Events of Summer 2008

Most of the QLC board members were busy on June 1, 2008. Already committed to the Hoboken Museum Garden Tour (Joan Abel even had her garden on the tour), graduations, and a freeholder race, the majority of the board worked elsewhere but even so life went on at the OLG Funfest where QLC and the Green Committee had a successful day, thanks to the following people.

Bob Duval and his sons came bright and early (they were headed to son John's graduation) to deliver from storage John Branciforte's tent, to set it up and to unravel the mysteries of the sturdy collapsible table donated by Joan Abel. They were soon followed by Ann and Gary Holtzman who brought with them the final box of tote bags which they had stored since last September. They expertly positioned the OLG banner and other signage and helped create an attractive table. Councilwoman Terry La Bruno brought early-morning assistance allowing for a coffee break before heading off for her daughter's graduation. Nishant Amin received thanks on his arrival and took over for a while. Pat Samperi came on the scene around noon to share her enthusiastic and in-depth knowledge about fluorescents to responsive families and singles alike. John Branciforte, back from his three month tour of Africa, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia and Australia briefly sat in until Steve Fahme and Mary Beth Yakoubian arrived. They deftly handled all comers until after 3 p.m. John B came back and was joined by Leo Serrano and JD Capuano all of whom made short work of breaking down the exhibit. We headed homeward by 5:45 p..m. (We were supposed to stay until 7 p.m. but had almost no materials remaining to give out.)

Thanks to all of these great volunteers and for their efforts. QLC collected 71 pledges to the Change-A-Light campaign. These people will also be recipients of future It's Easy Being Green monthly QLC e-mailings. In the course of the day we learned that a lot of people had already changed bulbs and were looking for improved recycling opportunities. We spoke with out-g0oing Freeholder Maurice Fitzgibbons who suggested that the County Recycling office institute a Hoboken Recycling Day for computers, electrical applicances, batteries, paint and the like. (ATTENTION winner of Freeholder race on Tuesday, June 3; follow up on that suggestion.) It was a rewarding day.

It is also important to note here that the wonderful "Live, Shop, Eat, Go" design found on the QLC tote bags and T shirts as well as the production of those tote bags and T shirts goes to board member Ann Holtzman who also donated all QLC. We are deeply grateful to Ann for creating the face of the QLC green movement in Hoboken.

Helen Manogue
June 2, 2008

Last revised on January 18, 2008

The Quality of Life Coalition
P O Box 1195
Hoboken, NJ 07030
Phone - 201-963-3511