Wind Farmer's Almanac

Mark your calendar

Four upcoming events of interest to wind farm aficionados --

-- on Wednesday July 12, the Massachusetts Office of Environmental Affairs will hold two public information sessions to allow officials from the state and Patriot Renewables, LLC to describe the proposed South Coast offshore wind project and public participation in the environmental impact review process.

The first session will be held at 2 p.m. at Fairhaven Town Hall on Center Street in -- you guessed it -- Fairhaven, followed by the second public forum at 7 p.m. at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, 1121 Ashley Boulevard.

-- also on the evening of July 12, candidates for governor will debate environmental issues at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, at 7 p.m. in the Kresge Auditorium. The debate, free and open to the public, is sponsored by the Massachusetts League of Environmental Voters, the Environmental League of Massachusetts, the Appalachian Mountain Club and the Sierra Club. To reserve a seat, call 617-742-8822 or send an email to info@mlev.org. Kresge Auditorium is a low-domed building immediately behind and to the left of the Stratton Student Center at 84 Mass. Ave.

-- and on the following Wednesday, July 19, the National Public Radio show Justice Talking  will host a debate on the future of offshore wind from the beautiful Chatham Bars Inn on the Outer Cape in -- you guessed it -- Chatham. Participants in the debate have yet to be determined and the segment will be broadcast at 3:45 p.m. on Aug. 7, according to the Justice Talking website. Tickets to attend the recording of the debate cost $25 and can be reserved by calling radio station WCAI in Woods Hole at 508-548-9600.