2023 Labor Day Issue

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Families Join First Responders for 40th Annual National Night Out 10 Story by MELISSA SUMMERS Photos by KAREN FUCITO There’s nothing like bounce houses, ice cream, fire trucks and a helicopter to get families out into the fresh air on a summer night. The 40th annual National Night Out was held on August 1st in 17,000 communities across the United States in conjunction with local municipalities and first responders, including 276 events in New Jersey alone. Local events included gatherings in Hopatcong Borough and Jefferson Township. Founded in 1984, the annual campaign focuses on building communities and promoting relationships between police and the neighborhoods they serve, according to the National Association of Town Watch, the organization that backs the event. Held on the first Tuesday in August, National Night Out brings together law enforcement, neighborhood watch groups, local civic organizations and volunteers for a variety of events. In the past 40 years, towns have combined block parties, parades and cookouts with safety demonstrations, kids’ events and meet and greets with local service organizations. Patrol officer Taylor Gentner spearheaded the Hopatcong event at Veterans’ Field Memorial Park, which featured a showcase of emergency vehicles, local businesses, pet adoptions and food. “It’s a great way for the community to have an interaction with the entire department,” Gentner said. “Typically, they’ll see the SROs LAKE HOPATCONG NEWS Labor Day 2023 [School Resource Officers] in the schools and they’ll see the patrol officers if they have to go to a call. But to see the people that we’re here to serve and for them to see us and get to know our faces— it’s just a great way to get everyone out there.” Residents get to interact with police and firefighters under more positive circumstances at National Night Out, as opposed to a traffic accident, medical emergency or potentially the worst day of someone’s life, Gentner added. “Dunk an officer in the dunk tank, have a hot dog with them,” she said. “It’s just our way to give back to them; show them that we’re here for them.” Mayor Michael Francis welcomed the idea of introducing Hopatcong’s Finest and Bravest to families as they took in the festivities. “Everybody is enjoying it, getting to meet them and learning that they are real people, not just people that show up in an emergency,” he said. Father of three Mike Wester, 34, brought his children to experience what’s great about their hometown heroes. “Everyone volunteers their time, the EMS, the fire department. I think it shows the good in the community,” said Wester. His daughter, Aubrey, 11, was there for the animals and the DEA helicopter that landed on the field. “It’s cool,” she said. Cub Scout Pack 194 had a booth where a handful of Pack parents offered crafts and information. Cubmaster Lisa Stanitz, 38, and her son Rylan were hoping to recruit new scouts. “Our kids have a blast here every year,” added Lindsay Cupples, 38, who was there with her son C.J. “They run around while we work the Top to bottom, left to right: A pint-sized visitor throws a perfect strike to send Sgt. Anthony Cirri (in tank) into the water as Det. Marlon Winbush and Lt. Ryan Tracey look on. Steve Holmes III and Iman Hussain take a turn in a skid steer loader at Jefferson Township National Night Out. Marine Pvt. Nate Van De Weert tracks the time Jacob Lombardo is able to hang from the chin-up bar. Members of Jefferson Township’s fire and rescue squads take part in a car extraction demonstration. booth, and we get to meet new people. It’s always a really nice day.” Nichole O’Shea, 42, currently lives in Succasunna but grew up in Hopatcong. She brought her three boys not only to support the town but also her husband and brother who are Hopatcong police officers. Her son, Connor, 11, has respect for the job other children might not. “I have two relatives that are police officers and others have only one or zero,” he said. “It seems like a lot of fun but it’s probably really hard. They help the towns a lot.” Gabriel Mathesius, 9, came with his mom and brother, not only to catch up with friends but also to rub shoulders with the police officers and firefighters. When asked how he’d describe them he said, “Someone who is dedicated to helping their town.” That’s the kind of inspiration Hopatcong Fire Assistant Kevin Schneider, a 44-year veteran of the force, is hoping for as he and his fellow firefighters served up hot dogs to the crowd. “We are trying to recruit people for our allvolunteer fire department,” he said. “Coming out into the community and being with people, and helping people, I enjoy it.” Over in Jefferson Township, over 500 residents came out to the municipal building for ice cream, hot dogs, a petting zoo and demonstrations by the fire department and first aid squads. “We believe this was the largest
