HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Hanover Township’s municipal campus and Veterans’ Memorial Park are bright with spring color thanks to a recent collaboration pairing the municipality with business neighbor Barclays. On May 21 and 23, 30 Barclays employee volunteers planted flowers each day to assist the township’s Department of Public Works and Park Maintenance.
The flowers were donated by Barclays for the community service project. The volunteers made short work of getting the plants in the ground at eight locations and also mulched the beds. The May dates were intentionally selected to add seasonal grace and beauty to municipal grounds, with a special focus on the Township’s veterans’ monuments where the Veterans’ Alliance placed wreaths on Memorial Day in honor of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.
Mayor Ron Francioli, Township Committeeman Brian Cahill, Hanover Township Fire District No. 3 (Cedar Knolls) Chief Chad DiGiorgio, DPW Superintendent Brian Foran, and Police Chief Mark Roddy, along with other municipal and Fire District #3 personnel, were on hand to kick off the project and lend support. The presence of the Cedar Knolls Fire Department/EMS was especially meaningful for Barclays.
During the event, the company announced their plans to raise money to assist Fire District No. 3 in purchasing an automated CPR device for first responders’ use. Being automated, the device maintains consistent chest compressions over extended periods of time – something not humanly possible – and thereby helps save lives. According to Chief DiGiorgio, the department has one device now that has to be shared between the two ambulances. The ability to purchase a second will mean that both ambulances can be equipped allowing all first aid responders immediate access to this life-saving device.
The two-day event ended on a celebratory note at Barclays, where municipal officials were given a tour of the campus and joined the employee volunteers for a “thank you” barbecue the company hosted. Mayor Francioli and Committeeman Cahill were effusive in their praise of the success of the collaboration and Barclays’ announcement to help Fire District #3. “We had high hopes for this project and Barclays exceeded all our expectations,” noted Francioli. “They are a valued business neighbor and we’re very excited about partnering with them again in the future.” Cahill wholeheartedly concurred, and added, “As the Township Committee liaison to our Board of Fire Commissioners, I greatly appreciate Barclays helping the Cedar Knolls Fire Department/EMS with their goal to purchase another automated CPR device. We’re overwhelmed by Barclays’ generosity and desire to help our community.”
