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No. 13 Vol. 12
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www.mypaperonline.com
June 20, 2017
Wayne Day Incorporates Tradition And Diversity Into Township Goals
By Anya Bochman
ayne Township, which recently rang in its 170th anniversary, kept the festivities going with the annual Wayne Day on Sun., June 11, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. If there was one unified message to carry away from the day’s events, it was “community.” According to the township’s website, Wayne Day “is a day of fun and entertainment that was created for the purpose of bringing the township residents together to learn more about our community and the many things that our Township has to offer.” As with most town-wide events, this gathering was an opportunity for families to brave the hot temperatures to enjoy a plethora of attractions, and for local businesses, religious and political organizations to get exposure. As promised in the advertisements leading up
to Wayne Day, there were more than 100 booths present to showcase to the public their specialties. Mayor Christopher Vergano speculated that as many as a thousand people were in attendance, and spoke about the communal aspect of the event. “It’s a great opportunity for residents and non-residents to experience a little bit of everything – from religion to sports,” Vergano stated. “It’s nice to see so many people interacting.” Wayne, like so many current townships, got its start as a sort of farming community. Tracing its roots to the 17th century and the surveyor Arent Schuyler (with modern-day Wayne streets and schools now bearing his name) being instrumental in the purchase of what was then referred to as the “Pompton Valley.” The first official Wayne Township organization meeting was held in 1847
at the Henry Casey House on the Paterson-Hamburg Turnpike, where township citizens voted to name the town after American Revolutionary War General Anthony Wayne. After World War II, Wayne enjoyed steady growth and adopted its current form of government in 1962; the construction of several modern highways - like New Jersey Route 23 and U.S. Route 46 – increased the township’s accessibility and solidified its status as a crucial part of New Jersey. The celebration at Wayne Day easily reflected the history and growth of Wayne; featuring everything from local businesses to religious booths of every denomination to political campaigns and youth activism, the day was a smorgasbord for all. Rabbi Randall Mark of Temple Shomrei Torah, who stated that he was simply happy not to be wearing
a suit in the sweltering heat, commented on the community aspect of hosting a booth. “We can get publicity for the shul, for instance with the Purim carnival games,” Mark said. “It draws people in. It’s a community event and you’re missing out if you’re not here.” Beryl Paul of Temple Beth Tikvah had a similar
message of establishing a presence. Emphasizing that the communal gathering does not always result in new members for the synagogue, she nevertheless stressed the importance of visibility. “We get some young families sometimes,” Paul said. “We try to get kids involved in charity work, such as a mitzva project.”
The sentiment was echoed by Anthony Ross of Grace United Presbyterian Church, who stated that the presence was more about exposure rather than gaining new members. “It’s important to let people know they’re welcome,” Ross said. “We’re here, we’re welcoming and we’re part of the communicontinued on page 2
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