b'TherippleeffectsofRiverDay Book Report extendbeyondSouthOrange.As Clarke points out, Were a commu-nity linked by water. What happens Explore Matters Magazines here affects people downstream, and story topics with these books thatsapowerfulthingtounder-stand.As River Day approaches its 15th New Jersey Fan Club: 40 Voices year,theenthusiasmandcommit-Celebrate the Garden State ment of the South Orange commu-What makes New Jersey great? It may be hardnity show no signs of waning. to properly communicate to an outsider the fullThe Rahway River has been here majesty of the Garden State, but this book of- long before us and will be here long fers 40 informative, entertaining explanationsafter,saysBarrett.Ourjobisto inavarietyofformats,includingessays,make sure its healthy for the next interviews, and comicsthat go beyond theKirk Barrett uses a model to demon- generation.stereotypes. strate how pollution deposited on land runs off into rivers.Zaytinya: Delicious Mediterranean Dishes from Greece,ing their river while contributing to Turkey, and Lebanon by Jose Andres its protection.Chef Andres, best known for his humanitarian workRiver Day has inspired a deeper withWorldCentralKitchen,openedhisreveredconnectiontotheRahwayRiver. MediterraneanrestaurantinWashington,D.C.inBeing in physical contact with their 2002. His new cookbookwhose title is Turkish for olive oilcelebrates the techniques, flavors,waterwaywasabaptismofsorts, and history of the region with easy-to-follow reci- McGowanwroteinhisreflective pes and mouth-watering photographs.essayOur Watersheds,Ourselves.It created a visceral sense of responsi-Little Seasons: Spring Seeds by Mirkability for keeping the water safe and Hokkanen clean.Communitymembershave This delightful picture book explains the plant- advocated for reduced pesticide use, Phineas Beck minded a table highlight-ingcycleandthebloomingofspringinabans on plastic bags and better storming invasive species on River Day 2023.cheerful, vivid way, with plenty of interactivedrain management.activities and games in the back to supple- Mark your calendars for May 4 ment the story. and to save time in line, pre-register atsogreenteam.wordpress.com.Bring Opposable Thumbs: How Siskel & Ebert Changed Moviesyour gloves, your curiosity and your Forever by Matt Singer sense of wonder. Whether youre col-For 25 years, Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel rede- lecting garbage or marveling at the fined film criticism, their combative rivalry makingstudent projects, River Day is a re-for great television and their two-thumbs-up sealminder that we are all part of this of approval the most sought-after endorsement inwatershed and we have a role to play Hollywood. This biography takes readers behindin protecting it.the curtain to spotlight the two most famous criticsFor updates and rain date (May of all time and how their influence is still felt years11) notifications, follow South Or-after their deaths.ange Village and the South Orange Environmental Commission on so-A Big Day for Bike by Emily Jenkins & Brian Karas cialmedia@southorangevillageand Its Bikes first morning on the job at Beep Beep@sogreenteam. Bicycle,aride-sharingprograminSeattle,andAdriannaAhern shes worried no one will want to ride her or sheDonat,afreelance wont be able to make it up the hills. Little doeswriterwhocares she know what fun awaits her! A picture book thatabout SOMA and its will get kids excited for cycling, with tips for safewildlife,isreadyto riding at the end. talk turtles and trash (thekindyouclean up). Grab your gloves 298 Walton Avenue, South Orange | 973-762-0230 | sopl.org and waders and meet There is much wildlife to observe in and near the her there!Rahway River.26/ matters magazine / spring 2025'