Riverboat St. Charles 5/3/16

By: Katherine Massopust

Sponsors were given medallions in honor of their support

PERTH AMBOY – On May 3, 2016, sponsors, press and local politicians were in attendance on the Riverboat St. Charles to help celebrate the announcement of the annual display of fireworks scheduled for Friday, July 1, 2016. Once again, the celebration will be a joint partnership between Perth Amboy and South Amboy and at no cost to the taxpayers. Barry Rosengarten is chairing the event, along with co-chairs Perth Amboy Councilman Bill Petrick and South Amboy Council President Mickey Gross.

“We’ll have a wonderful weekend in Perth Amboy and South Amboy. Thank you to the sponsors for your generous contributions for the fireworks,” Rosengarten said. He introduced Master of Ceremonies, Radio Personality Bert Baron of WCTC 1450 AM and its sister station Magic WMGQ 98.3 FM who will again be providing the music simulcast for the fireworks.

Rosengarten thanked the Santore Brothers, August and Chris, owners of Garden State Fireworks who again will provide us with a magnificent display.  Rosengarten thanked everyone who contributes to the fireworks success including his personal assistant Yolanda Flores and UEZ/BID Coordinator Roxana Troche who help make the program a success. “What we have here today is a blessing.”

Pastor Bernadette Falcon Lopez gave the invocation.

Listening to the speakers

Assemblyman Craig Coughlin came up to speak next, having to leave early due to a prior commitment. “I grew up in South Amboy and my mother is from Perth Amboy. It’s wonderful news; every year, South Amboy and Perth Amboy Mayors always get together so we can have a special night and are committed to work together.”

Baron spoke, “It’s another wonderful year for Perth Amboy and South Amboy. It’s the most attended event on the July 4^th Weekend. This is where I want to be. It’s a special thing.”

August Santore, Co-Owner of Garden State Fireworks offers a few words

Perth Amboy Mayor Wilda Diaz spoke next, “You are a true friend to our City. Thank you for all of your support. I thank everyone including Fred Henry (Mayor of South Amboy). It’s a cooperation and partnership where two cities come together for common good in celebrating the history of our Country. Perth Amboy is recognized by its waterfront. Bayview Park should be finished by July 1, 2016 thanks to Robert C. Mainberger (Civil Engineer Hatch Mott MacDonald PE, CME, Senior Vice President). I acknowledge the visionary of Fireworks Chair Barry Rosengarten.”

Diaz continued, “One of my goals as Mayor is to have the fireworks. I thank the sponsors: from corporations to small businesses. Thank you for being generous with us.” Diaz thanked Bert Baron and WCTC and Magic 98.3, “Truly, you are our partners.” Diaz continued, “I believe the fireworks create a lasting memory. It will not be possible without Mayor Fred Henry and Mickey Gross. A day has not gone by when we were not on the phone. This is a real effort of all of us. The Police & Fire Departments along with the Department of Public Works and Code Enforcement – thank you for getting things done. Perth Amboy is rich in history. Every July 4^th I ring the liberty bell (the replica in City Hall Circle). It is rung 13 times (Every July 4^th at 2 p.m.) remembering each of the 13 colonies. Perth Amboy was once the Capital of East Jersey.”

South Amboy Mayor Fred Henry spoke next. A former history teacher, he spoke about the importance of South Amboy’s history to our country and celebrating through fireworks. “It’s not easy raising funds. Thank you to all of our sponsors for patronizing the fireworks. We have a very good team.” He thanked South Amboy City Clerk Laura Kemble-Kalantsis and B.A. Camile Tooker for all their hard work. Henry also thanked Cornucopia Owner Mustafa Kilic. “We have a great nation. We will continue to be great despite what anyone else says. We have troops defending our country. Mayor Diaz did a very good job. This is our country at its best. We want to continue doing these things. This is what our nation is all about – volunteering.” Henry then mentioned Mickey Gross is being honored by the YMCA, “For all that he does.”

Bert Baron commented, “Sponsors is a very formal term. We’re partners.”

Mickey Gross came up to speak. “You turn on CNN and see all the problems. We’ve got together to do something good. We’re going to have a great day. Barry, I thank you. We have two great cities. What makes a city great is its people.”

Bill Petrick came up to speak, “I can’t stress this enough. This is a family event. There’s magic in the children’s eyes when they see fireworks.”

Barry Rosengarten then proceeded to acknowledge the sponsors by presenting them with medallion for each sponsor present at the press conference. Mayor Diaz and Mayor Henry did the honors of placing the medallions on the necks of the many sponsors of the fireworks. For a complete list of sponsors go to the end of this article.

The final words were given by Garden State Fireworks co-owner August Santore who was happy to return to the Amboy’s for the Fireworks Spectacular.

If you would like to be a sponsor of the Fireworks, contact Celebrate Stars and Stripes Chair Barry Rosengarten 732-588-6860 or go to www.celebratestarsandstripes.com

Click on following photos to enlarge:

List of Fireworks sponsors:

• J&V Kupsch
• President Fire Co.
• Middlesex County
• Petra Best Realty
• Amboy Care Center
• Supple Clooney & Clooney
• Madsen Howell
• Harbortown
• Center Ton Engineering
• FWCC
• Dr. and Mrs. Gonzalez
• Cambridge Pavers
• D&H Alternative
• B&W Construction Co. of NJ
• Mott McDonald
• Carpenter Contractor Trust NY/NJ
• Provident Bank
• Ali’s Liquors-Smith Street
• Woodmont Properties
• Maraziti Falcon LLP