Local kids have opportunity to ‘Blanket the Globe’

Children from Lynn and the surrounding area will have an opportunity to become a part of a unique, environmentally friendly art project this summer as the “Blanket the Globe” organization comes to Red Rock Park.The non-profit organization, created last year by 16-year-old Marblehead resident Casey Ehrlich, is designed to raise awareness and concern about the changing environment through the production of a giant quilt made up of individual squares sent in from children from around the world.A child 18 years old or younger can send in original fabric quilt squares that Ehrlich sews into a panel, beginning a new panel every 50 squares.Each quilt square is 12″ by 12″ and is made from used clothing or fabric. Participants in the program have been decorating the fabric and writing environmental messages with felt markers, buttons and other materials to show that children are concerned about the environment and want adults to take notice.The messages on the squares range from saving the whales to using alternative energy sources, but the one thing all the squares have in common is a desire to help the environment and save the earth for future generations.In less than a year, Ehrlich has received more than 1,100 squares from around the world and right here on the North Shore. Much of the project’s growth is due to the Internet, through www.blankettheglobe.com, and Ehrlich has even recruited a class in Peru that is working on the project along with some young children in Indonesia.Local children under the age of 18 can view the quilt this Saturday, July 26 from 10 a.m. to noon at Red Rock Park in Lynn. If families are interested in being a part of the project, they can return to Red Rock Park on Aug. 9 to create their own blanket square that Ehrlich will sew into the quilt.Children will need to bring a pre-cut, one-foot square of recycled fabric, either from an old shirt or other material such as a bed sheet and must be accompanied by an adult.The Blanket the Globe presentation is just one of many this summer organized by the DCR, the agency in charge of keeping up many public beaches and parks such as Red Rock Park.The organization has planned two events this week on Long Beach in Nahant exploring life on the beach and the history of Egg Rock off the coast of Nahant.”Life in the Beach Sand” will last from 10:30-11:30 a.m. today and the “Egg Rock to the Rescue” program will take place from 1- 2 p.m. today.Both programs are free and open to the public, but all children must be accompanied by an adult. The designated meeting place for both of today’s activities is the beach side of the Nahant Half-Way House.Later this week, the DCR will celebrate the new Revere Beach renovations and improvements with a “Gathering of Memories” of Revere Beach.The social event is free and open to residents of all ages. Participants will share recent and past memories of the historic beach in a “relaxed social atmosphere.”The DCR invites anyone to bring photos, drawings, paintings, souvenirs or diary entries to the event to share with the public. The official event lasts from 11 a.m. to noon on Friday, July 25, but participants are welcome to stay longer and socialize on the beach if they wish. Participants are asked to meet at the Shade Pavilion directly across from the Ocean Plaza Apartments, 400 Revere Beach Blvd.For more information contact DCR Visitor Services Supervisor Matthew Nash at 781-485-2804 or [email protected].