2009 News
Students at Bonnie Brae were recently rewarded for academic achievement with a trip to Borders Bookstore, where they picked out a book of their choice.
Four volunteers from the Telcordia Pioneers, Chapter 99 of the national community service organization TelecomPioneers created years ago at AT& T, came to the Bonnie Brae Campus and left behind a large map of the United States. The crews, with help from our students, were able to complete the painting project on a beautiful Saturday in September. Thanks to Jackie Gunn and the Telcordia Pioneers for planning and implementing this lasting gift for our boys here at Bonnie Brae.
Update on the Bonnie Brae Knights, Our Now Famous Marching Drum Corps
posted 5/1/2009
The Knights Return to Washington D.C.
The Bonnie Brae Knights, along with CEO Bill Powers and band director Mike Flaherty took a return trip to Washington D.C on Wednesday, February 25th. Just one month following their memorable march down Pennsylvania Avenue, two of the student drummers were back in town to accept the Annual Kid to Kid National Service Award from the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA).
New Hope High School
On March 15th the Knights again took to the road. Thanks to an invitation from the Crist Foundation, the Knights appeared at a rally at New Hope High School in Pennsylvania. The gathering was held to benefit "Play Pumps International," an organization that installs water pumps in developing nations. Our Bonnie Brae Knights drummers were well received as they played a sample of what has become a national sensation!
Bonnie Brae Students Visit the Matheny School
The Bonnie Brae Knights drum corps recently visited the Matheny School in Peapack, New Jersey. The students, who marched in the Presidential Inaugural Parade in Washington D.C., took the opportunity to share stories and pictures about their historic day. Band Director Mike Flaherty, along with three members of the drum corps, gave the students a first hand account of their march past the newly-elected President.
Feel Good Story of the Year!
We know all the students, staff and friends of Bonnie Brae thought our Knights were the "Feel Good" story of the year, but now New Jersey Monthly Magazine thinks so too! In the April issue of the widely read publication, the Knights marching in the Inaugural Parade was designated as the "Feel Good" story of the year. At a time when almost all of the news focused on the economic meltdown, our small, but enthusiastic band presented a positive story with a happy ending.
New Engagements for the Knights
The Bonnie Brae Knights marched at the West Virginia Strawberry Festival on May 15th. The annual festival is a favorite in the area and each spring celebrates the strawberry harvest. Thousands attend, and many more will watch as its broadcast on local T.V.
California Youth Development Conference
CEO Bill Powers will travel to San Diego in early June to speak at the 2009 National Independent Living/Transitional Living Conference, sponsored by the National Resource Center for Youth Services. Bill will recount the humble beginnings of the Drum Corps and the story of the incredible road to Washington D.C. Four Bonnie Brae students will also be attending, and will share their thoughts about the exciting journey to the Inaugural Parade.
Miles for Matheny 2009
posted 4/13/2009
For the fifth year, Bonnie Brae staff and students pitched in at the Miles for Matheny fundraiser last month. Our Ambassadors worked tirelessly in the food tent to feed volunteers while students Josh B and John R ran the 5k race. Our Bonnie Brae Knights- Jesie, Alquan, Jameer, Jose, Anthony, and Quitman- led by staff members Mike and Willie, performed at the finish line for all of the runners and walkers. It truly was a proud day for Bonnie Brae!
Taste of Somerset Hills
posted 3/26/2009
Once again, our Bonnie Brae students did an outstanding job of representing the school in the community. A Taste of Somerset Hills, a Bernards Township Chamber of Commerce fundraiser for local college scholarships was held on March 26th at the Olde Mill Inn in Basking Ridge. The ADL (Activities for Daily Living) students were there, clad in their white chef hats and jackets and ready to serve the best cheesecake in New Jersey! All who attended, and there were more than 300 local folks who stopped by, were offered their choice of cherry or blueberry cheesecake. Bill Powers took note of how well our students were received and said "Each year the crowds flock to taste the homemade Bonnie Brae cheesecakes baked fresh by our talented ADL Students."
