COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Lynne Serpe has participated in numerous green initiatives and programs throughout Queens. Serpe is involved in both the Long Island City Astoria Alliance and Two Coves Community Gardens, where she was once a board member, and is the co-founder of Triple R, an organization that sets up free green events in the Long Island City-Astoria area. She also works with the Astoria Park Alliance to help organize and create events such as “Ping Pong in the Park,” which would set up ping-pong tables in the park during the month of August. As an activist of Green Shores NYC, Serpe advocates for safe public parks and green spaces.
PERSONAL: The Astoria resident grew up in Bellport, Long Island and graduated Dartmouth College in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts in Government. Serpe’s brother, her only sibling, and mother both still live in Long Island, though she moved to Astoria after graduating college.
JOB: Serpe is a consultant for the Queens Library working with five different locations. The 39-year-old helps with a program called “Greening Libraries,” a green initiative that has a green book club, allows the community to help create gardens at branch libraries and sets up various green events.
BIGGEST CHALLENGE: She said one of her biggest challenges has been getting funding for initiatives and green programs. Sustainability and all the effort it requires has also been difficult since there is so much that can be done but only so many hours in the day to do it all, Serpe said. The activist works hard at making green activities “more fun and educational and less preachy.”
FAVORITE MEMORY: Spending days outside by the water, swimming, fishing or just sitting by the shore with a book, are some of Serpe’s fondest memories. Growing up in Bellport, she was outside a lot. Her father was a night watchman at the docks and after she would get books from the library, she has read “close to a book a day” since the age of nine, she would walk to the docks and sit and read while her father was on watch.
INSPIRATION: Serpe’s parents grew up without a lot of money as a result of the Depression and the ethic of reusing and saving was passed down to her and her brother. Growing up, she learned to be smart with money and aware of what she was doing with her resources. According to Serpe, her upbringing has taught her how to use finite resources “wisely, efficiently and effectively.” – Shiryn Ghermezian
