INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

WAS A BLAST

This year’s 13^th Annual Independence Day Celebration was a great success.  First, Special Thanks to Chairwoman Dolores Comparri and the Special Events Committee.  The Fire Truck Parade started the day off in Collings Lakes and headed to  Michael Debbi Park in Richland.  The Grand Marshals were current and former Fire Chiefs from the Richland and East Vineland Volunteer Fire Companies which are both celebrating their 75th Anniversary this year.  Also in the parade was Miss BVT Heather Rode (1994), Little Miss Atlantic County - Heidi Jade Silva, along with Andrea Inverso and Devin Arroyo of Mission Kindness International.

The Annual Chicken BBQ was very tasty and the BVT EMS helped staff the booth.  The DJ “Nicky G” kept the crowd dancing and numerous prizes were given out along with trivia contests.  The band “Country George and the Western Jammers” performed in the afternoon and pleased the crowd.  Maplewood Custard and the Casazza Family sponsored the live music – a special thanks.

The Exchange Club and Key Club volunteers sold hamburgers, hot dogs, and french fries.  The Boy Scouts sold water ice, lemonade, and other items.

The Buena Braves helped with the corn on the cob and the Collings Lakes Ambulance Squad sold cakes, coffee, and watermelon.

The Environmental Commission provided arts and crafts and gave out free plants donated by Levari’s Vegetable Outlet.  The NJ State Forest Fire Service participated with education displays and Smokey the Bear, who landed by helicopter and rode in the parade, too.

A Car Show sponsored by the Garden State 50’s Club was on display.  Civil War re-enactors had quite a display to view along with live cannon salutes throughout the day.  Mom’s Florist and C&M Greenhouses donated plants for the event.  A wonderful puppet show, bouncy, and cartoon characters entertained the children.

The baby parade and carriage display was a great new event.   The babies were all so beautiful and the decorated carriages were very well done.  Three winners received savings bonds from Minotola National Bank after a very challenging judging of the 18 entries.  Thanks to Barbara Caselli and Nancy Linn of the Special Events Committee for this new idea. 

During the 5:00pm Program there was a special dedication to the memory of Sam Brunozzi.  Sam’s wife Joan and the family were present.  The main driveway at the Michael Debbi Park was named “Sam Brunozzi Way”.  The family donated a Victorian style street lamp, which was placed at the entrance of the park. The lamp features a sign and a cutout of Sam’s famous cowboy hat – the trademark that made Sam Brunozzi stand out in a crowd. The light was dedicated and will shine dusk to dawn every day.

The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Statewide Kindness Awareness Campaign, Andrea Inverso, attended our program to observe and help us celebrate “Buena Vista Township being named the Kindest Town in New Jersey – 2001”. Youth Kindness Ambassador, Devon Arroyo, sang the Star Spangled Banner to open the program. Special local Kindness Awards were presented to Pastor Ken Albert of the Abundant Life Church, Minnie Molinelli, former Township Clerk Office Employee, Loretta Wyckoff, a local bus driver who saved a young man’s life, and New Jersey State Troopers Cowden, Scardino, McPherson and Little, who assisted Martha Reilly of the Buena Vista Market in a medical emergency. The Invocation was presented by Reverend David Mallory, Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Richland. A special award to New Jersey State Police Community Policing Unit was given to Troopers May, Murphy and Ogg. It was presented for their hard work and dedication to Buena Vista Township.

Special surprise acknowledgements for kindness also went to Buena Vista Township Tax Assessor Bernadette Leonardi who is always volunteering her time to help in community activities. Frank Giglio, a Township employee, was also recognized for his dedication as an employee who gives extra effort. Frank and his wife, Doris,  were celebrating their 60^th wedding anniversary as well.

Jacki Stewart, Salutatorian of the Class of 2001 for Buena Regional High School, did an excellent analysis of the Declaration of Independence on its 225^th anniversary.  During the program Father Cherubin Kerr gave the benediction and special words in honor of former Mayor Sam Brunozzi.

The following is a list of businesses and organizations we would like to thank for their support of our Independence Day Celebration:

Art Anderson, Inc.           Lucca’s Bakery                Buena Vista Camping Park

Marjam Suply Co.           C&M Greenhouses            Mary’s Hallmark Store

Cappuccio’s Deli             Minotola National Bank      Eatmor Market

Karl Molinelli                   Wayne Houseworth            Muzzarelli Farms

Levari’s Produce              United Rentals

 Mom’s Florist Shop (Owner-John Coia/Decorator-Peter Preziosi)

Buena Braves Football Assn.        Jack Krokos, Digital Video Productions

Buena Vista Township EMS         Collings Lakes Ambulance Association

Milmay Volunteer Fire Co.            Richland Volunter Fire Co.

East Vineland Volunteer Fire Co.   VFW Post #158 BVT

 We would also like to thank these individuals and volunteers for their support of our Independence Day Celebration:

 Alice Ackerman              Franchesca Comparri              The Barber Family 

 Frank Comparri, Jr.        Marion Brosko                        John Eagan

Charles Bylone                 Lois Kotova                            Nicole Camacho        

Bernadette Leonardi         Tiffany Camacho                      Tommy Linn

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Casazza         Domenick Mesiano                 

Mark Cerione                 Maria Mesiano                   

Cheryl Chiarello              Heather Rode