MANCHESTER – It was a dirty job but somebody had to do it – and the somebodies were members of the Manchester Township Environmental Commission. Earlier this fall they coordinated their annual clean-up in a section of the community.
Councilwoman Sandy Drake who was present at the event and helped with the clean-up reported on what occurred during a recent Township Council meeting.
“It was a very successful event but we are looking for more people to get involved,” Councilwoman Drake remarked.
Among the volunteers present were Manchester Environmental Commission Secretary Amanda Kisty and Public Works Supervisor Stephen McTigue who joined others at the two-hour event behind the Manchester Little League fields and along the banks of Pine Lake.
Commissioners removed a significant amount of debris ranging from household garbage and construction materials to large bulk items such as table saws and picnic benches.
The Commission extended their sincere thanks to all of those who came out to help out the effort and aid them with their ongoing mission to protect and enhance the township’s natural environment.
In an effort to broaden community engagement, the township Environmental Commission encourages residents to attend their monthly meetings, held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m., and to join in the many environmental events offered throughout the year. One of their functions is to review land use applications that may involve aspects of the environment and which might present environmental risks. They make recommendations to the township’s land use boards and the Council.
Some of their main events include the annual Earth Day Art Contest for the Manchester School District, the Green Fair, an Earth Day Clean-Up, and the Fall Community Clean-Up. Participation in these initiatives helps promote education, environmental stewardship, and community pride.
The Commission includes Chairman Jim Sloan, Vice Chairwoman Doreen Shary, Councilwoman Sandy Drake, Jim Gravatt, Kathleen Stricchiola.
Alternate member #1 is Anthony Nasta and Alternate #2 is vacant at this time. New members are welcome on the panel to offer different perspectives and experience along with their voices.
“It would be wonderful to get the community involved in discussion, education, and participation to keep Manchester beautiful and healthy for years to come,” the Commissioners emphasized in a joint statement.
Residents interested in joining the Environmental Commission or learning more about upcoming events may contact the board secretary at AKisty@Manchestertwp.com. For more information residents can also call 732-657-8121 or visit manchestertwp.com.
