SISTER NORA HONORED
Thursday, August 11, 2011
By Sara Martino
Gloucester City News
Sister Nora Foley received a proclamation on behalf on Gloucester City Mayor and Council during last week’s meeting.
Councilman Daniel Spencer presented the proclamation to Sister Nora, who has retired after serving City students at Cold Springs School and many pupils and parishioners of St. Mary’s parish.
“We applaud you with heartfelt appreciation for your dedication,” Spencer said. “It is our desire to recognize certain distinguished citizens,” he said.
On August 8, 1952, Nora Foley had left her hometown of Killarney, Ireland, and sailed to America – arriving in New York City.
In 1954 she joined the Dominican Congregation and later taught in several schools.
Sister Nora arrived in Gloucester City in 1979 and taught at St. Mary’s School from then to 2004, bringing her total number of years as a teacher and a principal to 55.
“Sister Nora has been a Eucharistic minister visiting the sick and giving them communion. Mayor and council declare this day of July 28 as Sister Nora Foley Day,” Spencer said.
The sister gave the Irish Blessing of “May the wind be always at your back,” etc., as she thanked Mayor and Council, and those in attendance at the meeting. “I have loved being here. You all are my family away from home,” she said.
Councilman Nicholas Marchese surprised Councilman Bruce Parry when he called him up front also for a proclamation.
Parry received the recognition as coach and founder of the Ponytail League and the All Stars girls’ softball teams.
“I had a lot of help,” said Parry, as he received the acknowledgment. Looking on were his son, Kevin Parry, granddaughter Lauren, and Louisa Llewellyn, Pat Cerrone and David Carter.
Parry said so many people assisted with the softball program.
“Louisa is there every night selling T-shirts, and the guys take care of the fields,” he said.
In other business, City Council approved a resolution that will allow the governing body to petition the New Jersey Legislature to have a question on the November ballot.
The question will ask the voters to vote on an amendment to the city charter to provide for the election to common council of three at-large council members and one member from each ward.
“This is being done on the recommendation of an advisory committee that took the request of the citizens who wanted the charter change,” Mayor William James said.
During the public forum, resident Theresa Graham asked how many times can a City council member miss a meeting and still remain a member?
“It is not proper after the voters elect a member and then they do not show for most meetings,” she said.
