Volunteers and First Responders Recognized by Lower

VILLAS – Seven area residents were recognized for contributions to the community during the Fishing Creek School Community Spotlight Volunteer Awards at Lower Township Hall Nov. 18. Lower Cape May Regional School teacher David Pacevich commissioned the recognition wall using a Pride grant from the New Jersey Education Association.
The wooden display features a painted rendition of the Fishing Creek School and ample space for plaques honoring volunteer accomplishments. “So often we tend to say some negative things, but it’s nice to have a group come up and say some positive things,” said Pacevich. To nominate someone in the community, Pacevich explained that one need only visit the township’s or Lower Cape May Regional’s website and answer a short series of questions.
Among volunteers being celebrated were Town Bank Fire Chief Lewis Megonigal, judo instructor Joshua Frederick, Care Alternatives Hospice volunteer Ashlie Campbell, youth football and wrestling Coach John Alteri, therapy dog handlers Karen Wadding and Kiki Miller, and U.S. Naval Air Station Museum volunteer Richard Ryan.
“It all began with this little Fishing Creek School,” said Deputy Mayor Norris Clark. “It may be a little school, but this school has a big place in our hearts.”
Also recognized by Mayor Michael Beck and council were the citizens and first responders to a home explosion on East Atlantic Avenue on Nov. 7. Homeowners James and Evelyn McCarty, both of whom were seriously injured, remain hospitalized.
Beck, who said he spoke with the McCarty’s daughter earlier in the evening said Mr. McCarty had undergone surgery, with additional procedures to come. “It’s just going to be a long process,” said Beck. “They’re doing as well as can be expected.”
A Beef and Beer fundraiser to benefit the McCarty’s is to be held Dec. 14 at the local VFW. Beck, who arrived shortly after the explosion, said council plans to also recognize the efforts of the responders. “I saw a lot of heroes that night and we will be honoring some of the people that were there,” said Beck. “They certainly have to be recognized.”
Finally, newly elected councilman Erik Simonsen was sworn in with the assistance of his family and Freeholder Gerald Thornton. Simonsen, who previously served on Lower Township Council, was grateful to return to office.
“I’d like to thank everyone for their support,” said Simonsen. “It’s nice to be back and I look forward to working with council solving many of these issues we have in the township.”
At the meeting’s conclusion, council went into closed session to discuss litigation involving the Municipal Utilities Authority (MUA). In the lawsuit, filed by a group of workers from the MUA, the township was named as one of several defendants.
According to Township Solicitor Charles Sandman, an order to show cause will be heard on Nov. 22 in Atlantic County.
“At the time being we are in it,” said Sandman. “We don’t think we belong in it and that’s something that’s going to be addressed.”
To contact Kirby Reed, email kreed@cmcherald.com.