Zukowski named Man of Year by Branchville Club

Branchville — At its annual Man of the Year recognition dinner, the Branchville Businessmen’s Club recognized Edmund Zukowski for his contributions throughout the years to his community and the club. Zukowski was an educator at Newton High School and is currently the Fire Inspector for the Town of Newton. He was a long-standing volunteer fireman and past fire chief for the town. His volunteerism includes the Newton Planning Board, Sussex County Fire Academy instructor, Newton Junior Athletic League, Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America Troop 85, The Red Knights and several other organizations. He served as vice president and two terms as president of the Branchville Businessmen’s Club and he remains active on its executive board and chairs several committees. Among the 77 well-wishers present at the dinner held Nov. 19 at the Walpack Inn were his immediate family: his wife Rose; his son Naval Commander Edmund L. Zukowski; his daughter Amanda Hofmann and her husband James; and his daughter Elizabeth Zukowski. Also on hand were several local politicians, including State Sen. Steve Oroho and State Assemblyman Gary Chuisano, freeholders Phillip R. Crabb and Harold J. Wirths. The evening included toasts and “roasts” by Zukowski’s son and by Chuisano and club members Dewey Budd, MC Andy Jorgensen, Keith Utter, Dave Woods and Wallace Butler. Each month the Businessmen’s Club holds dinner meetings, hosting community speakers, and conducts special events like the Branchville Halloween Parade. It also provides annual scholarships to deserving Kittatinny and High Point Regional High School students.