CHESTERFIELD — Often referred to as the “rainforests of the sea,” coral reefs are not only breathtakingly beautiful, but are also one of the most productive and critically important ecosystems on the planet.
Home to over one million aquatic species, marine reefs are an invaluable resource for fisheries, coastal protection and medicinal research.
Around the globe however, coral reefs are disappearing at an alarming rate. A group in the Hilltowns wants to change that.
On March 25, the Hilltown Eco-Action Group will present the award-winning film “Chasing Coral” at the Chesterfield Community Center.
Viewers will be taken on an exciting and illuminating underwater adventure as they follow a team of divers, photographers and scientists as they document what is happening to coral reef systems and why.
Awards won by the highly acclaimed film include the U.S. Documentary Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival, Best Environmental Film and Best of Fest at the International Wildlife Film Festival, Audience Favorite at the Princeton Environmental Film Festival, the Audience Choice and Student Awards at Mountain Film, and Best Call2Action, as well as Best Documentary from People’s Choice Awards and Boulder International Film Festival.
The Hilltown Eco-Action Group was formed in January 2017 as part of Defend the American Republic, a group of concerned residents of Worthington and surrounding communities.
The group was established to challenge and resist the Trump administration’s dismantling of policies and research initiatives designed to protect the planet from the world’s climate change crisis.
“After the group formed we asked ourselves what we could do besides signing petitions and writing letters, and we thought that showing films was a good way to raise awareness,” member Julie Lieberman said.
Lieberman said the first film the group offered to the public was “An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power,” and that it was well received.
“That day there was a big snowfall, but we still had a good turnout,” she said. “After the film people stayed. There was a wonderful conversation where they all shared ideas.”
According to Lieberman, Hilltown Eco-Action Group will host a third event in May that will feature panelists speaking on climate change from different perspectives.
The showing of “Chasing Coral” is at 2 p.m. and is free and open to the public, though donations will be accepted. The event is supported in part by grants from the Worthington and Cummington cultural councils.
WORTHINGTON — Worthington is turning 250 years old, and the town is planning a weeklong series of events that will take place from June 29 to July 3.
On Friday, March 23, the “Worthington 250 Kickoff” will be held, with a silent auction and homemade desserts at the Town Hall from 7-9 p.m. It’s a fundraising event to raise money for the summer festivities and to give people a sneak peak at what the 250th celebration will look like.
Find out about the parade, fireworks, music and other scheduled events while enjoying delicious homemade desserts and participating in a silent auction.
Several local businesses and artisans have donated many items for the auction, including hand-thrown stoneware, maple syrup, artwork and gift certificates to area businesses and restaurants. Worthington 250th bumper stickers, as well as T-shirts, tote bags, mugs and hats will also be up for sale.
A complete list and more details can be seen at worthington250.com/kickoff-event.
PLAINFIELD — The annual Town Caucus will be held on March 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the Town Hall.
All current incumbents whose terms are expiring will be running. These include Claude Dupont III, Board of Assessors, three-year term; Laurie Israel, moderator, one-year term; David Crowell, Board of Health, three-year term; Winton Pitcoff, tree warden, one-year term; Hilary Weeks, Board of Selectmen, three-year term; and Ellen Baer, Whiting Street Fund Disbursement Committee, three-year term.
All potential nominees must have someone to nominate them at the Caucus and be prepared to sign a statement saying that they are willing to run.
Ideas for this column on life in the Hilltowns can be sent to Fran Ryan at fryan.gazette@gmail.com.