By Jerry Masek
Earth Day is already a national and international holiday, but West Park’s Jessie St. Christopher wants to bring it home to each person in this area.
That’s why she’s organizing a major local celebration — and you are invited to attend. She is still seeking earth-friendly vendors and environmental non-profit groups to participate.
The free family event is called Earth Day For All — If we take care of the planet, the planet will take care of us. It will be held rain or shine, from 2 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, April 22, at the Unity Spiritual Center, 23855 Detroit Ave., Westlake. The church is just west of Clague Road.
The event is a creative mix of education and fun for the family, with:
- Earth-friendly classes on topics, such as how to build an organic community garden.
- Walk with a naturalist on church grounds.
- 2 p.m., start on-going meditation for the Earth.
- 5 to 6 p.m., walk a labyrinth.
- All day, enjoy local produce from City Fresh.
- All day, children activities.
- More attractions are being added.
The day ends with a concert of folk songs and local musicians. Concert tickets are $10 per person or $25 per family — “whatever your definition of family is.”
Proceeds will help pay for expenses.
West Park residents are also invited to attend Party for the Planet at the Metroparks Zoo, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 23.
Background on Earth Day
Earth Day began in April 1970 to draw national attention to widespread industrial pollution and other concerns. It worked. Within a year, Congress passed legislation that created the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Other landmark legislation followed.
In Cleveland, celebrations began at the Metroparks Zoo in 1990. The event is now celebrated annually on April 22.
Who is Jessie St. Christopher?
Jessie St. Christopher has spent a lifetime working in or around nature. A conservationist and ecologist, she started her life taking walks in the Rocky River Valley. Later, she was a volunteer naturalist with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and the Metroparks.
To her, Earth Day has an almost sacred meaning.
“This day is special to my heart. I want to help people connect to the Earth.”
Are you affiliated with an earth-friendly vendor or an environmental non-profit group that wants to participate?
Contact Jessie St. Christopher, at laugheagle@outlook.com
PHOTS BELOW BY Jerry Masek
