One Film at a Time

“Bringing our community together one film at a time…”  That’s the opening line of the website for The Ossining Documentary & Discussion Series that launches tonight.  The first film up is Queen of the Sun, the award winning documentary that takes us on a journey through the disappearance of bees, the mysterious world of beehives and the heartfelt struggles of beekeepers, scientists and philosophers where they reveal both the problems and solutions in renewing a culture in balance with nature.  Tonight’s program starts at 6:00 with a demonstration; the screening begins at 6:30, and is followed by a discussion with area beekeepers.  Please join us this evening in the Budarz Theater at the Ossining Public Library as we watch, learn, and engage.

I pushed for Queen of the Sun to be the first one we screened not just because it’s a great film, but because it may very directly help me do a better job as a village trustee.  I am a member of the subcommittee considering legislation that would permit beekeeping in the village.  While most people I’ve spoken with about the prospect of beekeeping in Ossining respond positively to the idea, some are concerned.  This screening is a forum where we can voice our concerns and ask questions of the beekeepers participating in our panel.

Engaging the community on issues that matter to Ossining is at the core of why I ran for Village Trustee.  I am so excited to be part of The Ossining Documentary & Discussion Series which furthers that concept as well as promotes awareness and action on issues I hold dear like community, equality and stewardship of the earth.   July 31 we’ll explore a very timely topic regarding our food sources, our health, and the role of corporations with GMO OMG.  August 29 we will will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington with Brother Outsider, a film about Bayard Rustin, the greatest civil rights leader most people have never heard of.  Then September 25 we will explore contentious issue of fracking in NY through the lens of protest music with Dear Governor Cuomo, including a discussion with Riverkeeper president Paul Gallagy and the film’s director/producer/writer Jon Bowermaster.

The steering committee for this series has come together very quickly.  There is great enthusiasm for the series—fortunately by really smart and talented people who have contributed  incredible skills, generosity, and time to making The Ossining Documentary & Discussion Series a success.  Now all we need is for our fellow community members to join us.  Looking forward to seeing many of you this evening at 6:00 at the Ossining Public Library.