Riverkeeper Hails "Friends of the Hackensack River"

2nd Annual Celebration and Fundraiser a Rousing Success

By Hugh M. Carola

Englewood, NJ – On the evening of October 15, Hackensack Riverkeeper held its 2nd Annual Friends of the Hackensack River Awards Celebration at the beautiful Englewood Field Club. This year, we chose to recognize Kerry Kirk Pflugh, the Raritan Bureau Chief of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection; Al Sullivan, journalist for the Secaucus Reporter; and Shop-Rite Supermarkets for their work on behalf of the recovery of the Hackensack River. 

"It has been both an honor and a joy to work with Kerry," said Captain Bill Sheehan, "She personifies what it means to be a dedicated public official; a person who truly cares about the people of New Jersey." In 1996, she and Capt. Bill co-authored the Harbor Estuary / Urban Fishing Program which since then has provided hundreds of inner-city youths with an interactive, practical introduction to their local waterbodies and the creatures that inhabit them.  Kerry is currently working on a new initiative that will increase public awareness to the dangers of consuming fish caught in the Hackensack River and the other waterways of the Newark Bay Complex.  Her boss, NJDEP Commissioner Robert Shinn joined Capt. Bill at the podium in presenting Kerry’s award.

"It's no exaggeration to say that without Al Sullivan, Hackensack Riverkeeper would not be in the place it is today," declared Capt. Bill, "by doing his job and doing it well, Al has told not only our story but the River's."  Mr. Sullivan, longtime reporter for the Hudson Reporter newspaper chain, has often reported on issues relating to the Hackensack Meadowlands.  For many people, his stories provided their first glimpse into the reality - not the caricature - of the Meadowlands.  Like Kerry, Al received his "Friend of the Hackensack River" award for doing his job and doing it very well.

Shop-Rite Supermarkets supports the Hackensack Riverkeeper Eco-Cruise Program by providing for hundreds of students to go out on the Hackensack River each year.  They are an active supporter of the Hackensack Riverkeeper Canoe Project and the World Series of Birding. In addition to their giving, Shop-Rite earned their award by being an industry leader in conservation and recycling.  "It's unfortunate that there are so few companies who care the way Shop-Rite does," said Capt. Bill, "for them, corporate philanthropy isn't just something they do; it defines who they are.” Vice President (and ace birder) Tim Vogel accepted the award on behalf of his company.

In addition to framed award certificates, each honoree also received a copy of a NJ State Assembly Resolution recognizing their work.  The resolutions were sponsored by Assemblywoman Loretta Weinberg and Assemblyman Charles "Ken" Zisa (both D-37^th).  Ms. Weinberg was on hand to present the Resolutions and offer her congratulations.

The evening also featured both silent and live auctions that raised thousands of dollars in support of the ongoing work of Hackensack Riverkeeper.  During the reception, guests perused the many donated offerings and after the awards ceremony had a chance to bid in the live auction which was presided over by WOR Radio morning personality Joe Bartlett.  Mr. Bartlett is also known as the "Voice of the Meadowlands Refuge" for his narration of the 1999 video, "The Hackensack Meadowlands: Wildlife Refuge or Mega-Mall?”  Upon arrival and departure, our guests were treated to the skirling of bagpipes played by Andrew Carola of the Kearny Caledonian Pipe Band.

Unfortunately, Senator Jon Corzine (the scheduled keynoter) and Congressman Steve Rothman (D-9^th) were unable to attend due to the situation in Washington DC. Both lawmakers sent representatives  “Naturally, we were disappointed,” said Capt. Sheehan, “but our disappointment is far outweighed by the fact that Hackensack Riverkeeper has two very good friends in Jon Corzine and Steve Rothman.  And besides, there’s always next year.”