Threads of Commonality

Sam Kelly, an educator and activist

Real conversations with everyday people navigating the world issues that connect us. Hosted by Sam Kelly, an educator and activist.

Episodes

  1. Episode #9 - "An Eco-Warrior is Running for the Florida House in District 71 - Meet Andy Mele"

    09/01/2020

    Episode #9 - "An Eco-Warrior is Running for the Florida House in District 71 - Meet Andy Mele"

    In 2018, Florida saw the worst red tide it's experienced in decades.  Millions of marine animals from fish and crabs to dolphins, sea turtles, and even a whale shark were killed by the toxic algae called karenia brevis.  This algae is naturally occurring, but usually is in small amounts for a limited time.  Due to human behavior leading to excess nutrients, these excess nutrients are like steroids for the algae and apocalyptic blooms like that of 2018 happen and destroy ecosystems as well as economies.  These toxic blooms are a result of human behavior such as the spraying of glyphosate, overdevelopment leading to partially treated waste spills, and increased amounts of stormwater runoff that carry nutrients from impervious surfaces straight to the oceans.  The results are damaged ecosystems, dead wildlife, and suffering economies all while elected officials pay lip service to their constituents and tout bills that do absolutely nothing to protect Florida's fragile ecosystems. There is hope, especially in 2020 as more and more environmentally-focused people are stepping up to run for office.  This episode of Threads of Commonality is spent with Andy Mele as he discusses his journey toward the Florida House in District 71. Andy has spent a lifetime fighting and winning huge victories for the planet, especially in the battle for protecting water.  He has a master’s degree in environmental science, concentrated in environmental economics and policy. He is author of Polluting for Pleasure, the book that led directly to the extinction of twelve million two-cycle outboard motors, ending discharges equivalent to 5 Exxon Valdez oil spills each year into American waterways. He was Executive Director of Clearwater, the Hudson River environmental group formed by folk singer Pete Seeger in 1966, and won the 30-year battle with General Electric over its massive PCB spill in the Hudson. He was recently ED of Suncoast Waterkeeper, working for protection of coastal ecosystems, to halt phosphate strip mining and untrammeled development in Florida, and to bring red tide back to pre-development levels.  In this episode, get to know Andy and be sure to spread the word about his campaign.  The state of Florida absolutely needs this environmental warrior.  He will be on the ballot in November. Website: www.AndyMeleForFLHouse.com  Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Andy-Mele-for-FL-Housecom-111586250578284/ Thanks for listening!  Please subscribe, share, and find more at www.ThreadsOfCommonality.com

    38 min
  2. TOC Episode #6 - "Sarasota County 2020 - Meet Your Environmental Candidate"

    08/13/2020

    TOC Episode #6 - "Sarasota County 2020 - Meet Your Environmental Candidate"

    Welcome back to Threads of Commonality!  In this episode, Sam Kelly has the opportunity to chat with the ultimate environmental candidate, the tree lady herself, Alice White.  She is running for Sarasota County Commissioner in Florida.  Even if you're not anywhere near Sarasota, this conversation is refreshing.  It's encouraging to know that someone so passionate and REAL is running for office. Alice has been actively involved in her community for over 30 years. She’s a retired teacher and founder of a local environmental nonprofit called People for Trees. She’s the ultimate tree lady, being a huge advocate for preserving forests, tree canopy, and protecting wildlife. She walks the walks. Her energy is contagious and she’s excited to get to work representing the people of Sarasota County. In this episode, find out more about her campaign, the environmental concerns in Sarasota County, putting people over special interests, and how to get involved in making a difference in your community. In order to protect the fragile ecosystems that make Florida (and the planet) so unique, we need to become actively involved.   www.Alice4sarasota.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Alice-White-for-Sarasota-County-Commissioner-District-5-112534563659827/ Phone: 941-468-2486 Email: treelady12001@yahoo.com Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Threads of Commonality.  Real conversations with real people.  Find more at www.ThreadsOfCommonality.com

    34 min
  3. TOC Episode #5 - "Conversation with the Mayor of Venice, FL: Masks, COVID19, and Nature"

    08/11/2020

    TOC Episode #5 - "Conversation with the Mayor of Venice, FL: Masks, COVID19, and Nature"

    In this episode, Sam Kelly has the opportunity to have a chat with the Mayor of Venice, FL, Ron Feinsod.  They discuss the environment and wildlife, land development regulations, and the COVID19 situation, especially the topic of masks. Mayor Feinsod was elected in 2019 to serve his first term as Mayor of Venice.  He ran on an environmental platform making water quality and healthy ecosystems the focus of efforts.  In his time in office, he has been faced with the current challenge of leading a city during a pandemic.  In this episode, we dig into the mask discussion, the topic of a possible mask ordinance, and how to protect the people of Venice as well as the local economy. To learn more about the mask ordinance and to get involved, go to the City of Venice meeting schedule at:  https://venice.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx.  The ordinance will be discussed further at the August 25th virtual meeting.  To participate, check the meeting agenda or rsvp to the Facebook event at:  https://facebook.com/events/s/regular-city-council-meeting/213285400092758/?ti=icl. As the meeting date approaches, there will be instructions on how to connect via Zoom.  You will have the opportunity to provide your feedback either via email or by speaking during the Zoom meeting. Land Development Regulations (LDRs) were also discussed in this episode.  LDRs are proposed by the Environmental Advisory Board (EAB) to the Planning Commission.  These meetings are also public events in which you can participate.  LDRs are active for decades. It is vital to get involved so that the best environmental protections are put in place.  Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Threads of Commonality.  Please remember to hit the "Subscribe" button, share, and find us at www.ThreadsOfCommonality.com.

    37 min

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About

Real conversations with everyday people navigating the world issues that connect us. Hosted by Sam Kelly, an educator and activist.