WESTWOOD—The borough is losing to retirement a stalwart servant of kids and families, and is doing all it can to thank her.
Jake Voorhis Park Director Cathy Sok, in that role for nearly two decades, is a 60-year resident of town who has raised her family here and given generously to the community in that time.
In presenting Sok with a token of the town’s gratitude in the form of a mayoral proclamation, Mayor John Birkner Jr. on July 18 shared with the public highlights of a career bowled as a perfect game.
In 1994 Sok, then a department volunteer, was hired by the Westwood Recreation Summer Camp, a six-week program that provides children from preschool through eighth grade with quality care in a safe, fun environment.
As a physical education teacher and competitive bowler, she was an ideal choice as park director, “bringing an enthusiasm for children and sports that elevated the program she oversaw to a new level,” the proclamation noted, as read into the record July 18 by Borough Clerk Karen Hughes.
Sok served as Brookside Park director for six years before taking on the directorship of Jake Voorhis Park, a position she held for the past 17 years.
The borough, through Birkner’s proclamation, lauds Sok’s commitment, dedication and zeal for the Summer Rec program in creating “a fun, nurturing environment for hundreds of Borough children for over two decades.”
And her contributions were celebrated Friday, July 21, at Cathy Sok Day at Jake Voorhis Park, where her colleagues and current and past campers gathered to send her off with a party, complete with a plaque, a cake, hugs, and a giant card bursting with the names of fans.
And, of course, the presentation of that proclamation. Recreation Director Gary Buchheister told the Pascack Press that Sok, through her talents and passion, touched and touches many lives in the borough.
“She is so valued. She created an atmosphere here where kids love coming back year after year,” he said.
For her part, Sok said she was “surprised, shocked and honored” at the outpouring of sentiment around her retirement.
“For me it was fun. It was just fun. I couldn’t thank the parents enough. Without them the program wouldn’t be running,” she told the Pascack Press.
She said the key to a successful recreation program is in playing with the kids to encourage them to expand their horizons. She said swimming, bowling and movie outings are always big hits with the kids—and with her.
She added that the program has always delighted her, “to see the kids laughing, fooling around, playing together, and making new friends,” especially with kids from other schools.
“I love playing with the kids. If I didn’t have a replacement I would probably be back,” she said.
For the record, her replacement is Dylan Evans, who has a tough act to follow—but who will do an amazing job nonetheless.
“The kids are in good hands,” Sok said.
Sok also thanked former rec director Jim Gwynn, current rec director Buchheister and supervisor John Orfini for supporting the area’s kids and families through incredible recreation opportunities.