Politics & Government
Fanwood Honors Outgoing Council Members
Donna Dolce and David Valian were recognized for their service Tuesday night.
Tuesday night's Fanwood council meeting marked the end of the run for Council President Donna Dolce and Councilman David Valian.
Both were honored for their service during the meeting, which is the last of the year. They will be replaced in January by Republicans Robert Manduca and Mike Szuch.
Assemblywoman Linda Stender, D-Fanwood, presented the two with a joint state resolution honoring them for their efforts in the Borough of Fanwood. Mayor Colleen Mahr, along with other council members and residents of the town, also shared their memories and congratulations with Dolce and Valian.
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"To fill your shoes will be almost impossible," Councilwoman Katherine Mitchell told Dolce, who will continue to volunteer throughout the town.
Councilman Anthony Parenti also commended Dolce's efforts on council.
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"I call her 'Detail Donna'," he said. "I can't imagine any one person doing what you do."
Dolce and Valian were also awarded town seals for their time on council.
"I've learned a great deal from both of you," Councilwoman Joan Wheeler said.
Valian, who served three years on council, said he learned much about the town and residents during his term.
"I learned that people in this community have a goal … making this community thrive," he said. "I see things a lot differently (after serving on council)."
Dolce, who sat on council for six years, read an open letter thanking those in her life who made it possible for her to accomplish what she had. She also listed a few challenges for the upcoming council in 2010, including renewing the downtown landscape and development efforts in Fanwood.
"Fanwood is what we make it," she said before ending with the Girl Scout motto. "I hope I left the place better than I found it."
Also during the meeting, council celebrated the retirement of Fanwood Police Department Sgt. Howard Jarvis, who served the borough for 37 years.
Jarvis was a Vietnam War veteran, serving from 1966 to 1970. He joined the Fanwood Police Department in 1973. He currently lives in Westfield with his wife and son.
Former police chief and current councilman Anthony Parenti shared stories about Jarvis Tuesday night, including one about the riots in Plainfield.
"We had to leave Howard behind because we couldn't find a helmet for him," he said in the midst of laughter. Jarvis stayed behind to "protect the borough."
The mayor also thanked Jarvis and his family for the years of dedicated service to the borough, and wished him a happy and healthy retirement.