Celebrate Earth Day at Earth and Spirit
Forty years ago, a grassroots movement got underway to generate awareness of the importance of saving the planet. On April 22, 1970, the first Earth Day was celebrated and the tradition continues each year across the country. In recognition of this momentous occasion, Diane and Scott Lampitt, owners of Earth and Spirit Garden Gallery are inviting the Pine Island community to join them on the weekend of April 17 and 18 at their facility on Maria Drive in St. James City.
“We have gathered together local environmentalists, artists and earth- conscious people, along with the support from the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, Zwear, Healing Works Health Center and the Center of Attention, to share in the celebration,” said Diane Lampitt.
The event will include several seminars geared to educate the community on environmental issues as well as special performances, food, a fashion show, artist demonstrations and a raffle. The raffle will be for a new kayak and all proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Calusa Land Trust. The celebration will take place both days from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ample free parking is available, however, those arriving to the event by bicycle will be presented with a gift compliments of Earth and Spirit and a special prize will be awarded to the person who traveled from the furthest distance to the event each day.
“We are at a very critical time in the world and need to pay attention to the damage we have done and continue to do, so it is more important than ever that we encourage people to think about what they do in their everyday lives that have an impact on the environment. That is why we are providing incentives for people to come to the event by bicycle,” said Lampitt. “We need to view Earth Day and every day as not just a fad, but a lifestyle change and I am sure those attending will find our speakers to be fun as well as informative.”
When the festivities begin Saturday morning, volunteers from the Calusa Land Trust will be present to offer information about the important work the group does on Pine Island as well as accept donations which enable them to protect and preserve ecologically sensitive land on the island. Music throughout the morning will be provided by local musicians, the St. James Creek Bluegrass Band and those attending can avail themselves of food and drink while observing demonstrations provided by area artists as well as the creation of interactive art pieces.
Later in the day, author of the book Spirit Life, Marsha Perlman will invite attendees to join her as she shares selections of her poems which were inspired by the environment that is unique to Southwest Florida. Perlman will recite her poetry beginning at 12:15 p.m. at Earth and Spirit.
Following the presentation by Perlman, Bokeelia resident, Deborah Zwetch will facilitate a fashion show with her line of original, hand-painted textiles called ZWear. Her spring line includes dresses, blouses, scarves and accessories displaying bold images in vivid color patterns. The fashion show will commence at 1:30 p.m.
At 3 p.m. the mini-seminars will begin with a talk from Judy Ott, “Why Earth Day Anyway”, followed at 3:30 p.m. with a representative from the University of Florida Extension who will address the topic of the benefits of rain barrels and rain gardens. At 4 p.m. join Dick Workman for a demonstration of palm weaving and at 4:30 p.m. Lee Tapager will demonstrate the technique of Qi-Gong. Wrapping up the seminars will be Cindy Bear at 5 p.m. with some advice on “going green without going crazy.”
At day’s end, attendees are welcome to join John Paeno of Calusa Ghost Tours, with a sunset ritual which will take place at 7:30 p.m.
Then on Sunday, April 18, again the festivities will begin at 10 a.m. with booths open for sponsors of the event, local artists, food and beverages and activities for children. Music on Sunday will be performed by Calude Memoli on acoustic guitar and at 12:30 p.m. Marsha Perlman will return to recite her published poetry. At 2 p.m. Judy Ott and Joan Culver will present “Why Earth Day Anyway?” at 2:30 p.m. Dick Anderson will provide information about eco-systems of Southwest Florida, at 3 p.m. Lee Tapager will demonstrate Qi-Gong and at 3:30 p.m. Cindy Bear will present “Going green without going crazy”. The festivities for the weekend-long event will culminate with an Earth Blessing at 4:40 p.m. followed by the raffle drawing for the kayak.
For more information, visit earthandspiritgardengallery.com