Former mayor honored at ‘A Celebration of Volunteerism’

GLEN RIDGE, NJ — Former Mayor Peter Hughes was honored Monday, May 23, at the Women’s Club of Glen Ridge. The recognition was part of a borough-wide recognition of volunteers and occurs only when a mayor leaves office. Hughes did not run for re-election. He was, however, appointed to fill a vacant council seat. He is a former councilman.

The event, “A Celebration of Volunteerism,” was started in 1984 by Jeff Monacelli and occurs only when a mayor leaves office.

“It was started by the Kiwanis Club,” Monacelli said. “In the 1990s, we teamed-up with the Women’s Club. This year, the Kiwanis, Rotary, Women’s Club and borough jointly sponsored the event. Mike Rohal, a rotarian and borough administrator, and I were the co-chairs.”

He said the first mayor to be honored by the event was Don Lane. An exception was made four years ago for retired Municipal Judge Joe Connelly. The Hughes affair was the seventh “Celebration of Volunteerism.”

“For years, all Glen Ridge Clubs contributed the food,” Monacelli said. “Now, Fitzgerald’s is catering and the Women’s Club is providing the deserts.”
Monacelli has been in charge of the event since it began.

“The focus in Kiwanis is to engender volunteerism,” he said. “Recognizing it in a major way reinforces it. In the process of the event, we are thanking all volunteers. Without volunteers, this town would not survive.”

When the evening’s program began, Assemblyman Ralph Caputo, D-28th District, filled-in for Essex Co-executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. Caputo got a big laugh when he said he had come to the event looking for a third presidential candidate.
He also brought a state Senate and Assembly proclamation commending Hughes for his service.

Former Mayor Steve Plate acknowledged Hughes’ efforts in revitalizing all borough parks and his ability to garner funding for Glen Ridge when the borough “wasn’t on the map.”

From Councilman Art Dawson, Hughes received letters of appreciation from Gov. Chris Christie; Sen. Ron Rice, D-Essex; Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker, D-28th District; and Congressman Donald Payne Jr., D-Essex.

Christie applauded Hughes “for a job well-done.”
When Hughes spoke, he humorously remembered the multiple times his administration failed to get voters to agree to turfing Hurrell Field. But he got serious.

“I miss being mayor,” he said. “I had a chance to see how other communities operate. In Glen Ridge, our government works. We’re non-political and unpaid and supported by volunteers who give and give to our community. We’re all enriched by giving to others. As a community, we could not provide the level of service we have without our volunteers. How many people would be under-served? I am humbled by the contributions you all make. People move to Glen Ridge because of our schools, beautiful homes and commute to New York City. They stay here because of their friends.”