Free Program!!

The Middletown Public Library

The Rhode Island Council for the Humanities

&

The Friends of the Middletown Public Library

present

Avoiding Sprawl

with

Marc Joel Levitt
1PM - Saturday March 25, 2006

Middletown Public Library

Is the proliferation of chain stores, fast-food restaurants, suburban tract homes, and parking lots inevitable? How does this kind of development impact our environment and our quality of life? Al Gore made "sprawl" a campaign issue in the 2000 election, but real change will demand the support and involvement of citizens. Look at the causes and consequences of sprawl and how various communities have attempted to control or prevent it. Learn about what role you can play in fighting against the "uglification" of your surroundings.

Marc Joel Levitt is a storyteller, writer, and educator with a varied background, including a stint in the Merchant Marines. After graduating from Cornell University with a degree in Labor Relations, he taught nursery school, edited a newsletter, and performed as a "New Vaudevillian." For four years, he was writer, producer, and director of the syndicated radio variety show, “New England Chowda' Hour." For the last five years, he has created and hosted AS220's "Action Speaks," a topic-driven panel discussion and radio show funded in part by RICH. He is the director of the Charles Fortes Elementary School Museum Project, which received a grant from RICH in its initial phase and recently received a large grant from Disney. As co-creator of the South Kingston Neighborhood Congress, he has participated in a grassroots campaign against sprawl in his community.

There is no charge for this presentation, but seating is limited.

For more information - please contact the Library at 846-1573.