Dear Friends, It was 16 years ago when my good friend Liso Starrett told me about the fine work of Riverpool and about their annual Hudson River Swim . The Riverpool itself is a permeable membrane pool that rests in the Hudson and is freely available to all who would like to take a cool Summer dip in the beautiful Hudson River. It provides a chance to swim for those who would otherwise have no safe access to the River. This annual fundraiser serves to maintain, staff and operate the Riverpool. But more importantly, it's a part of a larger effort bringing about the environmental healing and resurrection of the Hudson! Now that the River is cleaner and safer, a whole new generation of people will be able to enjoy this beautiful and historic place.
Why do I support this work? As a Presbyterian minister, I understand the spiritual connection between us and the water. Through the water, we are healed, cleansed and nourished. Christianity even celebrates our spiritual connection with water through the Sacrament of Baptism. Old hymns like "Shall We Gather At The River" bear testimony to the sanctity of all water. God gives us stewardship over all of our natural resources. We owe it to our forebearers and to our succeeding generations to responsibly care for the world we live in.
And personally, I was born near Lake Michigan. I learned to swim in Long Island Sound. My ancestors and I swam, fished and boated in the Susquehanna. As a college student, I lived near the Cuyahoga back in the bad old days when it was so polluted, it used to catch fire! But I have lived most of my adult life here in New York near the Hudson. This sacred place is as near and dear to me as my own family. I am glad and grateful to daily witness all the ways in which it continues to come back to life!
This will be my 7th Swim. It always happens around my birthday, so I count it as another way in which I celebrate and give thanks for so many and for so much. It's also been fun getting back in swimming shape. Since retiring in January, I have hit the gym and pool three times a week. These last 2 years I've dropped 30 pounds. I feel stronger and faster than I have in ages!
Last year, two wonderful friends from Westchester Medical Center, Tom Fredrick and Paul Egel joined the ranks of the 200 plus people who swim this crossing from Newburgh to Beacon. It's so fun to have that kind of great company--and for the 3 of us to swim again this year. So, we're renting a convertible and driving in style! (Thanks to my wife Kate for one more great gift)
Thanks to all for your kindness and love through the years. And please join me in our larger work of resurrecting the Hudson by supporting the work of Riverpool by donating to my page for the Swim. Blessings and peace! - Douglas Phillips
