The Alternative Press

SHORT HILLS, NJ – If you notice you’re feeling a little more patriotic than usual when you’re driving down Millburn Avenue into Short Hills, stop in one of the businesses there and say thanks.

During the month of May, more than 30 businesses have agreed to put an American flag or two on the front of their buildings in a pre-Memorial Day showing of patriotic pride. The effort is being spearheaded by Karen Bigos, owner and broker at Towne Realty Group, located on the corner of Millburn Avenue and Campbell Road. She enlisted some help, including Vincenzo Urso of Enzo’s Trattoria, and set about trying to generate some flag-raising interest among her fellow business owners.

Bigos said when Towne Realty opened in 2006, they put out a flag and tried at that time to convince others to do the same, but without much luck. This year, determined not to take “no” for an answer, she bought a few dozen flags and started a door-to-door campaign. The response has been much better this time, and every day, new flags are going up.

“By the end of the month, the goal is to have 100 percent participation,” Bigos said.

She enlisted the help of local contractor Ian Glenn Rountree, who offered to donate his time to mount the posts for storeowners who are on a tight budget or didn't have the proper tools. Larry from Aquos Studios NY, also on Millburn Avenue – which will be open in early June - also volunteered to help a few businesses. The campaign continued to grow. The Chamber of Commerce has gotten behind it as well.

Urso put up a flag at Coleman's Tuxedos, who is in his busy season with wedding and proms around the corner. Doug MacWright, a lifelong resident Millburn High School graduate is the director of Highlander Capital. He put up two flags at either end of his building next to Coldwell Banker. He told Bigos he was delighted to participate.

"I'm glad you are quarterbacking this effort," he told her. "Our side of town needs some attention."

“Besides just holding sales in their stores or possibly being closed on Monday, which is common for many stores in the area, the red, white and blue will surely draw a little much-needed attention to this strip where many stores have been vacant for several years,” Bigos said. “This is a time when the troops and veterans could use extra support and raising the flag in time for Memorial Day makes a statement. With any luck, the rest of the local community at large will follow this example and all of Millburn Township will get involved in Project Raise Your Flag.”

TheAlternativePress.com will continue to add photos as more businesses put up their flags.