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Regional Updates

Community Updates

National Updates

Action Alerts

Upcoming Events

Help Wanted

Weekend Planner

Closing Words

pumpkins

Quote of the week

lorenzo

“The buses that come to Nassau Community College are packed enough as it is. If there were to be a cut or even a reduction in these services, the resulting effect would be catastrophic to thousands and thousands of students who rely on the Long Island bus service to achieve their basic need of an education.” - Lorenzo Simpson, President, Nassau Community College Student Government Association

Question of the Week

Register now for the 2010 Smart Growth Summit!

Online registration now available!

logocrowd

Event to be held on Friday, November 19th
from 8AM to 4PM at the Melville Marriott

This year's event, expected to draw up to 1,000 attendees, promises to stay on the cutting edge of Long Island's Smart Growth movement. Join us for what will be the biggest Summit yet.

Workshops include:

State of the Towns and Villages, featuring:
Supervisor Jon Kaiman, Town of N. Hempstead
Supervisor Steve Bellone, Town of Babylon
Supervisor Mark Lesko, Town of Brookhaven
Supervisor Phil Nolan, Town of Islip
Supervisor Sean Walter, Town of Riverhead
Supervisor Kate Murray, Town of Hempstead

supervisors

Financing Smart Growth
Developments of Regional Impact
Wastewater Infrastructure
Transportation Reform
Clean Energy
Transit-Oriented Development
Affordable Housing
Public Safety & Downtown Revitalization
Farmers Markets & CSAs
Healthcare & Land Use
Downtown Destinations: Arts, Theaters, Hotels
NYS Smart Growth Legislation
Federal Sustainability Initiative
Casinos
LEED-ND
SEQRA

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Sponsorships and table displays are available! Register today!

crowd

For more information, contact our office at 631-261-0242 or info@visionlongisland.org A downloadable flyer and registration form and now available here. Stay tuned for more information about the event.

REGISTER ONLINE NOW!

Gold Sponsors

gold

Sponsors

sponsors

Register now here!

[ ] Visionary - $15,000 [ ] Leader - $10,000 [ ] Gold Sponsor - $5,000
[ ] Sponsor - $2,000 [ ] Seat(s) at $125 each ($150 walk-in)

Attendee(s): ____________________________________________________

Affiliation:_______________________________________________________

Address:_______________________________________________________

Town, State, Zip: _________________________________________________

Phone: __________________________ Fax: __________________________

Email: ________________________________

[ ] Check enclosed [ ] Check sent (faxes only) [ ] Credit Card [ ] Pay at the Door
[ ] Visa [ ] Mastercard [ ] American Express

Card Number: _________________________ Exp. Date: _________________

Name (as it appears on card): _______________________________________

This Week's Sponsor

JP Morgan Chase

jpmorganchase

JP Morgan Chase works to strengthen communities by expanding access to capital, leadership by example, serving low- and moderate-income communities, small businesses, and low- to moderate-income individuals and families as a credit, banking and technical assistance service provider. They also act as an advisory service to community groups and nonprofit institutions.

Become a supporter of Smart Growth

donor

Vision Long Island prides itself on having a broad range of supporters.  Become one today. A donation as small as $50 buys outreach materials to help a community build support for their vision. $500 sponsors an entire newsletter.  $5,000 makes you a lead sponsor of our Smart Growth Summit, buying 10 tickets and a key branding opportunity for your organization.
 
Your tax-deductible donation goes directly to Vision and lets you help strengthen efforts to put Smart Growth principles into action.

