CapeMayHerald.com (Cape May, NJ): League of Municipalities Names Officers; Talks Green Fair
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A group of mayors, council members, commissioners, committee persons, freeholders and other members of local governments met Jan. 26 to name their leaders for 2010 and to hear about making their communities greener.
In the hall of the VFW Post 386 at 419 Congress St., the Cape May County chapter of the state League of Municipalities held its annual installation dinner.
Installed were this year’s officers: President David Ellenberg, of Avalon; 1st Vice President William Kehner, of Sea Isle City; 2nd Vice President Anita Van Heeswyk, of Cape May Point; Secretary Bonnie Carlson, of Wildwood Crest; and Treasurer Carl Schupp, of Cape May Point.
Ellenberg replaced last year’s president Dennis Crippen, of Dennis Township. Carlson and Schupp retained their seats from 2009.
Installing officers included: Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi, Freeholders Daniel Beyel and Leonard Desiderio as well as Assemblymen Nelson Albano and Matthew Milam.
The state League lobbies for legislation that would positively affect local governments and their citizens. The local chapter focuses more specifically on issues that affect municipalities in this county.
The county League meets monthly to discuss recent developments, share ideas and plan for the future. Attendees also hear from guest speakers who give presentations on various issues important to local governments.
Following the installation and dinner, Ellenberg introduced Jim Collins of the Avalon Green Team, to give the municipal leaders an overview of his group’s Green Fair that was held on Columbus Day weekend in October, in conjunction with the annual Chamber of Commerce Seafood Festival.
Collins said a Green Fair was a great way to create interest and excitement in a community about how to be environmentally conscious and save money at the same time.
Avalon’s Green Fair featured around 20 exhibitors and vendors who showcased many ideas on how easy it is to go green, including: solar power, smart irrigation, energy audits, ‘green’ construction, home insulation and the NJ Clean Energy program. The exhibitors also gave away hundreds of dollars worth of merchandise and incentives to visitors, he said.
According to Collins, one of the most exciting exhibits was “Project Porchlight,” which handed out free CFL (Compact Florescent Light) bulbs to the public. These recyclable bulbs use 70 percent less energy and last five times longer than traditional bulbs, Collins said.
For communities interested in having a Green Fair of their own, Collins suggested: gathering support and training volunteers; holding it during an existing event; carefully chose vendors; create partnerships with schools and community groups; publicize the event in local media; and have monthly meetings to maintain interest in the event.
For information about starting a Green Fair, contact Collins at colfam5@comcast.net.
Contact Hart at (609) 886-8600 Ext 35 or at: jhart@cmcherald.com
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