By Amy Batista, Special Writer
MONROE — The 21st annual Mayors’ Shining Star Gala for Better Beginnings Childhood Development Center was an evening of celebration at the Crowne Plaza this May.
”I’m so impressed with Better Beginnings and all the people who are involved with it,” said state Sen. Linda Greenstein, of the 14th Legislative District.
Of East Windsor and Hightstown, she said, “I don’t think in any of the other towns I have ever represented now or in the past is there a institution like Better Beginnings (where) the mayors are so supportive of that,” Senator Greenstein added. “There are daycares in every town — but this one is clearly special.”
Better Beginnings, a subsidized institution, is located in Hightstown and supports children in both the township and borough.
East Windsor Mayor Janice Mironov and Hightstown Mayor Steven Kirson hosted the annual gala May 4.
”This is a real important evening,” said Mayor Kirson. “Funding is very difficult so your attendance here is so important to these organizations to the longevity and sustainability.”
”It’s a wonderful thing what they do for parents who go to work,” Mayor Kirson said. “I only wish they had more resources to provide so they could do more. You being here tonight will make that difference. We really appreciate it.” Mayor Mironov “sincerely thanked” the guests for attending and the “resources they bring” to “all Better Beginning to strive and prosper.”
”It’s for a very significant and worthwhile cause,” said Mayor Mironov. “In order to provide an excellent facility for young folks within our two communities and for all of us that get involved in the community whether it is an elected office, organizations, businesses, I think one of the things we can all agree upon is that one of the most important things is and what must be one of our highest priorities is are young people in our community and the kind of support and guidance and nurturing and education and values that we give to them at those very young years because it makes all the difference in the kinds of individuals they grow up to be.”
Approximately 180 guests — composed of prominent community leaders, honorees, contributors, supporters, friends and Better Beginnings staff attended the gala to show their support.
” We are still counting but to date we have raised about $25,000,” Luz Horta, Better Beginnings executive director, told the Herald on May 9, “The funds go into operating expenses that include additional funds to subsidized early learning and child care slots.”
Ms. Horta has been involved with the organization for more than 34 years.
”It is always a pleasure to work with young children,” said Ms. Horta.
Better Beginnings provides educational and daycare services to 99 children.
Historically, that fifteen children met for nursery school a couple of times a week in the Baptist Church until the volunteer teachers came to realize that more was needed, according to Betti Witherspoon on Thursday.
Platinum Stars and sponsors this year were — Jacqueline K. Bodin, PNC Bank and First Presbyterian Church of Hightstown and anonymous donation.
Shiseido America, Inc. and an unstated number of Better Beginnings parents made donations.
Before the start of the presentation, Better Beginnings was presented with a proclamation in honor of April being claimed the Month of the Young Child by both mayors.
The honorees this year include:
Ernest Doggett III of Ewing — Better Beginnings’ Alumnus of the Year;
Marsha Weinstein, of East Windsor — Lifetime Achievement recipient;
Loida Noriega-Wilson, of Cranbury — individual award;
Home Depot of East Windsor — business award;
Jewish Family and Children’s Service Agency of Greater Mercer County — organization honoree;
National Honor Society of Hightstown High School — youth group winner;
”I always say you never know what are children are going to grow up to be, what positions they are going to be and who they are going to affect around them,” Ms. Horta said. “Mr. Doggett, a father of four, he is one of our heroes. He is someone every day who puts his life on the line for others and we are so proud.
Mr. Doggett is a full-time firefighter in the City of Trenton.
”I learned a lot there,” said Mr. Doggett adding he was in the Lollipop class. “We really appreciate that Better Beginnings is a great school. It was a foundation that my mom and dad set for me.”
”We are very pleased to honor you,” Mayor Kirson said adding her dedication to Better Beginning over the last 10 years as a board member and “that dedication is what it is all about.”
”That’s what makes an organization continue to go forward,” Mayor Kirson added.
”I would like to thank all of you for doing the most noble of causes and that is to help our children from a very early age learn multiple languages and be educated,” said Ms. Noriega-Wilson. “The only way out is through education.”
”I thank you for your donations this evening,” Ms. Noriega-Wilson added.
Mayor Mironov presented the Lifetime Achievement Shining Star Honoree to Ms. Weinstein.
”This is someone who I have served with for about 18 years in government in East Windsor Township,” Mayor Mironov said adding her connections to Better Beginnings pre-dates that. “She had two children and the opportunity to take advantage of the services provided by Better Beginnings.”
”She has served our community in a great many ways over many years and retired from the East Windsor council recently,” Mayor Mironov added. “At the end of the day, what is really important about this person is there is somebody who cares about other people, very conscientious, very detailed, but always there. This is a great friend. She’s always dependable. She cares so deeply about this community.”
”It’s amazing to still see Better Beginnings still there, still relevant,” said Ms. Weinstein. “The sustainability of Better Beginnings is wonderful because it truly is a wonderful for children to be.”
Brain Tapper, manager, accepted the Business Shining Star Honoree for Home Depot of East Windsor.
”I would like to express the deepest gratitude on behalf of my company,” said Mr. Tapper. “It’s an honor to be recognized by this group. The Home Depot has many core values and the community is at the top.”
”Our goal is to be an important part of our community,” Mr. Tapper added. “We value our local government and I’m proud to be part of Hightstown and East Windsor.”
Mayor Mironov presented the Organization Shining Star Honoree to the Jewish Family and Children’s Service Agency of Greater Mercer County, a nonprofit community service agency.
”They have been a very positive and excellent source here within our Mercer County area for providing outreach services for children, educational support, health, as well as food pantry needs and other assistance for families with children and for others within our community,” Mayor Mironov said adding they have also added a bilingual program.
”We feel very privileged to work with Better Beginnings and the teachers,” said Margarita Leahy of Lawrenceville from Jewish Family and Children’s Service Agency.
”Recognizing a youth group I think is almost the pinnacle of the awards tonight and a great way to wrap up our presentations,” Mayor Mironov said adding the group is basic on academic achievement and other requirements.
The National Honor Society, also honored, sponsors a blood drive every year, tutors students and some members volunteer at Better Beginnings, according to Kathleen Borden in an email on Wednesday.
Kathy Borden and Joann Watson are the NHS advisors. Seniors Samantha Gleich, of East Windsor, and Shlok, of East Windsor, accepted the award on behalf of the club who won the “Shining Star” for the first time.
”It was an honor to be recognized by this organization this year,” said Ms. Borden. “The NHS students do a lot of community service in Hightstown-East Windsor. The NHS was thrilled to receive this honor.”
Throughout the evening a silent and chance auction was held. Guests had a chance to bid on 60 items, including baskets.
”Our staff worked hand-in-hand with their classroom parents to put together baskets,” Ms. Horta said. “Each classroom came-up with their own theme. We also provided theme as template.”
According to Ms. Horta, the top selling tickets were purchased for vacation weeks.
”However, many of bids for the baskets equal or exceeded the estimated value, very competitive and generous crowd,” Ms. Horta said. “Some items were donated back to the center. We already have a head start for next year.”

