This year was especially meaningful for our annual Charlene Austin Community Unity Day. After contacting various departments at the township, it was felt we needed this day more than ever after the horrid events of Sept. 11. Our community needed to come together in unity, and indeed we did.
An event of this caliber could not be successful without the cooperation and help of the following: the mayor and Township Council, and our police, public works and recreation departments. They knew what had to be done and once again helped to make the day a success. My sincere thanks for all your support and work.
We always have an invocation to begin our festivities. When Bishop Rupert Johnson was asked to officiate, he didn’t realize the impact his words would mean at this delicate time. We thank you, Bishop Johnson, for uplifting our spirits when they most needed it.
Once again, we all swelled with pride as Ginny and Mark Kraft and the spectacular South Brunswick band performed. Its powerful renditions of our patriotic songs were the medicine we all needed. It also gave us a preview of its repertoire for this coming season. Thank you, Mark and Ginny, for your continued support.
Of course, as expected, I saved the best for last. Art Roedel, chairman of Community Unity Day, and his staff cannot be thanked enough for all the time and work they put into this event. As I said before, this year, especially, was a difficult one to be working on such a project. Art, the pro that he is, gave 110 percent, and it showed. Our sincere thanks for once again bringing South Brunswick together and making what could have been a very somber occasion a very reflective and warm-hearted one for the people of South Brunswick.
The municipal alliance looks forward to seeing everyone again next year.
Joe Grodman
Chairman, South Brunswick Municipal Alliance