Saint Barnabas Becomes Black Diamond Sponsor for Bicentennial

A successful partnership between Livingston and one of the township's largest businesses will be highlighted this year as the township celebrates it's bicentennial.

Saint Barnabas Medical Center has been named the Black Diamond sponsor for Livingston's year-long bicentennial celebration.

"Livingston is our home," Lou LaSalle, Vice President of External Affairs for Saint Barnabas, said at Tuesday's reorganization meeting.  "Livingston is so progressive and so good and doing such great things; Saint Barnabas is proud to be a part of it."

Last month, members of Saint Barnabas' brass presented the Livingston Township Council to help fund the bicentennial celebrations.

"When we were canvassed about supporting Livingston in this endeavor, we really feel like we are such a part of Livingston that how do you celebrate 200 years without us being part of it," Dr. John Bonamo, President and CEO of Saint Barnabas, said at the last town council meeting.

Saint Barnabas Medical Center moved to Livingston in November 1964 and will soon be celebrating their own 50th anniversary in 2014.

"Saint Barnabas has been a true partner in (the bicentennial celebration)," Mayor Rudy Fernandez said at Tuesday's meeting.  "You can't do this without money and without help.  Lou and Saint Barnabas really came forward with an incredible contribution."

The money raised for the bicentennial fund will be used to support a wide range of events, programs, and activities, almost all of which will be free to the public.  The bicentennial fund will also finance the purchase of a legacy gift for Livingston.

The committee kicked off the celebration on Jan. 1, at the reorganization meeting.  Residents who attended the meeting were greeted by residents wearing 1800's-era clothing.  The bicentennial committee then joined LaSalle and Fernandez in singing 'Happy Birthday' at the meeting.

Each month, the celebration will have a special theme.  January will be focused on Livingston's strong tradition of volunteerism, with a Volunteer Appreciation Celebration on January 24, a Volunteer Fair on January 26, and the traditional Day of Service on Martin Luther King's Birthday.