Page 18 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • June 6, 2012
Memorial debate at Cavallini
(continued from page 13) to the current economic downturn to make a point as to why the time is not right to switch to alternative energy sources like wind and solar power. The pro team used the “tipping point” theory to promote their argument on why the time is right, even though there is a high initial cost associated with introducing alternative energy production facilities. The natural disasters caused by oil spills and nuclear reactor meltdown were cited as hidden dangers of non-renewable energy sources. After the initial arguments, both teams had a chance to challenge their opponents’ point of view through rebuttal. Like legal luminaries, the con team used the same visual aids used by the pro team and gave a different interpretation to drive their point home. The event was judge by Cavallini School Principal Dr. Gene Solomon, Assistant Principal James McCusker, Brigette Uzar, Elizabeth Ulrich, and Linda Vanderbree. There was a sizable audience, comprised of students, teachers and parents who listened to the debate and repeatedly showed their appreciation through loud applause. Overall, the program was a success. After the debate, the participants enjoyed pizza and soda sponsored by Arya’s father, Kumud Majumder. “This debate program shows how a young student like Arya could become instrumental in starting a significant new program like middle school debate club,” Majumder said. “Arya wanted to use the debate program as a tool to hone the ability of the middle schoolers to argue cases like lawyers. The slogan - Today’s Debater, Tomorrow’s Sena-
tor - is a perfect representation of that spirit.” Majumder thanked the teachers and students of Cavallini for making the debate program so successful. He is working with the American Debate League to expand on the middle school debate program. Majumder predicts that in next two to three years, the Cavallini students will have an opportunity to compete in the state and possibly national level. Arya’s dream was to have a debate club at his grade school in Upper Saddle River. His desire was to become a lawyer and a U.S. Senator. Although Arya passed away before the club was launched, his father and Chamberlin have been instrumental in bringing Arya’s dream to fruition. Arya’s parents, Kumud and Swati, have also established the Arya’s Kids Foundation in memory of their son. According to the foundation website, the group’s goal is to fund pediatric cancer research and immunotherapy.
Incentive
(continued from page 10) may not exceed $1,500 per year. Borough volunteers successfully lobbied for an incentive program, rather than a length of service awards program, stating that the incentive program would assist local emergency workers in recruiting and retaining members. The voters’ approval of VIP did not change the status of the fire department or ambulance corps and did not create an employer/employee relationship between the volunteers and the borough. The program does not entitle any volunteer firefighter or ambulance corps member to any medical benefits or pension benefits provided by the borough to its employees. Individuals who volunteer for both the fire department and ambulance corps are eligible to earn points for services to both groups. However, borough employees who are also volunteers for either emergency service provider will not be able to earn points while performing volunteer services to those organizations during regular work hours.
Above left: Members of the con team listening to the argument intently. Above right: Samson Solberman presenting the con team, with other members sitting in the background.