After signing in, folks made pledge flags, stating something they would do in their everyday lives to affect change. We strung these up on a clothesline on the beach to flap in the wind. We had three banners that folks signed. We are going to send one to each of our two senators and district representative. There was music playing while folks enjoyed the beautiful day. We had tons of kids, kites flying, lacrosse balls lofted, sand castles being built, walking on the beach, and lots of conversation. At a beach we all love, we created new memories and took the first step toward change.

Citizens from all over the Northshore of Massachusetts gathered on Cranes Beach in Ipswich, to help send a message to Congress: reduce GHG emissions 80% by 2050. Banners and flags were displayed at the event, and speakers included State Representative Brad Hill and organizers Caroline Horner and Franz Inglefinger.

Thank you to everyone who made this happen. It was wonderful to see so many familiar and new faces in one place with so much hope and energy.

Great event! Crane's Beach was the perfect setting to send a message to Congress.

To see over 100 photos (including a group shot of everyone!) by photographer Harry Howarth, go to http://www.dancing-shadow.smugmug.com/ and click on the "Step it Up" Gallery. Thanks.

People young and old gathered on the beach - and stayed there in the cold wind! - to send a strong and urgent message to the policymakers about sparing the environment for our grandchildren and theirs. I was so pleased to see the full support and sponsorship of The Trustees of Reservations. I have been a TTOR member for a few years, but was never prouder of that fact than I was on Saturday. Time for us ALL to take the next step!

With the Allman Brothers as background music, parents, teenagers, and little kids gathered on Crane Beach on April 14th. We were walking around, playing lacrosse, signing banners, or simply enjoying the windy weather. There were a couple of speakers, a group picture, and a collection of spare change to offset the carbon emitted by everyone's cars. It was a great way to spend a Saturday.