Hackensack Riverkeeper teaches environmental diversity

Capt. Bill, Hugh Carola share stories, techniques at annual ANJEE conference

 

At the Annual Statewide Conference of the Alliance of New Jersey Environmental Educators (ANJEE) held at Rider University during January 9-11, Capt. Bill and Program Director Hugh Carola conducted a pair of workshops designed to help educators reach diverse audiences. The two drew upon their many years of experience working with disadvantaged and inner-city youth in presenting “The Message, Like the Earth, Belongs to All.”

 

Geared to both teachers and non-formal educators alike, the workshop featured stories and insights – some humorous – about what it’s like living and working in an urban estuary. The presentation also complimented the theme of the eighteenth annual event which was “Are You Environmentally Literate?”

 

“From the very beginning of Hackensack Riverkeeper, I committed the organization to reaching all the people of my watershed,” said Capt. Bill, “and that includes people who live in places like Jersey City, North Bergen and Hackensack – places that are better known for pavement, concrete and steel than for water, woods and wetlands.” For far too long, according to the Captain, too many people have been disenfranchised from the natural world due to economics and indifference.

 

Successful efforts to counteract that disenfranchisement include programs like Hackensack Riverkeeper’s Eco-Cruise, Eco-Walk and Urban Fishing Programs where participants experience a hands-on and face-to-face encounter with nature. Capt. Bill and Hugh shared observations gleaned from their experiences with those programs during their workshops. “There are few things in life that give me as much satisfaction as taking kids – especially city kids –  out on the water or on walks into the marshes of the Meadowlands,” said Hugh.

 

The conference held a bittersweet moment for the two men on Friday evening during the Annual ANJEE Awards Banquet. It was there that the late Ron Vellekamp, educator and longtime Hackensack Riverkeeper Trustee, was posthumously awarded the Pat Kane Lifetime Achievement Award. Before a packed audience that included Ron’s colleagues Eric Nelson of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, Rebecca Lesko of Tenafly Nature Center and Mark Gussen of Closter Nature Center, his brother Gary Vellekamp accepted the award on his behalf. (L-R) Eric Nelson, Palisades Interstate Commission, Pat Skelly, ANJEE President, Gary Vellekamp, Ron's brother, and Capt. Bill stand with Ron's award.

 

More than a few tears were shed as ANJEE’s Anne Galli described Ron’s dedication to his students, to the environment and especially to the Hackensack River’s recovery. In response, Gary spoke most eloquently in thanking Capt. Bill and Hugh for nominating Ron and thanking the members of ANJEE for keeping his brother’s memory alive. Capt. Bill reflected, “It was a sad moment for us all but I think we did a truly good thing.”

 

 

Ron Vellekamp Environmental Scholarship

Applications being accepted for Hackensack Riverkeeper’s newly-renamed award

 

On January 1, applications were distributed to high schools for the 2003 Ron Vellekamp Environmental Scholarship. Formerly known as the Hackensack Riverkeeper Environmental Scholarship Award, the program was re-named last year in honor of the late Mr. Vellekamp of Tenafly, NJ who was an educator, Scout leader, park ranger and Riverkeeper Trustee.

 

“Last year, we lost a dear friend and tireless co-worker,” said Capt. Bill. “Ron was the epitome of a dedicated teacher; he was dedicated to his students at Ridgefield Jr/Sr High School and dedicated to the recovery of the Hackensack River.” Mr. Vellekamp was well-liked and respected by students and colleagues alike and it is hoped that the scholarship that now bears his name will continue his legacy of dedication to youth.

 

The guidance departments of every high school in the watershed – sixty of them – were contacted in early January and invited to nominate one of their students for the Scholarship. Applications can be submitted on behalf of the student by his or her guidance counselor or faculty advisor.

 

In deciding upon a winner, the applicant’s academic achievements, extra-curricular activities and future plans will be considered as well as how well they all blend with the environment. The winner will receive a $1000.00 grant that the recipient can use for the purchase of books or other educational materials during his or her first year in college. 

 

Last year’s winner was Jacqueline Allalouf who graduated from Pearl River (NY) High School. Ms. Allalouf is currently enrolled at the State University of New York’s College of Environmental Science and Forestry located in Syracuse, NY.

 

Application criteria can be obtained by calling our office at 201-968-0808 or by visiting our Website at: www.HackensackRiverkeeper.org.  Applications must be postmarked no later than Earth Day, April 22, 2003 and the winner will be announced on June 1st.