Brae Builders Update
posted 3/08/2009
Our Braebuilders have been working tirelessly with Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity, and were recently recognized for their efforts. Our Braebuilders, under the supervision of Sharon Singletary and Ryan Postal, have received a Community Partnership Award from Habitat for Humanity. The honor, called the "Vocational Partnership Award" highlights the continuing partnership between Bonnie Brae and Habitat for Humanity. The students are on site two days a week, and are currently finishing a home in nearby Bridgewater. This partnership gives Bonnie Brae students an opportunity to learn valuable construction skills and the importance of working together. Congratulations to our Braebuilders Todd, Thomas, Josh B., Jordan, Shawn, Josh G., Rob and Cody.
No Bridge Too Far: BRIDGES Outreach
posted 2/28/2009
Our Bonnie Brae Ambassadors, our outstanding on-campus student leaders, continue to contribute their time in the community. Last fall, the Ambassadors (Shamar M., Chris L., Mike G., and Al-Quan) made the journey from Summit via the Lincoln Tunnel to New York City to feed the homeless. The group made two stops in lower Manhattan, handing out clothes, hygiene supplies and meals to homeless individuals and families.
Earlier in the day, Ambassadors Shamar, Mike G., Homer, Al-Quan, Chris L, Mike F. and Mr. Powers were busy in the cafeteria preparing two hundred bag lunches for the event. Needless to say, all two hundred meals were handed out to those less fortunate. BRIDGES is an out-reach program which provides food and clothing to people in need. Every weekend local volunteers participate on "runs" to feed the homeless and hungry. Bonnie Brae youth actively participates as volunteers on this mission three to four times a year.
Tartan Ball 2009
posted 2/16/2009
More than 200 guests arrived at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park on February 7th for the twenty-third anniversary of Bonnie Brae's fundraising gala. The evening's theme was "A Night in Monaco," and the décor and gaming tables reflected the allure of this elegant city.
In recognition of Bonnie Brae's Scottish roots, many gentlemen arrived in kilts, while the ladies arrived in tartan wraps and luxurious gowns. Highlights of the evening included a performance by the now-famous Bonnie Brae Knights, dancing to the tunes of the Henry Boote Orchestra, recognition of the evening's honorees: Carol Kimmelman and Daisy Douglas Savage by Board President Steve Parker, and the inspiring speech of alumni Timothy Hart and a spirited live auction finale.
Special thanks to Tartan Ball committee members Loretta Abramson; Elizabeth Colquhoun; Moira Colquhoun; Liz Mead; Malcolm Mead; Bobbie Maronpot; Robin Osborne; Ted Osborne; Steve Parker; and Julie Sutherland for their commitment to this popular event. As a result of their hard work this year's Tartan Ball was a great success and the number of guests increased despite a depressed economy.
Thanks also to Bonnie Brae art teacher Grace LaForge and her students who created the evening favors, as well as Activities for Daily Living (ADL) teacher Kathy Layman whose students baked over 20 cheesecakes to deliver to the event's live auction winners. Proceeds of the Tartan Ball will help support the mission of Bonnie Brae.
Bonnie Brae Knights March in Historic 2009 Presidential Inaugural Parade
posted 1/31/2009
For the Bonnie Brae Knights drum corps, it was a once in a life-time opportunity. Out of almost 1,400 applications, the Knights were the only group selected to represent New Jersey in the 2009 Inaugural Parade. CEO Bill Powers was given the official word in early December 2008, and for the next six weeks, the campus experienced a flurry of activity. As soon as the story broke, the media arrived in droves including local radio, TV and newspapers. Then, in a second wave, the requests came flooding in from the national news including CBS, ABC and even the BBC! Our amazing story suddenly became the feel-good story of the season. The mail arrived in stacks and in all different sizes: postcards; greeting cards; all with messages of hope and many containing financial support to pay for uniforms, drums and the bus trip to the parade.
On the morning of the Inaugural Parade, our bus left for Washington D.C. at 2:00AM and arrived in the nation's capitol in the early morning hours. The band waited in a warming tent behind the White House and then finally into the cold January afternoon. There were many starts and stops and even a brief warm-up in the Smithsonian, but the moment had finally arrived. The Bonnie Brae Knights, along with Bill Powers and staff member Mike Flaherty passed in front of the newly elected President Obama. A wave of recognition from President Obama and then the group set off on a quick march to the warm bus waiting to take them back north. CEO Bill Powers said of the day "an unforgettable day of watching as history was being made before our eyes. I was extremely proud of our guys, who overcame challenge after challenge to perform superbly before the new president and a worldwide audience." It was a long day for everyone, but the memories will last a lifetime.