March to Highlight Importance of Science to Central Wisconsin
As part of Earth Day celebrations, April 22nd also brings the March for Science to Marshfield. The purpose of the march is to highlight the significance that science brings not only to Central Wisconsin but to the world as a whole. Whether it’s in the field of medicine, agriculture, technology, education or the many other areas touched by science, it is important for growth in all aspects of life.
Kajal Sitwala is one of the event organizers and stresses how important science is to the community and how it affects everyone. This march is meant to highlight the good that comes from it and “to celebrate the essential contributions of science to our society,” she said.
Other organizers second her thoughts.
“Science is unbiased. It seeks truth and the best solutions to our issues as a society. As such, it should play a significant role in our local, state and national government policy decisions,” event organizer Marian Greenburg said.
“It is our best tool for moving our world forward and improving lives of people all over the planet. Government funding for scientific programming and research must be maintained, not cut,” said Mark T. Nelson, a Marshfield businessman. He added that in addition to its global importance, science is indispensable to the well-being of central Wisconsin.
The march will start will participants meeting and the Everett Roehl Marshfield Public Library at 10:00 am. There is no cost to attend. Marchers are encouraged to make signs exhibiting the areas they support.
The march will start at the Library, head to City Hall, then to Veterans Parkway before ending at the Oak Avenue Community Center.
Several speakers are lined up and will start their speeches at a rally held at the Community Center from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm. Scheduled to talk are: Keith Reopelle, senior policy director for Clean Wisconsin, who is responsible for state and regional policies addressing global warming; Dr. James Weber, founder and CEO of Prevention Genetics; Dr. Barbara Lee, director of the National Farm Medicine Center and senior research scientist at Marshfield Clinic Research Institute; and Dr. Edward Belongia, director of the Center for Clinical Epidemiology & Population Health at Marshfield Clinic Research Institute.
Several other prominent agricultural science and environmental leaders will speak at the event.
Jamaican Kitchens will provide food for the rally, and fun activities for children will be available. A Tesla electric car will be on display, music will be provided by local artist Joe G., and local organizations and institutions will host display tables.
For more information on joining the march and rally, or to volunteer or reserve a display table, search “Central Wisconsin March for Science” on Facebook, or contact Karen Shulman at [email protected].
