2017 – Assessing the Past, Planning the Future

 By Mayor Charles Daniel

During this time of the year I assess and evaluate the events o f the past year in order to better prepare and plan for the New Year.  Reviewing the events of 2017, I have many reasons to be thankful, particularly for the Califon citizens that have volunteered their time and energy creating a vibrant and active community.   These citizens include:    

• The Califon Borough Council – Meg Riccio, Gill Smith, Mike Mede a, Leo Janus, Steve Stanaback and Joe Riccio – for their commitment and perseverance throughout the year. I am very fortunate to have a Council that respects each other and works cohesively together.  Special thanks to Meg and  Gill, who are leaving the Council, and a wholehearted welcome t o Rich Baggstrom and Ed Haversang,  our newest Council members.
• Council President Gill Smith – Gill, who has served on Council for the past 19 years, is retiring from his post. Over the past years, G ill has been the organizer of t he Memorial Day Celebration, a Califon tradition. Gill has al so been the ‘councilman behind the scenes ’, hanging the wreaths along Main  Street and banners on the bridge , as well as responding to public works issues. Gill voluntarily served  as the ‘mayor’s backup’ for many years, as well as a true friend
• The front office – Borough Clerk Laura Eidsvaag, Deputy Clerk Karen Mastro, Tax Collector Amy  Monahan, CFO Kevin Lifer, Tax Assessor Eloise Hagaman, and Planning Board Secretary Teri Lyons  – for running the ‘day to day’ activities of the Borough. Sometimes a ‘thankless’ job that goes unduly noticed.    
• The Main Street Fair and organizer Jason Beard – Once again a major success that continues to expand in participation and attendance!  Jason Beard and the Recreation  Committee deserve sincere praise for  their efforts
• The Memorial Day coordination team and organizer Amanda Altavilla – This was Amanda’s first time as the lead coordinator for the Memorial Day Celebration. The Celebration was a complete success!  Congratulations to Amanda and her support team for keeping this tradition a memorable experience.   
• Our public safety team – the Califon Fire Company, the Califon First Aid Squad, Chief Jeff Almer and the Washington Township Police Department, and Beth Wolfmayer, our Emergency Management Co- ordinator – for providing a c lose watch over our Borough. Excellent service!    ·
• Our school crossing guards – Marlene Dudek and Clayton Huff – for keeping our children safe through all kinds of weather. Especially, for caring.    

Of course, there are others, such as River Clean Up Day (Karen Mastro), Trout Fest (Ed Haversang) and the Antique Car Show (Bruce Morrow).  Because of the volunteerism, dedication and perseverance of the people and groups mentioned above, as well as those not mentioned because of my faulty memory, Califon is truly a wonderful place to live. My sincerest thanks to all of you. 

Last modified: April 3, 2022