Regional Updates

Local groups mourn “death” of LI Bus

funeral for a bus

This past Wednesday, October 6th, dozens of local groups, including the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, New York Communities for Change, the Long Island Progressive Coalition, Sustainable Long Island, New York Public Interest Group, Transport Workers Union Local 252, the Long Island Federation of Labor-AFL/CIO, the Health and Welfare Council of Long Island, along with students from Nassau Community College worried about losing transportation to and from classes, gathered at the Intermodal Facility in Mineola to eulogize Long Island Bus.  The service was immediately followed by a funeral procession to the steps of the County Legislature, where there were further calls for the County Executive and Legislators to come to the aid of the beleaguered public bus system.

bus EA“It is a dark day for LI Bus riders and Long Island small businesses that rely on this important service to get to work and other services,” said Eric Alexander, Vision’s Executive Director. “Government leaders on all levels should focus on continuing this important service and look deep into their budgets and reprioritize funding.  Clearly, there are offsets in the Nassau County budget and we will be calling on the Federal and State to assist in the next budget cycle.”

bus2

Born out of frustration from dealing with 9 separate private bus services in the County back in the 1970’s, the LI Bus arm of the MTA has recently seen record budget slashes and service cuts: the current budget is half of what it was just ten years ago.  Now the MTA is seriously considering abandoning the bus altogether while the County contemplates reinstating the failed private bus system.  This has prompted an outcry from local poorer communities who are more likely to rely on the public transportation to reach their destinations.

busfuneral

“I rely on LI Bus to visit my doctor, to pick up my medication, and to make it to crucial appointments throughout the New York City area,” said Enid Allison of NY Communities for Change.  “Like hundreds of thousands of Nassau County residents who count on this service, I know that privatizing is not an answer.  It’s time for the County to pay its fair share, work with the MTA and come up with a solution that keeps the buses running without taking away its riders’ voices.”

“Many of those students are coming from Queens, Elmont,” said Laura Menocal, one of the NCCC students present at the rally. “It would be impossible for them to get to class.  They don’t have cars.”

To see more on the rally and information regarding this important subject, please see coverage from Tri-State Transportation Campaign, Newsday's video and Newsday's article and News12.

wink

BREAKING NEWS: At the Nassau County budget hearing this morning, Nassau Legislator Wayne Wink proposed a fund from the third installment of red light cameras dedicated to LI Bus. Legislator Wink made this proposal after testimony from nearly 40 bus riders, Nassau Community College students, Tri-State Transportation Campaign and Vision Long Island. Stay tuned if this positive development comes to fruition.

To see the recommendations for Nassau County budget reprioritization from Tri-State Transportation Campaign and Vision Long Island, see our budget memo here.

Huge benefits seen from open space preservation on Long Island

land

A new report released by the Trust for Public Land for the Rauch Foundation and the Long Island Community Foundation provided statistics on how land preservation – including parks and farmland – present significant benefits for the local economy.

The Economic Benefits and Fiscal Impact of Parks and Open Space in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, New York hits on the benefits of tourism, agri-tourism, health and environmental benefits and even the value of residential properties in close proximity to parks. Residents and tourists at wineries and farms on Long Island spend $321.3 million each year. Health benefits for the environment in lieu of land conservation and natural benefits save the Island $206.8 million annually.

NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli helped launch the release of the report at a Long Island event that was sponsored by the Rauch Foundation this week.

To view the whole report and learn more about land preservation on Long Island, visit: The Trust for Public Land's website.

Build-a-Better-Burb competition winners revealed

burbs

After narrowing down over 200 submissions to 23 finalists, Long Island Index and the Rauch Foundation decided on five winners, one student prize and a people’s choice award for the Build-a-Better-Burb competition. $22,500 in prizes will be distributed for these bold designs that are believed to properly transform Long Island’s downtowns into vibrant, economically thriving and affordable communities.

The next step would be figuring out ways to implement these ideas and to gain notice on these appealing projects. To check out the lucky winners, visit the Build-a-Better Burb website here.

Shinnecock Indians win federal recognition

shinnecocks

On October 1st, the Shinnecock Indian Tribe gained federal recognition by the Interior Board of Indian Appeals of the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs. The Shinnecock Indian Nation is now the 565th tribe in the U.S. With recognition, they now will be eligible for numerous federal services including healthcare and education- as well as economic opportunities in relation to the development of a casino on Long Island.

