Annual Meeting 2008

On September 5, 2008, NJ GASP held its member/guest dinner at the 5-star Hilton Short Hills. The dinner was a huge success, with 100 members and guests celebrating NJ GASP’s 34 years of accomplishments and contributions to tobacco control. Many thanks were offered to our outgoing Board of Trustees and former Executive Director, Regina Carlson, and we welcomed our new Executive Director, Karen Blumenfeld, Esq.

Pictured here are some of our past and current board members. From left to right are Board Secretary Dr. Neal Collins, the late Assemblyman Dr. Eric Munoz, our esteemed President Dr. Fred Jacobs, past President Dr. Douglas Chester, past Vice-President James Katz, past Treasurer Lorraine Kowalski, Executive Director Karen Blumenfeld, and Treasurer Louis Rigamonti.

Dr. Jacobs, who was the keynote speaker of the event, received two special awards that night. NJ GASP bestowed its highest honor, the C. Everett Koop Award, to Dr. Jacobs for his outstanding service and commitment to tobacco control. Assemblyman Munoz presented Dr. Jacobs with a commendation from the New Jersey Assembly and Senate. All outgoing and incoming officers received a congratulatory letter from Senator Frank Lautenberg, and outgoing Board members received special mementos for their years of service.

Read the thank you letter from Senator Frank Lautenberg. Read the Independent Press article announcing the event. Read The Item of Millburn and Short Hills. write-up of the event.

Many special thanks to the members and guests, as well as to our “angels” who sponsored portions of the event and purchased tables for guests.