The Alternative Press

Last week Jimmy Vardas from the Prestige Diner and I presented two scholarships to two very deserving seniors. Each student was awarded $1500 to help with their college education. Before we presented the scholarships, I gave a little 10 second introduction. My exact words were "In support of our customers, the families of New Providence, the New Providence Business & Professional Association established this scholarship last year to support a member of the graduating class of New Providence High School to pursue their education in the business field. This year, the Association was fortunate enough to increase the scholarship for two students and increase the value. One male and one female member of the class of 2012 were chosen. Each will be awarded $1500. On behalf of the NP Business Community, we are pleased to present these awards to Gabriel Lyons and Kelly Gorczyk."

Before the names were announced, Jimmy and I heard lots of cheers and excitement from the crowd when they heard the amount we were awarding. ($1500!!! By far one of the HIGHEST awards!) BE PROUD! As a business community, we are able to bring these funds back to the community to support local students who live in, work in, and play in New Providence.

On Monday, I was on the phone with a mom regarding a picture of her son from the Share NJ 5K that the Sharing Network was sending out for local press releases. She could not be more proud of her son and his enthusiasm for being part of a team for the 5K. At the age of 8, he had exuded so much enthusiasm and excitement and as a mom it made her feel so good. She thanked me for being part of the Business Community and for putting on "such great events for NP residents to get involved in." The Share NJ 5K made a difference for so many people in so many ways. It's the support of the Business Community, Peter Rovtar and his family, and the other NP businesses that volunteered that day that give people that sense of pride in their community. The enthusiasm to be part of "something."

On Tuesday, I met with a mom. On a side note she happened to say, "it's so great what the business community does for New Providence. You guys put on so many fun and exciting events. It's so nice and it's wonderful to see that you are able to give back to New Providence in the ways that you do. We really appreciate it."

That's why we do what we do! It's the pride. It's the appreciation of the residents. It's the fun, excitement, sense of community that we can bring to New Providence just by being a part of it.

Thank you for supporting New Providence's businesses - - by shopping here in New Providence, you enable us to give back to the community we love.