Council presents awards

JACKSON - Members of the Township Council recently thanked Councilman Angelo Stallone for serving as the council president during the first year of the municipality's new government.

Jackson changed its form of government from a Township Committee to a mayor and Township Council in July 2006. Stallone was elected to serve as council president for the first year of the new government (July 2006 through June 2007).

At the Aug. 14 meeting of the council he was presented with a gavel to commemorate his year of service as the president of the governing body.

"It is a great pleasure to give Angelo Stallone, the first council president of Jackson, his gavel and pounding board," current council President Ann Updegrave said. "The new form of government was a very difficult change and test for everyone.

"Angelo Stallone proved to me that he really stepped up to the plate in trying to learn the new form of government as best as he could," Updegrave said. "I am very proud to have sat by his side during the most difficult year when there was a change in the form of government."

Stallone said he appreciated the backing of the council, which has allowed him to serve the people of Jackson in that capacity.

In other business, Councilman Jason Gudaitis presented environmental commissioner Lonnie Cromwell with a certificate of merit.

"Lonnie has been here for quite a long time," Gudaitis said. "He lives and breathes Jackson Township."

Gudaitis said Cromwell is devoted to protecting land in the township, open space acquisition and protecting threatened and endangered species.

"This has become evident by the numerous conversations we have had on my cell phone, my house phone and letters to my mailbox," the councilman said. "It is a pleasure to speak with Lonnie."

Gudaitis said the certificate of merit for Cromwell was recommended by Gene Fowler, who chairs the environmental commission.

"Lonnie has excelled in learning about wildlife surveys and impact statements and, along with Mr. Fowler, has attended the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection storm water management seminar," Gudaitis said.

Gudaitis said Cromwell is new to the commission and has worked diligently in learning how to protect open space, wildlife and wetlands.

"Boy, this was kind of unexpected," Cromwell said as he thanked the council and Mayor Mark Seda for appointing him to the environmental commission.

And a certificate of appreciation was presented by Councilwoman Emily Ingram to Eagle Scout candidate Andrew Burrell.

"Andrew is 18 and he is trying to get his Eagle Scout badge," Ingram said. "In early 2006 he came up with the idea of making picnic tables for Johnson Park. It took close to a year to get hardware stores to donate the materials. He had about 15 people helping him out and this was the project toward getting the Eagle Scout badge."

Ingram wished Burrell success throughout his scouting career. She called him a great example for young boys and a positive influence.

"I am sure he will be an asset to our community," the councilwoman said.

- Dave Benjamin