Page 10 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • August 14, 2013 Midland Park Nuzzi to head revitalized Chamber of Commerce Midland Park chiropractor Dr. Lori Nuzzi is taking over the reins of the Midland Park Chamber of Commerce from long time president Chris Rossi of Eastern Insurors. “It’s time for someone else to step in to take over and breathe new air into the organization,” said Rossi of his decision to relinquish the gavel after 20 years. “It’s been an honor serving, and I’m looking forward to what the new president will do,” he added. Rossi said he is proud of the chamber’s accomplish- ments during his tenure, including the reconstruction of Veterans Park in Wortendyke, a chamber initiative with a $75,000 price tag; a strong scholarship program, and participation in Dutch Heritage Day, Chamber Sale Days, Holiday Tree Lighting and other once successful town wide events. Dr. Nuzzi said she accepted the leadership role because she saw the need for an active chamber to bolster the busi- ness community. “It’s nice to come together as business owners to give back to the community. Doing it as a chamber is the orga- nized, productive way to do it,” she said. Dr. Nuzzi said she is looking to kick off her term in October with a general meeting/brainstorming session to gain new ideas to grow the organization. “New members and ideas are welcome,” she said, adding that she hopes to establish monthly meetings to allow business people and professionals to interact with each other to enhance networking and to gain a better understanding of the needs of the town and the business community. Dr. Nuzzi said she hopes the chamber will be able to become more active in town activities and focal town events, such as Midland Park Day and holiday activities; and to expand the college scholarship program, which now awards three scholarships to graduating seniors. Coincidentally, two residents in attendance at last week’s mayor and council meeting asked about the status of the chamber and urged the governing body to support the business community. “We have a prime location in the center of a busy area. We have a great town. What do we do as a town to support businesses,” asked Heidi Meyer of Erie Avenue, who owns Fairway Garden Center with her husband, Scott. “I want our town to be a pass through town to Ridgewood or the highway. I want to see our town become a destination town, where people come to shop,” said Irene O’Marra of Godwin Avenue. Councilwoman Nancy Peet said she is working on developing a property tax credit card program which she said would be a boost for businesses. Any business, professional or organization interested in further information about plans for reactivating the chamber may contact Dr. Nuzzi at: nuzzichiropractic@ verizon.net. Residents question proposed pavilion Doctor Lori Nuzzi The Midland Park Borough Council last week offi- cially voted to apply for a Bergen County Open Space and Recreation grant to erect a small pavilion at the Dairy Street recreation complex, but some residents at the meet- ing questioned the use of the funds for the project. Joan Doumas of First Street said she would rather see the open space funds used to improve school fields, par- ticularly the high school track. “It would be an asset for all residents across the board, not just the school children,” she said. Doumas also asked that residents be polled as to their preference for the use of the funds. The council held a public hearing on the appli- cation at its July 25 meeting. Mayor Patrick “Bud” O’Hagan said the board of educa- tion could also apply to the county for open space funds for projects on school property. He noted that the grant funds must be matched dollar for dollar and the work performed must be exactly as proposed in the grant application. Board of Education President William Sullivan said after the meeting he had been unaware schools are eligible to apply and promised to follow up on the information. The borough is applying for $47,500 matching grant from the county open space trust fund for the pavilion, which will be similar to but smaller than the existing pavilion at Wortendyke Park. “We’re such a small town. Are two pavilions neces- sary? How did we determine it’s needed. What is its intended use,” asked Irene O’Marra of Godwin Avenue. Borough Clerk/Administrator Addie Hanna said the proposed facility would have more uses than the pavilion at Wortendyke Park because of its proximity to sporting and other events at the Dairy Street complex. She said its intended use would be for parents accompanying their children to the playground or sports events, during Mid- land Park Day, for summer camp activities and for res- idents wishing to have a picnic or simply sit down and relax under cover. If the grant is approved, the pavilion would be located adjacent to the new Americans with Dis- abilities Act (ADA)-compliant playground for which the borough received a $75,000 county open space grant this year. “It has so many uses. Everyone can take advantage of it, and individual residents and groups can reserve it for special events at no charge,” said Hanna. She noted that Wortendyke Park is out of the way of recreational activi- ties and not frequently used. The pavilion in Wortendyke Park was designed as a location for outdoor programs and group gatherings and may also be reserved at no charge.