By Dave Fried
With winter finally upon us, now may be a good time to cast our gaze to spring and our inaugural Robbinsville Township Green Fair April 23.
The fair is organized as part of our Sustainable Jersey certification, a distinction in which our Green Team is extremely proud. We are really excited for the opportunity to positively impact the environment in not only Robbinsville, but our entire state. The theme of the event, which will take place inside the commons area of Robbinsville High School from noon to 4 p.m., is “Purge-Protect-Prevent.”
The concept behind the theme is to “Purge” what has been polluted, “Protect” what is clean, and “Prevent” future pollution through education to help ensure a clean environment for years to come. We are expecting between 30-40 exhibitors, and estimate a handful of others to be in attendance throughout the event. Several local and statewide organizations and local dignitaries will be on hand as both exhibitors and volunteers.
The township also is very excited to partner with a vital local charity, Thea’s Star Of Hope, which has come forward to sponsor the “2016 Step It Up For Research 5k,” formerly known as the “Earth Day 5k.” The race will take place at the 3.1-mile RHS cross country course on site. More details about the race, which will help the fight against pediatric brain cancer research, will be available in the coming weeks.
The Green Fair will cater to all ages and consist of a healthy assortment of vendors ranging from non-profit and civil organizations to local & tristate businesses. Vendors will cover everything from clean water and soil, to green building materials and environmentally friendly maintenance methods. Children’s activities will include green-themed arts and crafts projects, story-telling, face painting and games. Teenage and adult activities are set to include hands-on demonstrations, interactive workshops and collection drives for recyclable items. Music and food also will be available.
The Green Team is seeking additional vendors/exhibitors for this event. If your environmentally friendly organization would like to participate and have access to free exhibit space at the Green Fair, please fill out the application available on the township website (robbinsville-twp.org) and return by March 1 to libnys@robbinsville-twp.org. Individual vending areas measuring eight feet by 10 feet will be assigned on first to arrive, first to be assigned basis.
Sustainable Jersey representatives announced Nov. 3 that Robbinsville Township met the rigorous requirements to achieve Sustainable Jersey certification by being approved for 17 actions in seven categories for a total of 170 points.
Robbinsville is one of 48 towns that attained certification in 2015, and was honored on Nov. 17 in Atlantic City. Robbinsville first was established as a farming community in 1860. Although we are now a leader in business and industry, this honor, combined with our April 23 Green Fair, proves we are still very environmentally conscious.
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Ron Witt was re-elected president of the Robbinsville Township Council during the Jan. 5 reorganization meeting at the Senior Center. Vince Calcagno was elected vice president, while Dan Schuberth joined council after being elected to a four-year term in November. Chris Ciaccio and Witt also were elected terms in November. Calcagno’s and Sheree McGowan’s terms expire in 2017.
Dave Fried is the Mayor of Robbinsville.
