Page 10 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • June 17, 2009 Ridgewood David Bolger is well known a generous philanthropist who has thrown his weight and funds behind many projects in the surrounding communities and in his hometown of Ridgewood, where he is president of Bolger & Company, Inc., a real estate and investment firm. What Bergen County residents may not know is that Bolger’s good works extend far beyond New Jersey. Last month, officials in Fayette, Iowa honored Bolger’s many contributions to that city by naming a bridge after him. Representatives of the City of Fayette, the local firefighters, the library, opera house, Fayette County Tourism, Upper Iowa University, Big Rock Country Club, and the Rainbow Land Preschool/Day Care joined forces to recognize Bolger this May. A brochure prepared for the occasion states, “We take this opportunity to thank David Bolger for his very generous contributions to the City of Fayette and Upper Iowa University…David, you have improved the quality of life in Fayette and made it a better place to live. With heartfelt appreciation, we salute you and sincerely thank you for everything you have done for Fayette.” The brochure features photos of many locations in Fayette that have benefitted from Bolger’s largesse. With the benefit of Bolger’s funding, the city has purchased fire trucks, ambulances, defibrillators, flag poles, and computers; and covered the costs of street and sidewalk improvements, and Iowa city dedicates bridge in honor of philanthropist economic development loan programs. Funds from Bolger have also covered remodeling projects at city hall, the ambulance garage, and the police station. The philanthropist’s connection to Fayette was forged when Upper Iowa University, faced with a $2.2 million debt, called upon Bolger for assistance. Bolger took charge of a creditors’ committee and helped develop a plan to keep the university from defaulting on its loans. In appreciation of his efforts to save the university, Bolger was awarded an honorary doctor of law degree and a distinguished service award from UIU. A metal sculpture by artist Al Beadle, “Involution III,” was dedicated to Bolger by that institution. Bolger is further credited with saving the Fayette Opera House from demolition. The building is now used as a community center and a venue for performances, weddings and receptions, and reunions. The effort to save the opera house has since expanded to include improvements on Main Street, including new light poles and fixtures, stamped concrete sidewalks, benches, planters, and a veterans’ memorial. Bolger also saved the jobs of 60 workers at Blessing Industries, a precision metal fabrication and machining concern based in Fayette, and funded improvements at the city’s Big Rock Golf Course. Fayette Mayor Bill Dohrmann’s comments bookended the May dedication of the Left: David Bolger at Upper Iowa University. Top right: The bridge named after Mr. Bolger. Bottom right: A plaque commemorating the bridge. David Bolger Bridge, which is part of the Fayette Recreation Trail. However, Bolger and his son, J.T., seemed unable to leave the city without giving its people just a little bit more. As part of the ceremonies, the father and son duo made a presentation to Rudy Kraus for the benefit of Fayette American Legion Post 339. Temple Israel’s monthly Rosh Chodesh Women’s Circle will meet on Sunday, June 21, at 7 p.m. Rosh Chodesh, or “head of the month,” is an ancient festival that celebrates the new moon, and since early times it has been especially sacred to women. The circle is open to all adult women, and each meeting includes prayer, discussion, refreshments, and time to socialize. For the Rosh Chodesh Women’s Circle set location of the Rosh Chodesh women’s circle, or for more information, contact tiroshchodesh@synagogue.org or call the synagogue office at (201) 444-9320. Temple Israel is located at 475 Grove Street in Ridgewood. For more information, call (201) 444-9320, e-mail office@synagogue.org, or visit www. synagogue.org. Caring for Your Beautiful Landscape is our Specialty LET THE PROFESSIONALS SAVE YOU TIME AND MONEY Seasonal garden care program Hand pruning of ornamental shrubs for natural shape Overgrown landscapes are our specialty Landscape design & construction – Design fees apply Irrigation & Lighting services Residential & Commercial We are a call or a click away www.chrisjameslandscaping.com • N.J.D.C.A. Lic#13VH01114000 cjlinc1@aol.com • N.J.D.C.A. Lic#13VH01114000 All major credit cards accepted Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 9-3 l (201) 670-9000