Villadom Times Weekly Newpaper Online-November 17, 2010 Issue

November 17, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 5 Upper Saddle River Joseph Frank Dobias, a 41-year resident of Upper Saddle River and a member of the Saddle River Valley Lions Club since 1996, has received Lions Clubs International Foundation’s highest honor, the Melvin Jones Fellowship. The Melvin Jones Fellowship is conferred upon persons who demonstrate the practical application of the Lions Club’s motto: “We serve.” Dobias has chaired the Lions Club’s Annual Fall Harvest Sale (formerly the Apple & Potato Sale) for the past six years. He was sponsored into the club through the efforts of his long-time friend and former club member, David Ballingall. Born in Englewood and raised in Paramus, Dobias worked on a celery farm from the ages of eight to 18. He graduated from Hackensack High School and from New York University with a bachelor’s degree, cum laude, in business administration. He later earned a master’s degree in finance. He served in the United States Army for six years, including a tour in Greenland, where he served on the Airmen’s Club Board of Governors. In addition to his Lions Club activities, Dobias serves others as a member of various organizations. He has been active member of the Church of the Presentation Council of the Knights of Columbus for over 35 years, having served as Grand Knight and in many other capacities. He volunteers at Valley Hospital in the Kurth Cottage Café as a cashier, and is a member of the Upper Saddle River Historical Soci- Dobias receives Lions Club’s highest honor ety Board of Trustees, currently serving as vice president. The honoree served on the Hackensack Selective Service Board for 20 years. During part of his tenure, he was the board’s chairperson. Dobias was also a member of the Upper Saddle River Riverwalk Committee. The honoree and his wife, Matty, have been married for over 52 years. They have two married sons, Jonathan Joseph of New Providence and James Aladar of Stuart, Florida, and four grandchildren. Joe and Matty may be best known as past co-owners, along with the Ballingall and Kahrer families, of Elmer’s Country Store in Upper Saddle River. The honoree has a strong desire to help those in need. “I get a good feeling when I am helping others, and it’s true satisfaction,” Dobias said. “I look forward to volunteering my time for a worthy cause.” The Melvin Jones Fellowship recognizes an individual’s commitment to helping others to lead richer, fuller lives and one who embodies traits generally associated with humanitarian service, such as generosity, compassion, and concern for others. Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service organization numbering more than 1.4 million members in over 180 countries. As the charitable arm of the association, Lions Clubs International Foundation acts as steward of the financial resources that are disbursed for humanitarian causes. The Saddle River Valley Lions Club has raised and (continued on page 19) Joseph Frank Dobias with the plaque he received as a Melvin Jones Fellowship winner. Paul Banach Construction, LLC Home Remodeling Waldwick • 201-689-0765 • Windows • Doors • Garage Doors • • Finish Carpentry • Crown Moldings, Cabinetry, Walk-In-Closets, etc... • Kitchen & Bathroom Renovations • Take advantage of the Energy Tax Credit in 2010 www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits Speak to your tax advisor to ascertain if you qualify, as these credits will make a project more economical for you! Over 20 yrs. exp. • Senior Citizen Discount • Ref available upon request All work performed by owner • Free Estimates �� Paulbanachconstruction.com �� 1-20-10....Mike....from Janine�� PaulBanachConstruction2x2(1-20-10) �� 2x2” ��