Town Talk

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Comment by Michele Florio-Campisi on February 28, 2011 at 4:01pm

letter from my daughter .... Brielle's Butterfly

It has just been brought to my attention that the mural in memory of Brielle Namer has been taken down. For those who may not be aware, Brielle Namer battled Ewing’s sarcoma 11 months before passing away on March 5th, 2008. She was flawlessly beautiful, selfless, compassionate, dedicated to school and was a superior athlete. Although she never asked for the spotlight, it always found her. She was confident in her ability to fight, always exhibiting exceptional courage and endured chemo-therapy with extreme fortitude, handling it as a steeping stone to victory. There is nothing that Brielle wanted more than to be able to attend her classes and play with her team. Her heart, soul, and the inspiration she left us with reside within the walls of Livingston High School. To most of us, our last memories were seeing Brielle in the halls or at a game, and our fondest times to recall are associated with school.

 

Soon after Brielle passed, I sat down with Principle Pam McGroarty and discussed options for memorializing Brielle. Mrs. McGroarty did not give me many choices because in the event that another student should pass away, there must be an equal way to honor everyone. Murals act as a visual voice. They have been used throughout history as a platform for expression, as a way to send a message or inform on a particular theme or issue. Often while I was grieving I did not know the words, or perhaps the words did not exist, to adequately convey the depth of my grief, so I turned to other means of expression. Creative expression helps lift one's spirits; it aids those who are grieving to surface the chaotic feelings that they're experiencing internally by offering outlets to release the deep emotions generated in grief.

 

Originally Mrs. McGroarty seemed supportive of the mural and we exchanged many e-mails regarding plans for the painting to begin towards the end of that summer. As the school year approached, her support seemed to fade. It is possible that Mrs. McGroarty was pressured by the present B.O.E. administration and that she was reluctant to express this to the students. Due to the lack of dedication from the school, the canvas that was supposed to be supplied was ultimately donated by the Big “L” Organization, the area to work on and store the mural was not provided as promised but Ms. Mazner generously offered a space in her classroom and all the paint supplies. A few girls and I stayed after school to paint the mural and it was finished within a few weeks. Mrs. McGroarty took about a month to finally frame and hang the mural in the new gym complex.

 

The main focus of the mural is a butterfly, which is the symbol of a short life; in a way it makes Brielle tangible to us. Brielle’s mural allows everyone to be able to recognize her spirit in butterflies, which enables the community to make new memories even though Brielle is not here physically. The mural incorporates the number 21, a basketball, a soccer ball, and an open book representing academics, each in one of the corners respectfully. The mural also includes the words; strength, courage, compassion, humble, honesty, loyalty, dignity, a friend to all, and a love for life, which remind us of Brielle’s impeccable qualities. Signatures from teachers and students from the high school fill the background of the canvas.

 

Brielle was our hero and when she lost her battle, we lost our hope in ourselves. The mural helps us remember Brielle in her glory, and reminds us how we can see beauty in a tragic situation. The mural sends a message to everyone who views it that Brielle Namer will always be remembered and cherished. Loss can be a meaningful instrument for change, activating a strength that many of us are not aware that we possess. Creative expressions of

Comment by Paul Simko on March 23, 2010 at 3:20pm

No charge for shredding...BUT $5 A BAG FOR BURNING

Comment by WALTER D. LeVINE on March 23, 2010 at 3:08pm

First, if Paul thinks there is a charge for the shredding, he is mistaken. it's FREE! Yes, the Town pays a fee to the shredder and recycler, but the fee is more than compensated for in both the savings in tonnage and recycling grants. I also agree with Kurt, but say in the defense of everyone, that nothing has been etched in stone yet, excpt the action is Trenton cutting us back significantly. and placing some harsh demands on us that everyone will be impacted by and have to absorb. We are finally facing the crisis of runaway and fast spending government at all levels - as usual, all at the last minute!

Comment by Kurt on March 23, 2010 at 2:47pm

Interesting....that there's more action here in Towntalk on the "paper schredding crisis" than on the school cuts going on!!!

Comment by Paul Simko on March 23, 2010 at 2:47pm

I'll throw them in my fireplace for $5 a bag

Comment by Lori Newman Schwartz on March 23, 2010 at 2:39pm

Thanks!!

Comment by WALTER D. LeVINE on March 23, 2010 at 2:31pm

Saturday is the Township Electronic Recycling and Paper Shredding Event from 9-2 at the Community Center. From past experience, lines start to form early and if all you have is shredding, follow the arrows and directions, so you do not get stuck in the recycling line. The shredding truck is usually on the side (left facing the building) so you can get there easily by driving in front of the building, rather than going around it. If you have both recycling and shredding, do the recycling first, as you pass the shredding truck on the way out, and this does not cause confusion and keeps traffic flowing.

Comment by Jenny Chciuk on March 23, 2010 at 2:29pm

Lori -- I don't know about township dates, but I know there's a local company, Safe Shredding, who will come to your house, collect your stuff, and shred it for you...

Comment by RC on March 23, 2010 at 2:25pm

check the township web site - flyer is there on the home page. Email blast went out about it yesterday.

www.livingstonnj.org

Comment by Lori Newman Schwartz on March 23, 2010 at 2:13pm

Does anyone know about an upcoming local shredding event. I'm looking to shred several bags of old documents. I know banks usually host these things, but I haven't heard about one anytime soon. Thanks!

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