CNBNews

By Dawn Watson

CNBNews.net Reporter

GLOUCESTER CITY NJ-The Gloucester City Library was unusually crowded on Thursday evening as the new Gloucester City Gardening & Beautification Association held its first public, community-wide meeting. Approximately 45 people came out to discuss the Corner Curb Appeal Project and to ask for volunteers to keep the project alive.

The Tree and Beautification Committee separated into the Gloucester City Shade Tree Committee and the Gloucester City Gardening and Beautification Association.

Joyce Calzonetti and Mickie Glassman, Co-Chairwomen and active members of the Gloucester City Gardening & Beautification Association pointed out that citizens don’t have to invest a lot of time to help beautify the city. “All it takes is a little effort close to home and we can accomplish a lot,” Ms. Glassman stated. “Look at the work done on our beautiful community garden. We are so lucky that it’s never been vandalized and people just stop and admire it.”

Ms. Calzonetti added, “The garden is growing on mushroom compost, a rich substance that enhances growth. Some of the vegetables will be donated to our senior citizens. Later on down the line, we may consider letting our kids have a farm stand in front of the garden.”

Because the GCGBA is now a non-profit, any monies donated will be tax deductible. Several citizens stepped up to the plate on Thursday; one man offered to provide equipment and a truck for hauling dead trees and making them into chips. Another offered her skills as a sculptor. Yet another, an art teacher, offered to enlist the aid of her students in a mural project.

“We are not affiliated with any political party,” Ms. Calzonetti said. Both groups want the same thing—a beautiful city that utilizes the talents of its citizens. The Gloucester City Shade Tree Committee would like to become a Shade Tree Commission because the Shade Tree & Community Forestry Act of 1996 mandates the allotment of monies and state assistance in maintaining shade trees throughout the state.

Ms. Calzonetti and Ms. Glassman are also committed members of the Shade Tree Committee.

Eric Fetteroff, life-long resident and volunteer with the Historical Society suggested publishing some before-and-after pictures of clean ups in addition to periodically holding contests for beautiful homes or gardens.

Jess Torres, Vice Chairman of the Shade Tree Committee, was on hand to offer his encouragement. “This meeting is a testament to the people of Gloucester City. Let’s take back our city and make it the beautiful, vibrant community it was meant to be” he said.

If you would like to be a part of the Corner Curb Appeal Project or are interested in volunteering in any capacity please contact Joyce at 856-456-1113 or Mickie at 856-456-5862.

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