‘Swim for the River' documentary to be shown

| 29 Sep 2011 | 09:35

    NEWBURGH — Mount Saint Mary College will present the new film, “Swim for the River,” a documentary about the Hudson River and the people working to protect it, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 12, in Aquinas 234. The film is free and the public is welcome. The film is based on the exploits of Christopher D. Swain, a social activist and environmentalist. He swam the 315 miles of the Hudson River, from the Adirondacks to New York City, two years ago, to raise awareness of the need to preserve the river. He braves white water, sewage, snapping turtles, hydroelectric dams, homeland security patrols, factory outfalls and PCB contamination. Along the way, the film introduces heroes, including Beacon’s Pete Seeger, who are fighting to protect the Hudson. Teachers are encouraged to attend. A study guide for the film along with other resources is available at www.swimfortheriver.com. One of the study guide authors will be present. Screenings are being provided to towns along the Hudson before the film’s release on public television. To learn more call Professor Lynn E. Maelia at 569-3131.