New Recreation Director Takes the Helm

Just as former township Recreation Director Tom Denning was about to step down from the front at a Township Committee meeting Thursday, he looked out into the crowd, where newly appointed Joint Recreation Director Brian M. McNany sat.

"Brian," he said. "Good luck."

The baton was passed Thursday night, as the township recognized Denning for his 23 years of service to the town and appointed McNany as the director of a new joint recreation department that will serve both the borough and the township. Borough Mayor Nelson Vaughan and Borough Council President James Collander were on hand, as were township officials.

The two municipalities have had separate recreation departments for years but decided to combine in an effort to consolidate some services.

"I really think this is going to be a model for other towns," Vaughan said of the joint program.

But township officials were quick to praise Denning, who Township Administrator Thomas Ciccarone called "the heart" of the day-today operations at Township Hall. He was handed a framed copy of a resolution honoring him at the meeting.

"You took a chore and made it into a joy," Ciccarone said.

Denning said Chatham was a wonderful place for a recreation director to work.

"[It's] the kind of place where people jump in and do what's necessary," he told the crowd, which included Denning's wife and several of his friends. "You're very fortunate to live here."

McNany was previously the recreation director in Long Hill Township and was the temporary director in the township for several months after Denning retired.

Former Borough Recreation Director Carol Nauta will serve as Denning's deputy.

"You do have a big job in front of you," Township Mayor Nicole Hagner publicly told McNany. "We know you're up to the task."