May 8, 2024

Does recycling work? Does it matter?

Over the years, a heated debate has ensued regarding the economics of recycling, coinciding with a surge in the number of single-use containers.

Don’t assume that simply placing an item in the blue Pellitteri bin guarantees recyclability. Some mistakes can create a ripple effect with significant consequences. It starts with you. Emphasize quality over quantity when recycling.

Nationally, people contaminate and render unusable 25% of recyclables. Let’s assess Fitchburg’s performance and its potential recycling report card. We’ll start with the following questions.

• Do plastic bags gum up recycling machinery?
• Does food residue make recyclables unfit for processing?
• Should you bag recyclables?
• Can you recycle all paper? Even if it’s wet?
• What about books, coffee cups, and other paper products?
• How can you decode the recycling symbols on containers?
• What types of plastic and paper are non-recyclable?
• What actually gets recycled? What percentage of items have to be rejected?
• Do you really know the proper ways to recycle?
• How can you manage household waste in a more sustainable way?
• How can I properly dispose of potentially hazardous materials?

Ben Schulte, Environmental Engineer for the City of Fitchburg, and Todd Bollenbach, Pellitteri’s Municipal Account Executive, will share insights on these issues for Fitchburg residents. It’s a talk you don’t want to miss.

 Portrait of an Artist: The Early Years

April 10, 2024

Step into the captivating world of Georgia O’Keeffe in “Portrait of an Artist: The Early Years.” In this immersive presentation, historian Joe Chase offers a glimpse into the formative years of one of the most iconic artists of the 20th century. Her bustling farm family of Irish, Hungarian, and Dutch descent comprised her parents, two aunts, and six siblings under one roof. The rural surroundings with farm animals, crops in the fields, rolling hills, and open prairies, all provided visual and sensory stimuli. Georgia, being the oldest daughter, assumed the duties of tending the garden, looking after her siblings, and maintaining housekeeping chores, during a life stage that researchers have found to be pivotal in terms of learning and development.

   Let’s explore the roots of O’Keeffe’s passion for creativity, as we delve into her journey from the tranquil landscapes of rural Sun Prairie to the bustling streets of New York City, and culminating in her eventual retreat to the landscapes of Santa Fe. Through captivating storytelling and visuals, Joe invites you to trace the footsteps of a visionary whose trailblazing creations continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this presentation promises to deepen your appreciation for Georgia O’Keeffe’s remarkable legacy and the profound impact of her early years on the trajectory of modern art.

Devil’s Lake Rocks!

March 13, 2024

Bird watching, hiking, climbing, kayaking, picnicking, and a host of other outdoor activities are available at Devil’s Lake State Park. Known as Tee Wakącąk, meaning Holy or Sacred Lake, the park is on ancestral Ho-Chunk land and contains ancient effigy mounds that are part of their cultural heritage. As a seasoned naturalist passionately connected to this breathtaking landscape, Sue Johansen-Mayoleth will take you on a journey of exploration and reverence for the remarkable story of the lake’s creation. It’s a living testament to the forces of geology and ecology that have shaped our planet over millennia. You’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate processes that have sculpted the towering cliffs into an enduring presence.

Join us on March 13^th when Sue will help us vicariously wander through nature, where every rustle and chirp tells a story of life and renewal.