“No Idling” Poster Contest Builds Awareness, Reduces Air Pollution
 
(Syosset, N.Y.) On Tuesday, November 17, ten students from the North Shore Synagogue Religious School were announced as winners of the “Idle Free” Poster Contest.  They were presented with trophies, and all students who submitted posters were given custom printed T-shirts to thank them for their efforts.
 
The poster contest was held to raise awareness of the North Shore Synagogue parking lot becoming an “Idle-Free Zone.” This designation followed a program presented at the temple earlier in the year by Clean Cities, a U.S. Department of Energy sanctioned Alternative Fuel Organization dedicated to reducing U.S. petroleum consumption and dependence on imported oil.
 
When drivers enter the parking lot, they now see several new signs reminding them to turn off their engines while they wait to pick up children from various activities and programs.  Vehicle exhaust is hazardous to human health, especially to children, whose lungs are still developing.  They breathe more rapidly than adults, and as a result inhale more pollutants than adults. 
 
To increase awareness of the “Idle Free Zone,” students in grades 3 – 6 were encouraged to design posters.  Thirty-five students created beautiful, themed posters, and the selection process was not easy, said Ann Merrill, Chairperson of The Environmental Committee.   The winning posters will be displayed in the synagogue’s lobby and on the website.
 
The winners:

• Third Grade:   Jessica Finkelstein, Plainview, Rebecca Schwartz, Syosset,
• Fourth Grade:  Emmie Levy, Woodbury, Alexa Weinstein, Woodbury,  Zachary Hausman, Syosset, Matthew Herman, Syosset
• Sixth Grade:    Zoe Avdar, Woodbury, Danielle Sussman, Plainview, Samantha Fogelman, Oyster Bay Cove

All of the children who participated in the contest were presented with a special T-Shirt made just for the program.  The front of the shirt reads “NSS IDLE FREE ZONE” with the “Idle Free Zone” logo and, to make sure the point is made, “FOR MY HEALTH.”
 
Officials attending the assembly included Judy Jacobs, Nassau County Legislator;  Chris Coschignano, Town of Oyster Bay Councilman; and  Rita Ebert,  Program Coordinator of the Greater Long Island Clean Cities Coalition.   Jacobs presented each child with a certificate   and   Coschignano presented the synagogue with a Proclamation congratulating NSS on its efforts to improve the environment.  Each child who participated also received a bookstore gift certificate from the Greater Long Island Clean Cities Coalition. The poster photos will also appear on the Clean Cities Coalition website.
 
North Shore Synagogue’s  Environmental Committee has implemented  many  changes already, including: printing the High Holy Day booklets on 100% recycled paper; printing the monthly magazine “Shalom” on 30% recycled paper; purchasing 30% recycled paper for  office, religious, and nursery school use; recycling all white paper discarded by the temple offices; consolidating flyers to save paper, ink, and postage; continually collecting techno-trash in a special container in the religious school lobby; using organic products for lawn care and landscaping; and encouraging nursery and religious school students to bring snacks in reusable containers to reduce trash as part of a “No Waste” Campaign.
 
North Shore Synagogue is a Reform congregation and a member of the Union for Reform Judaism. North Shore Synagogue strives to strengthen Jewish heritage from generation to generation, through worship, education and acts of loving kindness.  A spiritual home for all people to feel accepted, nurtured and valued, North Shore Synagogue remains ever mindful of its connection to Israel, the Jewish people, and the community at large.  North Shore Synagogue is located at 83 Muttontown Road, Syosset, NY 11791 and online at www.northshoresynagogue.org.