Andover honors local Marine

By Jennifer Jean Miller ANDOVER — Mayor Michael Lensak and the township committee honored United States Marine Lance Corporal Patrick Cassidy for his service in Afghanistan at their Feb. 13 committee meeting. The audience in the room rose for a standing ovation as Cassidy accepted the township's proclamation of appreciation. Cassidy moved to Andover Township in 2007 and graduated from Newton High School in 2010. He enlisted as a Marine before graduating at 17. At Newton High School, Cassidy was very active in the Newton chapter of Future Farmers of America, a national agricultural organization for students. Cassidy served approximately seven months in different parts of Afghanistan. Part of his duties while deployed were to to train members of the Afghan National Army. He said many Afghanis know how to farm, but don't know members of their own national and local governments. “It’s their country, we want them to have it back,” Cassidy said. During his deployment, Cassidy spent time in a Taliban-held area. He said his platoon’s main job there was to disrupt enemy movement and guard a district governor. His platoon also helped establish a women’s learning center and health clinic. “Being there, we saw the difference we made,” Cassidy said. Cassidy's platoon was also tasked with looking for bombs. One of Cassidy’s Marine buddies was injured in the process and earned a Purple Heart - the military's award for a soldier who has sustained injuries while serving their country. His friend has since returned to duty at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. Cassidy was awarded a service medal for his time spent in Afghanistan. He will return this week to Camp Lejeune as a Fire Team Leader, overseeing three new Marines who have come from infantry school. Cassidy was grateful for the recognition he received from Andover Township. “It’s an honor and I really appreciate it,” he said. In other business Township officials were pleased with the outcome of the Winter Farmer's Market on Feb. 12, which was organized by the Andover Green Team. “It was really successful, and even helped the green team work on their certificate for Sustainable New Jersey,” said Eric Derby, one of the organizers. The market's vendors sold locally produced meats, cheeses, breads, honey, soaps, sauces and more. Local musicians entertained the 350 area residents who attended the market or participated in the educational events. In lieu of Andover Township Day, township officials are considering a smaller event in place of the biennial occasion. Instead, they will raise and set aside funds for a bigger event to come in 2014. “In two years, Andover Township will be celebrating 150 years,” said deputy mayor Gail Phoebus. “We raised money for the last one, with the economics the way it is right now, we’re not sure if we’ll be able to do that.” Events discussed for this year include a camp out, movie in the park, and breakfast the following day. Byram Township had coordinated a similar event, which Phoebus described as “very successful.” “I’m 100 percent in favor, I think it’s a fabulous idea, and will be a lot of fun,” said committee member Bob Smith. Committee member Phil Boyce asked if businesses could possibly support a fireworks display for this year. Phoebus said that if the township was to raise that money it would have to be soon as the fireworks company requires a 50 percent down payment in advance. The cost for the show would total approximately $6,000. Committee member Tom Walsh said with traffic coordination and other services, the total cost for a larger scale event could run up to $15,000. “I’m a little disappointed,” said Lensak. “We do this once every other year, I’ve got mixed emotions.” Chief Gil Taglialatela congratulated Andover Township Police Sergeants Eric Danielson and Steve Murrell in passing their lieutenants tests.