Regarding a previous rivalry with the Montaukett tribe, Indian Nation Chief Robert P. Pharoah stated, “The Shinnecock accomplishment is Montaukett encouragement... This proves that when an Indian nation puts petty rivalries aside and moves forward with one voice as one people toward one destiny, the path to glory becomes clear and the fruits of victory are especially sweet.”

Time will tell what this means for a casino development on Long Island

For more coverage, read the full Long Island Business News article here.

Community Updates

Two towns, two visions

wyandanch

For over a decade, there have been big promises made to two different but related hamlets on Long Island.  The promises revolved around affordable housing and revitalization aimed at keeping and entertaining young Long Islanders.  This past month saw the dashing of one of those visions in Huntington Station while the other, Wyandanch, keeps marching along.

avalonEveryone is familiar with the defeat of Avalon Bay in Huntington Station, which would bring economic investment and some affordable units to the community. This project brought out whole-hearted support and vociferous opposition.

At the same time, Wyandanch has embraced projects designed to bring economic growth to a downtown in desperate need of revitalization.  It is hoped that this will keep Long Island’s shrinking youth population closer to home by giving them an inexpensive place to live while providing job and recreational opportunities.

These contrasts are explored deeper in Long Island Press’ most recent digital magazine, located here.

The future of Smithtown sidewalks

where the sidewalk ends

Town of Smithtown homeowners are not pleased over the current decision to cut public funding for sidewalk repairs in front of residential homes. 60% of Smithtown homeowners are without sidewalks and most favor the proposed change of code in favor of the $2 million annual budget cut.

1,700 local residents have filed for repairs with the Town, like Addie Sullivan who stated, “it’s more than people can afford to pay. Everybody’s hurting. Our houses aren’t selling, our taxes are high and we’re very unhappy”.  Smithtown Highway Superintendent Glenn Jorgensen has mailed out postcards to explain to residents the situation: there is no money in the budget for any more sidewalk repairs this fiscal year.

The Town will most likely discuss the change in an upcoming planning meeting, but any change to the town code will first require a public hearing on the issue.  Town officials have indicated that before any change is put into effect, a window will be put into place for claims, after which all repairs will become the purview of the homeowner.

Out of 13 towns on Long Island, five make homeowner’s responsible for sidewalk repairs: Hempstead, Oyster Bay, Babylon, Huntington and Islip.  The most recent to enact this change, Huntington, has seen a drop from $1.2 million spent annually on sidewalk repairs to between $19,000 and $332,000.

Route 347: LI’s first “Greenway”

 

347 proposalVision Long Island’s Eric Alexander discusses the Green Route 347 plan implemented by NYSDOT Region 10 in his recent op-ed in the Hauppauge Patch. He writes:

Most importantly, the plan takes initiative to emphasize local communities and build a sense of place along the corridor. This is the first time that NYSDOT Region 10 has radically transformed its plans to meet community interests. The DOT has been committed to partnering with local businesses, civics, transit agencies and other advocacy organizations to build something that works for everyone. Over 500 people attended the first public information session for the project, and recently the DOT hosted an open forum to educate the community and answer questions on preliminary construction plans and traffic management.

Construction on Route 347 begins this month to improve mobility for all forms of transportation along this major arterial roadway in the Town of Smithtown from Northern State Parkway to 25A in Port Jefferson.

National News

Obama to restore White House solar panels

white house solar panels

The White House recently announced that it will place solar panels on the roof to help heat water as well as provide electricity for the first family.  Slated to be put in place by spring of 2011, this will be the second set of panels to grace the White House. 

President Obama will be the third president to authorize use of solar power for the White House. Originally placed on the roof in the late 1970’s by President Carter, the first sets of panels were quietly removed during renovations made by President Reagan.  Later, under President George W. Bush (43), solar power was again used to heat a maintenance building, some of the mansion and a pool.

