Page 8 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • March 10, 2010 Ramsey Preservation award (continued from page 3) changing attitudes toward public education caused the Commodore Perry School to be built and they were the very same reasons the board of education decided to close the school in June 2002 and move the students into the new, larger Lenape Meadows Elementary School on Ridge Road. According to Shanley, the closing ceremony for the Commodore Perry School was attended by teachers, parents, students, board members, and Bergen County and New Jersey Department of Education officials, who wanted to bid a nostalgic farewell to the 96-year-old public school. She said then-Superintendent of Schools Murray Blueglass referred to the building as a “grand old lady.” The building then went up for public sale. Due to the amount of work needed on the interior and the operating systems, there was concern that the building might be purchased and demolished. However, the school was purchased in 2004 by Jane and Rex Bailey, founders, owners, and administrators of a chain of private Apple Montessori Schools in New Jersey. Lynn Bailey Piccolo, who is the director of the Mahwah Apple Montessori School, and one of the founders’ daughters, said they wanted to keep as much of the original materials on the outside of the building as possible. The exterior of the school building now looks the same as it did in 2002. However, the new owners’ considerable renovations have included new paint and rugs, and a new wood floor in the auditorium, which is also the gym. They decided to keep and refurbish the original classroom doors, which have wood on the bottom half and glass panes on the top half, which add to the historic atmosphere inside the building. They also kept all of the exterior windows. Outside, they installed a parking lot and added a swimming pool and play area. They also installed a new electrical system, new lighting, heating, air-conditioning, and a state-of- the-art air-filtration system. Shanley said the Commodore Perry School building has remained on the same corner for over 100 years. Buried under the more modern additions is the original structure, parts of which one can see in the front, at the back, and on the north side of the building. “By unanimous vote the Historic Preservation Commission we would like to publicly thank the Bailey family their extensive work to preserve and update this historic school building,” Shanley said, “so that it will be able to remain there for the next 100 years and hopefully longer.” The Baileys received a Certificate of Commendation and a framed copy of a photograph of the Mahwah School as it appeared circa 1908. The photo, which was courtesy of Mahwah Museum Society President Tom Dunn and Mahwah Library Board President Curt Koster, will be hung in the hall on the main floor of the school building. Accepting the award was Joanne Bailey Mooney, who worked most closely with the contractors on the renovation of the school building. ESL Tutor Training will be held at Saint John’s Memorial Episcopal Church, located on the corner of Main Street and Franklin Turnpike in Ramsey, on April 10, 17, 24 and May 8 from 9 a.m. to noon. The training series will prepare adult volunteers to teach adults who are in need of spoken English skills. Volunteer tutors do not need to know a language other than English. Pictured are Emmy Bledsoe, ESL contact; The Rev. Julian R. Eibin, rector at St. John’s Church; and Kathy Fede, tutor/student coordinator. Pre-registration is required. For further details contact Emmy Bledsoe at (201) 825-0474. ESL Tutor Training planned OCEANFRONT HOUSE with Private Beach Access FOR SALE �������� ������� ���������� ��������������������� ��������� �� YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD NEWSPAPER WATERFRONT HOUSE ON FRIPP ISLAND, SC (near historic Beaufort and Parris Island). Ranch style with extended lg. deck overlooking the ocean and own beach access, screened porch, 4 BR, 2½ baths, full kitchen, great room with fireplace. 2-car garage. Fully furnished. Sleeps 8-10. In gated community featuring 2 championship golf courses, several swimming pools, racquet club, bike trails, marina and more. Call Fripp Island Real Estate; Vic Schwarzer, Agent: 843-838-2411; cell 843-597-2491 or check website: www.frippforsale.com �����������������