CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON
DECEMBER 11, 2011
The Christmas Luncheon Meeting of the Central Jersey Chapter of the Society of Former Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation was held at The Westwood, 438 North Avenue, Garwood, New Jersey, on Sunday, December 11, 2011. Approximately fifty five Chapter members, Bureau Alumni, and guests, including Newark Division Acting ASAC Joseph Bonavolonta, attended.
After an opening social period, the meeting was called to order by Chapter Chairman Jerry Richards, who welcomed everyone and extended Christmas greetings to all. Chapter Treasurer “emeritus” Joe DiLeo led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Chairman Richards offered a Blessing and a moment of silence for Chapter members and associates who died during the past year.
All in attendance then helped themselves to the delicious Holiday Buffet.
Chairman Richards reconvened the festivities after lunch and dessert. Chairman Richards presented Society membership certificates to Chapter members Joe DiLeo, 35 years, and Bob Kiley, 30 years. Chairman Richards also introduced our incoming, 2012, Chapter officers as Phil Chilinski, Chairman; Tom Moriarty, Treasurer; George Sturm, Assistant Treasurer; and Bob Lenehan, Secretary.
Our special guest at the luncheon was Newark Division Supervisor and Acting ASAC Joe Bonavolonta. Many in attendance had previously met Joe and also knew Joe’s father, Jules, who had served with the Bureau for many years as well. Acting ASAC Bonavolonta extended his own Seasons Greetings and Best Wishes from SAC Mike Ward and the Newark Division. He thereafter presented an enthusiastic and highly informative briefing on the status of the Newark Division and its criminal and national security investigative priorities. He discussed many of the changes in the Bureau’s mission that he has witnessed over the past ten years and outlined the current threats posed by international and homegrown terrorism, cyber intrusions and thefts of intellectual property, and potential attacks against the infrastructure of the United States. Acting ASAC Bonavolonta’s presentation was very well received and generated numerous follow-up questions from the audience.
In a traditional return engagement, Chapter member Bob "The Mentalist" Dinsmore and Debbie Warner, the "special assistant to the Mentalist", also presented a magic show. Chairman Richards directed the lottery distribution of Holiday gifts to the lucky winners in attendance. Jim Dowd and his able assistant, George Sturm, worked the crowd, hawking "50/50" tickets.
The Chapter also appreciates the generosity of DeBellis and Associates, Ed Petersen, and Joe DiLeo on behalf of the Hess Corporation, for donating prizes distributed to the attendees.
A large haul of gift toys, donated by the attendees, was collected and delivered by Chairmen Chilinski and Richards to St. John's Church in Newark. The Central Chapter has been offering this donation for the children of the parish for over twenty years and, once again, the Chapter members were typically generous with their gifts.
A good time and the Holiday Spirit were enjoyed by all.
SPRING LUNCHEON
APRIL 28, 2011
The Spring Luncheon Meeting of the Central Jersey Chapter of the Society of Former Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation was held at The Westwood, 438 North Avenue, Garwood, New Jersey, on Thursday, April 28, 2011. Approximately thirty-five Chapter members, Bureau Alumni, and guests attended.
After an opening social period, the meeting was called to order by Chapter Chairman Jerry Richards, who welcomed everyone and offered opening remarks. Chairman Richards led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance and offered a Blessing. All in attendance then helped themselves to the luncheon buffet.
Chairman Richards reconvened the festivities after lunch and dessert. Chairman Richards introduced Chapter member Ken Shuey, who discussed his coordination of qualification firearms sessions in the Spring and Fall and welcomed anyone interested in attending. Chapter Treasurer Tom Moriarty provided a report on the financial status of the Chapter, particularly noting the excellent financial posture of the Chapter which he was inheriting from the outgoing Treasurer, Joe DiLeo. Moriarty welcomed any suggestions from Chapter members concerning financial matters.
The primary focus of this Chapter meeting was to recognize the contributions to the Chapter of long-time Chapter member and Treasurer, Joe DiLeo. Joe has been a devoted member of the Central Jersey Chapter since his own retirement from the Bureau in 1976 and served as the Chapter Treasurer for over ten years. The contributions of his leadership and guidance to all Chapter affairs have been immeasurable. His attention to the financial affairs of the Chapter has been meticulous and left us in good fiscal stead. Joe has earned a well deserved “break” from handling the financial affairs of the Chapter and can now “settle-in” and enjoy Chapter functions after years of a job-well-done.
Chairman Richards then introduced Member “Pete” Barnes and presented Pete with a Thirty Year membership Certificate from the Society. Pete, a long-time friend of Joe and his family, then offered very thoughtful and amusing remarks about their friendship, service together in the Newark Office, and observations of Joe’s impressive careers in the Bureau and at Hess Oil.
The meeting served as an opportunity for the membership to extend its appreciation to Joe for his efforts on the Chapter’s behalf. Joe, when he didn’t become too choked up to continue, expressed his thanks and reminded everyone present that he would continue to be a dedicated and frequent attendee at all Chapter functions. A donation in Joe’s name was also made to the Foundation in lieu of a gift on this occasion.
A great time was had by all!
RETIRED NK. DIV. S.A.
REUNION SHOOT & BARBECUE
How about catching up with some folks you haven’t seen in a while. Test yourself with an RQC or PQC or two. If you don’t have your own, range guns & ammo will be available. If you prefer, pass on the shooting & enjoy a burger, dog, & some snacks, and shoot the breeze instead.
This will be a regular qualifying shoot for supervisors. SAC Weysan Dun has indicated that he will attend.
When: Friday, Sept. 11, 2009
Where: NK. DIV. Range - Fort Dix
Time:10:00AM at the classroom
Cost:Will be divided up among attendees
We need a head count. If you plan to attend, please call Ron Butkiewicz (908-756-3683), Bob Lenehan (732-553-1537), Joe DiLeo (609-409-2079) or Tom Moriarty 973-403-2448.
NOTE: Due to increased base security you may not be able to travel through the main part of the base. Retiree creds or ID cards may allow entry. Otherwise entry may be gained as follows:
From Browns Mills area (southside of base) take Trenton Rd (Rt 545) North (name changes to Texas Ave) to Range Rd. Make right on Range Rd to NK. DIV. Range). (turnoff for Range Rd. is just before checkpoint)
From Wrightstown/Cookstown area (northside of base) take Browns Mill-Cookstown Rd (Rt 667) South from Cookstown to Range Rd. Make left on Range Rd. to NK. DIV. Range.
