Young Voices workshops encourage clean planet
FRANKLIN TWP — More than 25 current and retired teachers joined people passionate about the environment Saturday during the Young Voices for the Planet seminar at Lutherlyn.
The event was one of six civic engagement and democracy workshops being held throughout the Pittsburgh region. The events provide educators with success stories aimed at developing confidence and self-esteem in their students, while empowering young people to make changes in their own lives and in the world around them.
Workshops are led by author Lynne Cherry, who has written more than 30 children's books about the environment. Munching on muffins and apple slices, several Butler County attendees looked forward to the seminar.
Cindy Michelini, a first-grade teacher at Summit Elementary School in the Butler School District, was one of several educators eager to learn more about inspiring her students.
“Environmental education has always been a passion of mine, so I came to gain some additional insight on ways to bring that to our students and school,” Michelini said.
Melissa Bonicky, a third-grade teacher at Evans City Elementary in the Seneca Valley School District, echoed Michelini's sentiments. She attended Saturday's workshop because she values Cherry's work to educate children on the environment.
“I came to get practical information I can use to help my students make a difference,” Bonicky said.
Retired naturalist Laurie Eytel has taught environmental courses at both Lutherlyn and Alameda Park. The Connoquenessing Township resident said she is depressed about the current state of the environment. She said a lack of knowledge and concern about the environment exists today.
She said she came out for the workshop because she enjoys being around like-minded people who care about environmental concerns and love learning.
“It's all about education, and you have to start with the little kids,” Eytel said.
In addition to Cherry demonstrating her videos and curriculum, two speakers talked about environmental issues facing Butler County.
Patrice Tomcik, a field organizer for Moms Clean Air Force, and Michael Bagdes-Canning of Marcellus Outreach Butler gave brief presentations on both groups' efforts to protect the health of citizens in the county and region.
According to Tomcik, an ethane cracker plant being built 20 miles upwind from Butler County in Beaver County, will process ethane found in shale gas drilling into ethylene pellets used in making plastic. She claimed the process will send large amounts of particulates and ground-level ozone into Butler County, as well as cancer-causing byproducts from the ethylene process.
Bagdes-Canning explained there are 17 shale gas wells throughout Butler County located within one mile of a school. He contends the wells emit dangerous substances even when fracking is over.
Tomcik said Moms Clean Air Force holds “play-ins,” where children come and have fun while learning about the importance of protecting the environment.
Cherry said the best way to deal with environmental concerns is to get children educated and involved.
“We need to revive democracy and get kids involved in local government,” she said.
Saturday's seminar was funded by the Heinz Endowments and the Garden Club of Allegheny County. Other sessions included “Team Marine,” “Words have Power,” and “The Children's March.”
