Local Vigil Aims to Educate, Remedy Gulf Oil Spill

If the recent oil spill in the Bronx River is a microcosm for the Gulf oil spill, yesterday's Harbor Island vigil is a microcosm for the nation's outrage.

Concerned residents and local officials from Larchmont and Mamaroneck gathered at Harbor Island Park yesterday evening—many arriving by bike or on foot to send a message—and discussed the spill and its global and local effects.

Mamaroneck resident Nicole Butterfield organized the event, borrowing the idea from MoveOn.org, an organization that promotes civic action. The Mamaroneck vigil was one of about 200 vigils nationwide last night inspired by MoveOn.

"I wanted to raise awareness and bring people together to determine ways we can contribute to the cause," Butterfield said. "We're also here to show solidarity with the Gulf Coast; if it were happening here, we would feel the urgency."  

In her e-mails to residents, Butterfield encouraged parents to bring along their children, too.

"Our kids can relate to this disaster through the animals," she said. "My children see the turtles and fish covered in oil and want to know how they can help."

"It's important to show them we're concerned," she added.

The vigil began at 7 p.m., and within half an hour nearly thirty people were on the beach. One attendant, Mamaroneck's Mary Kay Duffy, held a picket displaying the BP logo with a line through it.

"It's important to join together with like-minded people, express your sentiments and gather information," Duffy said. "It strengthens the community."

Some in the crowd came across the vigil unexpectedly and stuck around.

"I just showed up here—my son wanted to go to the park—and saw this protest going on," said Ilssa Miller of Mamaroneck. "I'm really devastated by what's going on in the Gulf... If they're going to produce oil, they have to anticipate not everything is going to go smoothly—there need to be an escape route."

Once the crowd assembled on the beach, Butterfield began the vigil—candles were lit and everyone observed a moment of silence. Butterfield and others read aloud testimonials and facts from the spill. Facts were candid and dismaying: nearly 20 percent of Gulf fishing has been suspended, several rescue workers have reported health problems and an estimated three sperm whales have been killed.

"We can't stand by and let this devastation happen anywhere else in the world," Butterfield said.

Village Manager Richard Slingerland was among those who turned out, and he noted the event was reminiscent of those past.

"When something happens—on a national or global level—people come together," he said. "We have a beautiful park and beach here and people understand and sympathize with what's going on in the Gulf."

Slingerland likened the vigil to the Mamaroneck's response to Hurricane Katrina.

At the vigil's close, Butterfield encouraged everyone to donate to the cause. She directed those interested to the Gulf Restoration Network and the Gulf Coast Fund.