March 16, 2016

Hackettstown, N.J.  – This year, Centenary University welcomes members of the community to its Ninth Annual celebration of Earth Day, which will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2016, on the front lawn of the College and in the Front Parlours of the Edward W. Seay Administration Building.    This family-oriented event will appeal to children of all ages!

Admission to this event is free and will kick off at 8 a.m. with “Breakfast with the Birds.”  Dr. Terry Master, Professor of Biology at East Stroudsburg University, will lead a nature walk/bird watching stroll at the Charles O. Hayford State Fish Hatchery, located next to the campus. Dr. Master’s research interests includes Avian Ecology and Behavior and he directs the Avian Ecology and Behavior Lab at East Stroudsburg University.  Those who plan to attend the walk should R.S.V.P to Krassi Lazarova at 908-852-1400, ext. 2252.

The Earth Day Celebration main events will begin at 10:00 a.m. on the front lawn of the campus and will end at 3:00 p.m.

“We are thrilled to be able to host this annual event to celebrate Earth Day in this manner, and we hope to continue to generate a great deal of community interest,” says Dr. Krassi Lazarova, Associate Professor of Physics, at Centenary University.  “We are offering various activities for attendees of all ages to enjoy. We have brought back some of our activities from past years, but will be adding new event highlights, as well. Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in this fun and educational event.”

The Earth Day Passport Program will once again be incorporated into the festivities.  Attendees can check into the Information Booth and receive a Passport Booklet for the Earth Day event.  By completing activities and visiting vendors, attendees will collect stamps and stickers on their passport, which can then be redeemed at the Information Booth for a free goodie bag while supplies last.

Other highlights of this fun-filled day include various children’s activities, such as flower pot painting, an educational ocean display and a crab habitat.  In addition, there will be a fashion display of recycled-material clothing by Centenary University’s Fashion Department in the Front Parlours of the Edward W. Seay Administration Building, as well as a fashion show on the front walkway around the fountain at 12:00 p.m.

Music and entertainment will take place throughout the day by student DJ Vinny Pic. There will also be various vendors and environmentally themed groups at the event to help promote sustainability and environmental responsibility. Food will be available for purchase.

Abilities of Northwest New Jersey will also accept electronic recycling from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Jefferson Street.  Please refer to the website below for more information regarding items that will be accepted.

Vendors, interested sponsors and individuals who would like to sign up for “Breakfast with the Birds” should contact Dr. Lazarova at (908) 852-1400, ext. 2252, or Krassi.Lazarova@CentenaryUniversity.edu. 

Interactive speakers will engage their audience throughout the day as a result of the efforts of Centenary University’s Biology Honor Society TriBeta.  Speaker information includes a representative from Direct Energy Solar who will build a solar car to demonstrate for the children. Refreshments will be served at all of these presentations Children can also enjoy playing in a Bounce House.  Miniature horses will be on hand for children to pet courtesy of Centenary University’s Equine Department.

Founded in 1867 by the Newark Conference of the United Methodist Church, Centenary University’s academic program integrates a solid liberal arts foundation with a strong career orientation. This mix is designed to provide an educational experience that prepares students to succeed in the increasingly global and interdependent world.

Centenary University’s main campus is located in Hackettstown, N.J., with its equestrian facility in Washington Township (Morris County).  The Centenary University School of Professional Studies offers degree programs in two locations: Parsippany and Edison, and at corporate sites throughout New Jersey.  The School of International Programs recruits international students for study at Centenary and Centenary students for study abroad.