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News Release 6/15/16

PERTH AMBOY – Geri Barcheski, the Recycling Coordinator of the Department of Public Works in Perth Amboy, has received the “Education Award” from the New Jersey Clean Communities Council (NJCCC) for teaching city students about the importance of taking care of our environment and community.

Geri Barcheski accepts the “Education Award” from NJCCC President Patrick Ryan.

Barcheski appeared as a speaker in the city’s School Based Youth Services Program (SBYSB) on this past Earth Day, April 22. SBYSB provides necessary skills and information for students to succeed in careers and continuing education. Multiple litter cleanups occurred in Perth Amboy following the Earth Day event.

“I love to help inform people, especially the younger generations, about the importance of proper management of our communities and environment. Our youth are the future. If we teach them now how important it is to take care of our community, that knowledge will be with them forever because a lesson learned in childhood lasts a lifetime,” Barcheski said.

In the past, Barcheski has worked with city schools, such as the Robert M. Wilentz Elementary School on First Street, to help teach children about the importance of recycling through the “Green and Clean Community Program.” Barcheski believes youth are the critical demographic to be taught these lessons; young people are quick to absorb the information and relay it home to their families, she said.

“Ms. Barcheski is extremely dedicated to educating everyone about the importance of keeping our communities clean, and by extension, our environment. She does an amazing job,” said NJCCC Executive Director Sandy Huber.

The New Jersey Clean Communities Council is  a  comprehensive,  statewide  litter-abatement program that  has  served  New  Jersey  residents  and  visitors  for  more  than  25  years.  Learn more about the New Jersey Clean Communities Council at njclean.org.