Even Gov. Christie Congratulates Warren on 'Best Places' Recognition

The Warren Township Committee planned Wednesday night to be a celebration of the township being named number two in the state — and number one in Central Jersey — in New Jersey Monthly's annual "Best Places to Live" edition.

Township officials then decided to combine that event with an evening on which to honor local volunteers.

Speaking at the end of a brief Township Committee meeting held before the meeting, committee members such as Deputy Mayor Gary DiNardo left no doubt that they considered the reason for New Jersey Monthly's choice of Warren Township for the honor to be township residents — especially volunteers.

Residents also were invited, but the evening attracted those who serve as volunteers on boards and with the Warren Township Fire Department and the Warren Township Rescue Squad.

Township Committeewoman Carolann Garafola said that the township's specialness doesn't lie with income or test scores, but with such experiences as marching in the Memorial Day parade, meeting neighbors in the supermarket, or having the volunteer firefighters or rescue squad members show up quickly.

A letter to the township received by Gov. Christie a few days earlier voiced a similar view. 

"The success and longevity of Warren Township is testimony...to remarkable leadership provided by its residents, local businesses, organizations and government through the years," Christie wrote in the letter.

Christie said the "significant achievement" of placing so high on the list was a reflection on past achievements while "looking forward to a bright and rewarding future for the township."

Warren Mayor Vic Sordillo, who said the township also had been named as number six on Money magazine's list of best places to live in the U.S. in 2009, noted with humor that only one town had placed above Warren on New Jersey Monthly's list of best places to live in the state — the governor's hometown of Mendham.

Donations of food were made afterward to the reception held in the Watchung Hills Regional High School by Bruno's Bistro, Cafe Agira, Little Shanty, Muscle Maker Grill, Saly G's, Surf' N Turf and Warren Deli.

Garafola said the event was organized, and the restaurants recruited, by Township Committeeman George Lazo, with her assistance.

Among the volunteers enjoying the meal were Mark Russo, assistant fire chief for the Mount Bethel Fire Co. and Ken Phillips, captain of the fire police.

Another fire department volunteer, Sage Kaneshige, assistant engineer, said he and some other volunteers had missed the meeting to answer a call — but made it in time for the "good part" — a full buffet of cuisine presented by the local restaurants.

John DeChristofaro, who serves on the open space advisory committee, said he appreciated the evening because it gave him an opportunity to fraternize with some people he hadn't seen for a while.