LED street lighting shines on NYC

lights

The Bureau of Street Lighting in Los Angeles, CA is currently focusing on providing new LED streetlights, with contracts for 20,000 luminaries across numerous municipalities interested in replacing current streetlights. Though LED luminaries can cost upwards of $400, the expected energy reduction costs exceeded the 40% expectation by 15% at 55% of actual energy savings. Many areas have already begun to install these energy saving alternatives, and other municipalities around the country are catching on.

A September 30th conference of the Municipal Solid State Street Lighting Consortium in Los Angeles shined a light on New York Municipalities. Director for the Bureau of Street lighting from the City of Los Angeles, Ed Ebrahimian, asked: Why is New York City not up-to-date with energy saving LED street light technology? Representatives of the New York State Public Service Commission and the New York City Department of Transportation attended the late September conference, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and hosted by the City of Los Angeles. Neither have attempted to implement LED lighting into local infrastructure.

A June 2010 publication in LD+A Magazine indicates that New York City is not even trying to prevent monopolies of large LED manufacturing companies.

For more information on LED lighting, contact Port Washington-based Energy Consulting Vesta Lighting at 516-883-2981

Action Alerts

Tell Nassau County to keep the buses running!

Tell Nassau to fund LI Bus - No cuts, no privitization

Nassau County Budget Hearing

Monday, October 18th, at 9AM sharp
(sign-in early to be heard when meeting begins at 10)

Nassau County Legislative Bulding
(1550 Franklin Ave. at Old Country Rd.)

As we've been reporting over the last several weeks, Long Island Bus is in serious jeopardy due to massive budget cuts. There is blame to go around, but right now we need to focus on solutions.

Contact your local Nassau County legislators and County Executive Ed Mangano and urge them to restore cuts to Long Island Bus.


Nassau County Legislators

Kevan Abrahams - 571-6201
Robert Troiano - 571-5602
John J. Ciotti - 571-6203
Denise Ford - 571-6204
Joseph Scannell - 571-6205
Francis X. Becker Jr. - 571-6206
Howard J. Kopel - 571-6207
Vincent T. Muscarella - 571-6208
Richard J. Nicolello - 571-6209
Judi Bosworth - 571-6210
Wayne Wink - 571-6211
Peter Schmitt - 571-6212
Norma L. Gonsalves - 571-6213
Joseph V. Belisi - 571-6214
Dennis Dunne, Sr. - 571-6215
Judy Jacobs - 571-6216
Rose Marie Walker - 571-6217
Diane Yatouro - 571-6218
David Denenberg - 571-6219

Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano

516-571-6000
webmangano@nassaucountyny.gov
Mailing address:
Office of the County Executive
1550 Franklin Avenue
Mineola, NY 11501

See Newsday for more info.

Read more from Tri-State Transportation Campaign.

We must call on our State leaders to negotiate a long term solution for an issue so critical to so many working people. We also encourage you to contact the MTA and tell them not to impose these harmful cuts.

MTA Chairman & CEO Jay Walder

Email form
Mailing address:
347 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10017-3739

New York State Senators, Nassau County:

Carl Marcellino: (516) 922-1811; (518) 455-2390;
marcelli@senate.state.ny.us

Kemp Hannon: 516-739-1700; 518-455-2200;
hannon@senate.state.ny.us

Craig Johnson: (516) 746-5923; (518) 455-2622;
johnson@senate.state.ny.us

Charles Fuschillo Jr.: 516-882-0630; 518-455-3341;
fuschill@senate.state.ny.us
Dean Skelos (516) 766-8383 (518) 455-3171
skelos@senate.state.ny.us

New York State Assembly Members, Nassau County:

James Conte: 631-271-8025; 518-455-5732;
ConteJ@assembly.state.ny.us
Joseph Saladino: 516-844-0635; 518-455-5305;
SaladiJ@assembly.state.ny.us
Charles Lavine: 516-676-0050; 518-455-5456 ;
LavineC@assembly.state.ny.us

