Mayor Colleen Mahr and the Fanwood Borough Council recognized a number of volunteers and residents who serve the town during the regular May council meeting. But Mayor Mahr began the meeting with a remembrance of Joe Nagy, an iconic figure whose volunteer work in Fanwood is legendary. Mr. Nagy died this week at the age of 100. He raised his family on Oakwood Court and touched many lives during his decades here. He helped create Fanwood community television, served on the Scholarship Foundation and was involved in many other volunteer projects. Arrangements are still pending from his family.

Joe’s service to the town was the jumping-off point for many acknowledgments of public service at the meeting, to wit:

  • Resident Oshanda Erb, a Fanwood Air Force veteran and reservist, was honored for being this year’s Memorial Day Parade Grand Marshall
  • SPF High School students Hayley Blacker and Katelyn Lester spoke about the Wellness Fridge, a donated refrigerator standing on the porch of Borough Hall that accepts donations of refrigerated food for people in need
  • Fabio’s Bistro owners Greg Kowalczyk and Ronnie Vojka were honored for their continuous support of community projects and fundraising
  • Councilwoman/Police Commissioner Trisha Walsh presented a National Police Week proclamation to Police Director Mike Bramhall, who then related stories of good works by Fanwood police officers including a successful effort to recover most of the $200,000 a resident lost in a scam
  • Councilwoman Erin McElroy Barker read a proclamation thanking the Rescue Squad for its volunteer commitment during National EMS Week
  • Councilwoman Kathy Mitchell, a retired RN, read a proclamation thanking nurses during National Nurses Week
  • Councilwoman Erin McElroy Barker, a social worker, proclaimed May Mental Health Awareness month by urging extra attention to be paid to young people who are under more social pressures than ever before
  • Three new volunteer firefighters were introduced by Chief John Piccola and sworn in by Mayor Mahr—Blas Peralta, Chris Tripodi and Peter Jimenez

The Council adopted on first reading ordinances providing more than $2.3 million in appropriations for capital projects and sewer improvements. A public hearing and final vote are scheduled for June 12th.