Global Warming Solutions

“Global Warming Solutions” Energy Forum coming to Southeastern Minnesota
By Annie Sanders, Organizer, Minnesota Environmental Partnership

On Thursday March 8th, global warming is coming to Southeastern Minnesota. But don’t expect any heat waves– the Citizens’ Energy Forum, hosted from 7-9 p.m. at the Riverland-Austin Theatre by the Minnesota Environmental Partnership, will be focusing on Global Warming Solutions and what we can do to help create Minnesota’s Clean Energy Future.

Steve Morse, President of the Minnesota Environmental Partnership, will speak about the clean energy initiatives and possibilities at the state-wide level, and what we need to make Minnesota a leader on clean energy and global warming. Melissa Pawlisch, founder of the Clean Energy Resource Teams, will speak to what people can do to start transitioning to renewable energy in their businesses, homes, and communities. Bruce Anderson, founder of Sustainable Community Solutions in Northfield, will speak about his experience bringing wind turbines and biodiesel to his community, and how similar projects can succeed here in Southeastern Minnesota.

Local energy and environmental organizations from Albert Lea and Austin will have information booths open for browsing from 6:15-7:00 p.m. People are encouraged to come early and talk with groups such as the Clean Energy Resource Teams, the Sustainable Farming Association, Horizon Wind Energy, the Audubon Society, Izaak Walton League, Advocates for a Cleaner Environment, and others.

The message is clear: global warming could change our great state and nation forever, but we can do something about it. Southeastern Minnesota will be essential in creating a clean energy future for Minnesota, and we all need to get involved. Come to learn more, ask questions, and learn how you can make a difference.

Download forum flier (pdf).

Fountain Lake Five

Time to start training for the 29th Annual Fountain Lake Five. This year’s race comes right away in the spring: Saturday, April 14, 2007, so you’ve no time to waste.

Jen and I ran this race last year and loved it. It is a well-organized event and the course is scenic, yet measurably challenging. Besides the five mile race, which starts at 9:00 a.m., there’s also a half mile “Fun Run” at 10:00 a.m. and a “Toddler Trot” at 10:15 a.m. Both the “Fun Run” and the “Toddler Trot” are free to all children. The five mile run/walk registration fee is $17 before April 6. $20 after and on race day. Awards are given to the top male and female, plus 1st-3rd in the following age groups: 18 & under, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+.

Starting line: Brookside School. 241 W. Richway Drive, Albert Lea, Minnesota. Route: One Lap Around Fountain Lake.

Click here to download a registration form, which has more information as well.