After volunteering more than 420 hours, collecting more than 450 water samples, and wearing out three sampling poles, Tom Stetson of Falmouth is retiring from the Coalition's Baywatcher Water Quality Monitoring Program. Tom has sampled the waters of Quissett Harbor since before the Baywatchers Program was even officially established in 1992.

He signed up to be a volunteer after retiring from a 32-year career with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). "I'd always had an interest in chemistry," said Tom, who until recently had a basement lab in his home. "When I retired, I had more time to give and I was really attracted to the chemistry involved in the water sampling process. It seemed like a natural thing to get involved in..." Read more here

The Coalition was a proud to bring, with lead organizer, the Marion Institute, a host of compelling thinkers, activists, and innovators to the South Coast for the 2nd annual Bioneers by the Bay conference, held October 20-22, 2006 at UMass Dartmouth. Many Coalition members joined us for a very rich and full weekend.

Bioneers provides numerous stories and experiences and we have chosen to share one that in many ways represents the effectiveness of this conference.

Click here for comments by Callum Grieve, the Marion Institute's visionary and gifted Executive Director, who provides some insight into the power of connectedness of Bioneers.

Looking for unique and environmentally-friendly gifts this holiday season? Here are a few green gift ideas from our online store that will suit both the recipient and the environment.

Coalition members receive a discount on most items!

Our new Organic Cotton T-Shirts are printed with water-based inks and comply with the North American Organic Fiber Standards. A unique "Clothing Facts" label printed tastefully on the upper back of T-shirt promotes the fact that this T-shirt was produced in a socially responsible and sustainable way.

Perfect for grocery shopping or travel, our "Ecosac" Cotton Canvas Totebags provide an attractive alternative to plastic and paper bags that can have such an adverse effect on the environment.

Give the gift of Saving Buzzards Bay with a Coalition Gift Membership. This gift entitles the recipient to membership benefits including our print and e-newsletters, invitations to Coalition events, discounts on merchandise, and knowledge that they are protecting Buzzards Bay for future generations.

Start your shopping today! The proceeds will help to Save Buzzards Bay

The Westport River Watershed Alliance is sponsoring two free showings of the film, An Inconvenient Truth featuring Al Gore.

Director Davis Guggenheim's documentary film of the science of global warming highlights Al Gore's personal history and lifelong commitment to reversing the effects of global climate change. A longtime advocate for the environment, Gore presents a wide array of facts and information in a thoughtful and compelling way. An Inconvenient Truth is not a story of despair but rather a rallying cry to protect the one earth we all share. "It is now clear that we face a deepening global climate crisis that requires us to act boldly, quickly, and wisely," says Gore.

The film will be shown on Friday, December 1, 7:30 pm and Tuesday, December 5, 7:30 pm at the Westport Middle School Auditorium, 400 Old County Road, Westport.

For more information, contact Jennifer Marshall, WRWA Outreach Coordinator, at (508) 636-3016.

The Coalition will be a part of the Waterfront Historic Area League (WHALE) Holiday Shops at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, December 2 – 3 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Stop by our booth and pick up a Coalition hat or t-shirt for someone on your holiday gift list. Or how about an eco-totebag to fill with Coalition holiday goodies?

Holiday Shops 2006 is a wholesome, family event featuring quality holiday shopping designed to promote fine crafts, gifts, artwork, and gourmet items. Enjoy at great shopping, live entertainment, holiday cheer, refreshments, horse-drawn wagon rides, dozens of children's activities and much more. Admission is free!

Much of the Coalition's work puts us at the forefront of the region's top environmental issues. Here are a few recent stories that mention our efforts.

• Your View: Labelle Looks Forward to Bay's Future (Standard-Times)
• Campaign Quartet Set for Forum (Fall River Herald News)

The Coalition for Buzzards Bay is a member of the Waterkeeper Alliance.

email: e-newsletter@savebuzzardsbay.org

phone: 508-999-6363

web: http://www.savebuzzardsbay.org