“From Soul to Solar”

Sullivan Renaissance Conference and Expo

Saturday, February 3, 2007

8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

Bethel

Sullivan Renaissance is a community beautification and development program providing seed money to Sullivan County communities to encourage projects that contribute to a sense of pride and community spirit. It is principally funded by the Beaverkill Foundation and the Gerry Foundation and sponsors an annual conference to provide resources and inspiration to community volunteers.

This year’s event will feature keynote speaker Paul Rogat Loeb, author of “Soul of a Citizen: Living with Conviction in a Cynical Time,” who will discuss what makes some people choose lives of social commitment while others abstain. (See related story on page 17.).

In keeping with the conference’s theme, various workshops related to solar energy will be offered. Richard Perez, a research professor with the University of Albany’s Atmospheric Sciences Research Center, will present, “Why Solar Makes Sense in New York Now,” while nationally recognized lecturer Dr. Craig Bernecker, an expert on lighting design and illumination engineering, will discuss “Main Street Lighting—Best Practices.”

Programs on youth activism, marketing community projects, building partnerships with seasonal and year-round residents, the Liberty Curbside Recycling Program and planning community gardens will round out the workshops.

Exhibits, recycling, composting, flowers and “Sullivan First Achievement Awards” will supply the day’s ample dose of inspiration and community resources. Refreshments will be served by culinary students from the Delaware Valley Job Corps Center in Callicoon, NY.

Although the keynote address is full, information on remaining workshop space availability can be obtained by calling 845/295-2445.