E-M:/ News Advisory: Brown Bag Lunch Seminars on Water Quality

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT:

Tuesday, May 29, 2007 Melissa Damaschke, Sierra Club Organizer

Office (248) 549-6213

Cell (248) 990-1688

Lynn Kaucheck, Clean Water Action Organizer

Cell (586) 556-8805

Sierra Club & Clean Water Action Host

Brown Bag Lunch Seminars on Water Quality

June Topic: Groundwater

Rochester and Waterford, MI — Sierra Club and Clean Water Action are hosting a series of “Brown Bag Lunch Seminars” from June to October during the Wednesday lunch hour. The seminars will focus on the general topic of water quality. Sierra Club and Clean Water Action believe that all citizens have a right to safe, affordable water. However, Michigan’s water resources are being threatened every day from pollution created by sewage overflows, development, pesticide and fertilizer use, and agricultural waste. During each “Brown Bag Lunch Seminar” participants will learn more about the threats to Michigan’s water as well as ways to reduce the threats and protect our most valuable resource.

During June’s “Brown Bag Lunch Seminar,” Kristin Hund, AmeriCorps Groundwater Educator for the Michigan State Extension in Oakland County, will provide a visual display of groundwater movement. The effects of contamination will be presented as well as information on how to reduce the risk of contaminating groundwater. Specific topics will include proper well and septic maintenance, water-friendly lawn care practices, and simple steps to safe drinking water.

Participants are encouraged to bring their personal lunches to the presentation in Waterford. In Rochester, participants have the option to order their lunches from Mr. B’s Food & Spirits.

WHAT: Brown Bag Lunch Seminar

WHO: Kristin Hund, AmeriCorps Groundwater Educator for Oakland County Michigan State

Extension

Melissa Damaschke, Sierra Club Organizer

Lynna Kaucheck, Clean Water Action Organizer

WHEN: Waterford = Wednesday, June 6 from 12 to 1pm

Rochester = Wednesday, June 20 from 12 to 1pm

WHERE: Waterford = Warming House Pavilion (5050 Civic Center Drive; Waterford)

Rochester = Mr. B’s Food & Spirits (423 South Main Street)

FUTURE WATER QUALITY TOPICS

July Topic = Rain Gardens (Southeast Oakland County Water Authority)

Waterford = Wednesday, July 11 from 12 to 1pm (Warming House Pavilion)

Rochester = Wednesday, July 18 from 12 to 1pm (Mr. B’s Food & Spirits)

August Topic = Native Plantings (Oakland County Conservation District)

Waterford = Wednesday, August 1 from 12 to 1pm (Warming House Pavilion)

Rochester = Wednesday, August 15 from 12 to 1pm (Mr. B’s Food & Spirits)

September Topic = Water Rights (Michigan Welfare Rights)

Waterford = Wednesday, September 5 from 12 to 1pm (Warming House Pavilion)

Rochester = Wednesday, September 19 from 12 to 1pm (Mr. B’s Food & Spirits)

October Topic = Environmental Health (Clean Water Action)

Waterford = Wednesday, October 3 from 12 to 1pm (Warming House Pavilion)

Rochester = Wednesday, October 17 from 12 to 1pm (Mr. B’s Food & Spirits)

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Melissa Damaschke

Sierra Club Conservation Organizer

1723 West Fourteen Mile Road

Royal Oak, MI 48073

Phone: 248-549-6213

Together, we will keep the Great Lakes GREAT!