SIERRA

     I don't have to tell anyone times have changed and we need to make some serious changes. We are all aware of the two bombings in New York and less aware of the terrorists actions uncovered in Torrence California, Toledo Ohio and a planned cyanide gas attack in the New York subways.

     William Raspberry, the journalist, has stated we need a greater sense of community. Not that self reliance isn't important, but we need to balance the standing alone with standing together.

     There are many of society's problems that would be greatly improved upon if there was a greater sense of community. I suggest that there would be less crime, less identity theft, fewer scams and several others problems that we all would like to see lessoned.

     Sierra Club will insure that our programs, our outings, our service activities and our political efforts are conducted with the sense of strengthening our sense of community. In the political arena this will be a worthy challenge. We need your involvement to make our community stronger. Come and join us.

Fred Adams [Click to email comments, or call 467-2775.]

     Across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and up the road 5 miles (on the left) is Kiptopeke State Park. In the Fall it has everything.

     The park's features include: a hawk observation platform, a hawk banding station, a mist netting station for migratory birds including warblers (seldom seen any other way) and several trails. Also, the Monarch migration will be in full force.You won't want to miss this outing!

     The date: September 23rd. Location: We will meet at the parking lot at the southern end of the bridge and car pool across. Time: 8:30 AM.

     Bring a lunch and have layered clothing. Also bring your binoculars. For additional information email or call Fred at 467-2775. We will be back about 12:30.

     Come meet "Kayak Bill" who has and still is kayaking the entire Chesapeake Bay with all of its rivers. Some days - 15 miles, some days- 24 miles, his longest in one day. Weather is a constant concern.

     Bill will bring the kayak with all the gear. This is for your interest; we aren't expecting everyone to go out and begin kayaking the Bay. Bill told me that we learn from our mistakes and he has made a few to which he is willing to admit.

     The date: October 2nd. Location: Virginia Beach Central Library. Time: 7 PM.

     We look forward to seeing you there.

     We recommend a fitness program for hurricane season and as a part of your preparations for all types of disaster. Hiking is one if not the best way to initiate a fitness program.

     The Noland Trial is 5 miles in length. It is paved and circles a beautiful lake. The Fall colors will make this a particularly pleasant experience.

     We suggest you begin hiking now and build up to 5 miles. For a couple of weeks begin with a mile walk three times a week and each following week add half a mile to your walks. Initially, the rest days will be good. After a couple of months you can walk as often as you like.

     The date: October 14th Time: 9:00 AM at the trail. Call Nancy McAdoo for directions if needed at 464-4483.

     For 2007, Sierra Club will offer the desk engagement calendar and the wilderness wall calendar. Both come in a gift box ready for mailing. These are great for gifts!

     The calendar sale is the Chesapeake Bay Group's primary fund raiser with profits used to help print and mail our newsletters and for environmental endeavors. Come to a monthly meeting to see the beautiful calendars. Perhaps you would be willing to sell some for the group as well as buy them for your own use and for gifts.

     If you cannot attend a meeting, calendars can be ordered by mail with a $2.00 shipping charge PER calendar. Click here to Order. For more information call Barbara at 483-1562.

     Beginning in January 2007, we will distribute our newsletter via the internet and the website.

     The distribution of the paper version of the newsletter all but totally uses up our budget. There are 1,300 local members and the expense is considerable.

     We do appreciate all of our members and their contribution to Sierra Club's efforts to preserve the outdoors. However, many of these members for what ever reason are not participating in our activities. That is no problem. But it is a problem of cost by sending everyone a newsletter.

     So this Fall we will be developing an email list of all those members interested in reading what's happening either on the website or an electronic version. You can sign up for the information by sending your EMAIL address to Ted Dupuy at tedupuy@cox.net or by coming to a meeting and signing up on the attendance sheet.

     We believe there is a method of sending the information one address at a time. We also assure you that the list will be used for only Sierra Club activities.

     Ye Olde Notice: We do understand that not everyone uses email and many folks do not have a computer, including among that group some of our board members. So, do not despair! We want all to receive a CBG Sierran Newsletter and be in the communication loop. So please let us know that you do require a printed copy via the USPS.

     We do hope, however, that all who can receive the Newsletter via email or read it on the CBG web site will do so. This will cut down on mailing costs tremendously. Thank you for your cooperation!