Efforts to care for the earth and its resources have been a part of the Presentation Sisters’ mission for many years, so taking part in Green Aberdeen and their 1st Annual Earth Day Fair April 22, 2016, at the Briscoe Building and Aberdeen’s, SD Central Park, was a natural fit. Mayor Mike Levsen attended the event to commend everyone for picking up trash around downtown and took time to partake in the fairs informational booths, commercial vendors, music, a silent auction and the children’s art display.
The Sisters’ booth was hosted by Sisters and employees of the Presentation Convent, and provided information of the Sisters green efforts. The display featured photos and detailed information of the 125 continuous tracking solar panels on the convent building, the new boiler system, recycling efforts and the 80-foot tall wind turbine located on the Convent property. Sister Kathleen Bierne performed demonstrations on how to make your own green cleaning products and provided a green cleaning brochure of recipes to the attendees.
Green Aberdeen started in December 2014 with hopes to educate and empower one another and be involved in our community in order to create a greener, healthier environment. They welcome everyone and invite them to join in their efforts. Green Aberdeen is a volunteer group committed to serving the Aberdeen area by promoting and implementing practices consistent with sustainable living.
Earlier that week, Sister Mary Lou Geraets and Kayla Herman, a Green Aberdeen volunteer, provided an information session for the Sisters and Convent employees on recycling. Sister Mary Lou has been dedicated in her efforts to live and promote green living around the Convent for many years. She said, “Our All Holy Creator loves and dwells in all creation, so all is holy, sacred and precious. All is related and connected that is why we need to treat creation reverently,” says Sister Mary Lou. The Presentation Sisters actively support and promote sustainable living and encourage all people of this Earth to do the same.
