Take a step back; breathe; look at the bigger picture
With the latest wave of public interest in the Nordic Aquafarms permit applications receding, now is a good time to spend an evening looking at the bigger picture of sustainable economies and communities around the Penobscot Bay. On Thursday, March 5th, spend a thoughtful evening at “Living in the Web of Life,” a 2-panel public forum exploring the connections that humans share among themselves, with other creatures, and the environment. The event takes place at the Belfast United Farmers Market from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., 18 Spring Street, Belfast.
“I'm excited that we have such an amazing lineup of dedicated, knowledgeable, inspired, and inter-connected local people appearing together on one stage,” said Jason Rawn, the event organizer.
“Living in the Web of Life” features keynote speaker Sherri Mitchell of the Penobscot Nation, a well-known activist, author, and attorney setting the tone for the first panel “Living Consciously in the Web of Life.” Panel 1 speakers are artist and researcher Susie O’Keeffe, mycologist Greg “Mushroom Man” Marley, and fisheries and land conservation authority Dwayne Shaw. Journalist and activist Dawn Neptune Adams of the Penobscot Nation will give the keynote highlighting the second panel, “Building Community Support.” Panel 2 speakers are local food ordinance activist Jesse Labbe-Watson, water rights advocate Nickie Sekera, and Matt Wagner of “Say No to NECEC.” Audience questions are encouraged, and the evening will conclude with a summary of the main points raised, plus consideration of what needs doing next.
“Living…” is free to the public. Donations will be collected during the event and 100% of the money given will be divided among the program participants. Refreshments and live music – courtesy of “Timbered Lake” – will be provided. Transitions in the program will be illuminated by poetry, music, and a rolling slideshow from local artists Karin Spitfire, Meredith Bruskin, and Sally Brophy. Like-minded citizen action organizations have been invited to set up information tables outside the main space. Look for Downeast Salmon Federation, Friends of Penobscot Bay, Midcoast Permaculture, No to NECEC, and Friends of Harriet L. Hartley.
A playful preface to the forum begins at 3:30 with a live performance of Dr. Suess’s classic tale, “The Lorax,” directed by Marlee Luehman and performed by students from the Sweetland School in Hope and from Playworks in Liberty. The 1-hour production is based on student research projects and features original music and dance.
The Friends of Harriet L. Hartley Conservation Area is a local, citizen-action organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of intertidal area at the mouth of the Little River on Belfast Bay. Located in Belfast, Maine and working out of The Little River Center, “the Friends” advocates for the preservation, protection, and greater appreciation of shoreline areas and ecosystems throughout the Penobscot Bay. Formed in the fall of 2019, the organization is committed to protecting the conservation area established by Judith Grace and Jeffrey Mabee, creators and owner of the area and the associated shoreline property. The Grace-Mabee property is at the center of the current controversy over plans by Nordic Aquafarms, LLC to build a land-based, commercial salmon-raising factory across the road on a site now owned by the Belfast Water District.