Bob Barra: 516-561-8216; 518-455-4656;
BarraR@assembly.state.ny.us
Michael Montesano: 516-937-3571; 518-455-4684;
MontesanoM@assembly.state.ny.us

Michelle Schimel: 516-482-6966; 518-455-5192;
SchimelM@assembly.state.ny.us

Tom McKevitt: 516-739-5119; 518-455-5341;
MckeviT@assembly.state.ny.us
Earlene Hooper: 516-489-6610; 518-455-5861
David McDonough: 516-409-2070; 518-455-4633;
McDonoD@assembly.state.ny.us

Harvey Weisenberg: 516-431-0500; 518-455-3028;
WeisenH@assembly.state.ny.us

Tom Alfano: 516-437-5577; 518-455-4627;
AlfanoT@assembly.state.ny.us

Upcoming Events

Suffolk County Sewer Summit II scheduled for October 14th

sealSuffolk County recently announced the second countywide Sewer Summit, to be held on October 14th from 2PM to 5PM at Suffolk Community College's Shea Theatre on the Ammerman Campus, to discuss priorities for potential future sewer needs throughout Suffolk County. The summit is designed to create momentum to secure state and federal funding to\ implement future sewage infrastructure.

Join this event to engage in a robust conversation that will help forge Suffolk’s future.

Please register for the event with the county via email to marie.berkoski@suffolkcountyny.gov. The Shea Theatre on the Ammerman Campus of Suffolk Community College is located at 533 College Road in Selden.

Sustainable Film Series: "No Impact Man" on October 21st: Can you save the planet without driving your family crazy?

no impactOn Thursday, October 21st at 7:00pm, the Sustainability Institute at Molloy College presents this month's Sustainable Film Series with the award-winning documentary, "No Impact Man." The screening will take place at the Molloy College Suffolk Center in East Farmingdale with free admission and free local food, popcorn and beverages. There will also be literature tables and an opportunity to network with Long Island's social change community. There will also be shout outs: Just before show time people are encouraged to promote themselves, their groups and/or causes and events for 30 seconds. If you represent a Long Island community organization, come prepared with your spiel and literature. A discussion will follow the film.

No Impact Man - Laura Gabbert and Justin Schein's film provides an intriguing inside look into the experiment that became a national fascination and media sensation, while examining the familial strains and strengthened bonds that result from Colin and Michelle’s struggle with their radical lifestyle change. Colin Beavan decides to completely eliminate his personal impact on the environment for the next year. It means eating vegetarian, buying only local food and turning off the refrigerator. It also means no elevators, no television, no cars, buses or airplanes, no toxic cleaning products, no electricity, no material consumption and no garbage. No problem – at least for Colin – but he and his family live in Manhattan. So when his espresso-guzzling, retail-worshipping wife Michelle and their two-year-old daughter are dragged into the fray, the No Impact Project has an unforeseen impact of its own.

The Sustainable Film Series is a free documentary series presented by the Sustainability Institute at Molloy College that screens films with a focus on environmental protection and sustainability and features a different organizational partner for each presentation. This month’s partnering organization is Renewable Energy Long Island. Visit the Sustainability Institute's website for directions. Seating is limited so please be sure to RSVP at 516-678-5000 ext. 7562

15 years of Leadership - a gala celebration for Leadership Huntington on October 26th

huntingtonJoin Leadership on Tuesday, October 26th at the Harbor Club to meet the new class, pay tribute to the old and celebrate 15 years of Leadership! Distinguished honorees include: Founding Trustee: Arthur Goldstein, Goldstein, Rubinton, Goldstein & DiFazio, P.C.; Outstanding Community Trustee: James V. Kelly, JVKellyGroup, Inc.; Graduates of Distinction: Eric Alexander, Vision Long Island and Nancy Englehardt, The Energeia Partnership.

Leadership Huntington is an independent 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation that has been developing, connecting and engaging community leaders in the Town of Huntington since 1995.

More details will be announced soon. Sponsorship opportunities are available. To learn more, visit Leadership Huntington's website.

