Fineran Way Dedication

Troop Lead: Jamie Serruto

 

 

After many months of determined effort by the Scouts and leadership of Troop 17, on Sunday, May 20, Fineran Way was at last unveiled and dedicated in Millburn. For details about the long road that got us here, and the many challenges we faced in securing the cooperation of the Township, please read this article by Mr. Cannon.

 

The morning began with a special Scout Sunday Mass dedicated to Mr. Fineran's memory, with several Scouts filling ceremonial and operational roles. The dedication ceremony itself took place at the newly christened Fineran Way (formerly Canoe Brook Road) and the service road leading to JFK Parkway, at the corner of the Mall at Short Hills. Hundreds of Scouts and Scouters, family members, and dignitaries attended, including several Fineran Eagles going back many years. Eagle Scout Stephen Kulp, on the bugle, and Patrol Leader Nick Starace, on the saxophone, provided musical accompaniment as attendees saluted the flag. Master of Ceremony and project lead Jamie Serruto, Mr. Fineran's 89th Eagle Scout Brian Carridi, Troop Committee Chairman Jim McKenna, and Scoutmaster Dan Cannon all delivered remarks from the podium, sharing special memories of our departed Scoutmaster.

 

Assistant SPL Ryan Cannon, who recently earned the rank of Eagle, also spoke at the podium. He remarked that if he could add a 13th point to the Scout Law, he would include "A Scout is thankful." He expressed his thankfulness at having known Mr. Fineran and having benefited from his influence. Other memorable remarks were given by Eagle Scout Charles Fineran, Mr. Fineran's older brother, who spoke of his family's pride and admiration of Troop 17's efforts to make the memorial a reality. Millburn Mayor Cheryl Burstein also spoke, and praised the Troop's hard work and determination. She remarked that although she hadn't known Ken Fineran personally, she knew from this outpouring of support what a devoted leader he must have been.

 

 

Participants at the ceremony had an opportunity to purchase a special commemorative patch designed by Troop Historian Kevin Middleton, featuring depictions of Mr. Fineran and the new sign as an eagle soars in the background. Proceeds will benefit Troop 17. A special silver-border version of the patch, limited to 89 copies, was also produced. These are initially reserved for purchase by the 89 Fineran Eagles.

 

 

After the ceremony, troop members and their families met at the nearby American Legion Hall, which was recently revitalized as part of Ryan Cannon's Eagle Scout project, for a family picnic. The afternoon's festivities included a silent auction. Patches from Mr. Fineran's extensive collection, generously donated by Marie Fineran, were auctioned off in support of Troop 17 and the Northern New Jersey Council. Another highlight was a beautiful memorial video, produced by Jeanine Launay and Zach Hrinuk, featuring pictures of Mr. Fineran and Troop 17 from throughout the decades.

 

All in all, it was a memorable and special day that will hold an important place in the long history of Troop 17. Many thanks to the countless Scouts, adult leaders, and volunteers who made this historic occasion possible. There are too many to name, but we especially want to acknowledge Nick Woros, Father Chris, Natalie Levine, Tiffany Fehrenbach, and Commander Robert Brown of the American Legion.

 

A video of the dedication can be viewed here:

 

 

 

 

The Road to Fineran Way

Troop Lead: Jamie Serruto

   

Timeline:

April 28th 2017: The Township Committee introduces a student survey to select a new street name in Short Hills via a Board of Education correspondence to all Millburn/Short Hills students.

Early May 2017: Troop 17 Scouts pro-actively mobilizes to solicit votes for Scoutmaster Fineran Way.
May 5th 2017: A second email correspondence reminding the students of the voting submissions process and deadline is forwarded from the School Superintendent, Dr. Burton.

End of June 2017:  Troop 17 is notified by School Superintendent, Dr. Burton that Scoutmaster Fineran Way had secured a majority vote of 56% and will be submitted as street selection winner. Three Scouts were requested to present why Mr. Fineran deserve such an honor at an upcoming Township Meeting.

August 15th 2017: Eagle Scout Brian Cariddi, Eagle Scout Jamie Serruto and Life Scout Ryan Cannon address the Township Committee with a three to five-minute speech each explaining why Mr. Fineran deserved such an honor. Mrs. Fineran in attendance.
October 17th 2017: A consensus was taken by Township Committee not to proceed with Scoutmaster Fineran Way citing it was not GPS friendly.  To the Troop’s discontent, the Township Committee introduces their own personal submissions and vote on Commerce Way.
October 26th 2017: Mayor Burstein visits Troop 17 and Jamie Serruto questions her about the he entire street naming process. The Mayor explains that a miscommunication between the Township Committee and School Superintendent occurred, whereby students were supposed to only submit a recommendation and not select the new street name. The meeting was then opened up to questions by scouts and parents who expressed their distraughtness and sought further clarification. At the conclusion of the meeting, Mayor Burstein agreed to assist Scouts to secure the street name of Scoutmaster Fineran Way.
December 5th 2017: Street naming was addressed in by public comment by Jamie Serruto and the Township Administrator explained that signage proofs indicate Scoutmaster Fineran Way letter size are not of required legal size; however, Fineran Way could be a good alternative.

January 16th 2018: The Millburn Township Committee voted by roll call to approve “Fineran Way with a Scoutmaster Ken Fineran honorarium sign below” as the new street name for the portion of the road behind the Short Hills Mall Currently Canoe Brook Road. The committee will begin the ordinance process and move towards first and second readings which will finalize the street dedication. Post-vote, Senior Patrol Leader Jamie Serruto addressed the Committee regarding the troop’s gratitude and the significant takeaways which this project has provided for the Scouts and the community.

February 6th 2018: The Millburn Township Committee passed Fineran Way at First Reading.

March 6th 2018: Set for Final Reading, The Millburn Township Committee makes its final vote and passes the ordinance renaming a portion of Canoe Brook Road to Fineran Way. By legal statute, the street signs can be hung as early as April 6th. Mayor Burstein, Alex McDonald, and Jamie Serruto began conversations of an official street dedication to take place on a weekend in May 2018.

April 25th 2018: Millburn Mayor Cheryl Burstein and Business Administrator Alex McDonald met with SPL Jamie Serruto, ASPL Ryan Cannon, and Scoutmaster Dan Cannon at Millburn Town Hall to review logistics for the official Sunday May 20th Street Dedication. The group confirmed the date, time, location, and agenda as well as review proofs of the new signs and posts. Millburn Township has committed to work with Troop 17 in providing ceremonial resources and closing Fineran Way for the event. The meeting adjourned and both parties looked forward to reconvening at Fineran Way on May 20th.

May 20th 2018: Fineran Way dedicated.

 

Links to Articles and Videos

 

Any questions? Contact Jamie Serruto (201) 572-5716 or jserruto17@gmail.com

 

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