Plumsted library will host annual Earth Day exhibit

PLUMSTED - In observance of Earth Day 2008, the Township Committee appointed nine citizen members to the new Green TechnologyAdvisory Committee and will co-sponsor an Earth Day show and exhibit on April 19 at the Plumsted Library, Evergreen Road, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

According to Mayor Ron Dancer, the Green Technology committee will take advantage of the grant programs, services and incentives offered by the New Jersey Clean Energy Program, administered by the state Board of Public Utilities, that promotes energy efficiency and renewable energy to save natural resources and money.

In 2006, New Jersey's Clean Energy Program funded more than $170 million in projects around the state and Dancer said the Green Technology committee will seek a larger share of that funding for Plumsted residents, businesses, the local government and the Plumsted School District.

The charter volunteer members of the advisory committee are Jeff Dickert, Ken Fry, Bill Masi, Dave Menaker, Don Reed, Mark Remy, Rick Sehein, Jake Wig and a liaison from the Township Committee, Committeeman Steve Reed.

In other news, Dancer said that last month the number of permanently green open space acres in Plumsted increased by 57 acres as the Nash property on Long Swamp Road, consisting of woodlands and fields, was preserved by the Ocean County Natural Lands Preservation Program.

By obtaining the major financial support of the state and Ocean County, Plumsted has more than 3,000 acres of woodland, farmland and open spaces permanently preserved from future development, according to the mayor. Preserving this land has not only prevented the construction ofmore than 2,000 homes, but has saved Plumsted's natural resources and millions of dollars in financial resources of taxpayers in school taxes and public services, Dancer explained.

Preserving the township's historically significant properties and structures became official public policy with the Township Committee, at itsApril publicmeeting, appointing citizenmembers to the newHistoric Preservation and Design Review Advisory Committee.

The charter volunteer members are Sarah Jo Mains and Carol Reed from the historical society; Glenn Riccardi and Peter Ylvisaker fromthe New EgyptMain Street Design Committee;HerbMarinari fromthe Business Merchants Association; Laura Essl, citizen member; two members to be announced fromthe LandUse Board; and a Township Committee liaison, Committeeman Steve Reed.

Finally, in preparation of the opening and to oversee and coordinate the functions of the township's first senior citizen meeting and activities room, the Township Committee appointed the following trustees: John St. Clair, Janice Ridgway, and two members to be announced from the Senior Outreach Search Committee.

With support and participation growing, the Township Committee also appointed the following three additional members to the Senior Outreach Search Committee: Alex Buzgo, Rosemary Ritter and Patty Wysong.