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Occupy Small Street.
Unless your remote has been stuck on Fox News or the Food Channel for the last three weeks, you have of course heard of Occupy Wall Street. You may even have been there , but at least you have clicked "like" on a few FB posts. I did too. Even in the beginning when I wasn't quite sure what it was all about and when it seemed like the protestors themselves didn't either. It looked like anybody who had anything to say about anything was out there.
But the situation has evolved and now that the message is clear, clearer, kinda, the big question is: Is this unprecedented grassroots movement going to make a difference?
Will the thousands of voices down there be loud enough long enough to be heard up there in the big hermetic towers of Corpoland? And even if these voices are heard? Will it matter? Will They worry? Do you really think the CEO of B.O.A. (a snake of a bank) is suddenly going to admit: "Yea, I guess you're right, I am greedy corporate son of a...greedy corporate son of a..."
I don't think so.
But I think O.W.S. WILL make a difference. People are listening. Not the people the protestors aim their signs at, these people are too busy, too disconnected, too blind. They don't react to signs on the street, they don't react to you tube videos, they don't react to the cries of women being assaulted with pepper spray by Officer Coward Bologna. They don't react to anything, anything but the Market.
So if the only thing "they" care is the Market, let's change the market. The message becomes clear and simple: Let's stop giving them our money! Let us become a smart consumer instead of a brainwashed one. Many people are doing it already, but a lot more don't: Use a local bank instead of a national one, favor Manchester's or Florence Hardware over Home Depot, Big E's or Serio's over Stop & Shop and, I have to plug this one of course, choose Eastmont Custom Framing over Michael's! Get your coffee at Manhan Café or Shelburne Falls Coffee Roasters instead of Mc Donald or DD. America does NOT run on Dunkin!
I bet you're not going to spend more and you ARE going to make a difference. Big Bank and Big Box will get less and your neighbors will get more. After all, who sponsored the Bear Fest, big BOA or our small local banks? Who tirelessly donates food and beverages to local events, Stop & Shop or Big E's? These local businesses deserve our money because they give back to the community. Invest your dollars locally and they will generate the fabled "trickle down effect".
Borrowed from a Facebook post, thanks Monique!
By the way, isn't it ironic and quite hypocritical too to click "like" on a Occupy Wall Street video on Facebook (1 billion estimated profits for 2011) brought to you by Charter Communications (6 billions profits in 2010)? Well, you can change that too: tired of Comcast, Charter or Verizon? Switch to GAW, they're in Connecticut and they're about ˝ the price for the same services! Sick that your ATT subscription feeds the coffers of the Tea Party? Switch to Credo Mobile.
The tens of thousands of protestors on Wall Street demand change. Let's change. Occupy Small Street!
Pass it on...
I'm done, just needed to throw in my two cents while I still have them. Besides, I need to go to Costco before they close...
But please read on!
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The Elusie Gallery
The Elusie Gallery is hosting an exhibit fundraiser organized by the Easthampton Council on Aging.
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Easthampton Council on Aging
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All the proceeds from this silent auction will benefit the Council on Aging's Emergency Relief Fund.This Silent Auction will take place Saturday October 8, between 5 and 8 pm and is part of the monthly Artwalk Easthampton.
The Emergency Relief Fund was created in November 2008 and provides emergency funding to Easthampton residents 60 years of age and older. Funding is used to assist with heat, utilities, food, medication and other necessities.
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Speaking of ArtWalk:
The upcoming artwalk will feature the
Second Annual Scarecrow Making Competition.
A fun event for all ages! There is still time to register and show off your creativity. This year there are three categories open to all: Best Design - Scariest - Most Whimsical. Prizes will also be given to the best scarecrow in the Easthampton Business and Youth categories. For more information, complete rules and registration forms, please visit the Nashawannuck Gallery's website here, or drop by the Nash Gallery on Cottage Street.
Just like last year, Park Hill Orchard at 82 Park Hill Road will generously host a scarecrow building party on Saturday afternoon. Hey or straw will be provided, you bring everything else you need to build your scarecrow.
While at the Orchard, take some time to visit the now famous Sculpture Trail, try the unique Cider Slushie and buy some of the many delicious varieties of apples available at the farm stand. For more information, call Park Hill Orchard at 413-527-6186.
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Speaking of Park Hill Orchard:
The weather has not been too cooperative lately but the Sculpture Trail has been open rain or shine and visitors have come, rain or shine! The weather is supposed to be nice for the next few days so take advantage and head on to 82 Park Hill Road, Easthampton. The grounds are soggy in some areas so boots are recommended.
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Big Bully Boys Rabbits - Susan Halls
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After your visit, don't forget to vote for your favorite sculpture and make a donation towards the purchase of the popular choice! With 3 weeks to go, Zag is the favorite but Power is not too far, and a few others are still in contention, and waiting for your vote!
 Bread Bench ll - Tim de Christopher
The winner will be announced at the Official Awards Ceremony, Saturday October 22nd. A detail list of events will be posted shortly on Park Hill Orchard's website and on the Facebook page of Art in the Orchard. Stay tuned and mark your calendar!
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Thank you for reading,
Jean-Pierre Pasche
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