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Clearwater Gathering Features Environmental Luminaries
A cast of environmental luminaries will be featured at the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater's Annual Gathering in Beacon on Sept. 29 as New York State DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis joins the Sundance Channel's Majora Carter and Clearwater's new Executive Director Jeff Rumpf for a meeting designed to "reinvigorate" supporters of America's environmental flagship and unveil the next generation of Clearwater programs.
"This year, Clearwater's Annual Gathering promises to be energetic and inspirational. We will be launching our Master Action Plan to develop the next generation of environmental leaders" said Rumpf, who took the helm of the grassroots environmental advocacy and educational nonprofit on Aug. 6. "Not only will this gathering offer great food, fantastic music, and visioning workshops, it promises to inspire our membership and supporters with presentations by the state's new environmental commissioner and Majora Carter, an impressive speaker and nationally recognized advocate for the environmental movement."
Carter founded Sustainable South Bronx in 2001 to fight for environmental justice through innovative, economically sustainable projects that are designed to address community needs.
Prior to being appointed to be the state's DEC Commissioner by Governor Eliot Spitzer earlier this year Grannis served as a member of the Assembly representing the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Roosevelt Island for more than 30 years. While in the Assembly, Grannis championed a wide range of environmental issues as a long-time member of its Environmental Conservation Committee, and played a key role in enacting laws addressing acid rain, clean air and water, fluorocarbons and recycling. He fought for the passage of the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), the original Bottle Bill and the clean-up and revitalization of brownfields.
Rumpf has over 20 years of experience in the outdoor education and youth development fields. The last 10 years he served as Executive Director for several award-winning initiatives. In 2000 he founded YMCA Camp Combe in Putnam Valley, NY and from 2002- 2006 he ran "Little Heroes" Camp programs for the children of 9/11, including an organic farm and an adventure camp recently featured on the Learning Channel.
The all day gathering (9am to 6pm) at the University Settlement Camp along Rt. 9D (three miles south of Beacon) will help chart Clearwater's future course as elections for the nonprofit's board of directors will be held along with presentations of staff, board and chartered sloop club reports.
While conducting the serious business of running an environmental nonprofit, there will also be plenty of opportunities for food, fellowship and family fun. Breakfast and lunch (stone soup and potluck) will be served and the day's activities will be sprinkled with music with participants encouraged to bring instruments and join in. The day will also feature displays, exhibits and a "Circle of Song."
Although the event is free and open to the public, Clearwater requests that those planning to attend RSVP by calling (845) 658-3506 or sending an e-mail message to: lindab@usadatanet.net to help with planning and provisions.
For more information contact Clearwater at 845-454- 7673 or visit the website at www.clearwater.org
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