Area February 29, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • Page 11 Ramsey resident and long-time borough volunteer Michael F. Adams died last week following a brief illness. He was 65. “First and foremost, he was a good friend and such a valuable part of our community,” Ramsey Mayor Christopher Botta said of Adams. “I will miss him. There is no way to replace him.” The Ramsey Council observed a moment of silence in Adams’ honor at last week’s council meeting, and a bunting was placed outside the door of the Ramsey Office of Emergency Management, where Adams had served as coordinator for nearly 40 years. Adams was named New Jersey Emergency Management Coordinator of the Year in 2005. He was an officer in the New Jersey Emergency Management Association, and the Bergen County SkyWarn Spotter Coordinator for the National Weather Service. Adams had been active with the Ramsey Rescue Squad for 48 years, and was serving his fifth term as the squad’s president. He had been a member of the Ramsey Ambulance Corps for 45 years. He was a life member and senior riding member of that organization. Adams was an active member of the Ramsey Knights of Columbus for 34 years. He was a Fourth Degree Knight and was serving as Grand Knight of the Patrick F. Pindar Council 3942 in Ramsey. He was a parishioner of Saint Paul Roman Catholic Church in Ramsey, where Long-time Ramsey volunteer Michael Adams dies at 65 he was also a lector and an usher. During his tenure on the Ramsey Council, Adams served as chairman of the Police and Fire Committee. As a member of the United States Army Reserve, he reached the rank of captain. Adams holds multiple degrees from Seton Hall University, including a bachelor’s and three masters. Before his “retirement,” he spent 40 years as a high school educator and college counselor. For 16 years, he was a guidance counselor at Ramsey High School, and earned Teacher of the Year honors. Adams was involved in Boy Scouting for many years, both as a participant and as a leader. He joined Ramsey Boy Scout Troop 31 in March 1958. In 1961, he became a member of the Order of the Arrow and achieved Eagle Scout status. He remained an active member of the National Eagle Scout Association. He was a member of the Troop Committee, working closely with the troop’s Eagle Scout candidates and handling publicity. He was also serving on the Centennial Committee for Troop 31, which will celebrate its 100th Anniversary in 2012. Since he attended Camp No-Bo-Bo-Sco for the first time in 1958, Adams returned to that site nearly every summer. In 1968, he served as field sport director. He was also elected to the Sand Pond Society’s Executive Committee, whose members include camp staff alumni and former campers. He continued to provide pro bono counseling for the teens and 20-year-olds who are members of Boy Scout Troop 31 and of the local public safety organizations. In 2011, Adams received the Silver Beaver Award from the Northern New Jersey Council of the Boy Scouts of America. The award, established in 1931, is the highest honor a registered adult leader can receive. The Silver Beaver is presented to individuals who do not actively seek rec- ognition, but work diligently, showing self-sacrifice, exceptional character, and dedication. The honoree received a certificate and a miniature silver beaver on a blue and white ribbon, which may be worn around the neck, at the BSA Council’s 13th Annual Recognition Dinner. Adams’ volunteerism was previously recognized by former New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman and by former President George W. Bush. School budget (continued from page 3) year, and the vote on the custodians split, but both moves were adopted. The budget will have a final document presentation on Feb. 27 and will have a public hearing on March 26. The district also saved an estimated $800,000 on health benefits, and $400,000 on outside special education costs by retaining many special education students within the district. Fees for pupil activities to be paid for by the students and their families saved another $150,000. The solar energy program saved the district $50,000. Glen Rock was among the first Northwest Bergen County communities to opt for a November school election, which will be held as part of the general election. If the projected budget figures remain unchanged, the borough’s voters will only cast their ballots on the candidates for the school board. J. KOSTER Reading buddies (continued from page 3) said. The students are all Glen Rock residents, but might never have met one another without the program at the library. “Older buddies, grades eight and up, may read to the students or serve as a patient active listener, helping with reading skills such as pronunciation, definitions, and the understanding of content,” Fishelman said. “Children have the opportunity to become comfortable with their buddy and make a new friend, as we hope to match the same buddies up every week.” Fishelman adds that the Reading Buddies program, besides being constructive fun for the younger readers, is a useful social outreach for the older students. “We had 98 people here last week,” Fishelman said. “I’m going for a hundred.”