The hard work and dedication of the Asbury Park Environmental Shade Tree Commission has been recognized by the state this week.
The organization, chaired by Tom Pivinski, was notified that it has been named an Honoree for the 2020 New Jersey State Governor’s Jefferson Awards.
The awards are the state’s official recognition for community service and are in partnership with the Governor’s Council on Volunteerism.
Pivinski, chair of the Environmental Shade Tree Commission has been instrumental in creating and maintaining the city’s 21 gardens, scattered throughout town.
One of those gardens, a food garden near Municipal Hall, grows and distributes vegetables which are given out for free every Saturday in season from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
“Last year we gave out 1700 pounds of free food,” Pivinski said.
The group also started a cloth bag drive when hundreds of reusable bags were sewn and given out.
“People bring back the bags to be refilled,” he said.
Pivinski praised and thanked all the ESTC volunteers via email for their ongoing participation at weekly “greenings” of the gardens.
“Congratulations! The ESTC Volunteers are honorees of the 2020 New Jersey State Governor’s Jefferson Award because of your mazing dedication and hard work in all the gardens throughout the city.
“I have responded and hope you will RSVP too for the virtual ceremony on Feb. 20. So nice to know that your Greenings are appreciated and honored.”
During the virtual awards ceremony honorees will be acknowledged and medalists will be announced in each category.
Medalists will then be honored at a 2021 in person awards event that has yet to be announced.
