Picnic Draws Bakers, Ball Players
By JOANNE L. PAPAIANNI
Recreation Advisory Committee member Christine Anton said many additions to this years picnic made the event more memorable.
The recreation committee held a baking contest for the first time with many of the boroughs youngsters contributing, including a 9 year old girl who made a peach cobbler.
The winner was Freddie Brown of Bendermere Avenue for her carrot cake cupcakes.
Just seeing people baking and bringing it to the picnic it really felt like community this year, she said.
Another new event was the gift auction which raised over $2,000.
The funds will be used for social activities in the borough.
Anton said most of the auction items were donated by residents and businesses including Frederick’s Gallery, Hot Sand, Dani Risi and Market in the Middle.
In addition, the picnics three founding members – Edward Mautner, George Siciliano and Steve Pappayliou – attended as honored guests.
They came for the day as guests, they didnt have to set up or clean up, Anton said.
Mayor Robert Wolf recognized the three with a crystal gift and two lifetime tickets to the picnic.
He also recognized Ed Urban, William Cerven and Former Police Chief Robert Todd.
A Kids vs. Cops softball game was also held with donated T-shirts from Prime Time Plus, Inc.
The recent controversy regarding renovations at the towns only park were addressed by the committee, which provided information about plans to renovate the towns only park.
The mayor and council voted last month to apply for a state grant to fund the renovations, although many in town do not want to pursue the project because of the costs involved.
But Anton said she is extremely optimistic about the project and was happy to provide information to residents at the picnic, including a list of benefits that a park can provide to a community and its residents.
Seeing people who may not agree sitting side by side eating a hamburger… Anton said. We are all just neighbors in the end.
Anton said the Recreation Advisory Committee now reports to the mayor and council making it more of an official committee, which now oversees many of the boroughs recreation events including the 5K race.
Anton, who grew up in Ocean Township and purchased her Interlaken home in 1999, said she is only interested in the betterment of the town.
The picnic and the Halloween parade, thats what makes it a special town, these are things that make me want to keep my roots here, she said.
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