Celebration of Suburban Diversity 2010 Banquet on October 26th

diversityLong Island’s multi-cultural diversity is the key to our social and economic survival. The ability of people from different races, religions and regions to live and work together is crucial to our prosperity. In the spirit of promoting tolerance and understanding, the National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra University is proud to announce the second annual Celebration of Suburban Diversity banquet, taking place Tuesday, October 26th from 5-9pm at Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury.

Diversity is everybody’s business -- and “good” for everybody’s business. Long Island’s new suburbanites are the new students, patrons, customers and entrepreneurs who can revive and sustain our economy. Getting to know one another is essential to all our success. Last year’s event drew nearly 500 people and the support of many major corporations and organizations. This year's celebration will bring together Long Islanders along the length of the multi-cultural spectrum, as well as the disabilities and gay and lesbian communities. North Shore-LIJ Health System President and CEO Michael Dowling will highlight an evening of awards, artwork, entertainment and inspirational speakers to celebrate the strength and opportunities in our differences.

A portion of the funds raised will support diversity-related scholarships, research and conferences. Last year’s event helped the NCSS to underwrite tens of thousands of dollars worth of internships, tuition remission and grants to community groups, faculty and students.

Individual tickets are $250, a table of ten is $2,000 and sponsorship opportunities are available. Checks should be made payable to Hofstra University Diversity Celebration and mailed to NCSS, 250 Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549. For additional information, contact Ina Katz at 516-463-9939 or email ina.katz@hofstra.edu. For more information, to RSVP or for sponsorship opportunities, visit Hofstra's website here.

Fair Media Council Presents Connection Day on October 29th

fmc

On Friday October 29th from 8am-4pm at the Long Island Hilton, get media savvy at Fair Media Council's Connection Day. Connection Day is designed for businesses, nonprofit organizations, students, concerned citizens and those with an interest in news — no matter your profession or skill level. Over 20 workshops run throughout the day and range from "Establishing Relationships with the News Media" to "Social Media Best Practices." Vision's Eric Alexander will be moderating a workshop called "Blogging as a Marketing Tool." There will also be a Media Exhibit Hall featuring news, social media and communications experts. Live blogging by journalists and on-air radio interviews occur throughout the day.

Continental breakfast, networking and refreshment breaks and a grand luncheon with keynote speaker Donny Deutsch, a TV personality, round out the day.

 Advanced registration is required. There are a variety of ticket and sponsorship packages available. Individual tickets are $230 for Fair Media Council members, $375 for non-members, $100 for students and $135 for lunch only. For more information and to download a registration form, visit the Fair Media Council's website.

22nd Annual Keys for the Homeless Conference to be held October 29th

nschThe Long Island Coalition for the Homeless will hold the 22nd Annual Keys for the Homeless Conference on Friday, October 29th at Touro Law Center in Central Islip. This year's afternoon Keynote speaker will be WABC Eyewitness News Co-Anchor Lori Stokes. Two Helen Martin Scholarships will be presented at the Conference to students who have experienced homelessness. New this year will be the presentation of the Key of Excellence- Unsung Hero Award.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Registration for the Conference is now open. Both the sponsorship brochure and the registration brochure with more information can be downloaded by visiting the LI Coalition for the Homeless' website here.

Help Wanted

Vision Long Island seeking interns for Fall 2010

logoVision Long Island is now seeking unpaid interns for Fall 2010. If you are interested in suburban/urban planning, community development, local government, or sustainability, consider working for us part time.

Our staff likes to say we "wear many hats," and interns will have to do the same. Interns will assist with planning, design, outreach, event planning, writing, research, attending meetings, reporting, photography, and more. Bring your unique skill set to the table! We are looking for energetic and conscientious individuals with an interest in suburban/urban planning from a bottom-up perspective. This is a valuable opportunity to work with great people in a small office environment and learn about the issues impacting Long Island. Strong writing skills a plus.

