PARK RIDGE—The borough has honored 20 fine folks for, in Mayor Keith Misciagna’s words, “what’s best about Park Ridge, our volunteerism.”
Misciagna presented awards during a 30-minute ceremony at the Oct. 24 council meeting. He said the tradition of honoring volunteers started years ago and continues among those who give of themselves to the success of local schools, food pantries, the Shade Tree Committee, the planning and zoning boards, recreational and religious organizations, and more.
“It was probably a former mayor who realized getting things done is the hardest part of governing. Getting people to do work, to come out and help one another, is very difficult in most towns,” Misciagna told a full council chambers.
In contrast, he said, “It’s really not that difficult here and I appreciate that more than you know because there’s things that need to be done that can’t be done by everyone on this dais and even everybody that’s employed by the Borough of Park Ridge.”
He said, “More importantly than even that, it’s what happens when you look back at your time on Earth, and in this town, and you start realizing how important being part of a community is. And I appreciate that and I appreciate all of you.”
Misciagna and councilman John Ferguson presented 2023 Community Service Awards to Kristen Abraham, West Ridge Parent Teacher Organization; Jerry Alexander, Corporal Jedh C. Barker Memorial Post 153; Alyson Baratta, Tri-Boro Ambulance Corps; Heather Borgersen, Park Ridge Girl Scouts; Sandy Buchner, Tri-Boro Food Pantry; Geralyn Cargulia, Greater Pascack Valley Woman’s Club; and Deacon Terry Ciulla, Pascack Reformed Church and immediate past president of Park Ridge Rotary Club.
Other honorees included Trevor Dublin, PKRG-TV; Alison Gill, Park Ridge Municipal Pool; The Gold Family, (In Memory of Stuart Gold); Matthew Gray, Park Ridge High School; John Hansen, Park Ridge Fire Prevention; Jim Hespe, Shade Tree Committee; Shanai Jensen, Diversity and Inclusion Committee; Kaley Koo, East Brook PTO; Robert Metzdorf, Planning Board; Michael Mintz, Zoning Board of Adjustment; Danielle Schwartz, Park Ridge Athletic Association; Laurie Wharton, Recreation & Cultural Committee; and Brenda Yanni, Golden Age Social Club.
Misciagna provided brief glimpses into each volunteer’s public service. His unabridged comments can be heard starting near the 5-minute mark of the Oct. 24 meeting video and concluding 27 minutes later.
Below are excerpts of comments offered about some of the recognized volunteers. Pascack Press congratulates all of the honored volunteers for their selfless public service.
Misciagna said Jerry Alexander’s work with Cpl Jedh C. Barker Memorial Post 153 includes 13 years as an active member and “the duty of our in-house cook (who) regularly prepared meals most Saturdays for anyone who comes by the Post. Jerry is the ‘go-to guy’ when you need something done and you can be sure the job will be accomplished.”
Of Park Ridge Girl Scouts’ leader Heather Borgersen, the mayor noted, “Heather embodies the meaning of a true Girl Scout and she comes from a longstanding Girl Scout Family.”
The mayor said that Geralyn Cargulia, of Greater Pascack Valley Woman’s Club, “takes the initiative to be resourceful and she knows what needs to be done without being told what to do.”
He said Trevor Dublin, of PKRG-TV, has hosted or co-hosted the community television network’s most successful series, “What’s Cookin’ Park Ridge?” and “Well-Being,” its health and wellness program.
Misciagna said that volunteer Matthew Gray of Park Ridge High School has “been a true champion of selflessness and dedication while volunteering his time as an assistant coach for the Park Ridge football, wrestling and lacrosse teams.”
He said that Shanai Jensen, of the borough’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, brings attention to “the need for inclusion and diversity in Park Ridge and is always willing to be the voice for those in our community who have felt like they are not seen and heard because of their differences.”
Misciagna said Kaley Koo’s term as East Brook Parent–Teacher Organization co-president “created a welcoming environment for all families” and included a new playground for older children, and free piano lessons for East Brook students offered by Kaley during lunchtime.
Volunteer Danielle Schwartz, of Park Ridge Athletic Association, “has coached different sports and been a long-serving member on the PRAA board.” The mayor said she deserves recognition for her years of volunteerism “and willingness to go over and above.”
The mayor noted Laurie Wharton, Park Ridge Recreational & Cultural Committee, was “an extraordinary asset to our events, especially the Annual Town Picnic and Octoberfest.”
He cited Brenda Yanni, Golden Age Social Club, noting Brenda has fostered the goals of the club for over a decade, serving as president, vice president, eulogist, and always seeking new grant opportunities
“She assists with the Club’s social activities when needed and coordinates activities. She continually advocates for new Club members,” said the mayor.
He recognized John Hansen, a 62-year volunteer with the local Fire Department. “I think we’re just going to call this ‘the year of John Hansen’, I think sir, come on up,” said the mayor as scores of friends and families of volunteers applauded.
“We can’t say enough about John Hansen,” said Misciagna, as the audience again applauded.
Misciagna continued, “John’s unwavering love of his hometown and Park Ridge Fire Department is demonstrated by holding every department rank culminating in 1978 as Chief of the Department. John is the Park Ridge’s fire official, managing the bureau continuously since 1985, possibly the longest serving in that rank in the State of New Jersey. John is just as active in fire prevention as he is within the Fire Department.”
After recognizing the volunteers, Misciagna had a final comment: “So now can you see why this is my favorite night, it’s all good…we get tied down in talking about sometimes nonsense but when the rubber hits the road these are the people that make the town wonderful, so let’s take a picture, and put it in the newspaper, let everybody be jealous.”