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Jeff Tunkel

Roles: Special Guest

Tunkel discussed VOICES OF TRANSITION and The Urban Community Gardening Program at the 2014 EFF.

Jeff Tunkel received his education in engineering and business, holding degrees from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Johns Hopkins University. His career has spanned energy systems, food and drug manufacturing, and Information Technology. An avid camper, hiker, and sailor from an early age, he became active in environmental and progressive causes in 2004. In 2010 be became aware of the Transition Town movement, and in January 2011 launched BeLocal Mt. Airy using the Transition Town model with the help of a small group of friends and neighbors.

BeLocal Mt. Airy is a citizen group seeking to build community, resiliency, and a strong local economy in the town of Mount Airy, MD. Their first project was a comprehensive community needs assessment which identified 5 top priorities for the town. Through the assessment, BeLocal gained support of the town government, local business leaders, and other community organizations for these priorities, which are currently being woven into the town master plan.

Jeff resides in Mount Airy with his wife, three sons, and Labrador Retriever, where he enjoys vegetable gardening, running, bicycling, and introducing youth to the majesty and serenity of being out in nature.

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