By Audrey Levine, Staff Writer
Despite disappointment when the borough was forced to cancel Community Day in 2008 because of a lack of funds, a committee authorized during January’s reorganization meeting is getting a head start to prepare for a celebration already scheduled for Sept. 26.
Councilman Ed Komoroski announced the scheduled date during Monday’s Borough Council meeting, and said the committee is preparing to send letters to various borough organizations for participation.
”We should have everything finalized by mid-June,” he said.
Resident Ray Walsh, who was appointed by Mayor Lillian Zuza to head the committee, said that, although they are still in the planning stages, there are several ideas for activities as he is looking to enhance participation this year.
”It is more than just going and having a burger,” he said. “I want people to participate in the day and see what organizations are doing. We are looking at it as ‘Let’s celebrate our community.’”
Mr. Walsh said he is hoping to have activities for both children and adults, including a hayride, face painting, a chili cook-off, hole-in-one competition and even bingo games.
Still, he said, these are all just ideas being thrown around by the committee members, and none have been finalized.
”We have them down on paper now,” he said. “But people can even leave suggestions at borough hall.”
To stir up a little competition, Mr. Walsh said, he is looking into holding games among different organizations, such as a softball tournament between firefighters and police officers.
”We could have a few innings,” he said.
As for entertainment, Mr. Walsh said he would like to see about getting local bands from the high school or other groups to play for about half an hour each.
Finally, Mr. Walsh said, they are considering asking local vendors to have tables at the event where items could be sold. From that, he said, the committee might ask those vendors to donate funds from their sales at Community Day to help defray the costs of the event.
”We have several thousand dollars, but you can lose that real quick,” he said, adding that he does not want the borough to have to pay additional costs. “Cost is always an issue.”
No matter what they decide, Mr. Walsh said, his goal is for Community Day to be a celebration of the community, allowing residents to see what the town has to offer.
”Even though Community Day is a one-day event, Manville is a 24-7, 365-days-a-year event,” he said. “We are trying to get Manville to be recognized.”

