Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan is leading the celebration of Earth Day 2008 in a week- long series of events dedicated to teaching the importance of environmental stewardship to Bethlehem’s public and private school students April 21 to 25.

Thirty-four area companies, organizations and city bureaus will dedicate the week showing what they do for our environment that is good and why it is so important.

According to Donna Albright, Earth Day Committee Co-Chair, “This year’s event will build upon the successes of our first 6 years, putting this years’ event over the top! Mayor Callahan added a special preview night to also bestow the value of environmental stewardship to residents. We are fortunate to have a mayor so committed to caring.”

The public is invited to attend Preview Night from 3 – 7 p.m. on April 21 at the Municipal Ice Rink on Illick’s Mill Road. Mayor Callahan will host the Opening Ceremony with a special presentation at 4 p.m. Public attendance is not permitted Tuesday – Friday., which is blocked for pre-scheduled school groups only.

Over three thousand students and teachers from grades K - 12 will visit Earth Day 2008 throughout six private sessions on April 22 –25.

“The organization, structure and educational standards of this event are what have earned the approval of so many educators,” Mayor Callahan said. “Our goal is to have children learn the many ways that we, as individuals, can step up to the plate and help our environment. Children learn by witnessing, first-hand, how business, municipal and organizational entities resolve issues like water pollution, waste minimization and energy efficiency, to name a few. Exhibitors find this forum to be a most effective form of outreach which helps to dissolve negative, apathetic attitudes and replace them with positive, green initiatives that last. It’s interesting, educational, fun and, most of all, it’s rewarding. Children are given materials to review with their teacher in school and knowledge to share with their families at home, compounding the power of one.”

For more information, download the Earth Day 2008 flyer or contact co-chairs Karen Dancho 610-865-7169 or Donna Albright 610-997-7631 can answer questions.

4/11/2008