VILLAS – On Monday, July 7, Mayor Frank Sippel called the members of the Township Council to the front for a presentation. He then turned and said to Township Solicitor Rob Belasco, “Mr. Solicitor, why don’t you join us?”
Sippel read a certificate that said, “On behalf of the governing body and the Township of Lower, we extend our sincere appreciation and recognition to our solicitor, Robert Belasco, for his unwavering dedication, professionalism and legal expertise in service to our community.”
“I was shocked,” Belasco said when contacted by phone the following day. “I just keep my head down and do my job. I don’t expect to get awards for it.
“I’m very appreciative. It really took me off guard.”
Belasco said he had no idea anything was going on until he stood up to come down front and saw his wife and kids. He said the council honors individuals or groups all the time, so he didn’t think anything of it when an unannounced presentation was going to be made.
The certificate of appreciation from the council came on the heels of Belasco’s winning Best of the Shore awards, run by the Grand Hotel, for Best Lawyer, Best Law Firm and Best Matrimonial Lawyer.
He never expected the township to add frosting to the cake, to a birthday cake, to be specific: Monday, July 7, was Belasco’s birthday.
Contact the author, Christopher South, at csouth@cmcherald.com or call 609-886-8600, ext. 128.
