans for their presentations to the congregation.

The Team was happy to host four 350VT presentations last summer, welcome two members of the Stowe Fellowship who attended the Revival, and assist in the development of a Washington County chapter of Third Act VT.

We would very much like feedback from the congregation about any aspects of the work we did this year, and ideas for what you would like us to offer next. Please be in touch with Allen Clark, Tim Flynn, Maryann Ludlow, Peter Watt, or Anne Sarcka. As we are eager to use all our in-house talent, let us know if you have experience or expertise in any climate-related area that you would be willing to share at an after-coffee-hour or other event. Thank you!

Under consideration are one or more field trips during the summer, and for the fall, projects grounded in justice and resilience. We are also contemplating doing the film night we postponed this year.

Our Team greatly needs new members in order to expand our reach, and we are still looking for a new chair. It would be helpful to have liaisons with like-minded local organizations such as Interfaith Action, and collaborations with other groups. Another plus would be to have someone tracking climate-related legislation and inform us when action on critical bills would be especially effective.  And so many other ideas! Please let us know yours.

Anne Sarcka

Interim Chair