Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • December 18, 2013 Midland Park Tina Fadlalla to retire after 30 years at library Midland Park’s reference librarian extraordinaire, Tina Fadlalla, is about to retire. She has been serving the local community since 1983. In honor of her three decades of service in Midland Park, area residents are invited to visit the library on Friday, Dec. 20 for a “Thanks for the Memories” celebration. Refresh- ments will be served all day (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), and library patrons and friends are encouraged to stop by and share their stories about Fadlalla. A cake will be served at 3 p.m. “I have been completely happy in the career I chose years ago. Not everyone can say that!” Fadlalla, a Haw- thorne resident, said. Fadlalla earned her MLS from Rutgers University, and received an undergraduate degree in English from Muhlen- berg College. She began working after school as a page in the Moore- stown Public Library. Before joining the staff in Midland Park, she worked for six years as reference librarian in the Englewood Public Library. In 2010, Fadlalla served as Mid- land Park’s interim library director. Midland Park Library Director Sue Lazzari described Fadlalla as “dedicated, hardworking, and one of the most professional librarians I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. I’m always amazed at her knowledge and the depth in which she prepares for her book discussion groups.” Over the years, Fadlalla has gained the reputation of being particularly helpful in recommending reading mate- rials. “She knows the library’s collection well and has a par- ticularly vast knowledge of fiction. She has an uncanny ability to match a patron’s interests to the perfect book,” Lazzari explained, adding that Fadlalla is irreplaceable. Lazzari also praised Fadlalla’s strong work ethic, saying, “I don’t think I’ve met anyone with a stronger work ethic. She has never slowed down. She’s a real inspiration and a role model. I’m certainly going to miss her. She will be missed by staff -- and especially the patrons.” The director added, “Even if she doesn’t want a pat on the back, we should give her one.” The Midland Park Memorial Library is located at 250 Godwin Avenue in Midland Park. For additional informa- tion, call (201) 444-2390. Championship eludes football team The Waldwick/Midland Park high school football team lost its bid for the North 1, Group 2 Division I champion- ship on Dec. 7, losing 26-7 to powerhouse Westwood High School (11-1) in the final game at Kean University. A full contingent of Waldwick and Midland Park fans filled the stands, buoyed by the fact that this was Waldwick’s first sectional championship game since 1988, and Midland Park’s first. “Although we did not come out on top, the Warriors played very hard for four quarters. The coaching staff and players should be proud of themselves,” said Waldwick High School’s Athletic Director Michael Clancy. “The amount of support from both communities was incredible. It was an awesome sight to see the amount of people standing on their feet and cheering. It was a great display of Warrior Pride.” Waldwick’s Superintendent of Schools Dr. Patricia Rau- pers echoed that sentiment at last week’s board of education meeting. “It was wonderful to see so many people out to sup- port our football team at last Saturday’s state champion- ship game at Kean University. They have had a tremendous season, and despite the final score, we can all be very proud of our players and their coaches,” she said. She said that the team’s achievement will be recognized at a board of educa- tion meeting in January. Midland Park Board of Education President William Sullivan applauded the success of the cooperative effort between the two schools that comprise the team. “Although the final didn’t turn out as we had hoped, we’re very proud of what our high school athletes accom- plished this season. The players have embraced each other as friends and teammates, and they played with a lot of confidence throughout the entire season,” commented Sullivan. “The success of this year’s football team is proof (continued on page 25)