Midland Park May 27, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 5 Recreation department to seek handicapped grant Midland Park is readying a grant application to provide for enhanced summer camp opportunities for youngsters with disabilities. The Midland Park Borough Council approved the submission of the Recreational Opps for Individuals with Disabilities (ROID) grant application for Summer 2010 at the last council meeting. Recreation Director Lori Dent recommended applying for $7,800, with the borough having to contribute a 20 percent match. Part of the grant, Dent said, would be used to recruit summer camp personnel educated and experienced in working with individuals with disabilities. She said that without the added funds to fill the salary gap, it is not possible to get the specialized staff. The program would run for six weeks in two-week sessions. Two professionals would be hired. Another part of the grant would be used to fund year round programs specifically geared to handicapped youngsters, including karate, movement and music classes, as well as a four-six week themed program. These programs would be run by specialized staff aided by volunteers. Volunteers are an integral part of the current special needs programs offered by the Recreation Department. The grant is being made available through the Department of Community Affairs to underwrite costs associated with delivering recreation program opportunities to persons with disabilities. Targeted areas include visual, auditory, communication or physical disability, chronic illness, emotional disturbance, developmental or learning disabilities or autism disorder, among others. In other matters, the Board of Recreation is recommending instituting a new policy relative to background checks of employees. It would require NJ State Police checks for all Recreation Department employees, including full time, parttime, substitutes or seasonal employees over the age of 18. Each check costs $80. “It’s important to have guidelines so that everyone knows what the rules are,” commented Councilwoman Nancy Peet. She suggested reviewing the school district’s policy on the matter. Borough Administrator Michelle Dugan said that the borough was investigating changing its insurance coverage for the recreation programs, and that part of that change would include a reduced cost for the background checks. The proposed checks, expected to cost as little as $8-$10 per individual, would be much more comprehensive than the state checks, Dugan said. “It would be a fantastic opportunity,” she said. Hudson River artists discussed The Friends of the Midland Park Memorial Library will host Geoff Welch on Friday, June 5 at 1 p.m. Welch will speak on the artists from the Hudson River school of painting. He will present a slide show and discussion on these painters and their subject matter, much of which include the Highlands Region. Welch is the curator of Harmony Hall, a National Register of Historic Sites owned by the Town of Ramapo, New York. He has been researching the art of the Highlands region for over a decade. Welch founded the Ramapo River Committee and has presented 14 annual Ramapo River Watershed Conferences. He also serves as the Ramapo River Watershed Keeper for the Ramapo River Watershed Intermunicipal Council. This program is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Parking is available at the library and at the adjacent municipal lot. For further information, contact the Midland Park Memorial Library at (201) 444-2390. Fran Lauretta of Creations by Fran, Flowers & More in Midland Park was the guest speaker at the recent meeting of the Midland Park Branch of the Valley Hospital Auxiliary, where she demonstrated her art with fresh and silk flowers. Above, left, auxiliary Co-President Gilda Gilmartin follows Lauretta’s instructions for preparing a fresh-flower bouquet. Anyone withing to join the organization is asked to call either Gilmartin at 201-444-8614 or Co-President Jo Ann Cotz at 201-652-0873. Colorful demo Caring for Your Beautiful Landscape is our Specialty LET THE PROFESSIONALS SAVE YOU TIME AND MONEY We offer three levels of Property Maintenance & Garden Service Basic or Premium Lawn Care Design Contruction (Design Fees Apply) Irrigation Lighting Service Residential & Commercial N.J.D.C.A. Lic#13VH01114000 www.chrisjameslandscaping.com (201) 670-9000