Page 8 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • January 20, 2010 Midland Park Town to pick up insurance policies for sports groups The Borough of Midland Park is now picking up the tab for insurance costs for the town’s independent sports organizations, known as “quasis.” At its recent meeting, the borough council voted to allocate $12,698.46 for a policy with Bollinger Insurance. It covers the baseball, softball, soccer, wrestling, basketball, football and cheerleading associations. It excludes Ajax, a travelling soccer team, which will continue to provide its own coverage. Officials said this new policy provides uniform coverage for all the teams which is equal or better than the previous coverage. It is also less expensive in the aggregate than the annual subsidy the town previously gave to the sports groups. The policy went into effect on Jan. 8. The switch had been recommended by the borough’s risk manager, Steve Puntaseca, who said the new policy provides more comprehensive protection to the groups and the borough. Puntaseca pointed out that the previous practice whereby each organization secured and paid for its own coverage, left the town vulnerable should a serious accident or injury have occurred. The borough, through its JIF/MEL coverage, holds the umbrella policy for the groups. Through the new policy, background checks will be only $9.95 per person. They are now required for all personnel involved in the sports organizations, both paid and volunteer. The checks usually run $50 or more. Borough Administrator Michelle Dugan said she is working on the policies and procedures for the background checks to ensure confidentiality. The new policy covers general liability, including personal injury, sexual abuse and molestation coverage; accidental medical and dental expenses; officers and directors liability; and crime coverage for theft, vandalism, etc. It has a $3 million per year aggregate limit, and $0 deductible. Robert Schucker, president of R&S Landscaping and Eco Earth Design, has been selected as a board member for GreenFaith, New Jersey’s interfaith coalition for the environment. Founded in 1992, GreenFaith aims to inspire, educate and mobilize people of diverse spiritual backgrounds to rediscover their relationship with the sacred in nature and to restore the earth for future generations. “I am honored to be selected as a board member for this incredibly important organization,” Schucker said. “GreenFaith does an amazing job of bringing people of diverse traditions together to care for the environment. I believe that we grow spiritually through our relationship with the earth and that people of faith have a vital role to play in restoring healthy ecosystems around the world.” A certified landscape professional, New Jersey certified irrigation contractor, and member of the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association and the Professional Landcare Network, Schucker founded R&S Landscaping as a one-man operation in 1984. He now has more than 50 Schucker named to GreenFaith board employees working within design/build, property maintenance, plant health, and irrigation and lighting divisions. Schucker is known for his work in educating local communities to increase public awareness as it relates to protecting the environment and making the world a healthier and safer place. In 2008, he founded Eco Earth Design, which has quickly positioned itself at the forefront of sustainable design in New Jersey, most notably, green roof systems. Eco Earth Design is committed to being on the cutting edge of eco-friendly landscape development trends as a way to foster healthier, more environmentally sensitive man-made environments. The company collaborates with architects, building managers, contractors, engineers, green consultants and property owners to create an integrated approach to landscape development. R&S Landscaping is based in Midland Park, and Eco Earth Design is based in Lyndhurst. Visit www.rscape. com or www.ecoearthdesign.com. Tournament champs The Midland Park Panthers seventh/eighth grade girls were the champions of the Oakland Christmas Tournament. They won 36-31 to win the championship against Ridgewood and went 5-0 for the season. Front row: Emily Luberto, Rebecca Rabeiro, Kayla Van Lenten, Nicole Fracassini and Rachel Farmer. Middle row: Amanda Parker, Nicole Cartaino, Alexa Borzotta, Erin Van Lenten and Katie Kontos. Back row: Coaches Lisa Borzotta, Phil Fracassini, Mike Luberto and Dave Borzotta. Not pictured: Zoey Adams. Break the Highway Trend! ...not your community’s back. Local businesses are the backbone of your community and the trend to shop the big guys on the highway hurts us all.Your local businesses have what you want... at the right price... and close to home. So, why hassle with the highways? Save Time! Save Gas! Save Money! SAVE YOUR COMMUNITY! We Need You SHOP LOCALLY. IT’S SMART. ...and besides, it’s so convenient!