Cool Joliet is a grassroots, citizen and group coalition for environmental advocacy in Joliet and the surrounding area. I am very proud to be a member of Cool Joliet!

I followed Carolyn Baker's news list for a while (and still would if I had the time). It was through her listserve that my eyes opened. I felt compelled to do something even if it's a losing battle. The spontaneous formation of Cool Joliet was a natural occurrence from the awakening . . . and you know things do not happen in solitary. (We're quantum-like, actually if you're paying attention). My ego would like to claim some credit for Cool Joliet's creation. Me, Jan Gehrig, Jeanne Phelan and Lorna Paisley. One or two of you may have even been at the first general meeting of Cool Joliet where I showed the 1st powerpoint. (A first for CJ and for me.)

Growth is slow and some don't have patience. We have no money yet still we've accomplished many things. The working goal for Cool Joliet was to get the city of Joliet to sign onto the U.S. Council of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. I am proud to announce that yesterday, March 1, 2010 Joliet became the 50th city in Illinois to sign the agreement! Joliet is a Cool City!

Celebrations to follow, especially on Earth Day April 22, 2010.