Local Step It Up rally held Saturday in Warwick

Historic group picture to be centerpiece of the day Warwick — Did you know that if you replace three frequently used light bulbs in your house with compact fluorescent light bulbs, you could save 300 pounds of carbon dioxide from going into the air we breathe? If that’s not enough return for your effort, how’s this: You will also save $60 per year in energy costs. That’s with only three light bulbs. You do the math to figure out your savings if you replace all of your home’s bulbs. This is one of the easiest things you can do to help make a difference in the environment we all share. Pat Gallagher would like everyone to learn a few more. He is spearheading a campaign for Warwick to be part of a national “Step It Up” activity on Saturday, Nov. 3, at the Warwick Valley Community Center. Global warming has been getting attention for quite a while — just about everyone in the scientific community as well as in political circles agrees there is something happening that is making a marked change in our environment. While many of us cringe at the video of polar bears drowning after swimming for miles to find a piece of frozen ice on which to rest, we wonder what can we actually do day to day to help the situation? Plenty, according to Gallagher. “This is an issue for everyone in our community,” said Gallagher. “The goal is to raise awareness in Warwick that carbon emissions are the same as pollution. If we want to leave the planet a better place for our kids and grand kids, we have to pick up the ball and run with it.” Gallagher is sprinting. He and others have set up an afternoon at the Community Center, from noon to 4 p.m., filled with fun and informative exhibits for the entire family. Pine Island’s own Cheryl Rogowski, who knows a thing or two about the environment and farming, will be one of the speakers. Representatives from a solar electric company will be on hand to explain and switch customers and a solar hot water demonstration will also take place. And, while Gallagher wants everyone to come by and get educated on the little things we can do to make a big difference, he wants also to leave a message for future generations. “We want to take a picture of a large group of people together, a group photo of Warwick residents at the turn of the 21st century advocating for climate awareness,” said Gallagher. “Sustainable Warwick got together on Community Preservation. We can do this. Wouldn’t it be wonderful for people years from now to see the picture and say ‘at the turn of the 21st century, Warwick made a difference in our environment’.” And the day is for kids too. Gallagher, who runs his own solar water heating business, said kids will enjoy the day’s merry atmosphere. The movie, “Happy Feet,” will be shown, and there will be activities aimed directly at the younger set. “They are our future,” said Gallagher. “In 10 years, these nine-year-olds will be voting. It’s important for them to learn about the environment from early on. And it is important for everyone to know they don’t have to sacrifice everything to help our environment. Just doing little things will have a positive effect.” For more information, log onto www.stepitup2007.org. Come out to the community center on Saturday, Nov. 3, from noon to 4 p.m. to learn more simple ways to help preserve the environment. The photo will be taken around 2 p.m.