JACKSON – Last year’s prom held in the summer was a crowded event for the Disabled/Handicapped Commission and those they serve. This year was the same case and those involved were happy that their location didn’t have to be changed.
Jackson Township staff member Karen Lundgren who works with the commission noted that members of the commission got concerned when they learned the Jackson Mills Volunteer Fire Company, District 4 Firehouse was no longer being rented out.
“However, an exception was made for our Jackson Township Commission for the Disabled/Handicapped. A very special thanks goes out them,” she noted.
It’s never too late for a prom as was evident by the smiles on the faces of those who attended one recently hosted by the township’s Commission for the Disabled and Handicapped.
The Commission coordinates many recreational programs throughout the year to children and adults with special needs. The Commission Co-Chairs are Suely Fries and Sharon Hollander. Fries told The Jackson Times she was very happy about how successful the annual event went.
Fries said, “Prom night is one of our biggest events of the year. There are several businesses that sponsored this event. We try to offer as much as we can.”
The fantastic food was provided by Linda Thompson of First Choice Caterers and the talented music man, that packed the dance floor and captured a record number of smiles, was provided by SoManyStylez Entertainment. Robert Douriet, better known as DJ Phidel Kastro, and his wife handled the DJ and the photobooth again this year.
Colonel Jonathan W. Spare, USAF Senior Aerospace Science Instructor (AFROTC Unit NJ-782) from Jackson Memorial High School coordinated ROTC volunteers to help serve the food, help decorate the venue and clean up afterwards. A dozen Commission members also worked tirelessly to coordinate one of the largest events of the year.
The Commission expressed that all too often, individuals with special needs tend to be overlooked, marginalized or ignored and that people tend to forget that those who are handicapped have feelings, wants and needs. They like to have fun as much as anyone. So, when an event such as the prom comes along, that is specifically for them, and you see the big smiles and the packed dance floor, it’s the most gratifying feeling in the world.
The event also gives many families a well-deserved break and venue to be themselves and just have fun. Clients danced the night away and enjoyed the photo booth with many props and costume items provided. Everyone danced even if they said they weren’t going to at the start, Commission members remarked.
Fries noted that everyone showed up that signed up. “This was partly word of mouth that it would be a
good party and we had some new faces at the party as new families were reached. Many were very happy to go home with prizes.”
Hollander said, “the taxi cab and Batman photo ops were awesome. Parents got to spend time talking with each other and it provided a chance to socialize for everyone. Everyone looking out for each other – it takes a village.”
The evening was capped off with ice cream sundaes. “Decorations were outstanding and it totally felt like you were in the city. Our DJ was amazing, music choices were right on! Everyone – clients and guests – loved the photo booth,” Hollander added.
Fries previously told The Jackson Times that the commission receives “an annual state grant and the township matches that grant. It is called the ROID grant provided by the state of New Jersey and the township matches about 20%. That 20% comes in handy.”
“The commission has been going on since back in the 1970s. Melvin Cottrell (a former Assemblyman) was highly involved in the township and he had a disability himself. He wanted to do something for the community. He was always very civic minded. There were small groups back then and they would meet at the firehouse or someplace because the senior center didn’t exist back then,” Fries added
“I think it was in the 1990s, they built the senior center and after that whatever the special needs group was called at the time became the mayor’s commission for disabled and handicapped,” she added.
Fries has been with the Commission for 15 years. She and Hollander who has been with the Commission for 11 years have served as co-chairs for the last two years.
For more information call the Commission at 732-928 -3334 or e-mail pfries1313@gmail.com.