Note that hours, start date, and end date are all flexible. Although this is an unpaid position, we will gladly work with you to provide college credit and transportation reimbursement. We will also work with you to make sure you have a great experience that is tailored to your specific interests and skill set.

Individuals interested in learning more are encouraged to contact us at info@visionlongisland.org. Please put "Internships for Fall 2010" in the subject heading. You are welcome to include a resume and/or letter, and please indicate if you are available in the Spring, Summer, or both.

 

Weekend Planner

Long Island Fall Festival in Huntington October 8th-11th

fall festival

The 17th Annual Long Island Fall Festival, "Celebrate Huntington," is coming up soon! On October 8th-11th at Heckscher Park in Huntington Village, come check out the largest fall festival of its kind in the Northeast. The family-friendly event features a carnival with rides for all ages, hundreds of vendors, three stages of live entertainment, food courts showcasing Long Island’s favorite cuisine including Raw Bar Area, beer & wine tent, video gaming area, Scripps Network Presentation & Meet n’ Greet with Travel Channel's Andrew Zimmern and Samantha Brown, Verizon tent, Soapnet and NY Islanders, Home Depot Kiddie Workshop, and the Columbus Day Parade, followed by the Meatball Eating Contest. 

Bring non- perishable food items and recycle cell phones & batteries. Admission is free, and for $1 round-trip a shuttle will take you from the Huntington train station to the festival and back. For more information, visit the Fall Festival's website

Riverhead Country Fair

riverhead

This coming Sunday, Riverhead will host the 35th annual Riverhead Country Fair from 10 am to 5 pm on West Main Street.  The family friendly festival highlights eastern Long Island’s local farms and agricultural heritage.  Events include live music, carnival rides, farm animals and pony rides, folk art, pedal tractor pulls, local Long Island produce, and hundreds of other food and crafts vendors. 

For more information, see the Fair's website here.

Closing Words

Vision's staff and interns came across a humorous spin while researching this week's announcement of the restoration of solar panels on the White House. Inspired by a satirical website based around cats with poor grammar, we present this from TreeHugger:

lolcat

As president-elect Barack Obama has identified dealing with our 'planet in peril' as a top priority of his administration, if I were him I’d start planning to put solar panels back on the White House roof and to have a re-dedication ceremony photo op with Jimmy Carter.

It may be more a symbolic act than anything else, but it would send a powerful message that renewable energy, green jobs and climate change are really on the top of the Obama administration's agenda.

Symbolic Steps Must Be Backed Up With Practical Ones
For some more concrete steps that President Obama could take, he’d be wise to start by listening to people like Bill McKibben who are emphasizing that government-led action on renewable energy, re-engaging with the international community on climate change, and putting stiff caps on carbon emissions are all crucial to putting the United States on the path to a green future.

Though the National Park Service put some solar panels on one of the smaller buildings on the White House grounds about five years ago, putting them back on the roof of the White House itself would really be leading by example. They could even probably be building-integrated ones so they don't disturb the roofline of the building.

Note: If the humor in the photo caption is lost on you: Wikipedia - Lolcats

SMART GROWTH NEWS

Newsletter Editor: Michelle Dutchen, Director of Communications
Contributors: Eric Alexander, Executive Director; Tara Klein, Planning Coordinator;
Tawaun Weber, Assistant Director; Elissa Ward, Sustainability Director; Chris Kyle, Program Coordinator; Chloe Johnson, Planning Assistant; Jonathan Lupo, Intern

We strive to provide continued quality publications such as this each week. If you have any news or events that you would like to add to our newsletter, submit them to info@visionlongisland.org for consideration.

If you are interested in becoming a newsletter or news blast sponsor, please call the office at 631-261-0242 for rates and opportunities.

Contact Us

For more information about Vision Long Island, visit visionlongisland.org or contact us at:
24 Woodbine Ave. Suite One Northport, NY 11768.
Phone: (631) 261-0242. Fax: (631) 754-4452.
Email: info@visionlongisland.org

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