Union City kindergarteners recently gathered at Ellsworth Park for an afternoon Earth Day celebration.
Some of the students from Jefferson Elementary School came dressed as flowers; others sported smocks they made with slogans like “Save the Penguins.”
In addition to singing “Happy Earth Day” (to the tune of “Happy Birthday”), the kids got the chance to name the freshly planted 2009 Earth Day tree, now referred to as “Bob,” and have fun with Mr. Patillo the clown, who pulled a live bird from his bag of tricks.
Students also received their own flowers to plant and reading material to bring home.
“Today we cleaned the park, we planted a new tree, and we’re celebrating Earth Day,” said Joe Chasmer, a Department of Public Works employee who helped prepare for the event.
He said he hopes the event inspires the kids to continue to do something positive for the Earth every year on this particular day.
“I want to teach them that this is their environment,” said Chasmer. “This is their special place. If they don’t take care of it, no one else will.”
A representative from the Hudson County Improvement Authority who worked the event said that Earth Day provides a great opportunity to teach kids about the environment.
“I like balloons with trees and plants.” – Kevin Pereira
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A parent, Grace Armas, whose son and daughter took part in the celebration, agreed.
“I think it’s great,” she said. “I think they are old enough to understand it, and naming the tree ‘Bob,’ I think that’s adorable. Even all their little signs to recycle, save the penguins, and save the whales, it is really, really cute.”
The kindergarteners said they enjoyed the event.
“I like balloons with trees and plants,” said Kevin Pereira, referring to the decorations in the park. He added that he plans to celebrate Earth Day again in the future.
Nicole Vera said, “I like the plants.” But, her classmate, Keyla Ferreira, said she liked the clown the best.
Michael Tenempaguay said that he just liked being outside.
“I like to play in the park and have fun with my friends,” he said.
Amanda Staab can be reached at astaab@hudsonreporter.com.