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04/13/02 - Posted 11:03:57 PM from the Daily Record newsroom By Darran A. Simon, Daily Record MORRISTOWN — The Daily Record and its publisher were honored Friday night by the Interfaith Food Pantry for their support of the nonprofit organization’s efforts. Walt T. Lafferty and the Gannett-owned newspaper were cited for support of the organization’s efforts to provide food to people and families facing hardships, in part by reporting on community issues. About 170 people attended the organization’s third annual gala and silent auction at the Headquarters Plaza Hotel. The event is one of the organization’s fundraising events. "As they say in the newspaper business, the real story is not the Daily Record, the real story is the people who make it happen," Lafferty said. His wife, Cindy Lafferty, who volunteers at the pantry with the couple’s children, Patrick, 10, and Sara, 8, also was recognized for her efforts. Lafferty said that what feels good is when the newspaper runs stories addressing a need and the response from the community is "absolutely phenomenal." Interfaith Food Pantry’s executive director, Rosemary Gilmartin, related one example. Shortly before Thanksgiving last year, the organization had received donations of 31 turkeys — not nearly enough to fill the needs of 627 people who had requested help for the holiday. After an article and editorial in the newspaper, the organization had a little over 1,000 turkeys in a week. "It was just an outstanding response," Cindy Lafferty said. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Interfaith Food Pantry. Past honorees have included Morristown Mayor John "Jay" DeLaney Jr. and Morris County Freeholder Cecilia Laureys. The Interfaith Food Pantry was formed in 1994 to serve Morris County residents. It began with five families and now distributes weekly more than two tons of food to almost 150 local families. Darran A. Simon can be reached at dsimon@gannett.com or (973) 428-6630. 05/21/02 - Posted 11:43:29
PM from the Daily Record newsroom By Bryan Dunleavy, Daily Record MORRISTOWN — Two years after fire gutted the First Baptist Church, the rebuilding of the church and of the congregation’s psyche are nearly complete. An arson fire in May 2000 destroyed the Washington Street church’s interior and much of its roof. A $2.2 million reconstruction of the church could be completed by the end of the summer, church officials said this week. The 110-member congregation was forced to move to the Presbyterian Church on South Street, where they’ve been conducting services since the fire. Like the church’s facade, the congregation has remained intact. "They’ve been holding up very well, considering the circumstances," said the Rev. Ronald Quay, the church’s pastor. Bathrooms have been built in the church’s sanctuary on the main floor and office space has been added in the mezzanine. The church’s trademark stained-glass windows have been replaced, as will the building’s cupola be during a ceremony next week. The church has raised about $325,000 for the project through donations, church officials said. Insurance will cover about $1.6 million of the costs. "The building will reflect historical character, while meeting the needs of the 21st century," Quay said. A handicapped-accessible ramp is being constructed in the back of the church, which celebrates its 250th anniversary this year. It will be used by members of the growing congregation. "The old diehards are still here, and we’re starting to see new members come in," said Wilma Pickell, a church deacon. The fire was set somewhere in the basement, the Morris County Prosecutor's Office said shortly after the blaze. The rear basement door apparently had been wedged open sometime before the blaze started. The case remains unsolved. "There have been no new developments in the investigation," said prosecutor's office spokesman Lt. Stephen Foley on Monday. The days before the incident offered no warning of the imminent crime, which still puzzles Quay. "I’d love to know why the person felt the need to destroy the building," he said. In addition to the church’s mostly Hispanic congregation, the Interfaith Food Pantry, the Interfaith Council for Homeless Families, the homeless drop-in center Our Place Inc. and groups from the Mental Health Association and Alcoholics Anonymous were also forced to relocate in the wake of the fire. Bryan Dunleavy can be reached at (973) 428-6200.
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