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Runnemede marks 100th anniversary, honors past mayors and swears in youth council
Summary
The Borough of Runnemede held a special centennial meeting April 24, 2026, honoring past mayors, reading a Youth Day proclamation and swearing in the youth mayor and council as part of community centennial observances.
Runnemede’s mayor and council gathered April 24 to mark the borough’s 100th anniversary, recognize former mayors and formally swear in the youth mayor and youth council.
Mayor Nicholas Capados opened the special meeting by inviting past mayors Jackie Arabini, Frank Hartman and Jenny Bedridge to the front of the chamber and thanking volunteers for their service. “I just want to say to everyone here in this audience how important every single person who’s involved in this community is,” Capados said, praising the longtime civic involvement that he said has shaped the borough.
The mayor recounted the borough’s incorporation vote, saying April 24, 1926 was the decisive day in which a reported tally of 197 votes supported incorporation, with two opposed and one ballot thrown out. He said the town has had 21 mayors since incorporation and read several early officeholders’ names, including John Bowers as the first mayor at a May 8 follow-up meeting after the vote.
Councilwoman Kelly led the pledge of allegiance and administered the oath to the youth mayor and youth council. Clerk roll call recorded Mayor Capados, Miss Pacio, Miss Kelly and Mr. Shapiro as present; other council members were excused. The clerk also confirmed the meeting notice had been posted as required under the state open public meetings law.
Capados read a proclamation designating April 24, 2026 as Youth Day in Runnemede and commended the youth participants for their interest in local government. The mayor said the borough will photograph the youth council for display on the municipal wall as part of centennial recognition.
Committee reports were brief. Jackson Hill, speaking for parks and recreation, said the committee continues to maintain parks, lakes and the dog park and reaffirmed a commitment to install lights on five fields used for youth sports. Public safety and finance reports were acknowledged without extended discussion.
The mayor opened a short public-comment period, during which residents praised the youth council and shared local memories of the town’s founding and historic homes. The meeting closed with certificates presented to the three past mayors, photo opportunities and a motion to adjourn, which was seconded and approved.
The borough’s centennial calendar includes additional events referenced at the meeting; the council encouraged residents to participate in upcoming centennial activities.
