JACKSON – Officials honored Friends of the Library and promoted volunteerism during a recent Township Council meeting.
Councilman Steven Chisholm read a proclamation honoring local libraries and encouraged residents to visit the local one. “Take your children there, teach them to read, get them their library card, instill the gift of learning and reading and make it a lifetime event.”
The proclamation was received by the Friends of The Library. “They raise money that allows our libraries to move from good to great providing the resources for additional programming, much needed equipment, summer reading programs for children and events throughout the year,” he said.
Chisholm read Mayor Michael Reina’s proclamation which stated that Friends groups “highlight the fact that libraries are the cornerstone of the community providing opportunities for all to engage in the joy of lifelong learning and to connect with the thoughts and ideas of others from ages past and the present.”
“The Friends understand the critical importance of well-funded libraries, and advocate to ensure that our library gets the resources it needs to provide for a wide variety of services to those of all ages and access to online and in print along with expert assistance with research. They set an example to all on how volunteerism leads to civic engagement for the betterment of our community,” Chisholm added.
“The more they learn about our nation’s great history the more they will be in love with their country which is not always what we see today unfortunately. Raising good solid citizens will encourage them to give back to the community where they will at some point grow up and maybe join our military, our VFW, our Rotary, our Lions, our EMS, our first responders, all of these need volunteers. Reading is a great thing,” he said.
Council Vice President Martin Flemming joined Chisholm and Councilman Nino Borrelli in commending those involved with this year’s Jackson Day event held on October 2. “There were a lot of booths there and a lot of organizations were looking for volunteers and our EMS and fire companies did garner some volunteers. It was a very productive day.”
“Just remember that for every fire truck that comes out of a building, that has to be manned 24 hours a day and the payroll for that truck is a million dollars. That is one truck. On 100 square-mile-town it requires at least four. That means your payroll is $4 million a year, less the personnel, no other bills. Please realize when we ask you to volunteer with our fire companies or EMS. It is a big number and those volunteers save you a lot of money,” Flemming said.
“Thank you for everything you’ve done to help make that day special,” Council President Andrew Kern said noting those responsible for organizing and coordinating Jackson Day. He also spoke about volunteerism in Jackson: “We want people to step up.”
“There are people that have volunteered and coached Little League, soccer and some sort of sport when their kids were younger. If you volunteered in the past volunteering for the town still fills that hole that you still have, whether it is a Boy Scout Troop or some sort of sport. There are always opportunities to volunteer for everybody at any age,” Kern added.
Write Your legislators
Chisholm also encouraged residents to contact their local legislators. “Our administration in Washington has decided they are going to once again weaponize the IRS. They are considering allowing them to look into your bank accounts if you have more than $600 in your bank account, which I think would be most Americans.”
“The IRS is not supposed to be weaponized against its citizens. Your legislators should be notified because this is just un-American,” Chisholm added.
This statement seemed inspired by news reports that the U.S. Treasury suggested this monitoring, but specific information would not be revealed to the IRS. Regardless, Congress would have to vote for something like this to happen and it’s not in the works right now. It’s not something that can be instituted by the White House, for that power lies with the legislative branch of government.
