Tag: environment

Our Big Beautiful Planet

Anyone who knows me, knows how deeply I care about Pachamama (that’s what the people of the Andes called our planet –it means “Mother Earth” in Quechua). It upsets me that future generations will inherit an environment with poor air quality, crazy climate changes, fewer birds, fish and mammals, and with plastic choking our waterways.

I compost, donate to environmental groups, “recycle, reuse and refuse”, but I realize that isn’t nearly enough. So, when I learned that my friend was rappelling off the roof of a 21 story hotel to raise money for the Highlands Coalition, I immediately emailed her asking if I could do it with her.

The view from the top. Photo by Tyler Tierney
What we looked like to the people on the ground. Photo by Daniel Canose

Mary Jane is the mayor of Bernardsville, so she was part of the “Mayor’s Challenge”, which took place on Friday afternoon, May 30th. The main event was scheduled for the following day. Although I am not a mayor, I was allowed to join my dear friend, as her “emotional support” creature (and #1 “fan girl”).

To create interest, and to motivate donors, I promised that whoever contributed the most could determine what I wore on the way down. That quickly morphed into dictating my entire appearance, which is how I ended up with pink hair, FIVE temporary tattoos, and a florescent shirt.

Photo (and hair) by Kristin Clapcich


Okay, so it wouldn’t be the first time in my life that I was willing to look ridiculous and probably won’t be the last, but at least this time it was for a good cause. My goal was to raise money AND to draw attention to The Highlands Coalition, which not only protects our water supply, but also increases the odds that future generations will have access to recreational facilities and our beautiful forests. Riverkeeper, the other conservation Group, does similar work. How lucky were we that Riverkeeper sent Tyler, our skilled photographer to document this event.

While I’m at it, why not put in a plug for The Great Swamp Watershed Association? They weren’t part of the Over the Edge Event, but they offer fascinating workshops, most recently an educational and informative one about microplastics in our water supply.

I DO have a tendency to digress, but now it’s time to get back to the main point of this post: Although the event has passed, it is still possible to donate, if the spirit moves you. This link will bring you to my donor page. (Just click on the underlined word). For those of you who have already donated, THANK YOU so very much! I truly appreciate your support.

So what was it like? How cool is it to stand on the roof of a 21 story hotel in the Meadowlands and get a view of the NY skyline and the American Dream Mall? VERY cool and unforgettable.

4 Mayors, a fan girl and the hotel manager

Tyler continued to take wonderful photos from the top, and Daniel captured our descent on video, supplying commentary as we went. (clicking on the underlined word will bring you to the YouTube video)

My friend Jean urged me to write this post because she was hoping it would inspire women of our age (almost 76) to realize that regardless of what your birth certificate says, anything is possible. If anyone reading this post is dreading turning 40, (or 50, or 60) I want to assure you that the best is yet to come.

I also want to thank the instructors of the Somerset Hills YMCA who helped to get me in shape and KEEP me in shape with all their wonderful Yoga, Zumba, Barre, and AOA classes.

My arms were sculpted by the Somerset Hills Y Instructors

Okay, so I got a little carried away. It happens. What did I think I was doing? Giving an academy awards speech? If so, it’s time for me to be waved off the stage…

Citizens of Planet Earth

The first time I visited our nation’s capital was in 1970, when I hopped on a plane (another first) to join with hundreds of thousands protesting the Vietnam War.  My college roommate and I had no idea where we would be staying. and as typical college students, we had very little money, but somehow it all worked out.  Like Blanche DuBois, we depended on the kindness of strangers, and we weren’t disappointed.

Fast forward 47 years. Sadly, so many of the issues we THOUGHT were being addressed are still problematic. Though we recite the pledge of allegiance, we still have to work to make  “liberty and justice for ALL”  more than just empty words.  Surprisingly some of the truths that Tom Jefferson thought were “self evident”, today are not.

Yesterday,  Mike and I arose at 4:30 AM to board a bus for D.C. with 50 like minded citizens to participate in the People’s Climate March.  Spirits were high. On the drive down, Stacey, our efficient and amazing leader, reminded us of the rules of engagement established by the March organizers: No violence, verbal or physical toward anyone, be respectful  toward all people and property, look out for each other, pick up after ourselves.  Essentially, reminding us to behave the way we should every day.  Got it.

It was not surprising that this year’s march had a bit of a political bent to it, given our current president’s assault on the environment.

Isn’t it hard to believe that it is necessary to demonstrate for clean air, clean water and the preservation of our planet for future generations?  Who could possibly be against that?

Perhaps companies and innovators will view the masses of demonstrators as potential customers for their energy efficient products.  Perhaps our legislators will recognize that they have a constituent or two (or a few thousand) that cares about our beautiful country.  One can only hope.

I marvel that suddenly politicians are glorifying working in a coal mine.  Is it worth defiling our nation’s waterways to allow miners the opportunity to get black lung disease?  Loretta Lynn isn’t singing “Proud to be a coal miner’s grandmother”.   Full disclosure.  My knowledge of mining is limited to watching Loretta Lynn’s movie “Coal Miner’s Daughter”and reading the news, but I believe that miners are like the rest of us, wanting a good job, healthcare and a better life for their children.   I also have a sneaking suspicion that Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell wouldn’t be thrilled to have THEIR offspring going down into the mines doing those jobs they are hell bent on preserving, but I digress.  Back to the march.

How wonderful to see all ages represented, from babies in strollers to seniors carrying pictures of their grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Despite there being marches throughout the country, many marchers traveled great distances to surround the white house.  We encountered travelers from Minnesota, Ohio and Iowa. Now that’s what I call commitment!

It was difficult to get a sense of the size of the crowd while we were in it.  Fortunately, photographers along the route were capturing images like this one ( grabbed from 350.org’s facebook page).  Despite a late start, and April temperatures that should have made believers out of any climate change deniers, the crowd was focused, disciplined, polite and spirited.   “This is what Democracy looks like” was a popular chant, as we made our way to the White House.

I offer photos from this inspiring day in the hope that you will join us, in whatever capacity you can, as we all continue to protect Pachamama (the name given to the earth, by the indigenous people of the Andes–a goddess indeed).  It isn’t a march, it’s a movement!  Remember–

THIS IS WHAT DEMOCRACY LOOKS LIKE!

   

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