February 2nd, 2008 was the first meeting of the Columbia County Green Towns Initiatives. It was held at the Real Food Network/Farmers Market Coop on Church Street, Chatham, NY at 10:00AM and lasted two hours. We had 12 people attending and they were from three different towns, Chatham, Hudson and Kinderhook/Valatie and one person all the way from Berkshire County in Massachussetts. Tom Stokes from South Lee, MA of the Climate Crisis Coalition gave us his version of what is going on in Berkshire County and how we can follow guidelines to make things actually happen in terms of contacting government agencies, grants available etc.. Also in attendance was Betsy from Sundog/Solaqua who gave us the newest news on what Congress is currently debating regarding renewable technologies.

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We started the meeting by showing the 11th Hour trailer which broke the ice and started people talking and expressing their desire to see the film in its entirety. On several occasions they commented on what was mentioned in the trailer.

Ideas for grants to put solar power on all the buildings on Main Street Chatham was discussed and action will be taken in writing grants not only for Main Street but also for Chatham School.

Both Hudson,NY and Great Barrington, MA are asking for the film to be shown in the next month.

Sumaya Conners will take action in bringing the documentary to these two towns along with discussions post film showings.