attendance in our history,” said Community Service Officer Jeremy Romash, who has participated in the event since joining the department in 2005. The town’s public works department showed off the equipment they use to keep Jefferson Township roads and infrastructure in top order. “I like the music. The DJ is good,” said Sabina Hussain as her kids climbed on the excavators. The fire department offered a “Touch a Truck” that was also a big hit with the younger crowd. “This is a nice event. Keeps them busy and out of the house,” said Saima Holmes as she watched her kids enjoy exploring the trucks and equipment. “I look forward to seeing all of the residents coming out to participate,” Romash said. “We are a very community-oriented police department and we strive to have great relationships. Since our fire and EMS are volunteer, many members are involved in the community.” The Jefferson Police Department strives to foster positive interactions in every way possible, Romash stressed, and town-sponsored events are a great way to do that. National Night Out offers access to town officials in a casual environment. In Jefferson Township, they trade in uniforms and suits for informal yellow t-shirts, which Romash said made it easy for residents to approach them and strike up a conversation. “We offer activities for the kids, which allow citizens to speak without hesitation while we enjoy a hot dog together,” Romash said. “It’s not a meeting in Town Hall, so we feel people are more prone and committed to speaking from the heart.” Although Jefferson Township Mayor Eric Wilsusen believes there has been a nationwide disconnect between some communities and the police, he said that isn’t the case in Jefferson Township. “We have been very fortunate that we have had wonderful support over the years and a lot has to do with programs like National Night Out,” he said. Feedback on the event has always been encouraging, which Wilsusen said is evident in the turnout. “I believe many even look forward Call Jim to buy or list today! House Values James J. Leffler Realtor RE/MAX House Values 131 Landing Road Landing, NJ 07850 201-919-5414 Cell 973-770-7777 Office jimleff.rmx@gmail.com to it!” Wilsusen said the police department’s services bureau is always coming up with new ideas for ways to interact with the community. Jefferson Township also holds Coffee with a Cop, Putt with the Police, Family Movie Night and sponsors a Junior Police Academy, among other programs. Someday he’d like to start a similar program to give all citizens a firsthand look at what the police are up against every day. “You’re always going to have negative interactions here and there, it’s just the nature of the job,” said Gentner. “But we’re very fortunate that our community supports us as much as they do.” James J. Leffler Realtor Born in Baiano and raised in the US, Maria has been bringing tours to Italy for more than 30 years. Italy Tours with Maria BOOKING NOW FOR 2024! Each tour includes a “hidden itinerary” surprise. July 3 - July 16, 2024 Venice • Murano • Burano • Padua • Florence • Cinque Terre Monticatini Terme • San Gimignano • Siena • Rome • Pompeii Isle of Capre • Amalfi Coast • Sorrento • Ravello and much, much more! Email us for tour details at: ItalyTourswithMaria@yahoo.com Traveling to Italy with Maria offers guests “a true cultural experience.” This is not your typical commercial tour. lakehopatcongnews.com 11
Page 1 and 2: INFORMING, SERVING AND CELEBRATING
Page 3 and 4: “The best there is“ 60 Ackerman
Page 5 and 6: RE/MAX Town and Valley II RE/MAX To
Page 7 and 8: hydroplane racer for 30 years from
Page 9: CREATE A DRAMATIC EFFECT LET US INS
Page 13 and 14: Majestic Lakefront Estates Exclusiv
Page 15 and 16: •Preventative repairs/ maintenanc
Page 17 and 18: SETH STEPHENS LOCAL VOICES Growing
Page 19 and 20: Oak Ridge resident Kathy Seeger lan
Page 21 and 22: Become a part of the lake’s histo
Page 23 and 24: Left to right: Hopatcong Fire Chief
Page 25 and 26: Delicious Dining. Incredible Views.
Page 27 and 28: Striders running club. “It was al
Page 29 and 30: Cleaning Company For All Your Needs
Page 31 and 32: 973-663-2490 • Connect with us! @
Page 33 and 34: lakehopatcongnews.com 33
Page 35 and 36: event at Bertrand Island during the
Page 37 and 38: Blueberry Cheesecake This recipe us
Page 39 and 40: ORTHWEST EXPLOSIVES BLASTING BLASTI
Page 41: A One Stop-shop Accessible by Car o

2023 Labor Day Issue

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?