The Lavallette Heritage Committee

 In 1987 when Lavallette celebrated its 100th anniversary, the events surrounding that occasion were planned and coordinated by the Centennial Committee, chaired by Joy Grosko. The committee laid the plans to build the Gazebo and Centennial Gardens as a lasting memorial for the citizens of the community.

  The gazebo, erected in 1986-1987, was built by volunteer labor from the community. Many people donated their time and effort to work on the project. The construction was overseen by Joseph Mazarella and Tom Grosko. C.W. "Bill" Johnson designed and built the cupola as a memorial to the late U.S.A.F. Major George Pollin, a Lavallette resident. The volunteer help worked through the winter and spring, braving the cold and the wind, to finish the Gazebo by the summer. Landscaping was begun in the summer of 1987 and the formal dedication ceremony was held on September 19, 1987 in the middle of tremendous rainstorms. It is a focal point of the community today: weddings are held there; the Elementary School graduation ceremonies are conducted there; and the summer concert bands entertain there.

Under Mrs. Grosko's leadership, the Centennial Committee became the Lavallette Heritage Committee, Incorporated in 1989. The purpose of the Heritage Committee is "to foster the cultural and historical interests of our residents and visitors." It sponsors an Arts and Crafts Show in July. The bayside concerts it arranges at the Gazebo every Sunday evening during the summer months are very popular with residents and visitors. The committee co-sponsors the Heritage Day Festival in September. It hosts the annual Birthday/Christmas Party on December 21 each year. Recognizing the importance of education, the committee sponsors a scholarship for local high school children. Most important of all of its projects is its dedication to perpetuating the care of the Gazebo and Centennial Gardens on the bay front at Philadelphia Avenue.

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