December 20: NJ American Water is aware of taste and odor issues and will continue flushing the water system. We are anticipating 1 to 2 inches of snow tonight into Saturday morning. Black ice is possible. Residents have 12 daylight hours to clear snow from sidewalks once the precipitation has ended.

Environmental Commission

Purpose

The Environmental Commission's mission is to educate, advocate, and promote best policies and practices for the Borough's environment and the health and safety of its residents.

Activities

Read our 2023 annual report.

Volunteer with the Environmental Commission.

Meetings

Our meetings are open to the public and everyone is welcome to attend.

  • Day: 2nd Tuesday of every month
  • Time: 7 pm
  • Location: Somerville Civic Center, 24 Robeson Street

Upcoming meetings

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Past meetings

Members

Environmental Commission

Members serve 2 or 3 year terms.

Name Term expiration
Jeff Lamborn, Chair December 31, 2024 (3-year term)
Helene Venizelos, Vice-Chair December 31, 2026 (3-year term)
Sandra Benscoter, Secretary December 31, 2026 (2-year term)
Larry Cleveland, Planning Board Liaison December 31, 2025 (3-year term)
Geraldine DeSapio December 31, 2025 (3-year term)
Geoffrey Keiser December 31, 2026 (3-year term)
Rebecca Reitman-Garofalo December 31, 2024 (3-year term)
John Guarino, Alternate #1 December 31, 2024 (2-year term)
Timarie Diehl, Alternate #2 December 31, 2025 (2-year term)
Glen Denys, Council Liaison December 31, 2024 (1-year term)

Green Team

Members serve 1 year terms, expiring December 31, 2024.

  • Tania Althoff
  • Thomas Auffenorde
  • Sarah Arif
  • Ava Coppola
  • Pamela Dorn
  • Paige Greenfield
  • Laura Laskowski
  • Caitlin Martin
  • Melissa Smith-Shell
  • Logan Stahl
  • Gina Stravic
  • Neal Udsen

News, tips and information

news and information from the Environmental Commission

Environmental Commission wins achievement award

Posted on November 26, 2024

The Somerville Environmental Commission proudly received the prestigious Environmental Achievement Award at the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC) 51st Annual Environmental Congress on September 27. This recognition highlights the commission's commitment to environmental stewardship and its impactful reforestation efforts along Peters Brook Greenway. Earlier this year, the Environmental Commission secured a grant from...
2024 EV Show at the Somerville Street Fair and Craft Show

Electric Vehicle Show at Somerville Street Fair

Posted on September 23, 2024

Join us on Sunday, October 6, 2024, for Somerville’s exciting Electric Vehicle (EV) Show, held in conjunction with the Somerville Street Fair and Craft Show! Discover how driving electric can save you money, reduce your carbon footprint, and offer an enjoyable driving experience. EV enthusiasts and owners will share their insights, offer advice, and answer...
news and information from the Environmental Commission

Learn how to compost at home

Posted on September 18, 2024

Authored by the Somerville Environmental Commission of Somerville, New Jersey What is it? Compost is organic material that can be added to soil to help plants grow. Food scraps and yard waste together currently make up more than 28% of what we throw away, and composting turns them into plant, tree and garden food! Making...
We planted 150 new trees!

Somerville plants 150 new trees with state grant

Posted on May 27, 2024

The Borough of Somerville completed a reforestation project and planted 150 tree saplings in 4 parks and along the Peter’s Brook greenway and intersecting streets. This project was funded by a $137,210 grant awarded to the Borough in 2022 by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection. The total project was estimated to cost $171,000 and...
Earth Day bike drive

Recycle adult bicycles at Earth Day bike drive

Posted on April 19, 2024

The Environmental Commission is partnering with RideWise and Pops Bike Shop to provide refurbished bicycles to adults who need transportation for work. Bike donations will be accepted at the Earth Day bike drive on April 20 and April 22. Drop-off locations and times are listed below. The Department of Public Works will help transport donated...
Earth Day 2024 header

Earth Day 2024 weekend activities

Posted on April 18, 2024

Celebrate Earth Day with the Environmental Commission the weekend of April 19, 20 and 21, rain or shine! We have 3 opportunities to join in the festivities and make an impact with our community. Here are the highlights, with more information listed further below about each event. Town Clean Up & Free Tree Seedling Giveaway...
Volunteers needed at the community garden

Volunteer at the community garden

Posted on April 11, 2024

The Environmental Commission is looking for volunteers to help prepare the Jay Scott Community Garden in Somerville for the new season. Volunteer opportunities are available on Saturday, April 6 and Saturday, April 13. What we're doing Adding soil to beds and laying mulch along the pathways General garden clean up Work will include digging, bending,...
Volunteers needed at the community garden

Help improve the community garden

Posted on March 10, 2024

The Environmental Commission is planning to reposition some soil and garden beds at the Somerville Community Garden on March 16 and 23, from 9 to 11 am. This will help us increase the number of beds in the garden, which is located at the corner of Main St and Veterans Memorial Drive. This is exciting...

More news, tips and information

Contact

EnvironmentalCommission@SomervilleNJ.org
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