Port Washington receives donations in honor of Paul Weber

At the June 4 meeting of Port Washington Village Council, Mayor Tom Gardner reported the receipt of two donations from Harold Weber. The Georgia resident made the donations in honor of his father, the late Paul J. Weber.

Born in Canal Dover in 1903, Weber worked in Port Washington at Gibbs Ford as a mechanic starting in the 1920s. He served on village council and also as village fire chief. Harold Weber donated $500 to the Delaware Fire Department and $2,500 to the village general fund.

Gardner also reported receiving a request from village residents Dick and Gladys McComb to name part of an unnamed alley Patsy Lane in honor of Patricia “Patsy” Jean Lafferty. The sister of Gladys McComb, Lafferty passed away May 13, 2024. The McCombs took care of Lafferty for nearly 30 years following the death of Lafferty’s mother.

Council agreed to have solicitor Mark Perlaky prepare a proposed ordinance to rename the alley between 205 and 208 E. Canal St. for consideration at the June 18 meeting.

Reports to council

Council member Nate Penrod said junk vehicles cluttering streets and property are once again becoming an issue. He also said he has received complaints about unsightly properties in the area of Canby and First streets. Gardner is to address the issue with Police Chief Rocky Dusenberry.

Council member Brandi Bourne expressed gratitude for the public’s participation in the recent Memorial Day observance. Bourne said the fire department’s chicken dinner that day sold out in two hours with more than 500 dinners purchased from noon to 2 p.m.

Council President Joe Bourne said the fire department handled three calls in May. He also said approximately 200 people attended the Memorial Day service and thanked the Delaware Fire Department staff and family members whose many hours of work made the Memorial Day dinner a success.

Gardner gave thanks to the fire department and family members and recognized Newcomerstown Mayor Pat Cadle for giving the address at the cemetery on Memorial Day. He also acknowledged parade participants including the Indian Valley High School marching band, Jim’s Towing and others.

Port Washington Council meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Village Hall. All meetings are open to the public.