Third Grade Student Put All Butts Out in Rumson Parks

A third grade student has helped put an end to smoking in Rumson’s parks.

The Rumson Borough Council unanimously approved a change to the Parks and Recreation Area Ordinance to include a regulation that says, “Smoking shall be prohibited in all Borough parks.”

The ordinance was suggested by Jordyn Osofsky in a “well-written letter,” which Mayor Ekdahl took to heart. 

Jordyn and her family came to the Rumson Council meeting on Tuesday night to witness her suggestion officially becoming a part of a borough ordinance.

 Jordyn said she decided she wanted to do something when she was watching the 4^th of July fireworks at Victory Park. Someone was smoking, so “Me and my sisters were covering our noses and mouths,” she said.  

She complained to her parents about this event and added that she does not want to play where people are smoking and hates when she sees cigarette butts in the grass. That is when they suggested writing a letter to the mayor. She listened and wrote the letter with some help from Stacey Watt, her 2^nd grade teacher at the Deane Porter School. Watt taught her how to write a persuasive letter and helped her present her argument.

 Now her suggestion is officially in the Rumson Borough books.

Jeff Osofsky, Jordyn’s father, thanked the council for their prompt response to his daughter’s request. “This was a great civics lesson for my daughter,” said Jeff. “I have always taught my daughters that if you have a good idea, you should stand up for it and this just proves it can be done.”

Jordyns two sisters also attended the meeting. When asked if they were proud of their sister, 7-year-old Cameran said, “Pretty much.” 5-year-old Sydney said, “We love her!” 

The council was also proud of her. Mayor Ekdahl even took time out of the meeting to personally thank Jordyn for her letter, shake her hand and take a photo.

Jordyn said she was really happy that the council decided to listen to her suggestion. This summer, she plans on “eating lots of ice pops” and enjoying the beautiful, smoke-free Rumson parks.