"Legends" Awards Presented for Mahwah's Joyce Kilmer and Les Paul

PHOTO: Alex Michelini (l), founder of the Joyce Kilmer Society of Mahwah, with Lester Paul, holding photo of his late father and guitar innovator Les Paul. They accepted ”Legends” awards on behalf of poetKilmer and Les Paul.

GARFIELD, NJ -- The first-ever “Bergen County Legends” awards were presented last evening on behalf of Mahwah poet patriot Joyce Kilmer, Mahwah guitar great Les Paul and eight other distinguished achievers who lived in the county.

They were voted for the awards by the Bergen County Historical Society.

Alex Michelini, founder of the Joyce Kilmer Society of Mahwah, accepted the award on behalf of Kilmer, while Lester Paul, son of the pioneering guitarist, accepted the award for Les Paul at the Bergen350 dinner in the Venetian supporting the county and state’s 350th celebration.

“Elected legends are exemplary individuals of good character and demonstrated ability who have forged successful careers, enriching the life our community through their talent, energy and substance,” said the historical society’s Focus magazine.

The other eight “legends” included John Borg, the late publisher of the Record newspaper; author Mary Higgins Clark; actor James Gandolfini; “Sesame Street” actor Bob McGrath; Hackensack indian chief Oratam; former New York Giants football coach Bill Parcells; astronaut Wally Schirra; and women’s rights activist Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

The historical society is raising funds to build a Bergen County museum.