|
 Bedford, NY - Over 100 Westchester area organizations have partnered with the Bedford Environmental Summit (BES), a grassroots effort culminating on January 31, 2009, in a full-day event to raise awareness of the most pressing environmental issues of the day.
Partners like schools and libraries, religious institutions, land trusts, sanctuaries and local businesses have donated their expertise for workshops, supplied volunteers or money or both and have committed to get the word out. “When we approached these organizations to be “partners” in the Summit, the response was extraordinary. Everyone wanted to get involved. It was obvious that we had tapped into a deep concern about the environment, a sense of urgency to do something and a desire to be part of the process,” said Summit Co-Chair and President of the Bedford Garden Club, Ellen Conrad.
The positive community response is not limited to the Summit partners. In the first four days of ticket sales more than 200 individuals committed to attend the event, which will host a capacity crowd of over 650.
“The fact that we have received such tremendous local participation not only indicates that the Summit's goals have struck a chord within the community but, also reflects a desire to tackle the environmental issues we are all facing in Bedford. This is of tremendous importance as Bedford’s Energy Advisory Panel prepares its Climate Action Plan for presentation to the community. This plan is the linchpin for success in achieving the goals we will set forth at the Summit,” said Summit Co-Chair Mary Beth Kass, who is also Co-Chair of the Bedford Energy Advisory Panel.
“One partner told us that they are involved because they founded their own company on the principles of the Summit and wanted to support the effort. Another said that they are looking for others to partner with on a community garden project,” said Leslie Needham, Chair of Partners for the Event. “A third partner is hoping to use the Summit to form a local renewable energy coalition in order to position the area to take advantage of possible government funding.”
The Summit, co-sponsored by the Bedford Energy Advisory Panel (BEAP) and Bedford Garden Club (BGC), will offer a comprehensive format of 28 workshops and lectures, networking opportunities and an expo. Drawing from the best minds in environmental policy, the Summit’s roster of 85 speakers and panelists will address issues like oil consumption, school food, a climate action plan for Bedford, locally supported agriculture, school and community gardens, oceans in peril, biodiversity, water conservation and recycling, among others.
“We expect that every individual who attends the Summit will walk away with a better understanding of what each of us can do, in our own backyard, to address the environmental issues we face today,” said Steering Committee Chair, Olivia Farr.
The Summit will be held at Fox Lane High School. Tickets for the event are $25 in advance and $35 on the day of the event. Student tickets are $10. To purchase your ticket, or for more information about the Summit, go to www.sustainablebedford.org.
 |
