0August 26, 2020
NEWSPAPER MEDIA GROUP • www.centraljersey.com
SENTINEL 3
Monroe partners with Rutgers Cooperative Extension to participate in rain garden program
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onroe Township is one of approximately 84 towns in New Jersey to receive grant funding from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to implement green infrastructure projects in partnership with the Rutgers Cooperative Extension (RCE) Water Resources Program. “I am thrilled that our environmentally-friendly community has been granted the opportunity to participate in this rain garden program in cooperation with Rutgers,” Mayor Gerald W. Tamburro said in a statement after the announcement on Aug. 12. “We are always looking to advance our sustainability initiatives to ensure a cleaner and greener future for our town.” The grant was used to install rain garden beds at the Monroe Township Senior Center, located at 12 Halsey Reed Road. The RCE prepared the site, provided technical support and funded project materials, according to the statement. A rain garden is a shallow depression that is planted with deep-rooted native plants and grasses. Typically positioned near a runoff source such as a downspout or driveway, rain gardens capture rainwater runoff and stop the water from reaching the sewer system, according to the statement. The aim of the rain garden project is to demonstrate the benefits of green stormwater infrastructure and offer an environmental education opportunity for visitors to the site. “The RCE Water Resources Program is very excited
PHOTO COURTESY OF MONROE TOWNSHIP
Rain garden installed at the Monroe Township Senior Center.
about partnering with Monroe Township to build these beautiful rain gardens. It is a great project that can be completed while social distancing,” Dr. Obropta, RCE Extension specialist in Water Resources said in the statement. “It is wonderful to see communities continue to work to protect the health of their local waterways as we, as a society, struggle to maintain our personal health during this pandemic.” In Monroe, the rain garden beds are featured on either side of the main entrance of the Senior Center. Each bed is approximately 400 to 600 square feet. Designed to conform to the existing landscaped beds adjacent to the building, the gardens will manage rooftop stormwater runoff from adjacent downspouts, according to the statement. “The Monroe Township Environmental Commission and Green Team have greatly appreciated our collaborative effort with RCE on this project,” Karen Polidoro, Environmental Commission chairperson, said in the statement. “Rain gardens function as a beautiful way to ‘green’ Monroe by helping to reduce the amount of stormwater runoff that directly enters our streams.” For more information on rain gardens or to get involved with the Environmental Commission and Green Team projects, email Kathy Budge at kbudge@monroetwp.com. The Environmental Commission meets the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. Visit the Calendar on the Monroe Township website for information on how to attend.
East Brunswick scouts bridge from Daisys to Brownies
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ne of the most treasured ceremonies in Girl Scouting is the bridging ceremony. Bridging is a tradition that honors girls’ achievements throughout the year and celebrates their advancement in Girl Scouts. It is symbolized by crossing the bridge. This year around the nation, bridging ceremonies look a little different from the past, but East Brunswick Daisy Troop 81624 found a way to celebrate their transition from Daisy to Brownie Girl Scouts. “Girl Scouts is a big part of our lives and such an important organization,” Julie Peysakhova, troop co-leader, said in a statement provided by AMS Communications. “We wanted to have a safe, inperson bridging experience because our
girls have worked so hard and exhibit the true values of Girl Scouts. They completed all of their badge projects, jumped up for every opportunity to help others in the community, and learned to be compassionate, resourceful leaders.” The troop has been meeting virtually since the governor’s order to shelter in place. They have stayed connected to their friends, even if only by Zoom, to work on badges and participate in other virtual programs offered by the Girl Scouts of Central and Southern New Jersey, according to the statement. “Developing a strong sense of sisterhood and friendship while following the Girl Scout Promise is as important today as it has ever been in the past,” Jennifer
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Megna, troop co-leader, said in the statement. “We felt fortunate to have been able to plan and successfully execute an amazing bridge ceremony for our Girl Scouts.” While the girls of Troop 81624 are advancing from first to second grade, they are also advancing from Daisy to Brownie Girl Scouts. Izabella Megna said, “Girl Scouts are important to me because I can make a difference in the community, and bridging is important to me because I get to learn different things from Brownies, and it can be with my friends from Daisys.” Madison Austin said, “I’m happy to be a Girl Scout, and I like helping everyone in my family and every Girl Scout.”
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Ava Hoffman-Peysakhova said, “I like being a Girl Scout because we get to do so many fun activities, and I get to help lots of people. Bridging was important to me because it means that we are getting older and get to move to the next level of Girl Scouts and do so many more new things.” “One of the great joys of leading the Girl Scouts of Central and Southern New Jersey is supporting the girls as they grow,” Ginny Marino, CEO, said in the statement. “It is particularly fulfilling to see girls who were shy as Daisies advance and initiate projects, lead activities, and share their points of view.”
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