Mahwah August 8, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 5 Donigian honored for service to Recreation Committee by Frank J. McMahon The Mahwah Township Council honored a veteran of the township’s Recreation Committee at its last public meeting. Ward Donigian recently retired from the committee after serving for 10 years. He explained that family and work commitments were the reasons for his retirement from the committee, but he said he hopes to be back with the group some day. He added that he would like to continue to be the master of ceremonies at the annual Mahwah Day program. Donigian explained further that he wants to be able to spend more time attending the athletic events of his two sons who are involved in club and travel baseball and basketball, and he wants to give younger families in the community an opportunity to serve on the committee. Mayor William Laforet presented Donigian with a plaque in appreciation for his service on the committee. The plaque also recognized Donigian for being the Mahwah Day Parade Master and chairman of the fishing contest for the past 10 years. “We appreciate everything you do for the township and your participation in the Recreation Committee,” Laforet said, noting how Donigian never failed to show up for an event. “You have always been an integral part of the camaraderie and spirit of volunteerism.” Councilman Harry Williams, who is chairman of the Recreation Committee, and Council President John Spiech, who has worked with Donigian in serving the township for many years, both had high praise for Donigian’s service. “Ward is not being honored for his length of service, but for the largeness of his heart,” Williams said. Donigian responded by thanking Laforet, Williams, Spiech, and Dawn DaPuzzo, the current director of the recreation department, the council members, and the members of the committee. “Serving on the Recreation Committee has been very fulfilling,” Donigian said. “To reach out to so many citizens of our great township, from the very young to the very old, and to see the many smiles and filled hearts is a great joy for all the Recreation Committee members. I was proud to be part of that. “From the Easter Bunny Event, Fishing Contests, Movie Nights, Paddle Days, Mahwah Day, (and) Halloween Parade to Santa’s arrival in Mahwah, no town in Bergen County does it better,” Donigian continued. “I would like to thank Mayor William Laforet and the township council for all their support and give a special thanks to committee chair and Councilman Harry Williams, Recreation Director Dawn DaPuzzo, and all the Recreation Committee members.” Donigian said he believes the committee’s larges accomplishments during the past 10 years have been growing Mahwah Day into “the greatest event” with larger turnouts and more vendors than other towns, and the committee’s effort to reach out to not only to the youth of the township but also to adults and seniors. He explained that most events run by the committee draw three generations, and said that is very fulfilling. “When you see a child smile, and the parents and grandparents smile, then we know we have done a good job,” he said. Besides serving on the Recreation Committee, Donigian was a member of the township council from 1994 to 2002, during which time he served as the council vice president for one year. He also was the co-chair of the Recreation Facilities Committee from 1998 to 2002, during which time Continental Soldiers Park on Ramapo Valley Road was developed. In 2002, he was appointed to the Recreation Committee and the planning board. He will continue to serve on the board. Mahwah seniors are invited to a free picnic at the Mahwah Municipal Pool on Aug. 16. The noon event will include hot dogs, chips, ice cream, fruit, and soda, and entertainment. The picnic, which will be held under the shade structures and on the patio, will be served by the lifeguards and support staff. (Rain date: Aug. 17.) Seniors invited to picnic at pool Seniors are encouraged to bring bathing suits and enjoy the pool. During the picnic, everyone is encouraged to take advantage of a free DermaScan and blood pressure testing provided by the Health Awareness Regional Program at Hackensack University Medical Center. Call (201) 529-4949.