Earth Day proves we care about environment

M

analapan Earth Day 2000 was a unique event. It brought together a cross section of our community, demonstrating a desire to respect the environment and stop the "building pollution" which has endangered our quality of life. Four parks were cleaned up by Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Explorers, residents and municipal employees, as well as business and labor leaders. Trees were planted to demonstrate the need to plan our environment for the future. Business donors provided food, T-shirts and cleanup kits, as well as free gifts raffled off to participants.

Joseph F. Scozzari, superintendent of schools, announced the winner of our eighth-grade essay contest. Congressman Frank Pallone praised Manalapan and its residents for their commitment to Earth Day, a cause he has pioneered. Congress-man Rush Holt talked about the need for citizen involvement, as exemplified by Manalapan Earth Day 2000, and how it makes a difference in the quality of life of our communities.

Mayor Stuart J. Moskovitz focused on why this event was so special to all of Manalapan, saying, "This community’s participation in Earth Day demonstrates all of our commitments to preserve, protect and plan our environment for the future of Manalapan."

As the organizers for Earth Day 2000, we found that the people of Manalapan really care about the environment. Most importantly, we found a desire to build a community that enthusiastically wants to protect and enhance its quality of life.

The people who participated in Earth Day expressed a desire to preserve endangered species, clean up park lands and build a community that can be proud of its quality of life. We humbly express our appreciation to all of those who supported, participated and made Manalapan Earth 2000 a reality.

Gerard D. Ward

Bruce K. Brickman

Manalapan 2000

Earth Day Committee