Zone 16
No. 14 Vol. 4
New View Media Group • 1-800-691-7549
February 28, 2018
Homeless Solutions Honors Organizers Of Cycling Event
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By R.E. Wagner or the past seven years, Marty Epstein and Bill Ruddick have collaborated to host a fundraising experience known as the Gran Fondo: NJ. Held in Morristown annually, Epstein describes it as an event dedicated to the ideas of sustainability, safe bicycle riding and support for local non-profit organizations through charitable donations. “I’ve always been involved in the community,” said Epstein, owner of Marty’s Reliable Cycle. “I learned about it in a cycling article and thought it would be a great idea for Morristown.” Ruddick is director of Gran Fondo NJ (GFNJ), and since 2011, cyclists from all over the world have been drawn in, generating more than one million dollars in charitable contributions for local beneficiaries. “We directly donate the money we raise,” Epstein said. “We work very hard, I’m very proud of what we’ve done.” But it wasn’t always smooth sailing. Epstein explained that during their very first year the event experienced a few hiccups before getting off the ground. “We had about 600 people signed up,” Epstein recalled. “That was the year that Hurricane Irene showed up. A few days before the race, the governor declared a state of emergency and we had to postpone for three weeks! It worked out though in the end because we ended up having 800 peo-
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ple.” Of the many nonprofits who have benefited, one organization, Homeless Solutions Inc., will be recognizing Epstein’s and Ruddick’s efforts. On March 2, Homeless Solutions Inc., will bestowing upon the two men the prestigious Dream Builder Award at their annual Dream Builders’ Bash at the Westin Governor Morris. “It wasn’t something that we were expecting,” Epstein shared, “but Bill and I are both very honored by it. I chose Homeless Solutions because of how they serve their communities, they do a great job.” Epstein fondly recalls an instance after donating $12,500 to Homeless Solutions Inc., to help one of their local shelters. “The shelter had a broken stove and no money to replace it,” he explained. “After our donation, they were able to buy a new stove and even had a ribbon cutting ceremony for it!” As for future plans and goals for the Gran Fondo, Epstein and his team are very optimistic. For the past three years in a row, the Gran Fondo Guide has been ranked as one of the top events in the nation by the Gran Fondo Guide. Epstein predicts that this year will be their fourth. “We plan on having over 2,400 riders for our next event,” Epstein predicted. “We’re
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Pictured, from left, is Marty Epstein and Bill Ruddick.
trying to slowly grow and keep making it as great an event as we can for our riders.” Note to the reader: A Gran Fondo is defined as an organized long-distance road cycling event in which a large number of cyclists ride together along a marked route. The next event is set for Sept. 9. Go to https://granfondonj.com/ for more information.
Church Hosts Breakfast Fundraiser
oly Spirit Church, Pequannock is sponsoring a fundraising breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Applebees in Butler on Saturday, March 24 from 8 a.m.-10 a.m. Cost is $10 per person and includes pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, and a beverage of coffee, tea, soda
or juice. The Easter Bunny will be available for photos, and will give a complimentary filled egg to each child at the breakfast. A 50/50 and a raffle will also be available. For tickets, email kimrizzo@holyspiritparishnj.org or call (973) 628-1050. Bring the family for a delicious breakfast.
Flower Arranging Event To Support Boonton HS Grads
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he Boonton HS Project Graduation Class of 2019 will hold a Wine and Design event March 22 in the Main St. Bloomery, Boonton.
Participants will learn how to make a beautiful, fresh flower arrangement during the 7:30 p.m. event. The price is $30 per person and space is limited.