Next Up – Understanding the Science of Climate Change

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Environmental Insights Series

Save the date for the next entry in our Environmental Insights Series and join us on Wednesday night, November 18 at 7 pm when Professor Dan Steinberg of Princeton University will speak about Understanding the Science of Climate Change.

Learn about the causes of climate change, the science behind it, and some of predicted effects of global warming/climate change. Dr. Steinberg will also cover the social implications of communicating climate change and suggest some resources for learning more.  Work done by researchers at Princeton University will be highlighted as well as their efforts in developing technologies that will help reduce carbon in the atmosphere.  The talk will also include a local focus on the effects of climate change in the state of New Jersey.

A former Operations Astronomer for the Hubble Space Telescope, Dan Steinberg holds a PhD in Geophysics from Binghamton University and has conducted research at the Goddard Space Flight Center. He was recently named a 2015 Fellow by the American Physical Society for his work at the Princeton University Materials Research Science and Engineering Center, where he has held the position of Education Outreach Director since 2000. Steinberg is the creator and leader of dozens of educational initiatives that bring science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to a broad public each year, including K-12 teachers and students, undergraduates and local families in the Princeton and Trenton regions.

The EGT’s Environmental Insights Series is designed to engage area residents in a public conversation about critical environmental issues and to spark new ideas concerning sustainability. Please join us.

Date: Wednesday, November 18
Time: 7 p.m.: Ewing Senior and Community Center, 999 Lower Ferry Rd., Ewing
Cost: Free and Open to the Public

Ewing Fall Spin Retrospective

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by Pete Boughton

With our 2015 Ewing Fall Spin successful in many ways, a rear-view mirror look-back is in order. Our biking advocacy team engendered a lot of positives on October 24 for which we are relieved and pleased and proud. About 4 dozen rode, vs the 2-3 dozen predicted. The foliage was gorgeous, the talks informative, the rest stop convivial, police and sag support effective, college student volunteers helpful, the Mayor’s kind words appreciated, the ride map, turn sheet and route arrows effective, and sponsorship wide-ranging.

We did dig out a few lessons learned as we plan for Fall 2016, such as firmer budget projections, resolving insurance issues and firming up the route earlier so as to more fully inform potential sponsors and cyclists . We will also ask those who cycled with us for helpful feedback.

The 2016 Fall Spin will be opened for initial planning first on Tuesday January 26th, 2016 at 7 pm at the ESCC, a meeting to which any cycling advocates will be heartily welcomed. From that point forward we will be progressively examining several activities expected in Ewing that will influence our second tour. Among these will be the expected pace of construction on the TCNJ campus and Campus Town, as well as the GM and Naval sites. Will Ewing resume a Community Fest partnership with TCNJ from which we might launch the tour, and if so, on what date? If not, what other event might we combine with? How can we meld in a true youth or family biking-related event such as a safety town or a mini-ride apart from the adult tour?

As you finish reading this, please consider reaching out with your interest, experience and advocacy by email to ewinggreenteam@gmail.com to help us create an even better second bike tour in Ewing!

And the Winners Were…

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Last Saturday, October 24th was all that you could hope a fall day to be.  It was crisp and cool, but sunny – the perfect day for a gathering of autumn devotees and trick or treaters at the Ewing Green Team’s 2nd Annual Scarecrow Contest and the Township Recreation Department’s annual Trunk or Treat event.

Thirteen scarecrows showcased the creative and recycling talents of Ewing’s cub scouts and girl scouts, high school students, seniors, and area residents. We had Zombies, a Scare (i.e. bar)-tender, Madam Von Gotcha, an Aloha Grandma, a Cowboy, Scarecrow Gothic entries and more.

The judges, consisting of township officials and members of the Arts Commission, had their work cut out for them, they were all so creative and unique.  However, the decision had to be made and in a very close event the winners were:

  • 1st Place – Aloha Grandma – $100
    By the Ewing High School Class of 2017
  • 2nd Place – Linda – $50
    By Khiya and Cora
  • 3rd Place – Scare tender – $25
    By Stephanie Prettyman

Check the photos for details of our entries.   We’re  hoping that you’ll all be back for more creative fun next year!

Trifecta of “Green” Events This Saturday, Oct 24th

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It’s going to busy a busy day in town this Saturday for those who wish to join in with the EGT to green their lifestyles just a bit.   Three events are running which will help you to do so, the Ewing Fall Spin, the final 2015 Shred Day, and the EGT’s 2nd Annual Scarecrow Contest.

fallspinlogo4The Fall Spin, Ewing’s First ever Bike Tour organized to promote  a more bikeable Ewing, will start at the ESCC at 8 a.m. Participants will ride out promptly at 9 to complete an 11 mile journey through the western section of town.  Riders will have a police escort and there will be a number of stops at points of interest as well as a rest stop at the River Horse Brewery.  (So sorry, but you will have to return after the ride for one of their excellent tours and tastings).   The fee is $20.  That covers the cost of tee-shirts (if available).  If there are insufficient tee-shirts left, we will arrange for you to receive one after the day.

