May 14, 2014 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 7 Wyckoff Mosaic at Labyrinth Garden commemorates Berkowitz by John Koster A triptych of five-foot-by-three-foot ceramic tile mosaic panels at the Wyckoff Public Library now commemorate Rita S. Berkowitz, a long-term township resident and library patron who passed away in 2012 at the age of 83. The mosaic panels were created by Rhonda Heisler, of Skillman, and were financed by a $15,000 donation by Rita’s husband Bernard Berkowitz, and by her children Robert L. and Nina A. Sobel and Richard D. and Gail M. Sobel. The mosaic is located near the Labyrinth Garden at the library. This permanent outdoor installation is entitled “A World of Potential: Imagination, Exploration, Commu- nication,” and recognizes the many contributions a library makes to the community. “It was been an amazing journey to be involved in this once-in-a-lifetime project,” said Wyckoff Library Direc- tor Mary Witherell. “Rhonda’s work is magnificent -- the crowning glory of our Labyrinth Garden.” Rita Berkowitz had a long-standing relationship with the Friends of the Wyckoff Library and was frequently the largest donor in any given year. She was also a supporter of the Montclair Art Museum, one of the finest small muse- ums in New Jersey, and chaired or co-chaired that muse- um’s “Art in Bloom” exhibit multiple times. Art in Bloom was the museum’s major fundraiser, and involved the cre- ation of elaborate floral displays that would complement artworks in the collection. She loved flowers and books, and had served as the Montclair Garden Club’s president in earlier years. “Ever since it was built in May of 2012, I have felt that the Labyrinth Garden, though beautiful (and conducive to meditation) was incomplete,” said Library Director With- erell. “When I heard of Rita’s interest in art, I thought long and hard about what sort of outdoor art might provide the finishing touch to this space, and after I discovered Rhonda Heisler’s work, I knew this was the answer.” In addition to the panels, Witherell commissioned Heisler to make two matching ceramic planters called “The Beauty of Flowers,” another nod to Rita’s dual passions. The planters are 27 inches tall and 20 inches in diameter, and they flank the entrance to the Labyrinth Garden to draw visual attention from the library’s parking lot toward the secluded, peaceful space. Heisler, a former book editor, turned her hobby of making mosaics into a full-time business a dozen years ago. Her work can be seen in AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City. She has 24 mosaics on display at Capital Health’s new hospital in Hopewell Township. She is a member of the Society of American Society of Mosaic Artists and she has been featured in many juried and inter- national exhibitions. When Berkowitz passed away in July 2012 following a battle with cancer, the Friends of the Wyckoff Library paid their respects with a mention in their newsletter. Past presi- dent and current treasurer Beth Wharton also sent a note of condolence along with the newsletter to Rita’s husband of 36 years. He was so touched that he offered to fund a library project in Rita’s memory. The Friends of the Wyckoff Library were instrumental in managing this project every step of the way. They funded the cost of the installation, the bronze plaque hung next to Rita S. Berkowitz the panels, and the landscaping in the Labyrinth Garden. The Wyckoff Garden Club has also gotten involved, agree- ing to design and install an arrangement of perennials in the planters at the end of May. State accepts township’s emergency management plan Wyckoff’s update of its emergency management plan has been accepted by the State of New Jersey and Wyckoff Police Chief Benjamin Fox thanked everyone involved in the update process. “Having a comprehensive emergency management plan potentially impacts every resident of our commu- nity as the government services their needs in emergency and disaster situations,” Fox wrote to Wyckoff Township Administrator Robert Shannon. “Only through effective planning can we be sure that we have the ability to meet those needs.” Fox thanked Shannon, who is a deputy emergency management coordinator and a volunteer firefighter. “The assistance you have provided through the comple- tion of this project has been invaluable,” the chief wrote on April 29. “This has been a team effort to complete this project, and the residents of our fine community benefit as our emergency services and government stand prepared to handle and emergency and disaster needs that may arise.” Fox also thanked Emergency Management Coordina- tor/Wyckoff Police Lieutenant Charles Van Dyke, Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator/Wyckoff Police Lieutenant David Murphy, Police Sergeant Brian Zivkov- ich, and Patrolman Kyle Ferreira, the Wyckoff Volunteer Fire Department, the Wyckoff Volunteer Ambulance Corps, the public schools, and many private citizens and organizations who contributed to the update. The updated plan will be effective through April 17, 2018. J. KOSTER