Villadom Times Weekly Newpaper Online-July 13, 2011 Issue

Page 12 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • July 13, 2011 Area The New Jersey Botanical Garden invites area residents to the Family Fun Walk scheduled for July 17, at 1 p.m. Join NJBG’s Rich Cahayla-Wynne for an easy, kidfriendly walk that is great fun for all nature lovers ages six and up. Younger children are welcome, but may need to be carried. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Wear comfortable shoes and meet at the Carriage House Visitor Center. Rain cancels this event. NJBG offers these Family Woodland Walks on the third Sunday afternoon each month, and each walk is structured to fit the group. Depending on the weather, walks may include meanders along the garden’s charming woodland and meadow paths with steppingstone bridges to navigate. More ambitious groups may make the easy trip to the top of Mount Defiance for a splendid view across the Ramapo Mountains. During each walk, participants will explore local geology, plants, and animals. Walks are also scheduled for Aug. 21 and Sept. 18. The New Jersey State Botanical Garden at Skylands, which appears on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places, is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day of the year. Admission to the garden is always free. Parking is also free in the fall, winter, and spring. In 1966, the State of New Jersey purchased the 1,117 acres of Skylands, a former country estate and the state’s Lillian Hong, a seventh grade student at Eric S. Smith Middle School in Ramsey, was the New Jersey state winner of the 23rd first acquisition under the Green Acres preservation proInternational Peace Poster Contest (Vision of Peace). Her poster was entered at the district level by the Saddle River Valley Lions. Among 40 posters from schools in Bergen, Hudson, and Passaic counties, she won the district and advanced to the�� then-Governor Thomas Kean designated gram. In 1984, state level, and took ﬁrst place as the state winner. The contest is an international project open to students 11 to 13 years of��96 acres surrounding the manor house as the the central �� age from all over the world. Each year follows a new theme. Hong is known for her artistic and musical abilities. She was honstate’s official botanical garden. �� ored at the annual state convention held recently in Somerset. Mrs. Stigliano, the district chairman for 13 years and the state Since 1976, NJBG/Skylands Association, an incorchairman for four years, expresses her sincere thanks to the principals, art teachers, and children in all the county schools�� member-supported non-profit organization, has porated, �� who participated to make this project a success. The contest will begin again in September and the theme for 2011-2012 is� �� worked with the state to preserve and protect Skylands �� Pictured: Arthur Keys, Saddle �� Children Know Peace. �� River Valley Lions Club; Danielle Kotopoulis, art teacher; Lillian Hong; and its historic structures. NJBG sponsors volunteer �� Dr. Richard Wiener, principal; and Rose Stigliano, state and district chairman. �� (continued on page 14) �� Garden hosts walk for families Lions announce Peace Poster Contest winner ��