Heal the Hudson Community Candlelight Vigil in Sleepy Hollow Attracts Dozens of Activists Who Tell the EPA: “Clean Up Our River Now!”
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Riley Johndonnell, Director of Communications & Creative Strategies
845 473 4440 Ext. 222, rjohndonnell@scenichudson.org
Friends, families, and concerned community members of all ages lit up the night on Nov. 1 in Kingsland Point Park for an inspiring evening of activism: writing postcards, hearing from speakers, lighting candles, making art, listening to music — and committing to ongoing stewardship for this beloved river.
SLEEPY HOLLOW, NY – More than 70 people, including representatives from prominent enviro activist organizations, came together to raise awareness of the dangerous levels of toxic chemicals in the river and to urge the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to finally get the Hudson on a real path to recovery.
Event coordinators:
The Sleepy Hollow Project and DefendTheValley.org
Partners:
DefendTheValley.org, Mothers Out Front, Los Andes Bakery, Riverkeeper, Scenic Hudson, Sleepy Coffee, Too,Tarrytown Environmental Advisory Council,The Sleepy Hollow Project
WHAT’S THE ISSUE?
It’s been more than 70 years since General Electric (GE) started dumping cancer-causing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from two factories into the Hudson River, turning a 200-mile stretch of the waterway into one of the country’s largest Superfund sites.
The EPA claims that they don’t have enough scientific data to determine if dredging cleanup, (completed almost a decade ago) has worked. Environmental activists state: “That’s nonsense! The science is actually crystal clear: the cleanup attempts have failed.” Many concerned citizens have already raised their voices and told the EPA that they love the river and want it cleaned up.
The vigil was held just six days before the EPA closes their public comment period on Nov. 7. Activists are urging the public to take action now.
THE VIGIL: A HEARTFELT GATHERING ON THE RIVER’S SHORE
The late afternoon event kicked off with postcard writing, live music, and an interactive art activity sponsored by Tarrytown Environmental Advisory Council. Local artists Erwin Ong, Jill Liflander, and Kersten Harries led a workshop for creating lanterns. The crowd also enjoyed free snacks and beverages including empanadas from Los Andes Bakery, and S’mores and hot cocoa from Sleepy Coffee, Too.
At dusk, Kirsten Bourne from Mothers Out Front, Cathy Ruhland from Tarrytown Environment Advisory Council, as well as representatives from Riverkeeper, spoke about the importance of river stewardship.
“As the climate warms, people need access to swimmable water to keep cool,” says Bourne. “So as mothers we are begging the EPA to clean up the Hudson as promised, so our kids can swim safely in their lifetime. We have no other option.”
MISSED THE VIGIL? LIGHT YOUR OWN CANDLE FOR THE RIVER
Pictures and videos of this gathering will be used to inspire others to light a candle for the river and share on social media. Vigil organizers encourage everyone to show their support: “Go ahead, light your candle for the River and post on social media using the hashtag #HealTheHudson.”
This is one of more community vigils to be held up and down the river.
Your voice matters! Find out more about becoming a “Valley Defender” and standing up for the region’s water, land, clean air, communities, and more.
Photos: Jeff Mertz / Courtesy of ScenicHudson.org
