April 17. 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 3 Midland Park The Midland Park Borough Council last week gave its approval to the Midland Park Baseball Association to use the town’s fields starting at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 25. Since the town traditionally observes Memorial Day on the Saturday preceding the holiday, town policy states the fields may not be used before 1 p.m. on that day. “It’s perfectly reasonable, and it will involve more young people in the process,” said Councilman Jack Considine in making the motion for approval. “It’s for this year only. We’ll address next year, next year,” he added. Councilwoman Nancy Peet said players in full uniform should stand at attention while the ceremony is taking place at Veterans Field off Dairy Street. “It’s a beautiful way of learning,” she said. The baseball association had requested the earlier use of the fields to host the Bergen County Charity Classic, a baseball tournament always held on that day, as a fundraiser for the organization. The association enters seven traveling teams Morning field use on Memorial Day Saturday OK’d in the tournament. Baseball Association President Dana Weisbrot had told the council that beginning play at 1 p.m. did not allow sufficient time to get all the tournament games in, and this had precluded the organization from hosting the tournament in previous years. Last week he said the BCCC had agreed to allow the games that would have been played at 9 a.m. to be played the night before. He said now two games would be played on Friday, May 24 at 6 p.m. He said the organization stands to make $2,500 to $3,000 from refreshment and other sales during the two-day event. “We tried to compromise, and we got this concession from the BCCC,” said Weisbrot. Officials of VFW Post 7086 and American Legion Post 130 had objected to the earlier play, which would be at the same time as the traditional parade and memorial observances are held. The borough had eight of its native sons die in a twoyear period during the Vietnam War. “We voted it is disrespectful to have the baseball games at that time,” said VFW Vice Commander Joe Letterese. “Why did the leaders choose Memorial Day. It was an error for them to pick to play there at that time,” he said. According to a letter from VFW Post 7086 Commander Bruce Strengberg, his organization voted unanimously to request the 1 p.m. timeline be maintained (see letter on page 22). “I understand it’s a good opportunity for a fundraiser, but there is no way to compromise. It’s a matter of respect. What is the price of respect? What is the price of sacrifice? said Sharon Marchetto, whose husband served two years in VietNam and was long active in local sports organizations. “It doesn’t seem right that we can’t take one day to say: we remember, we respect. There are other ways to raise money. It doesn’t have to be this. It’s important to other people, not just the old guys at the Post, she said, adding, “Seek out a vet to see why it’s disrespectful. The services are the hardest time of the year for them. You don’t understand unless you are a veteran.” “I don’t see where the matter of respect comes up,” said resident Mike Folignani. “It’s an opportunity for the players to witness something they are not ordinarily exposed to,” he added. Board of Recreation President Bob Sansone, whose group had originally sanctioned the game for that morning, said they had envisioned a learning experience for the players. “The intent was to be all inclusive, not to disrespect anyone,” he said. The Midland Park Knights of Columbus-Council #5498 will be collecting for its annual Developmentally Disabled Drive the weekend of April 19 through 21. Knights sporting yellow vests will be standing outside the Pizzaiolo Restau- Knights hold fund drive rant, A&P Supermarket, and the Bagel Emporium in Midland Park requesting donations. All proceeds will benefit the Eastern Christian Children’s Retreat in Wyckoff and the Special Olympics.