Report by Judith Black, Photos by Jerry Halberstadt
[Judith Black hosted the gathering, supported by 350 Mass members including Steve Andrada, Jim Mulloy, and Ellen Leaman]
On April 11, 2024, at a meeting organized by members of the 350 Mass-North Shore Node, advocates for climate and justice launched the Northeast of Boston Climate Roundtable at the Torigian Senior Center in Peabody.
I appreciate the decades of service to the people of Peabody by Charles Bonfanti as he retires from his position as Commissioner of the Peabody Municipal Light Plant (PMLP), as reported on January 2, 2023, by Caroline Enos (Light commissioner steps down over activists' push to stop peaker plant).
Like Mr. Bonfanti, we are all struggling to understand and adapt to what seems like a sudden emergency as we become aware of high rates of illness and death from pollution and the looming threat of climate change. Yet although these existential threats have been known for decades, we have all conspired to ignore them.
Founded by Mayor Peter A. Torigian in 1983, the International Festival was designed to honor and bring together the many diverse ethnic and religious segments of Peabody. Today, the festival demonstrates the strength and vibrancy of the many old and new groups that live and strive for a better life in Peabody.
Our efforts to educate and empower people to deal with pollution, public health concerns, and the climate crisis by shifting from fossil fuels to clean renewables will build on the strength and wisdom of all Peabody residents.
The people of Peabody care for each other, honor their fallen heroes and nurture their children and their youth.