Village pays homage to Roger Metzger

Warwick— He has served this village tirelessly as a trustee for 12 years and deputy mayor for the last seven. He previously spent 15 years on the village’s Planning Board, many as its chairman, and still serves on the Shade Tree Commission, a position he has held since the group’s inception 42 years ago. On March 17, village, town, county, state, and national officials came out to honor Roger Metzger for the service he has given to this community. The night marked his last meeting of the Village Board as a trustee as he decided not to seek reelection. “Roger is truly an outstanding public servant,” said County Legislator Ben Winstanley, as he read proclamations from both the Legislature and Orange County Executive Ed Diana, who declared March 17 “Roger Metzger Day” throughout the county. Representatives from Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt’s office and United States Congressman John Hall’s office made presentations to Metzger. Rabbitt said, “Roger has truly been a public servant to Warwick.” Hall sent a special Congressional recognition. Deborah Sweeton, representing Warwick in Bloom, said a tree would be planted in Metzger’s honor, a true tribute to the man who has kept Warwick blooming for 42 years. She said Metzger could choose the type of tree and the place to plant it. Town of Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton thanked Metzger for his 42 years of service, saying he has made lasting improvements to the community. “You have the respect and admiration of your fellow citizens,” said Sweeton, “and our heartfelt gratitude.” Trustee Eileen Patterson has worked on the Village Board with Metzger for the past two years. “I was so pleased that many of the local officials made a point to acknowledge all of Roger’s hard work,” said Patterson. “His dedication to this community has been extraordinary and should be recognized. Roger’s many years of service are the roots that will allow this Village to flourish for generations. I am honored to have had an opportunity to learn from Roger.” Mayor Michael Newhard offered these thoughts: “Words can hardly convey the positive impact you’ve had on your community over these many years. You are by definition an involved, compassionate and passionate man who clearly speaks his mind. Through your lifetime of action and good work you have helped mold a Warwick that remains strong and forward thinking. You have helped to create a Warwick that is loved by its citizenry and admired throughout the Hudson Valley and beyond. “Husband, father, scout leader, forester, trustee, deputy mayor, volunteer, and especially good friend, on behalf of the Village Board and the people of Warwick, I am here to gratefully acknowledge and thank you for your many years of service and for being a steward of our trust.” Metzger graciously accepted the good wishes of those who came out to honor him. He had a few ‘thanks yous’ of his own. “Thanks to the Village Hall staff,” said Metzger. “And thank you to the residents of Warwick for giving me the opportunity to work for you and with you all these years. It is something I’ll remember forever. This community is such a wonderful place to spend time.”