Earth Day Vigil to call for healing of the earth
Earth Day Vigil - Apriil 22
An Earth Day Vigil, "For the Healing of the Earth," will be held from 5:15 to 7:30 p.m., Monday, April 22, at the Tribal Gathering Place next to Spokane City Hall.
The Faith Leaders and Leaders of Conscience (FLLC) are planning a vigil then, followed by a vigil the first Sunday in October at the Cataldo Mission, Cataldo, Idaho.
"We plan to repeat these events every year," said Gen Heywood, convenor for the FLLC. "We hope by meeting every six months, different groups working on separate aspects to heal our Earth can gather, report to each other what they are doing and encourage others to join with them.
"The care of our planet crosses all cultures, class divisions, religions and non-religions. We are one people when we are united in the healing of our one planet," said Gen, who is pastor at Veradale United Church of Christ.
The April 22 vigil will open with reading the statement American cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead gave before the United Nations on March 1977. Bell ringing will be followed by opening words from Chairwoman Carol Evans of the Spokane Tribe of Indians, as well as other tribal leaders.
People affected by the Bunker Hill Mine in the Silver Valley and Midnite Mine on the Spokane Reservation will speak. There will also be presentations by people challenging the Newport Smelter and more.
Groups working to heal the Earth such as Spokane Riverkeepers, 350-Spokane and others will share information on how to join their work.
Organizations working to heal the Earth may contact Gen at genheywood@att.net about sharing information on their efforts.
The Faith Leaders and Leaders of Conscience of Eastern Washington and North Idaho works to overcome racism, militarism, poverty and ecological devastation. These are the principles set forth by the Poor Peoples Campaign: A National Call for a Moral Revival. All four barriers come together where there is ecological devastation.
In June 2018, the FLLC began working on a vigil to draw attention to the reality the Inland Northwest is the largest superfund site in the nation.
"A superfund site is one so polluted that it will take an enormous amount of money to clean and contain it," said Gen. "The hope is that these vigils become opportunities to build friendships, strengthen our resolve, and put our thoughts and prayers into actions 'For the Healing of the Earth.'
For information, call 408-593-9556.
Save the Species - Happy Earth Day in the Spokane Valley - April 13
"Save the Species"is the theme for "Happy Earth Day 2019" from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday April 13, at Balfour Park Block across from the Spokane Valley City Hall, 105 N. Balfour Rd.
Sponsored by the City of Spokane Valley and Spokane County Library District, the event is a benefit for the natural environment surrounding Spokane Valley, Spokane and North Idaho.
After expenses, funds will be used to help restore ecosystems and habitats degraded, damaged or destroyed from human intervention, storms or wild fires; to donate vegetable seedlings and fruit trees to local community gardens, and to give attendees seed packets of native flowers and herbs that sustain pollinators like hummingbirds, butterflies and bees.
Habitat loss is the leading cause of species extinctions and planting one seed can make a difference, said organizer Charity Doyle of the Family Guide.
Volunteers and vendors providing educational and interactive displays are being recruited.
There will be a gardening section, an Art Walk with upcycled works of art, information on recycling, repurposing and reusing, food trucks and farmers markets, local growers and artisans, a petting zoo, children's arts and crafts, carnival games, raffles, a live auction and live performances
For information, call 928-9664, email charity@thefamilyguide.org or visit Facebook: EarthDaySpokane.
Coeur d'Alene plans Virtual Race - April 22-30
Coeur d'Alene will hold its third annual Earth Day 5K & 10K Virtual Race to be completed between 1 p.m., Monday, April 22, and 2 p.m., Tuesday, April 30.
About 15 percent of every registration will go to Wild Earth Allies to protect vital areas of the natural world for the benefit of wildlife, habitats and people.
A virtual race means those who run, jog or walk may complete their race on their own course—a road, trail, treadmill or track—and submit their time. Then organizers will ship them a medal.
The $20 entry includes the medal, an official bib and shipping.
Moscow Mayor presents Earth Day Awards
The City of Moscow is seeking nominations for the 2019 Mayor's Earth Day Awards. Established in 2006, the awards recognize Moscow residents for sustainable practices that foster environmental sustainability through conservation, recycling, reuse, construction/design and public education.
For information, call 208-883-7122.
Copyright@ The Fig Tree, April, 2019
