New Providence Green Challenge Celebration: A Green Triumph Before the Summer Concert

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ - On a pleasant Thursday evening, just before the final Summer Concert in the Park featuring Asbury Fever, New Providence came together to mark the success of its first Green Challenge. The gathering in the park highlighted the community’s commitment to sustainability.

With the park gradually filling up with eager concertgoers, Kathleen Dolan, Coordinator of the Sustanable New Providence Committee, kicked off the festivities. "Welcome and thanks everyone for coming to celebrate New Providence's first and hopefully annual Green Challenge," she began. Dolan highlighted the collaborative effort between the Sustainable New Providence Committee and the Recreation Department, which led to securing a $2,000 grant from Sustainable Jersey and the PSE&G Foundation. This funding was crucial in launching the Green Challenge, an initiative aimed at encouraging residents to adopt environmentally friendly habits.

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Dolan expressed gratitude to the various contributors who made the event possible, including the volunteer committee members, council liaisons Alex Cogan and Pete DeSarno, and committee member Doug Sullivan, and notably, Community Activities Director Allison Smith and her team. "If you have an interest in protecting our environment here in New Providence," Dolan said, "just flag one of us down, and we'll give you the information on how to get involved."

Smith then shared the exciting results of the Green Challenge. "We are thrilled to announce that over 203 residents participated in our first year, which exceeded our expectations," she said. The challenge, which was offered free of charge, aimed to inspire small yet impactful changes in daily habits to reduce carbon footprints. Participants received weekly emails with tips on living more sustainably and were eligible for raffle prizes, which added an extra layer of excitement to their green endeavors.

Smith acknowledged the support from various organizations, including the PSE&G Foundation and Sustainable Jersey, and expressed her appreciation for the community's enthusiastic participation. She then invited Councilman Pete DeSarno to share his thoughts.

Councilman DeSarno praised the initiative, stating, "Programs like this help bring a community together for a great cause. It’s fun and keeps recycling and sustainability top of mind, which is so important." His words underscored the value of community engagement in environmental efforts.

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Before diving into the much-anticipated raffle, Smith made a special mention of two young participants who had provided consistent feedback throughout the competition. She recognized their commitment, and even though they were not present, special gifts were set aside for them.

The raffle drew considerable excitement, with various sustainable prizes up for grabs. Councilman Matt Cumiskey joined the Green Challenge team to help draw the winners. The first item, a countertop composter. Other prizes included a Yeti cooler, several terrarium and herb planters, and four New Providence reusable bottles were also given away.

As the raffle concluded, Smith thanked everyone for their participation and enthusiasm, reminding them to enjoy the concert that was about to begin. The Green Challenge celebration was not only a testament to the community's commitment to sustainability, but also a reminder of how local initiatives can have a significant impact.

The evening’s festivities seamlessly transitioned into the much-anticipated concert, with the park filled with the sounds of Asbury Fever and the joy of a community united for a cause. The Green Challenge had set a high bar for future environmental efforts, and the celebration was a fitting prelude to an evening of music and community spirit.

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