Saying 'Thanks' to Recreation Volunteers

Township officials note they get a lot of help from residents in making sure the many trails and events offered are maintained.

And at the April 14 Township Committee meeting, Recreation Commission Chairwoman Karen Manner and Commission Director Eleanor Hermann wanted to say 'Thanks" to those helping the most.  

The commission awarded "Volunteer of the Year" awards to Dave Peterson and Joe Nappe in recognition of their work on township trails and township events respectively. The commission also saluted high school students Hayley Deutsch, Claire Iroudayassamy and Justin Taffet for their help with the summer playground program.

Peterson has led efforts by the township to establish a network of hiking trails on open space lands. According to Committeeman Mal Plager, much of the network that exists today is due to the work Peterson put in for the 2006 Township Bicentennial Bike and Trail system.

"Without the leadership of Dave Peterson, the trail commitee would not have evolved into the committee it is today," Plager said. "Dave and the members of the trail committee are a dedicated group of individuals who truly love nature and all that it offers."

For his part, Peterson credited Deputy Mayor Carolann Garafola for launching the trails initiative in 2004, Karen Manner for supporting the committee's work, and the members of the trails committee.

"People who are on the trails committee are basically suppose to look at the trail needs and tell other people how to realize them," he said. "Occasionally, someone misread their appointment to the trails committee and decided to work on the trails."

Peterson credited committee member Bob Summersgill's clearing of trails with his chain saw and weed whacker, Ellen Waldstein's daily inspection of the Glenhurst Meadows trails, and naturalist Joe Filo's work in identifying flora and fauna one might find on the trails, as keys to his success leading the committee.

Peterson also thanked Dennis Kelley, editor of the Echoes-Sentinel, for his help publishing a column Peterson writes about the trails, and Dennis Buro, township Public Works Department supervisor who is calle dupon to address many of the issues the trails committee discovers.

He noted the ease of accessing information about the trails on the township website, and the brochures designed for both adults and children about the trails.

Nappe, head of the Blue Ridge Sportsman Club, was recognized for his leadership and help providing support to many township events. The club frequently provides supplies and materials to help support the annual Fishing Derby, labor and refreshments for the Yuletide Bonfire, and other events.

"More than 7 years ago, Joe and his clubmade their presence in the area by expediting the donation of office and school furniture ... this saved taxpayers thousands of dollars," Committeeman Vic Sordillo said. "He spends countless hours of his own time working on projects that benefit the club, Warren Township, Watchung Township and several other facilities."

Sordillo said the club also coordinates annual clean-up efforts along the Dead River, provide turkeys to local families in need, and conducts deer culling to reduce the local deer population.

"Joe Nappe came to the Recreation Commission about three years ago to see how he and the Blue Ridge Hunting Club could help," Sordillo continued. As a result, the club organized the first fishing derby, then helped organize the bonfire, and supplies eggs for the annual Easter egg hunt.

"Joe is the nicest guy you ever want to meet, and the Warren Blue Ridge Hunting Club (are) the most generous and helpful guys and friends to have," Sordillo said.

The teen volunteers honored each contributed more than 100 hours in support of the summer playground program. Recreation Director Eleanor Hermann noted she would hire each if possible, and said their help has assured the program's growth and development.

The commission also distributed a list of sponsors and participants for its events, including residents Bob Marino, Barbara Lawson and Joe Cerisano for performing at free concerts, Bruce and Brian Vitale for their support of the Fishing Derby, Eric Cheshire (men's pickup basketball program), the donation of AED units by the Janet Zilinski Memorial Fund, John Alpett (Coed adult volleyball), Warren Boy and Girl Scouts, Warren Fire Departments, Warren Lions Club, Warren Rescue Squad and the Watchung Hills Elks Lodge. Also noted was the help of more than 20 students from Watchung Hills Regional High School for their help with the township's Santa letters and Easter egg hunt, as well as the bonfire and Fishing Derby.

Sports organizations contributing to the events included the Men's Jersey Football League, Warren Baseball Softball, Warren Youth Basketball, Watchung Hills Junior Warriors Football and Cheer, Watchung Hills Lacrosse, Watchung Hills Pop Warner Football and Cheer, Watchung Hills Soccer and the Watchung Hills Wrestling Association.

Businesses noted for their contributions included Behind the Spotlight (for help with concerts), Country Squire Restaurant (bonfire and Fishing Derby donations), Huntington Learning Center (concerts), Sam Ash (concerts), bonfire participants TD Bank of Liberty Corner, Warren Patch and Paul's Tree Service, and Starbucks.