Celebrating Ailsa, 350.org and The Roost

“I do not propose to write an ode to dejection, but to brag as lustily as chanticleer in the morning, standing on his roost, if only to wake my neighbors up.” -Walden 

We celebrate Ailsa's 46-year career at Pingree today.  What an incredible inspiration to all teachers and learners!  If you haven't read it already, I direct you  to the "Project Description" link above.  We intend to sustain Ailsa's inimitable brand of neighborly wake-up calls -- to action, to poetry, to meaningful reflection on big ideas, to her unshakable faith in family and friends.  We love you, Ailsa!

In addition to being Ailsa Day, Cinco de Mayo, and my dog Django's 6th (42nd...?) birthday, it's Climate Impacts Day at Bill McKibben's 350.org.  Check out the website to see folks "Connect The Dots" on climate change.  I'm posting a photo there (and here!) later today to add Pingree to the mosaic.  I'm thinking about a dot and a sign reading:  "Six snow closures at Pingree in 2011; none in 2012 and an 80-degree week in March..."

If Thoreau were around today, his moral and political engagement would without question center on climate change.  For more info on a Thoreau-climate connection, visit Wen Stephenson's blog called The Roost at http://thoreaufarm.org/theroost/.  Wen will be visiting Pingree in the weeks ahead to discuss his environmental work at Thoreau Farm with Ed Kloman, students, and me.  Ed and I are hoping to build a relationship with Wen in connection with our Sustainability and Engaging With Thoreau electives.