Letters from Liz

[Elizabeth Greene]

((This is City Councilor Greene's blog, where residents of Pilot Ridge can come see what one of their local electeds is up to.))

Independence Day

Sorry I'm getting this post up a bit late: yesterday was a 'busy' day spent with my family celebrating the Fourth of July. I hope you took the opportunity to enjoy some of the many festivities Pilot Ridge has to offer around this holiday. Did you get to see the fireworks? They were simply beautiful this year, and it was nice to share that special moment with my family and with the people of Pilot Ridge.

There is something deeply moving to me about the Fourth of July. It is almost unbelievable that nearly 250 years ago, the colonists - only a few million in number - decided to take a leap of faith and stand up for themselves as people against seemingly insurmountable odds. The ideals they fought for way back in the 18th century - equality, representation, fairness, respect - are the ideals we continue to strive towards to this day. We still have a long way to go towards realizing that "more perfect union," but I know we are closer than ever before.

This Independence Day, let us recommit ourselves to overcoming inequality - be it legal, social, or economic - wherever we find it. That is why I became a city councilor, and that is why I will continue fighting for you.

My officer hours today are from noon to 2pm. Please feel free to stop by! I would love to see you.

Liz

[Elizabeth Greene]

What's Up with the Sidewalks?

You may have noticed that some sidewalks around the city are closed. While this can certainly be a bit of an inconvenience, these closures are due to ongoing repairs meant to make traveling around the city safer for pedestrians. As everyone knows, these kinds of infrastructure projects not only help us get around town, but also help save or create jobs in the manufacturing and construction industry.

So join me in celebrating our soon-to-be new and improved sidewalks - and remember, always look both ways before crossing the street!

Liz

[Elizabeth Greene]

The 'Drift' on Pesticides

As spring becomes summer, many of us are looking for ways to protect our newly-grown lawns and gardens from insects and other pests. As an avid gardener myself, this is a subject I think about a lot. Please keep in mind, if you are considering using pesticides, that gusts of wind can blow pesticides long distances into places and onto things that you never intended to spray. I have heard horror stories about babies being sprayed, honeybee colonies destroyed, and valuable plants damaged, all from not paying attention to where a spray was actually going.

So be a good neighbor: please don't spray pesticides indoors or in your gardens if you live with or near children or pets. Be sure to notify people who may be subject to drift to bring in their laundry or the children’s toys, so they will not be wet with spray. Not only will this ensure everyone’s safety, but it will also prevent angry neighbors from filing a complaint with the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation.

That said, it is my opinion we ought to refrain from using pesticides at all. Pesticides are most poisonous in their most concentrated form--just as they come from the manufacturer. They can enter the body through the skin, inhalation into the lungs, or by swallowing, and can do a great deal of damage, especially to children. That's a very hefty price to pay for a greener lawn!

Happy gardening, and stay safe,

Liz

[Elizabeth Greene]

See You This Weekend?

This weekend is Pilot Ridge's sidewalk sale, one of my favorite local events on the summer. Local shops along Main Street and throughout the downtown area will have racks lining the sidewalk - much of which will be on sale for this weekend only - for residents to sort through. I always find a few cool things buried in the boxes or hidden on the racks, so it's an event I look forward to every year.

Hope to see you there!

Liz

[Elizabeth Greene]

Beat the Heat

Vermont is perhaps best-known for its cold winters, but believe it or not, it can get very hot around here in summer! In fact, temperatures are expected to hit the 90s today and throughout the rest of the week. During a heat wave, overheating can become a serious danger. Please check on elderly family members and neighbors and remember not to leave your pet or or child in the car unattended.

The Pilot Ridge Library will be functioning as a Cooling Center for anyone who needs some respite from the heat. Free air conditioning and a good book - what could be better than that?

Lastly, please keep in mind as you enjoy the warm weather that heat waves can be dangerous - even life-threatening - if we don't take the proper precautions. Find tips on beating the heat this week at www.ready.gov/heat

Stay cool!

Liz

[Elizabeth Greene]

Are You a Maker?

Here's another exciting event coming to the Pilot Ridge Library: MakerPlace, which gives all of Pilot Ridge's inventors - young and old! - an opportunity to show off their skills. Everything from 3D printing to remote-controlled frisbees to terraniums will be there. So if you have some cool goods to show off, definitely bring them down to the Pilot Ridge Library today between 11 and 4. I'll be stopping in around 2pm, so definitely say hi if you see me! I love seeing all of the cool things Pilot Ridgers can make.

Hope to see you there,

Liz

[Elizabeth Greene]

This Week's Office Hours

Hi everyone,

This week, office hours will be a bit different; city council will be in session in the early afternoon, which is usually when my doors are open to you.

So from Monday to Thursday, office hours will be from 9am until 11am. On Friday, they will be at the usual 2pm to 4pm.

If you have a problem, question, concern, or would just like to stop by and chat, those would be the best times.

Look forward to seeing you,

Liz

[Elizabeth Greene]

Statement on UVM Solicitation Ad

Friends,

A number of you have asked me how I feel about the lewd Craigslist ad currently being investigated by the University of Vermont. I decided to post my thoughts here so you could all access them.

Let me be clear: under no circumstances do I support the objectification of women in such a blatant and grotesque manner as this. The women of Vermont and of the world are constantly inundated with the message from the media - and, too often, as in this case, their peers - that they must become hyper-sexualized to have any worth. That is folly and this line of thinking must end. As a woman myself, as a mother of a young girl, and as one of the only female members of the Pilot Ridge City Council, I have consistently fought for the equal treatment of women, and I stand ready to work with my colleagues on the Council and within the University to hold accountable those responsible for this immoral and, frankly, illegal solicitation.

[Elizabeth Greene]

This Afternoon: Biergarten on the Green

For my older constituents, I'll be at Biergarten on the Green outside the library this afternoon from 2 to 3pm. This all-day festival provides Pilot Ridgers with an opportunity to sample and purchase microbrews from Pilot Ridge and other cities throughout Vermont. It's a great opportunity to support our local small businesses and have some fun, so I'd love to see you there!

Liz