In the Dutchess County Spotlight

The Green Brain Initiative of PRiyaCOMM has partnered with religious and non-profit organizations of the Hudson Valley to create an eco-spiritual experience for our communities. The 2012 Sacred Earth Festival is Sunday, July 1 from 10am to 7pm in the covered pavilion at the Mid-Hudson Children's Museum in Poughkeepsie.

Special creative and fun activities for the children take place throughout the day. The official opening ceremony begins at noon; Executive Director of Dutchess County Tourism Mary Kay Vrba is the speaker. The Dutchess County Interfaith Council, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, sponsors a two-hour interfaith concert from 4-6pm. There are workshops, films, and exhibits, as well as a commemorative e-magazine presenting different perspectives of "Water".

Earlier this year, the Green Brain Initiative co-hosted a Leadership Forum with the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life at Vassar College. Nearly 100 leaders from Native American, Islamic, Jewish, Christian, Hindu and Buddhist traditions, across Dutchess, Orange and Ulster counties, came together to explore theological foundations for principles for environmental action. They identified challenges, as well as innovative ways to forge links between maintainable house-holding, sustainable development, and ecological integrity. These leaders are working to reconnect their communities with their natural environment, through enlightened living, and environmental activism.

Following these presentations and discussions, they saw the need to raise awareness of the challenges, and remedial actions to be practiced. They hope to improve the state of our natural environment through education, engagement and empowerment. The Festival aims to demonstrate how religious and spiritual practices can aid in environmental conservation efforts. The goal is to inspire families to see the interconnection between man, nature and the Divine. Through ancient religious wisdom and practices, thematic exhibits, songs, dances, storytelling, videos, photography, art and crafts, the Festival honors the essential life element,"Water".  Hopefully community members will grasp a stronger ethical and religious appreciation for the many complex water-related problems facing us today.

The "Streams of Consciousness: Adopt-A-River Program" is also being launched at the Festival. This collaborative, community-based project explores environmental challenges as well as opportunities. The goal is to advance efforts to bring attention to efforts to revive the Fall-kill Creek running through Poughkeepsie. The Green Brain Initiative strives to have a  positive impact on urban water quality and the habitat along its path, and increase community participation to clean up the Fall-kill Creek.

All are invited to attend this eco-friendly, alcohol-free, fun, family-oriented event free of charge! For information and a schedule of the day"s activities, visit www.green-brain.org or call (845) 849-2205.