Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • February 20, 2013 Ramsey This week, Ramsey plans to honor long-time sports fan Larry Pagano for his unwavering support of the local athletic teams. At press time, Pagano was to have been recognized on Feb. 19 at the 7 p.m. Senior Night varsity basketball game at Ramsey High School. Pagano is virtually a permanent fixture at many Ramsey High School events. Over the years, he has been an inspiration to many athletes, parents, and residents of Ramsey. Whether the team is winning or losing, Pagano is there to cheer and support the players. RHS Varsity Basketball Captain Nicholas Schifano recently approached Coach Kevin McGuire and Athletic Director Jim Grasso and suggested a collection be made to purchase a varsity jacket for Pagano. Schifano suggested the jacket and a varsity letter be presented to Pagano at halftime of the Senior Night game. Number 1 sports fan to be honored this week “Being the only senior on the team, I thought it would be great if I could share this night with our #1 fan and friend,” Schifano said. McGuire and Grasso threw their support behind the concept, but it turned out the collection was not necessary. Aladen Jackets in Pompton Lakes decided to donate the jacket after hearing Pagano would be the recipient. Just how special is Pagano? Schifano’s mother, Donna, said, “Everyone in town knows who Larry is. He comes to every single game and sporting event in town, and he can bring a smile to anyone’s face. He is pleasant and cheerful. Even when a team is losing, he encourages the players. He touches your heart and you need to meet him!” Those who do not attend local sporting events may recognize Pagano from the (continued on page 15) Larry Pagano (center) rallies sports fans at a recent game. Saint John’s Episcopal Church, located at the corner of Main Street and Franklin Turnpike in Ramsey, will host a benefit organ concert on Saturday, March 2 at 4 p.m. Well-known organist Richard Frey will be the featured performer. Frey’s repertoire spans five centuries and includes compositions by Mendelssohn, Brahms, Reubke, Langlais, Frey, and others. The performance will include a musical tribute to the late great jazz innovator, Dave Brubeck, and selections from the musical, “Les Miserables.” Frey and Drew Kreismer, director of music at Saint John’s, will play an organ duet and a piano/organ duet. The audience is invited to a Meet the Artists session following the concert. A $10 donation will be designated for Stop Hunger Now, an international hunger Frey to perform at benefit relief agency. This donation covers 40 meals! Since 1998, the organization has coordinated the distribution of food and other lifesaving aid to children and families in countries all over the world. Last year, 60 volunteers packaged 10,000 meal packets in just two hours. Saint John’s plans to repeat this successful meal-packaging event on Saturday, March 9. Each meal packet contains rice, soy, dehydrated vegetables and a flavoring mix, including 21 essential vitamins and minerals, at a cost of 25 cents. Participants are welcome to sign on for the Stop Hunger Team by contacting the church office at (201) 327-0703 or e-mailing ellen.joyce@stjohnsramsey.org. For more information, visit www. stjohnsramsey.org.