Citizen of the Year 2020 - Steven Hercek

 The purpose of the Citizen of the Year Award is to honor a Mountain Lakes citizen who, by his or her actions, has shown themselves to be an asset to the Borough of Mountain Lakes.

This years recipient, Steven Hercek is a long time member of the Woodlands Committee.  Steve's commitment to the important and state of our paths and parks in ML has improved the quality of life for many especially during the pandemic when the need to get outside and enjoy nature was more important than ever.  All of the hard work by Steve and his helpers made the path and hiking trail enjoyment possible and safe for all Mountain Lakes residents.

Sometimes he works alone, but more often he enlists the help of neighbors and Boy Scouts to achieve his goal.  Neighbors have helped with clearing and spreading mulch along the walking paths in the woods.  He will often use his leaf blower to blow the trail free of leaves so that people can walk safely.  Steve, with the help of the Boy Scouts, creates new trails like one of the Boulevard called the Overlook or Bridge Trail.  In addition, the Boy Scouts have been a great help to maintain the trails.   Not to long ago, Steve was making his rounds and discovered someone had dumped an old couch on one side of the trails and single handedly carried the couch to the street and then took it to the dump!

When he's not tending to the woods and trails in Mountain Lakes, Steve devotes his time to the NJ Wildland Firefighters and he is a 25 year old member of the Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks.  In both these roles, Steve has organized and participated in many fundraising events that donates the proceeds to our neighbors and others in need in our community.

Steve Hercek is always the first to offer a hand with his problem solver "can-do" attitude.  While Steve is committed to the caring for the outdoors, his friends and neighbors note his willingness to jump in and help them with anything they need including helping the elderly, care for pets or help with downed trees.  Steve is always willing to help and has done so for many years continually and quietly.

Steve's commitment and dedication to public service has been recognized with this great honor of the 2021 Citizen of the Year Award.  Congratulations.

The Town Club of Mountain Lakes Receives the 2021 Janice D. Hunts Lifelong Service Award        

It's a privilege to present this year’s recipient of the Janice D. Hunts Lifelong Service Award to the Town Club of Mountain Lakes! To receive this award a citizen or organization must have a record of service to our community of ten years or more – and the Town Club has certainly exceeded this requirement. The Town Club was established in 1959 with a mission to build and maintain a strong community in Mountain Lakes – and is still serving that mission more than 60 years later! 

The Town Club of Mountain Lakes is a social club that welcomes newcomers and hosts social programs within our community. Member activities include a children’s play group, book clubs, a dinner club, and a variety of special programs throughout the year. It also is a philanthropic organization. Through fundraising events, the Town Club raises funds each year to support worthy needs in Mountain Lakes and neighboring communities. 

The Town Club plays a very important role in welcoming new residents to Mountain Lakes.

For many people it’s their first experience getting involved with an organization in town, making friends, and volunteering locally.  

We thank The Town Club of Mountain Lakes – this year’s president Rebecca Mancini, board of trustees, including Sueanne Sylvester who is here tonight to accept this award, and your many volunteers – as well as all those who have played those roles since 1959. Congratulations!