As an organizer and part-time walker on Taking Steps to a Renewable Future, which ended Sunday evening in Northfield, I know we at Sugar Shack Alliance owe a debt of gratitude to the over 350 folks who joined some or all of the walk and the communities all along our route who supported and welcomed us us with venues, nourishing and sumptuous food and cleanup, music, in-kind donations, outreach, your moral support and affirmations and pitching in wherever needed from Windsor, Cummington, Plainfield, Ashfield, Buckland, Shelburne Falls, Greenfield, Turners Falls to Northfield.
The walkers were like one organism with parts that joined or left but still existing as one unit of commitment, energy and hope snaking through sun, snow, sleet, wind and sun again the nearly 50 miles covered.
The excitement was palpable Saturday as 300 folks from infants in packs to seniors walked up Main Street, led by The Expandable Brass Band, to All Souls Church.
Many made new friends and comrades across generations and across the miles. I think we achieved our goal of raising awareness about the specific pipeline issues, fracking, the dead-end future of fossil fuels, the doable future of renewables, building a movement, and bringing people together for future strategizing, organizing and actions.
I am personally grateful to each and every one of you including those who could not participate but were touched by the Walk and walkers.
CATE WOOLNER
Northfield