BUENA VISTA TOWNSHIP ARTICLES

FROM THE CUMBERLAND NEWS

September 2001

Another View -- Local Perspective on a National Tragedy

Yesterday afternoon Wednesday, September 12, 2001, hundreds of people went to the Buena Regional High School to give blood as their offering of help in the tragedies in New York City, Washington, D.C. and elsewhere that has hit our country.

 Reports to the Mayor’s office stated that at least 150 more people than could be served wanted to give blood yesterday.  Those who could not be handled were given appointments for subsequent dates so that they would have that opportunity.  Residents stood in line between 3:30 in the afternoon up until 10:30 that night to give blood.

 Local businesses, Cappuccio’s East Side Deli, Wheat Road Cold Cuts and

Shop Rite, donated food for people who were waiting and to the staff from the Red Cross.  It was truly a heartwarming sentiment on the behalf of the residents in Buena Vista Township, Buena Borough and our area.

 On the news on Wednesday evening on NBC Channel 40 from Atlantic City, local emergency volunteers were seen at the Tony Canale Fire Training Center in Egg Harbor Township preparing themselves for rescue operations in New York City.  Pamela Bylone, Susan Mesiano of BVT EMS and other rescue personnel from Minotola Rescue (Buena Borough) were seen in the classroom settings. Atlantic County Emergency Management Director Vince Jones and other officials prepared the rescue workers for the relief efforts to the north.

 These local aspects to a national tragedy warm our hearts and while there are probably many other stories to tell you, time and publication deadlines limit our ability.  We will tell you more as we learn about it.

 A special “Thank you” to Annette Cerione for providing information for this story to Mayor Chuck Chiarello.  Annette was the last person to give blood at 10:30 pm on Wednesday evening.  Annette tells us the Red Cross is taking appointments and is planning additional blood drives in our area. Please check the local newspapers and we will put any information that we learn of on Channel 37 on our local cable system.