Local businessmen donate new sign to Hackettstown American Legion Blue Ridge Post 164
HACKETTSTOWN, NJ (Warren County) — Hackettstown American Legion Blue Ridge Post 164 has a new and brighter sign thanks to the owners of a local business.
Tom Schiano and Lou Schiano, owners of Mama’s & Cafe Baci in Hackettstown, purchased the new sign for the American Legion located on Willow Grove St.
The idea came about as Tom Schiano was driving by the American Legion and noticed that their original sign used for advertising the Legion’s Friday night dinners was a little worn.
Thinking out loud, he suggested to himself, “What if they had a brand new sign out front?” From that thought grew a conversation with his business partner and brother, Lou Schiano, who agreed that this was a great idea.
Tom proposed the concept to the American Legion members and offered to pay for the new sign. This was met with unanimous agreement and it was then acted on.
Masonry contractor Nick Bencivengo of Hackettstown volunteered to prepare the ground for the installation.
The unveiling of the new sign took place on Oct. 31 and Hackettstown Mayor Maria DiGiovanni talked about the Schiano family’s many acts of generosity to the community including providing food during Superstorm Sandy.
Congressman Gottheimer representative and Constituent Services Liaison Victoria Nadler spoke of the good works the Legion performs on behalf of veterans and greater Hackettstown community.
Elise Rapp, owner of Calico Country Flowers in Hackettstown, donated a beautiful patriotic bouquet that was placed in front of the speaker’s podium and Mama’s &Cafe Baci provided a luncheon for the guests.
The Hackettstown American Legion Blue Ridge Post 164 thanked Mama’s & Cafe Baci and the Schiano family for their incredible donation.
“The sign will be a long standing reminder of community support for the American Legion,” Hackettstown American Legion Blue Ridge Post Commander Anthony DeStefano said.
The Hackettstown American Legion Blue Ridge Post 164 is looking for Veterans and if you would like to join, visit their website or call 908-852-1629.
