Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter Water Issues Committee

10/02/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1ETKF1pqAa/

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of our dear friend and Chapter Chair, Kate Bartholomew.

Kate touched so many lives and was a fearless warrior for justice, especially where there were threats to the natural world. For two decades she was a volunteer leader with the Sierra Club and for the past 8 years served as the chair of the Atlantic Chapter, managing the organization’s day-to-day environmental campaigns across New York State. Kate also served in many capacities within the national Sierra Club and was a forceful advocate for preserving the volunteer core and grassroots soul of the organization. She played a major leadership role in achieving NY’s fracking ban, fought tirelessly against the proliferation of nuclear energy and weaponry, and supported efforts to protect endangered species, wolves especially. Her background as a high school science teacher grounded her as an advocate both in the fastidious establishment of fact and the patience and diplomacy to build agreement among the most strident activists. By her own admission, Kate herself was a bit rough-around-the-edges and did not mince words when she felt passionate about an issue. It was that quality, along with her difficulty in saying “no” to any cause in need, that advanced her to many leadership positions. The void she leaves behind within the Sierra Club is immense, and we know the bonds of friendship she forged through fierce compassion and advocacy will help sustain the Chapter that she has led for more than a decade. It will take time to process this devastating loss, but we will honor Kate's legacy and dedication through our continued work here in NYS (and beyond).

Kate's obituary can be read here: (https://www.roycechedzoy.com/obituaries/katheryn-bartholomew). A memorial service will be held outside at “The Knoll”, Davis Farms, 5281 Peach Orchard Pt. Rd., Hector, NY, Friday, October 2, 2026 at 4 p.m.

The Sierra Club will also be hosting a virtual celebration of life for Kate to be held on October 20th at 12pm EST. More information to follow. 💚🐱🐺🌳🌎☀️

09/23/2026

Ryan Taughrin, the Democratic candidate who is also running on the Working Families Party line, is challenging incumbent Republican Assemblyman Patrick Chludzinski for New York’s 143rd Assembly District in the Nov. 3 general election. The district includes the Town of Cheektowaga, parts of the Town of Lancaster, the villages of Depew and Sloan, and portions of Buffalo.

Taughrin said he is running because he knows what it is like to struggle to make ends meet. He said he was the first in his family to attend college and has worked more than 15 years at the University at Buffalo, helping students in similar situations. He is a Lancaster Library Board trustee, serves on the Carnival Kids Steel Drum Boosters board, and is a former Big Brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Click here for the full story: https://www.beenews.com/cheektowaga_bee/news/taughrin-challenges-chludzinski-in-143rd-assembly-race/article_6e2ac887-78fa-41b4-8778-7f5853a722db.html

09/23/2026

A No Brainer! Absolutely in step with Sierra Club values! Vote for Aaron Gies if you live in CD23!

🚨🚨🚨 ENDORSEMENT ALERT 🚨🚨🚨

I am proud to announce that Sierra Club, the nation’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, has endorsed me and my fight against the corporate buildout raising your utility bill.

The environment isn’t something separate from our everyday lives. It is the air our kids breathe, the water our families drink, the land our farmers depend on, and the communities we call home. We should be building an economy that gives people good jobs and affordable energy without asking them to sacrifice their health or the places they love. I’m proud to have the Sierra Club’s support, and I’ll work in Congress to make sure the common good comes before corporate profits

09/05/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14qeToAowjE/

12/13/2025

How much water are you willing to sacrifice for the convenience?

AI systems’ water usage can vary widely, depending on where and when the computer answering the query is running.

11/30/2025

https://whyy.org/articles/american-water-works-essential-utilities-merger-40-billion/

The combined company will serve more than 2,000 communities, with customer prices set to remain the same.

11/05/2025

https://weavingrivers.com/wayne-miller

Wayne Miller delves shares how the spreading of toxic sewage sludge is current polluting Little Salmon River with PFAs.

11/05/2025

🤓 Must-read NEW BOOK from 📘coming from on Dec. 2 🗓️! Pre-order your copy of “The Problem with Plastic: How We Can Save Ourselves and Our Planet Before It’s Too Late” NOW: https://www.beyondplastics.org/problem-with-plastic-book 🌎

Plastic, like water, is everywhere...

The Problem with Plastic critically examines the paradox of this material, first celebrated for its innovations and now recognized for its devastating environmental and public health impacts. Coming soon from The New Press in December 2025.

11/05/2025

I recently posted an article with a trigger word in the headline. I have now removed multiple inappropriate videos and suspect followers. Sorry about that!