To the Editor:

More than 12 years ago, I was deeply drawn to the Hilltowns when I first visited upstate New York in support of a network of free support communities for people living with cancer and their families and friends.  When I saw the beautiful land in Berne that became the Rigpa Center for Wisdom and Compassion, a Buddhist retreat center, I felt such a deep connection with the land that Rensselaerville became my home.

Now, once again, I am deeply moved by this very special land: It is such good news that the town of Berne will preserve this inheritance for its community members and others who will benefit from its new purpose.  Thank you, town board, for making this happen!

The Rigpa group decided that it wished to focus on an urban center in San Francisco, but I can trust that the new owners of the land on Game Farm Road will preserve the original vision of maintaining its pristine quality and expanding its availability for all to enjoy.  The conservation easement will ensure that vision, with a historic merging of public and private funds for the good of land preservation and right usage.

I hope that this far-seeing venture will be seen as a model of how to keep intact the rural qualities for land use that the town’s citizens said long ago they are determined to preserve.  There can be no better way to do this than to secure as that model one of the most beautiful and few remaining unspoiled sites in the county, right here in Berne. 

I have no doubt that there will be no shortage of great ideas of how to best utilize this land for meaningful public activity.  As the student who first brought the Buddhist community to our midst, I trust that the sacred quality of the land will always be honored.

Not just with the Path for Peace and Compassion that Rigpa established to welcome the surrounding community, but with a wealth of opportunities for respectful recreation, jobs, partnerships for education and service, and retreats that will be redefined for the modern world, along with heritage farming exploration — to name just a few that cross my mind for consideration.

The possibilities are so rich: I’m sure the folks in Berne will enjoy exploring them.

Again, I send my appreciation to the conservancy agency, the town ,and the county for this wonderfully promising gem in the midst of Berne.  Future generations will surely join me in thanking you for your generosity and foresight.

Joanna Bull
Founder, Gilda’s Club Worldwide
Rensselaerville