October 8, 2014 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 7 Franklin Lakes Mayor seeks nominations for volunteer award by Frank J. McMahon Franklin Lakes Mayor Frank Bivona is seeking nominations for the first Mayor’s Volunteer Award. That award will be pre- sented annually to recognize worthy vol- unteers. “Volunteerism is an integral part of the borough’s success without which the bor- ough’s many emergency services, recre- ational, and social programs, would cease to exist,” Bivona stated at a recent council work session. “Volunteers have given tire- lessly of their time throughout the years to Eating for energy Nicole Hallissey, a registered dietitian from ShopRite of Oakland, presented a program on Eating for Energy at the September meeting of The Franklin Lakes Branch of The Valley Hos- pital Auxiliary. She provided numerous samples of healthy snacks. benefit the residents of Franklin Lakes.” Bivona pointed out that the borough’s volunteers have sat on various munici- pal boards, led Girl Scout and Boy Scout activities, coached the borough’s children, and have served on the fire department and first aid corps, which he said are only a few of the many activities provided by the borough’s volunteers. “Volunteers provide services and fill the needs of many that would otherwise not be met,” Bivona continued. “Volun- teers are owed the borough’s gratitude and respect and the Franklin Lakes 2014 May- or’s Award can recognize those groups and individuals who have given so self- lessly of their time and talent in service to others.” At the council’s September work ses- sion, Borough Administrator Gregory Hart also suggested various enhanced benefits the council might consider for borough volunteers in addition to the implementa- tion of a Mayor’s Volunteer Award. They included the possibility of free membership in the Franklin Lakes Com- munity Center, an increase in the maximum stipend for ambulance corps members and firefighters, and an increase in insurance benefits, which he said could be adminis- tered in a number of different ways. Those ideas were scheduled to be discussed that the council’s Oct. 7 work session. Bivona agreed with the idea of provid- ing more benefits for borough volunteers and he said, “I think we should be will- ing to push a little bit and promote the idea of volunteering. If we can give enhanced benefits we should, and we should ask the volunteers for their ideas.” Bivona has extolled the efforts of the borough’s volunteers over the years in his annual addresses to the borough at the council’s reorganization meetings. In his annual address in January, Bivona described Franklin Lakes as “a great community with residents who care and unselfishly give of their talents.” He also acknowledged the borough’s volun- teers “give of their time and talents so that others can benefit,” and he described them as “the backbone of our borough.” Forms for residents to nominate a can- didate for the Mayor’s Volunteer Award are available in the office of the borough administrator at the municipal building on DeKorte Drive and they must be submit- ted by Oct. 17, 2014.