The following Wednesday night, people began to gather in the fire hall in Tonawanda. It wasn’t a standing room only crowd, but there were so many people that the meeting had to be moved to a bigger room. There was a great deal of interest, including radio stations, the press and a few politicians.
Erin Healey called the meeting to order by thanking all those who had sacrificed the evening to be there. It wasn’t long that she mentioned the formation of a new coalition for Western New York, since the area had so many environmental problems. It would be called – on the suggestion of John Kuzinski – Save the Animals and Children of Western New York. Many participants already knew that already, and that’s why so many were there.
Senator Burgess was thanked for his work on the planet and other important issues in Buffalo.
He arose from his chair to comment, “We can make 91
this work and force those who polluted to clean up the mess that they were responsible for. Fines aren’t out of the question and there’s room in the jail for CEOs who don’t cooperate. I also envision high paying jobs here for alternative energy projects as well as setting up – with the State University of New York – research on remediation and cleanup that would lead the country. This is necessary because of far too many Superfund Sites spread across our state and our nation. It’s a great opportunity that we shouldn’t overlook. Western New York has enough sunshine – I don’t have to say a thing about the winds here over the last few months – to convince you of wind and solar projects. We shouldn’t stop there, but move quickly to end our dependence on fossil fuels, once and for all.
“We’re all aware of The University here and all their environmental involvement, especially the tireless efforts of Professor Joe Gardella. I will talk with my colleagues in Albany to see what kind of assistance can be procured to make this happen. I don’t see why anyone should object in any way.”
“Thanks, Senator.”
Throughout the rest of the evening, more people spoke in agreement, insisting on tackling one area at a time – although others suggested that a few: Tonawanda Coke, West Valley, the landfills in Lewiston and Bellevue’s concerns needed 92
immediate action and could be done simultaneously since they were quite urgent. The meeting ended in the prescribed time of an hour – a great idea for any meeting if they have to occur at all. Afterwards, people conversed and partook of refreshments and it was agreed that each neighborhood needed to enlist more men, women and children in this endeavor.
The newspapers and politicians would contribute greatly, but students and anyone who cares for the earth were welcome.
Eventually those inside left, and outside the hall, there was an unusual gathering of birds and other creatures, including Canada geese, raccoons, ducks and a skunk. I was there with my mom and dad, Natalie and Charles. So was my cousin Phil, Dan, Denise, Annabel, Tom, Tina, Tanya, Ralph, Rachelle, Rhoda and Purrl. No Blue Morpho could be found, but if green was acceptable to you, you could spot a luna moth, another beautiful specimen.
My distant cousin Bucky couldn’t make it from the Pacific Northwest – all the flights were booked. As the people approached their cars, all the animals stayed. There was a great deal of hope. The moon was full and it was as light as day.
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