Township Celebrates "Good Friend and Good Man" Doug Reeder

Doug Reeder believes Warren is just the right size for residents interested in helping make their hometown better.

"Warren Township actually makes being citizen of the year pretty easy," he said, after receiving the honor at Thursday night's Township Committee meeting. "If you think about our town, it's just the right size—it's not too big, it's not too small, it's got neighborhoods, most of us know our neighbors."

He praised the school systems, the Township Committee (noting they "hate property taxes even more than we do—and we love that"), police ("Those guys have hauled me out of my back yeard twice with broken bones," he quipped), Township Administrator Mark Krane and Township Clerk Patricia DiRocco.

Reeder stood alongside Committeeman Gary DiNardo and Deputy Mayor Vic Sordillo, who read a lengthy proclamation noting Reeder's multiple community projects and groups he volunteers with, including stints on the board of adjustment, Sewer Commission, as director of the Honorary Policemen's Benevolence Association, Warren-Watchung Lions Club (serving as state governor), Warren-Watchung Jobs Fair coordinator, Codington Farmstead director....

Sordillo noted that he didn't whether or not Reeder was aware of the forthcoming honor in announcing the award, but added, "I do know he's a good friend and a good man."

"I have to take a  breath," Sordillo said, after reading off the list of Reeder's accomplishments.

The proclamation said Reeder has consistently "demonstrated his willingness to volunteer" for township projects, which included helping to coordinate the Eagle Scout restoration projects at Coddington Farmstead in 2006 that enabled township to open site for tours. He has also helped raise money for Recreation Commission activities, the Watchung-Hills Elks Club, and donated his time and expertise in antiques to host public appraisals raising money for local charities.

"Let me say that I am very proud to be citizen of the year—and with that, say I have nothing else to say," he joked.