I have long been interested in monetary policy in general and local alternative currencies in particular. In Locus Amoenus (2015) I wrote about an imaginary community in upstate New York that created an alternative economic system. As I begin to write part 2 of the Locus Amoenus narrative, I note with pleasure how life imitates art: such a community now has started in the Hudson Valley.
The Hudson Valley Current (HVC) was founded by Chris Hewitt who came out to Columbia County a week ago to talk with a group of Columbia County residents about joining their barter system. I have studied many local currency systems, and I have to say, I liked what Hewitt had to say.
I now am a member of HVC. Here’s my page. I’m mainly offering a consulting service that would be useful for local parents who want to home-school their kids but don’t think they are qualified to do so. (Every loving parent/guardian is.)
I am also making all my books available for purchase with currents.
Part of my interest in this is to help create or revitalize regional arts and literature.
VN Alexander, novelist 