May 11, 2012
NorthJersey.com
The Ridgewood News

 

Letter: Congratulations on Earth Day Fair

By Kathryn Ferdinand

 

 

Congratulations Parks and Rec

To the editor:

Congratulations are in order to the Ridgewood Parks and Recreation and Ridgewood High School Students for Environmental Action for hosting and organizing the Village Earth Day/Arbor Day Fair. The event was held at Van Neste Park on April 21, the weekend of the original Earth Day promoted by former U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin on April 22, 1970. Nelson later was the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1995 for his role as Earth Day founder.

All types of vendors, exhibitors and participants were included in the festivities of the day. The spectacular roster included: the NJ Beekeepers, local Girl Scout troops, Master Gardeners, the NJ Sierra Club, the Hackensack Riverkeeper, Ridgewood Water, Ridgewood Cycle Shop and many additional tree and landscaping companies and green companies promoting healthy environmental practices. I was lucky enough to participate as part of the Ridgewood Education Association, which set up an exhibit and handed out pine and spruce seedlings to those who attended. Our seedlings had an attached quote from Rachel Carson, "If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in." The quote definitely captured the "spirit of the event" last Saturday afternoon.

Those who attended the event and those who were responsible for participating in the event were celebrating the Earth, its resources, its beauty and its preservation. Many walked through the park that day with words of advice in planting trees and flowers, others had stories to share about other environmentally sound practices, and other educational programs for children. The League of Women Voters was even present to register anyone to vote in the elections. There was a sense of community and passion for nature within Van Neste Park, that Ridgewood is so good at organizing, presenting and promoting.

We thank the Ridgewood Parks and Recreation Director Timothy Cronin and Deputy Director Nancy Bigos for their commitment and hours in dedicating programs and celebrations to promoting a sense of wonder in nature and an appreciation for Ridgewood’s resources and land. This year’s SEA and REAC action committees from Ridgewood High School are also to be congratulated for their efforts in organizing children’s programs at the Earth Day event.

Kathryn Ferdinand

Teacher, Ridgewood Education Association