OF THE YEAR AWARD
For Immediate Release
November 27, 2012 Contact: Jeff Tittel, Director, 609-558-9100 John Kashwick, North Jersey Group Chair, 212-556-1257 CLOSTER COUNCILMAN RECEIVES SIERRA CLUBS VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD*
John Kashwick, a New Jersey Sierra Club volunteer, was awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award on Sunday, November 11 at a ceremony in Princeton, New Jersey. Kashwick was recognized for his many contributions to the New Jersey Chapter, including his efforts as chair of the North Jersey Group to oppose harmful development projects and promote environmental activism. Kashwick has been leading the clubs campaign to achieve better protections for the Delaware Water Gap as a National Park and Preserve.
"John is the living spirit of the Sierra Club with all his volunteer efforts on behalf of the environment. From leading our local North Jersey group to his work on the Delaware Water Gap to his work on the Closter Borough Council, John puts in countless hours to ensure we have a better environment here in New Jersey," *said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club*.
"John Kashwick's dedication of his time and effort to safeguard the environment and improve his local community demonstrates that one person can make a difference. It has been my privilege to collaborate with John to address New Jersey environmental issues and I thank him for working to improve our community and the northern New Jersey region," *said Dr. Beth Ravit, Conservation Chair of the North Jersey and Co-Director, Center for Urban Environmental Sustainability at Rutgers University*. Kashwick, who has been a Sierra Club member for 20 years, became the Chair of the North Jersey Group in November of 2011."One of the cornerstones of a successful group is getting people involved and that has been my goal since becoming chair.This award is shared by everyone in the group that worked so diligently in the past year," said Kashwick. Kashwick, who has served on the Closter Council since January 2006, is also the liaison to the Closter Environmental Commission, the Shade Tree Commission, and Historic Preservation Commission.He was Council President is 2008 and 2011.Since being on the Council, he has worked to pass ordinances controlling light trespass, encouraging tree preservation, and curbing "pay to play" politics.He is currently working on getting a conservation zone designated within the Borough. Also receiving recognition awards that day were Congressman Rush Holt (D-Hopewell Township), Senator Kip Bateman (R-Somerville), and Assemblyman John McKeon (D-Montclair).
-- Kate Millsaps Conservation Program Coordinator NJ Chapter of the Sierra Club 609-656-7612