Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • April 20, 2011 Midland Park More than 50 Midland Park residents, about half of them young people, attended last week’s meeting of the mayor and council to get answers about the status of the summer recreation program and to ask the governing body to try to bring back former Recreation Director Lori Dent. Dent resigned unexpectedly in February, citing “the recent change of our administrator, and changes in how I was expected to perform my job and execute my responsibilities.” Counselors seek job status; residents want Dent back During the meeting, the council approved the appointment of Ryan Fells, as the acting summer camp recreation coordinator; Ali Brian and Jerry Mercadante as assistant coordinators, and Ed Gordon as summer facility director. Former summer camp counselors, CITs (unpaid counselors in training) and their parents said that although they had been told that they had been contacted about returning this summer, none of them had in fact received any communication about their status. A show of hands produced only one young woman, who said she had been approached about the art program. Several speakers said that early notification was essential so that counselors would know whether to look for another job, and so that they did not have to compete later on with returning college students. Councilman Scott Pruiksma, the recreation liaison, said that 39 letters had been sent to previous counselors. He added that perhaps further notifications were delayed so as Helpful Hints Helpful Hints from ome “Make sure you know where the main water shut-off valve is in your home in case of emergency. Turn the valve from time to time to make sure it operates”. 27 Franklin Tpk, Waldwick Open Sundays 9-3 201-652-5666 to ascertain the actual number of counselors needed due to the substantial drop in enrollment. “You’re stringing us along. We’re still waiting. We don’t know anyone who has heard,” said Keith Dwayne of Highland Avenue. Paula Miniotis of Faner Road asked how the town was going to determine which counselors to call back if it wasn’t using updated lists and if everyone was not to be rehired. Jennifer Dent, Dent’s daughter, who headed the camp’s theater program for eight years, said that the recreation database and clearly-labeled folders contained names, positions, and contact numbers by year of all employees. “There should be a clear list to use,” she said. Student Katie Reynaldo asked about plans for the theater program and said she and the other students want it continued. “We don’t want it to die,” she said. (continued on page 16) Billy Says... Midland Park Councilman Patrick “Bud” O’Hagan will be running for mayor unopposed in the June Republican Primary. Mayor Joseph Monahan, elected as an Independent four years ago, announced last month that he would not seek reelection to a second term. Also running unopposed are incumbent Republican councilmen Mike Junta and Nick Papapietro. No Democrats filed for either the mayor or the council openings by last week’s deadline. O’Hagan, who has served on the council for 23 years, heads the council’s Police and Fire Committee and is the borough’s representative to the Joint Insurance Fund, a cooperative venture with other municipalities which manages the town’s insurance policies. He also sits on JIF’s executive board. He is an active member and past president of the Midland Park Lions Club and served 10 years on the Midland Park Board of Adjustment, including several O’Hagan, Junta, Papapietro unopposed in primary terms as chairman. He is a Realtor with Terrie O’Connor Realtors, Allendale office. A lifelong borough resident, Junta is seeking election to a second term. He serves as chairman of the council’s public safety/fire committee and is the liaison to the board of health. He is the captain of the Midland Park Volunteer Ambulance Corps, which he joined in 1998, and serves on the Midland Park Shade Tree Committee. A member of Faith Reformed Church, Junta was very active in Stock Aide and the youth groups. He is the equipment operator with the Village of Ridgewood Parks and Shade Tree Division. Papapietro, born and raised in Midland Park and a long time borough resident , is seeking election to a second term. He is chairman of the council’s finance committee and previously served several years on the Zoning Board (continued on page 16) Saturday, April 23 at 1 pm 95 Prospect Street • Midland Park 2000+ Eggs!!! Family Easter Egg Hunt Faith Reformed Church at the You are invited to a ade For Awarenes rus s C “A Mother’s Story Reflections on Losing Jimmy” “A Youth’s Story Depression, Recovery and Hope” by Jordan Burnham Thursday, May 5, 2011- 7-9 pm Wyckoff Family YMCA - Community Room Join us for an evening of information and conversation to raise awareness of signs of depression in our youth. Parents, students and educators are encouraged to attend! Limited seating - For reservations call Kathy Scarpelli at 201-891-1820 Sponsored by: Wyckoff Municipal Alliance, Wyckoff Board of Health, Wyckoff Family YMCA featuring by Ann Ganley and Bunnies & Chicks Ages: 0 -10 Face Pain ting 4-20-10 kathy/janine