Nishuane Park In Montclair Beautified During Arbor Day Event

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of a Patch Montclair community member. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

In celebration of Arbor Day, members of the Montclair-based Omicron Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, recently partnered with the Montclair Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, and their Kappa Leaguers to enhance and beautify Nishuane Park.

Together, volunteers planted six trees and dozens of flowers, pulled weeds, spread mulch and trimmed hedges at the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Mrs. Coretta Scott King Memorial Garden, located near the Harrison and Cedar Avenue entrance. Despite a light drizzle, a DJ kept the music going and community spirit strong as sorority sisters, fraternity brothers, youth, community partners, neighbors and other guests worked hand in hand. The event also featured local vendors and artisans, adding a festive and supportive vibe to the day.

Since its inception in 1984, the Omicron Xi Omega Chapter has been dedicated to serving the Greater Montclair area year-round. As part of Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Enhance Our Environment initiative, AKA chapters around the world plant trees to provide essential air purification and water filtration while reducing storm surges and flooding. This initiative is led locally by Chairman Tasha Sawyer. Dr. Cynthia Raines, First Vice President and Program Chairman, oversees all programming for the Omicron Xi Omega Chapter under the leadership of Chapter President Candace Jefferson.

Special thanks go to Montclair Mayor Dr. Renée Baskerville and Fourth Ward Councilor Aminah Toler for their "TREE-mendous" support and attendance. Gratitude is also extended to Montclair Township staff and the Recreation Department for their valuable assistance.

Later this year, the Omicron Xi Omega Chapter will continue its environmental work by hosting a Community Recycling and Shred Day, encouraging sustainable practices across the Greater Montclair community.

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