Governor Corzine Visits Maplewood Green Day
Annual fair in Memorial Park focuses on environmental issues
Arriving shortly after noon, New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine met and greeted hundreds of attendees today at the Maplewood Green Day environmental fair. Strolling through Memorial Park, where the third annual Green Day was held, the governor was accompanied by Maplewood Mayor Vic DeLuca, Deputy Mayor Fred Profeta and Assemblywoman Mila Jasey. This was the governor’s second visit to Maplewood in a week; last Saturday he was the featured speaker at a Community Coalition on Race fundraiser held in Jasey's honor.
“This event first reinforces the attitude Maplewood has taken with regard to sustainability,” said Corzine of Green Day. “The public can see it’s important. Green Day is a great idea.”
The fact that the New Jersey Environmental Federation endorsed the Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie earlier in the week did not seem to diminish Corzine's enthusiasm for all things green. Corzine admired the bicycles and efficient vehicles on display. He also made a point of greeting many students. “Do you go to Columbia?” he asked a pair of sophomores. “It’s a great school,” he remarked, posing for a photo with the students.
As he made his way through the displays, Corzine autographed Frisbees and admired the community. “I love Maplewood. My daughter ran the tea shop for a while, and I have a lot of friends here. I have a soft spot for the town.”
Green Day attendees followed the governor closely, while live music played on the main stage. Activities for children included eco-cartoon drawing, climbing a rock wall, and face painting. In addition, environmental groups from Seton Hall and Columbia High School offered information and games. Morrow Church sponsored a pumpkin patch. Adults were drawn to vendors and exhibitors, including the South Orange-Maplewood Adult School, the Durand-Hedden House and PSE&G.
Alison Ziefert, a Green Day organizer, noted that the event “raises awareness in town. We have a great variety of vendors, goods, and services, as well as home improvement and environmental organizations. Every year, we hope that the public will take away a few new ideas. Even little changes add up.”
Before leaving, Corzine took the stage to greet Green Day attendees. “Events like this distinguish Maplewood from many communities in the state. I love what you’re teaching your kids.” A powerful gust of wind blew across Memorial Park. “It’s time to capture the wind,” joked Corzine. “And not from a politician. Have fun and get out and vote.”
charlottepaul
7:44 am on Sunday, October 11, 2009
Marcia, Saw your letter to ed in the Arts and Leisure section today. I knew who you were talking about immeditately. V funny. I agree about Monty Python. Best, CP
Andrea Correll
7:23 pm on Sunday, October 11, 2009
We were glad to have Governor Corzine stop in at Maplewood Green Day. 2 of the photos show the governor playing on the "carbon footprints." I've been leading many of the Kids Education and Empowerment activities since our first green fair 2 years ago and I wanted to find a way to help kids understand a little about carbon footprint. While reducing CO2 emissions is a topic that may fit better in a middle school science class, all kids can understand that people do things that impact our environment. So having a chance to literally step in bigger, deeper, darker footprints and then walk toward the small, light prints of a barefoot child is a way for them to experience this concept. The sign explains that when people do things like leave the lights on, turn the heat or air conditioning way up in their house, or drive their car much more than they need to, they are like a huge giant stomping across earth. But when they begin using less energy and making less pollution they become like a child walking lightly and caring for our environment.