It was last month and I swore I was going to post about it (indeed I thought I had; which gives you a clue as to just how much I need a vacation or even a nap) but.... Anyway the premiere was for a documentary, Marion Stoddart: The Work of 1000. The documentary, well let me just quote them:

Chronicling an important episode in U.S. environmental history, this inspirational story examines the human side of acclaimed environmental pioneer Marion Stoddart.

Marion Stoddart proved that with vision and commitment, an "ordinary" person can accomplish extraordinary things. This film will reveal the secrets of her success and her methods for inspiring change.

It's an excellent documentary and I'm not just saying that because I got to help advise on it. Neither am I saying that because Tom and I got to dress up and go to the premiere and and then dance our butts off at the really fun after party. The documentary is well done and the story reminds us that one person can be a catalyst for change and that we can right environmental wrongs.

Marion's story is also the story of the Nashua River. When we first canoed on the Nashua River Tom got a staff infection after getting splashed by river water. Now kids swim (safely) in the Rive and that's thanks to Marion, with some help from her friends.

Why am I bringing this up now? Well because the National Education Association is offering teachers grants up to $1000 "to support innovative programs that foster student's excitement in creating a better planet". If you're searching for an idea; consider starting with a viewing of "The Work of 1000."

PS Grant proposals are due July 30 and I'm pretty sure you have to be an NEA member, but of course you can screen it without the grant. Email Documentary Educational Resources at docued@der.org for questions or orders, or call 617.926.0491.

Yes of course that's a plug. This whole post is pretty much a plug; well except for getting to dance our butts off. Hmm wish got to that more often .
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