Montgomery celebration attracts an estimated 400
By: Jake Uitti
MONTGOMERY The Montgomery Township Environmental Commission held its first Earth Day Fair on Saturday to a packed crowd at the new Otto Kauffman Community Center, despite rainy weather.
About 400 people braved the weather to attend, said township Public Information Officer Tammy Garaffa.
"Those who did were rewarded with lots of fun, food, games, giveaways and the chance to win a tree or composting bin in two raffles," she said.
The event, which was not a fundraiser, was intended to raise public awareness of environmental issues in the community and personal interest in protecting natural resources.
"The fair was a wonderful community happening, thanks to the volunteers, donors and Scout groups who came together and gave so generously their time and resources," Mayor Louise Wilson said. "The kids had a lot of fun and came away with the concept that things they and their families do for our environment really do make a difference."
Residents were invited to bring old computers and related equipment from home to be collected for recycling. A tractor-trailer full of computers and components was hauled away by HessTech LLC, courtesy of Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products Companies, Ms. Garaffa said.
"We were pleased to partner with the township on such an important and meaningful event," said Iris Grossman, associate director of communications at Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies Inc., based in the township.
Yasmin Reyes, whom Environmental Commission Chairwoman Gwen Farley thanked profusely for her efforts, spent many months calling on and organizing the volunteer groups, Ms. Garaffa said.
"The township Recreation Department not only hosted the event at the community center, but several recreation staff and Recreation Committee volunteers stayed out in the wet weather all afternoon," Ms. Reyes said. "It is no exaggeration to say this event would not have happened without them, especially Recreation Director Karen Zimmerman."
Some of the highlights of the celebration, Ms. Garaffa said, were the planting of a rain garden of special stormwater filtering plants in the median area of the parking area. Also, there was a display of wildflowers, bus tours to identify the locations where trails in the township begin, lemonade and popcorn stands that raised $300 for a family in Montgomery who lost their home to a fire, a free moon-bounce, a jazz concert, and free cups of organic coffee.

