Action Alert May 25, 2008

--HEMP for VERMONT update - CALLS NEEDED NOW!!!
--Rural Vermont SUMMER EVENTS

**HEMP FOR VERMONT UPDATE***

The Hemp for Vermont bill (H.267) has finally made it through the
end-of-session backlog and is sitting on Governor Douglas' desk right now! The
Governor has until Thursday to decide what to do - and, if he does nothing, it
is a veto because the legislature is adjourned for the year. We need him to
SIGN the bill for it to become law.

You can read the final bill here:
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/legdoc.cfm?URL=/docs/2008/bills/passed/H-267.HTM

The bill passed the House with a 127-9 vote, and the Senate with a 25-1 vote.
There is overwhelming non-partisan support for this bill (it is supported by
Democrats, Republicans, Progressives, and Independents). These votes were so
strong because of YOUR ACTION throughout the legislative year - please take one
more action so the bill goes all the way!

YOU CAN HELP TO GET THIS LAW ENACTED. PLEASE CALL GOVERNOR DOUGLAS! The
governor has said this bill is not a priority, and that he has concerns about
it. We need to let him know it IS a priority for Vermonters this year, and that
we want him to sign it. Please call him TODAY, over the weekend, and on Monday,
Tuesday, and Wednesday. Call 802-828-3333 and leave a message asking Governor
Douglas to "please sign the Hemp bill - H.267." Leave your name and number
also. Please get your friends and family to call - and call again even if you
called before! If you can help to get others to call, please contact Shelby at
shelby@ruralvermont.org.

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RURAL VERMONT SUMMER EVENTS!!
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***Everything I Want to do is Illegal: DRAMATIC READING SERIES***
May 27, 5:30 – 7 pm, Main St., Bee’s Knees - MORRISVILLE
May 28, 7 – 8:30 pm, Main St., Park Squeeze - VERGENNES
May 29, 7 – 8:30 pm, Pumpkin Village Rd., Raw Milk Theater (Flack Family
Farm) - FAIRFIELD
Joel Salatin has come and gone from Vermont, but his spoken word lives on! Come
hear about the burdensome, nonsensical restrictions that farmers are contending
with on the community-scale agriculture level. Farmers from around Vermont who
feel the pressures of these government regulations will be reading excerpts
from Joel Salatin's book "Everything I Want to do is Illegal" which highlights
these bureaucratic nightmares. A short discussion will follow. These events are
FREE, but bring some $$ to purchase your own copy of Joel Salatin’s book and
make a donation to Rural Vermont! Also, be sure to support our restaurant hosts
(Bee’s Knees & Park Squeeze) with your dinner purchase!

**WAR ON BUGS**
Wednesday, May 28th, VPIRG will be hosting a panel discussion on the history
and hazards of pesticide use and what can be done to better protect our health,
food, and kids from these toxic chemicals. The discussion will feature Will
Allen, author of The War on Bugs and board member of the Organic Consumers
Association and Rural Vermont. In The War on Bugs, Allen describes the roles
that advertisers, chemical companies, and others played in convincing farmers
of the need for poisonous chemicals and the resulting struggle against toxic
food. Allen will also be joined by Representative David Zuckerman of Burlington
and Paul Burns, VPIRG’s Executive Director, in a broader conversation about
the implications of pesticide use and steps Vermont can take to protect our
citizens from exposure to these prevalent and dangerous chemicals. The event is
free and open to the public.
Wednesday, May 28 - 6-7:30pm - The Great Room at Main Street Landing - 1 Main
Street, Union Station - Burlington, Vermont.
http://www.mainstreetlanding.com/calendar/

** FILM SERIES AT THE SHREWSBURY LIBRARY **
Come check out two really great films, participate in lively discussions, and
get updates on Rural Vermont's summer plans and events! Both events at the
Shrewsbury Library, 98 Town Hill Road, Shrewsbury.
(First event was May 23rd)
Sunday, June 8, 6:30 pm - The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil
Take a look into Cuba's response to an economic crisis that resulted when oil
and food imports were drastically cut. This film tells of the hardships and
struggles as well as the community and creativity of the Cuban people. It
presents options and hope as we all work towards limiting our dependence on
fossil fuels.

** Montpelier Seasonal COOKING CLASS SERIES**
Ever wonder what to do with fiddleheads and fennel? Want to learn about cooking
with grass-fed meats, and how to make your own sausage? How about substituting
Vermont’s natural sweeteners for sugar? Come join Rural Vermont for a series
of cooking classes featuring Vermont’s bountiful summer offerings, and led by
Montpelier chef Susan Reid! Cooking classes will be taught with a hands-on
approach, and end with a sit-down, family-style meal. Limited space available
and pre-registration required. Reserve now!
Sun June 8 (registration deadline Thurs June 5)
Sat July 19 (registration deadline Thurs July 17)
Sat Aug 17 (registration deadline Thurs Aug 15)
Sun Sept 28 (registration deadline Thurs Sept 25)
All classes from 5 – 8 pm in the private homes of Montpelier folks.
$20 per class or $70 for series of four (prices include ingredient fees) OR
$5 ingredient fee + 3 community credits per class for Onion River Exchange
members (http://onionriverexchange.wordpress.com/)
NOTE: To get the four class discount, you MUST register by Thursday June 5th.
For more info or to register, contact shelby@ruralvermont.org / 802-223-7222.

*** 2008 ICE CREAM SOCIALS!!! ***
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Come out and celebrate a successful legislative year
for Vermont agriculture with Rural Vermont at this summer's ice cream socials!
Rural Vermont will again be touring the state and scooping homemade, farm fresh
ice cream at every stop! Come to the social nearest you to sample the freshest
ice cream made with raw cream from local dairy farmers, meet and mingle with
folks in your community, give us input about our work, and get updates on
what's next for Rural Vermont. Join us!
June 12 – Bandstand Park, LYNDONVILLE
June 17 – Montgomery Recreation Center, MONTGOMERY
June 26 – Cimarron Farm, ST. ALBANS
July 8 – 95 Poplar Manor, BETHEL
July 15 – Stowe Free Library, STOWE
July 21 – Eastman Farm, ADDISON
August 6 – (location TBD), RUTLAND
August 11 – Putney Community Center, PUTNEY
August 18 – Dana Thompson Memorial Park, MANCHESTER
All socials are free, family-friendly, and open to the public.
All are scheduled from 6:30- 8 pm.
For more information, call Rural Vermont at (802) 223-7222.