Dear residents ,
MAYOR ’ S MESSAGE - MAY
For the past 10 years is has been my privilege to guide the borough through many significant infrastructure projects , each designed to bring improvements to our town and forge the path of continued positive progress . While the hardening of our municipal infrastructure is certainly an ongoing commitment , to me , just as important is what I refer to as our “ social infrastructure .” Those are the programs that make a life difference to so many , particularly those that that are in need .
As many have seen in the news recently , the drug epidemic is a growing problem across the country and Westwood is not immune to the scourge of drug abuse and the street crimes that are associated with this harsh reality of our modern world . In fact , our local emergency services personnel have deployed Narcan to save seven heroin overdose victims during the past year . Unfortunately , we have also seen two local residents succumb to this menace . Those were lives unnecessarily taken from their families much too soon . I have recently worked with the New Jersey Recovery Advocates to find ways to bring together services for those impacted by drug use and abuse . Services are out there , but putting them with in reach of those who need them is difficult , and I credit our volunteers on our “ Stigma Free ” committee for their work in providing access to the resources that far too many seek .
Working with the Bergen County Office of Alcohol and Drug Dependency , the Bergen County Prosecutor , our local police , the administration at the Westwood Regional School District and advocacy groups across the State , getting help to those affected by drug and alcohol abuse has been an ongoing effort for many years . Westwood has been a proven leader in providing proactive programming designed to educate our residents and work with our local and county law enforcement agencies as well as outreach programs to provide assistance for those seeking help with addiction . It is not an easy task , however with partnerships like our L . E . A . D . ( Law Enforcement Against Drugs ) program for our Middle school students , and the “ Hidden In Plain Sight ” program geared to our parents , we are making progress .
Another great program I have had the pleasure to work with is “ Rebuilding Together ,” a national organization with a chapter here in North Jersey . This organization has helped several of our neighbors who have worked all their lives and have become either physically or financially unable to maintain their homes in good condition due to illness , aging , economic hardships , or the loss of a spouse . The unfortunate result is too often the deterioration of their homes to a point where they become unsafe . The volunteers with Rebuilding Together North Jersey bring dignity to members of our community and a quality of life back to those most in need .
Recently the Zonta Club Northern Valley Chapter held their annual R . A . V . E . ( Rape and Violence Eradication ) walk in Westwood . This gathering brings together people from all walks of life to raise awareness to the struggles of women and children who have been victims of sexual and / or domestic abuse . Their “ Clothesline Project ” is an extraordinary and powerfully moving display consisting of hundreds of t-shirts , each one the creation of a victim of sexual and / or domestic violence . To see these up close and to read the stories behind each is chilling .
It is our great hope that the efforts of these and other remarkable volunteer organizations continues to make an impact and a difference
John Birkner , Jr . Mayor
in the lives of those facing tremendous difficulty . It is a testament to the strength and resolve of those most affected to turn their lives around , and a special quality of those who provide their time , talent , and energy to help them be successful .
As we head into the summer season I welcome you to our latest edition of My Westwood . The pages following contain great information about services and events in Westwood for the upcoming season . It never ceases to amaze me how active our town is during the spring and summer months . From local youth sporting events , to parades , street festivals , and movies and concerts in the park , Westwood is in constant motion . Take a look inside these pages and mark your calendar , all our residents have to do is get outside and enjoy , we do the rest .
You can tell it is May by the smell in the air when you walk around town in the evening . Of course the smell of flowers blooming and fresh cut grass is certainly evident , but what I am talking about is the smell of the good old backyard barbeque . May is a month of celebration , and in my house one thing we always like to celebrate is the ability to have a simple meal together out on the deck . This is even truer now that my two college-age children rarely are home at the same time . Even if it is something as simple as a quick salad and a grilled burger , my family loves to be able to have dinner outside and we do it whenever we are all together .
The month of May seems to bring many families together for similar reasons , but also to celebrate more formal occasions . May brings us Mother ’ s Day . That is certainly always a cause for celebration , because as we all know , Mom deserves all the recognition that we can possibly bestow . Of course in May there are also celebrations for religious milestones , education milestones and many other special events including the unofficial start of summer with Memorial Day . A day usually marked by the official opening of swimming pools and beaches , big sales at the mall , and of course the backyard barbeque .
A great day for celebration for sure , Memorial Day is however , truly a day of remembrance , and that should be the focus . Throughout the country Memorial Day ceremonies take place . In small villages and in large cities , Americans pause to remember our fallen heroes . We remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms and for our Country . In 1868 Major General John Logan said of the members of our military killed in action , “ We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance . Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners . Let no neglect , no ravages of time , testify to the present or coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic .” It is difficult to find words that can sum up the meaning of Memorial Day any better than those .
So during our celebrations , and I hope they are many , please take the time to remember our service men and women who have so valiantly sacrificed so much . Remember those that have served and died so that we may enjoy freedom , democracy , and our American way of life . Keep them in your prayers , not only on Monday , May 29 , but every day .
Please join the Borough of Westwood as we honor our fallen heroes with observances in town . At 8 a . m . the Fire Department holds their service at Fireman ’ s Park , and that is followed by our Memorial Day Parade at 9 a . m ., culminating at Veteran ’ s Park for Memorial Services .
I look forward to seeing you around town .
2 MAY 2017 MyWestwood