Staunton Green 2020

Lots of things happening in Staunton tomorrow in celebration of Earth Day…

• A collection of groups will display outside Sunspots Studio, showcasing everything from rain barrels to solar gadgets (say hello to us!) Read more in depth about activities in this News Leader article by SG2020 steering committee member Bruce Dorries.
• Beverley Street Studio School will unveil its “Earth in the Balance (an anamorphic) illusion” piece
• … and of course, celebrate local food at the Farmers Market that’s going on, too.

In addition, don’t forget a special free event about the benefits of native grasses here in Staunton. Join us at City Hall coming up on the eve (April 21) of Earth Day proper (April 22).

BEVERLEY STREET STUDIO SCHOOL PRESENTS
“EARTH IN THE BALANCE (AN ANAMORPHIC ILLUSION)”

"Earth in the Balance (an anamorphic illusion)"

“It’s a small world after all…” Or maybe not!  The Beverley Street Studio School will unveil “Earth in the Balance (an anamorphic illusion)” on Earth Day, Saturday April 17 from 9:00 a.m. to noon in the Wharf Parking Lot, beside the Farmers’ Market in Staunton.  At 12′ x 45′, this work is believed to be the largest painting on canvas ever created in the city of Staunton.

“Earth in the Balance” is a giant image of Planet Earth as seen from Outer Space.  But instead of painting the usual spherical planet, the BSSS artists have created a strangely distorted elliptical blob.  Or so it will seem to viewers until they readjust their way of looking at our much-loved and much-abused planet.  From the right viewpoint, Earth will regain its graceful, familiar proportions.  Then if a spectator poses for a photo op in just the right way,  Earth will appear to spin serenely like a beach ball atop that person’s fingertip!

If a spectator poses just the right way, Earth will appear to spin serenely on its axis atop that person’s fingertip!

It’s optical magic that you won’t believe until you see it for yourself.  The project is free, open to the public, and designed to be kid-friendly and interactive.  Children, pets, and whole families are invited to pose with the picture. Bring your camera, wear a costume if you like, and be prepared to see what it’s like to personally hold the Earth in balance.

Contact: Cleveland Morris (540) 332-6111 or cmmmmix@gmail.com

We’re going to be burning the midnight biofuel* the next few days getting ready for some awesome events:

~ Fresh, the movie: Thur. Apr. 15 @ 7pm at the Mockingbird Restaurant (123 W. Beverley St. Staunton)

New thinking about what we’re eating… This uplifting film picks-up where Food, Inc. left off and will inspire and empower you. Post film chat with local farmers Daniel Salatin and Jenny Driver.

The movie is FREE, but come early (doors open at 5:30pm) for a special dinner in the Music Hall featuring food from local farmers (call 540.213.8777 for reservations). Click here to learn more about the film.

Co-sponsored with Transition Staunton Augusta and the Spencer Center for Civic and Global Engagement.

~ Earth Day: Sat. Apr. 17 @ 9am-Noon at the Sunspots Parking Lot in Downtown Staunton (immediately adjacent to the Farmer’s Market)

From rain barrels, composting and solar gadgets to live music/plants, great kids activities and public art you’ll have a blast celebrating, learning about and committing to our sustainable future.

~ Dawn of a New Urban Landscape – The Natives Return: Wed. Apr. 21 @ 7pm at Staunton City Hall, Council Chambers (116. W. Beverley St.)

On Earth Day Eve find out how native grasses in our yards sequestor carbon, absorb that nefarious stormwater and restore our quickly disappearing biodiversity. Click here to learn more.

We look forward to seeing you at these great events!

steve grande and the Staunton Green 2020 Steering Committee

*p.s. So this polar bear walks into a bar (with melting ice caps they have to go somewhere) and says to the bartender: “I’ll have a gin………………….……….. and tonic” The bartender say’s “Sure, but why the big pause?” The polar bear looks down and replies: “I don’t know, but my Dad had them too.”

Hi there Staunton Green 2020 friend,

This snowy and cold winter has us thinking spring and we have some great upcoming events up to welcome some less frosty weather:

~ Switching to Grass and Fueling Staunton: Tue. Mar. 9 @ 7pm in Francis Auditorium on the Mary Baldwin College campus (corner of Coalter and Frederick Streets)

Get inspired by a panel of experts on growing switchgrass and burning it as a local, clean and green fuel source.

~ Dirt, the Movie: Thur. Mar. 18 @ 7pm (doors open at 5:30pm for yummy dinner) at the Mockingbird Restaurant (co-sponsored with Transition Staunton Augusta)

Dinner and a free, fast-paced movie about something we entirely take for granted. Check out the trailer.

Wild Virginia Film Festival: Thur. Mar. 25 @ 7pm at the Visulite. More info.

April still comes on the heels of March and there’s much more…

~ Apr. 15 Fresh, the movie at the Mockingbird
~ Apr. 17 Earth Day in the Sunspots parking lot, downtown Staunton
~ Apr. 21 Converting your Front Lawn to Native Grass at City Hall

Looking forward to seeing you at these events,

steve grande and the Staunton Green 2020 Steering Committee

Did you know the efforts Staunton has already taken to protect and improve our water supply? Here is a partial list of what has been accomplished during the past few years:

I’ll add that private citizens have created riparian easements on private land, too

These efforts show a local commitment to clean water. It proves Staunton citizens can commit to hard work to ensure a brighter tomorrow for all its residents. We’re asking everyone to step up and get involved to reduce our carbon by 20% by 2020 while creating green jobs at the same time. Please sign our petition to establish the City of Staunton’s Green Task Force. Thank you!