SOCIAL ACTION

The Social Action committee is probably a smaller group than you may realize.  We have a handful of committed members who organize our Social Action events such as “Mitzvah Morning” or Agudas Achim’s team for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life.  What you may not know is that we also have another group of people who don’t necessarily attend committee meetings but certainly provide us with ideas and inspiration. 

One example of such a piece of inspiration was the used cell phone collection that we did last winter for Verizon’s “Hopeline” program. That was the result of an inquiry from a congregant about where they could donate a used cell phone.  A little research and a committee meeting later, we figured out a way to not only recycle one member’s phone but to use a collection of member’s used phones to help prevent domestic violence. 

Some members help us organize a single event but don’t want to commit to becoming members of the committee.  The bottom line is that none of the events that we organize would be successful if the greater Agudas Achim community didn’t participate in some manner.  Therefore, we are all members of the “Tikkun Olam” committee. 

Please feel free to share your ideas at an oneg, through an email or attend a meeting if you are in the mood for some Panera treats and fun while planning some important work for our community.  If you want to know more about the committee and the events we plan you can contact Donna Cohen Avery at 508-241-0837 or d.ca@verizon.net

Greater Attleboro American Cancer Society Relay for Life:  

Over the summer we received the final statistics for the Relay.  There were 76 teams with a total of 1400 participants.  155 survivors attended the Relay.  10,000 luminary candles were lighted either to remember a victim of cancer or honor a survivor.  A grand total of $260,620 was raised.  Thank you again for your support of Team Achim.

Equal Exchange products are back:

A new shipment of Equal exchange products are here.  We have four types of coffee and three varieties of tea.  (Chocolate cannot be ordered until after September 30, 2008.)  “Love Buzz” coffee is back and we have lots in stock in the whole bean variety.  Equal Exchange is donating 20 cents per each 12 ounce package of Love Buzz into their “Small Farmers Green Planet” fund.  The money goes directly to their farmer partners in South Africa, Mexico, Nicaragua and Columbia to support their reforestation, organic conversion and environmental protection efforts.  Support farmer’s efforts to green the planet and order some “love buzz” today.  Please contact Donna Cohen Avery to place and order.   

The next Social Action meeting is Monday, September 22, 2008, 7.30pm at Panera Bread in Plainville. 

Remember: 
Social Action...It’s a Mitzvah!

Energy and Water Saving Tips for the summer:

It seems like everyone is “going green” these days.  Taking a few easy steps will not just benefit our environment but will also benefit your pocketbook.  These simple, inexpensive steps can help keep your home more comfortable and may reduce the amount of electricity and water you use:

• Postpone activities that require hot water – such as washing dishes or clothes, to early morning or late evening.  This will keep from adding more heat and humidity to the home. 
• Raise the temperature on the thermostat.  For each degree you raise the temperature, you can save as much as 3 percent on cooling costs.
• Turn off unnecessary incandescent lights during hot weather.  They add to heat in the home.  Consider switching to cooler, energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs where light is needed.

• Use ceiling fans and portable fans to move the air around in the home.  In homes with air conditioning, fans allow the residents to raise the thermostat and save energy without affecting comfort.
• Close drapes during the hottest times of day to block heat from entering the home.
• Clear attic vents.  If your home has an attic fan, make sure it is functioning properly.

• Clean filters to window air conditioning units or clean/replace filters to central air conditioning systems.  Clogged filters cause air conditioners to use more energy to keep rooms or homes cool.
• Take shorter showers to reduce water use.  (This will lower both water and heating bills).
• Install a low-flow showerhead.  The water and energy savings can quickly pay back your investment.

• Plant drought tolerant native plants in your garden. 
• Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting.  Longer grass retains water better.
• Water gardens and lawns in the early morning when temperatures are cooler, to minimize evaporation. 

• Collect and use rainwater for watering your garden
• Direct downspouts or gutters toward shrubs and trees