Date: Saturday, October 24th
Time: 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Location: Ewing Senior and Community Center, 999 Lower Ferry Rd.

You may also dispose of your sensitive documents safely and securely at Ewing’s final Shred Day of the year, Saturday, Oct 24th from 9 – 1 at the municipal building.  Document shredding will be done on site.  This service is for Ewing residents only and proof of residency is required.

Members of the Ewing Green Team will be on hand to assist.

Date: Saturday, October 24th
Time: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: Municipal Building

scarecrow3We will finish up the day with our 2nd Annual Scarecrow Contest.    The Scarecrows will be on display at the Ewing Community Center at 999 Lower Ferry Road starting Friday, October23rd. The judging and awarding of cash prizes of $100, $50 and $25 will be during Ewing’s Fall Festival of Fun which includes, a fun ‘Trunk or Treat’, make your own life-size scarecrows to decorate your yard, pumpkin painting, face painting and refreshments.

The day’s event is a joint collaboration with the Ewing Arts Commission; they organize the popular annual ‘Trunk or Treat’ and help judge the Scarecrow Contest along with Mayor Bert Steinmann.

Members of the Ewing High School Arts Club will offer the pumpkin painting and face painting.

The event is from 2:00-4:00 pm and is a wonderful opportunity for residents of Ewing to get together and celebrate the fall season.

Date: Saturday, October 24th
Time: 2 p.m. – 4 p.m..
Location: Ewing Senior and Community Center [ESCC]

So join us at one or all events – on our Bike Tour, Shred  3 for 2015, and the Festival of Fun/Scarecrow contest and help us to promote healthy lifestyles, a more bikeable Ewing,  as well as furthering both recycling efforts in town and the arts.

Ewing Fall Spin

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Register today to join the Ewing Green Team and the Ewing Bike Advocacy Group, a contingent of citizen volunteers interested in promoting a more bikeable Ewing, at the Ewing Fall Spin on Saturday morning, October 24th. This small coterie of Ewing cyclists have melded their various relevant experiences together to set up a first ever bicycle tour solely within the bounds of Ewing Township. We want to promote sociable, healthy lifestyles, and accessible, safe alternatives to the automobile in getting around. We are sure there will be a debriefing with lessons learned from the event, in the hopes that an annual Ewing ride can be spawned.

We will ride out from and return to the Ewing Senior and Community Center (ESCC) and enjoy a leisurely tour of the western and northwestern sections of our township (west of Rte. 31 – Pennington Road.) Pre-registration is required to guarantee a tee-shirt. The cost is $15 (for registrations received prior to October 17th) to cover the cost of tee-shirts. Registrations received after the 17th, including the day of the ride, cost $20. We will attempt to provide tee-shirts for late registrants but they may not be received in time for the ride.

So plan to join us at our first Ewing Fall Spin, as we work to raise awareness of bicycle safety and promote healthy lifestyles and a more bike friendly town.  If you are 18 or older, and live in or near Ewing Township, please join us on the morning of October 24th at the ESCC, 999 Lower Ferry Rd. To register, find printable pages at https://ewinggreenteam.org/ewingfallspin/.  We ask that you patronize the sponsors whose logos appear thereon.

To volunteer or offer suggestions, call Pete Boughton at 609-313-5021or email petejbo742@aol.com. Pete Boughton, Immediate Past Chair

Date: October 24th (Rain or shine)  In case of really inclement weather and the event has to be cancelled, we will try to contact you by phone and/or email. (so please print legibly on the registration form)
Meet Up: 8 a.m.  at the ESCC
Ride Starts: Promptly at 9 a.m.
Cost: $15 per person (includes a free tee shirt if your registration is received by October 17th.) $20 per person if received after Oct 17th.
Registration: You may register and pay at the ESCC Recreation Department Office or mail the filled out the registration form along with your check made out to the Ewing Twp. Recreation Department to:

Joanne Mullowney (Co-Chair)
Ewing Green Team
Ewing Municipal Building
2 Jake Garzio Drive
Ewing, NJ 08628

Registrations and payment must be received by Saturday, October 17th to be eligible for the $15 rate.

The Ewing police will escort us through intersections.

Standard safety gear (helmets) and road compliant bicycles required. (Specific rules will be forthcoming.)