A Plume For Your Thoughts

Finally! Our first film of the walk. Thank you Carl! Click on:

Step It Up Walk

Here is where my mind goes every time I hear Entergy spout off “Clean, Safe, Reliable” or “We’ve been operating for XX days in a row now”

“Nuclear power plants don’t have to blow up or melt down to release radioactive poisons into our air and water. All it takes is their routine, everyday operation.”(Kay Dry, Safe Energy Communications Council, 1990)

Tritium. That’s today’s buzzword and yet another of a very long list of reasons why this dilapidated, polluting reactor must be shut down immediately and replaced with other forms of electricity production. On Thursday, Entergy’s ever-present spokesperson Rob Williams announced:

Our environmental monitoring department reports that, for the first time, a small amount of tritium has been identified in a sample taken from a monitoring well at the plant.

Well-worded Rob! But not quite sir. In fact, in a report provided to the VT legislature in May 2009, tritium was found. And in today’s Rutland Herald article entitled “Tests suggest radioactive leak at VY”

The well, located between the reactor building and the river, first showed contamination of radioactive tritium at 700 parts per liter in mid-November, but by Wednesday, the contamination had jumped to 17,000 parts per liter.

I am not so sure we can trust them to act in the people’s best interest moving forward. But enough about the Entergy/Enexus band aid campaign. How are those walkers doing? Let’s hear from the walkers:

I had the privilege of being able to join the Step It Up group…from Windsor to White River Junction Wednesday. I didn't know exactly how my day would unfold, but in the beginning I was towards the front of the line walking along to the beat of Hattie's drum - an awesome way for me to find my rhythm and get into a good mindset for the 15-mile walk. Twenty of us had a clear day in the 20's with only some wind - I guess that would be considered a fairly good day for walking in the Vermont winter. It was hard work and I got sore towards the end - but the great conversations and rest stops broke up the day and helped the 15 miles pass without feeling too long. Finishing 15 miles felt good, but gave me even more admiration for what most of my fellow walkers have accomplished by walking most or all of the 69 miles so far! We encountered wonderful hospitality along the way, especially by our hosts for lunch and dinner. Barbara at Earthstar Pottery took us in for a fairly spontaneous lunch stop and Birdie met us at the Upper Valley Co-op in White River Junction where she had organized neighborhood potluck for the rest day. Most people driving by made an effort to show their support with a honk, wave, or thumbs up. People rolled down their windows or even came out of their homes to say "thank you"! It was an amazing experience, one I will always remember. The group was well organized, supportive, and fun. My thoughts will be with the group for the rest of the way and especially in Montpelier!”

Cory Frehsee

Brattleboro, Age 33

The day ended with the arrival at the Old South Church (First Congregational Church) and was cheerfully met by Pastor Mandy Lape-Freeberg. She was exceptionally accommodating a

nd had some time to eat and converse with the walkers. Bob was able to help out with a water-heater issue.

Walkers are finding this venture to be a wonderful opportunity to soak in the splendor and history of VT. The Pastor explained that the original Old South Church, which burned down and was rebuilt in 1798, was where the VT constitution was written. It was then signed in the tavern next door, now called “The Constitution House.”

Route 5 provides walkers with moving views of the VT landscape. Mt. Ascutney never seemed so stunning as walkers approached, veered, and passed the natural landmark, allowing ample time to appreciate what we can so easily scurry by on any given day. On Wednesday morning, walkers felt as if they had wandered into the movie Dr. Zhivago, as the fog from the river billowed from the passing train.

The feedback continues to be overwhelmingly positive and many people instantly “knew who we were.” Bob recounts one older gentleman opening his garage door and shouting, “Go get ‘em!”

Thursday was a day to rest-up, make phone calls and prepare for the latter 50+ miles. In the evening, walkers were invited to a potluck and discussion by the WRJ Transition Town group, which was followed by a screening of the film “Global Banquet.”

In my now routine morning call with Bob earlier today, team ‘Strut It To Shut It’ was in the midst of beginning the official veer northwest, heading up Rte 14 following the White River towards Sharon. Along the way, an update was provided to the listeners of WKVT, channeled by the Great Steve West. Tonight, walkers will once again be treated to a celebratory potluck.

I must flower the followers and supporters with an abundance of thanks and gratitude. The positive feedback and donations once again validates that our role is to bring the voices of the people to the VT Statehouse…The “People’s House.” It’s become clear we don’t need to ‘tell’ legislators to close VY…they know this already. What they need to hear is that The People want VY closed.

Thank you again to the drivers and those providing food and shelter. And thank you to Yaktrax for providing walkers with dozens of Yaktrax Walkers, to help get everyone from point A to point B safely.

We intend to do a full photo exhibit of Bob on his cell phone. Check you local art gallery soon.

News and goodies below.

Be warm!

Chad Simmons

Full Photo Album Here

News:

Green Mountain Daily-Tritium Leak at Vermont Yankee

Times Argus-Tritium

Reformer-Tritium

(looks as if the Reformer just cut and pasted the ENVYpress release)

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