Politics & Government
Hillsborough 'Very Friendly to the Autism Community'
Township Committee recognizes Autism Awareness Month and a 'hometown hero.'
The Township Committee recognized on Tuesday evening those who are working on two prominent health issues.
Hillsborough resident Joanne Liscovitz was presented a proclamation honoring her receipt of a .
The Township Committee also proclaimed April as National Autism Month and recognized those in the community, including Police Chief Paul Kaminsky and former Township Committeeman Anthony Ferrera, for their efforts to enhance awareness of autism.
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Named a Hometown Hero, Liscovitz, a realtor, was honored for her role in the annual “Ribbons of Hope” charity event, which raises funds to help those financially struggling because of their battle with cancer.
Last year, “Ribbons of Hope” raised $45,000 for “Dance for the Cure,” an organization she founded with her friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer.
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“Joanne has done an incredible job,” Township Committeeman Frank DelCore said.
The proclamation for National Autism Month, in addition to recognizing Ferrera and Kaminsky, also honored Autism New Jersey, Autism Speaks, Beth Baldwin, Care to Share Network, the , Hillsborough Board of Education’s Special Services Department, Hillsborough Parks and Recreation, Hillsborough Rescue Squad, Hillsborough Fire Cos. 1, 2 and 3, Norz Hill Farm, Organization for Autism Research, Somerset County Freeholders, Somerset County Sheriff’s Department, Somerset County Park Commission, The Moms Club-West, Knights of Columbus, Wegmans, Empower Somerset, Paul Gubitosi Charitable Foundation, Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno and Gov. Chris Christie.
Robert Titus, public policy director for Autism New Jersey, said “Hillsborough is very friendly to the autism community.”
That was echoed by Ferrera, who said the Township Committee has been “extremely supportive” to the efforts of Parks and Recreation Director Rich Resavy to integrate autistic children into township recreational programs and camps.
Ferrera also thanked the volunteers in those programs.
“Hillsborough is a great place,” he said.
Titus emphasized that awareness of autism should be emphasized because those who are diagnosed with autism should be placed into the proper programs “as soon as possible.”
He also said more research is needed.
“There is a lot of work to do,” he said.
