On October 21, 2009 a retirement party for Joseph L. Dimino was held at Mayfair Farms. Over 150 people attended this evening of fellowship and friendship to honor his many years of service and offer good wishes.

On Wednesday, November 12, 2008, the ARC of Essex County celebrated their 60th Anniversary at a Gala held at the Crystal Plaza in Livingston, New Jersey.  Honorary Gala Chairperson, Lois Lautenberg , in a letter addressed to guests welcomed the many dignitaries and friends to this milestone celebration. The Honorable Cory Booker, Mayor of Newark, was the keynote speaker. Mayor Booker spoke warmly and sincerely about The ARC of Essex County and the valuable services they have provided over the past 60 years.

In addition, he spoke of the dedication and commitment of all individuals who are connected to the ARC of Essex County. At the Gala event, The ARC of Essex County honored their past presidents, seven of whom attended. Those honored for their service were Lee Bergman of Roseland; Michael Franchino of Livingston; Alvin Hersh of Denville; Stuart Applebaum of Springfield; John Daudt of Cedar Grove; John O’Brien of Upper Montclair and Ronald Carr, Sr. of Fairfield. Ellen Narucki, teacher at The ARC’s  Stepping Stones School and Edward Popadick accepted the award in memory of their mother, past President Doris Popadick.

A highlight of the evening was a film about the ARC, produced and presented by Vikram Chacko, an aspiring and talented young film major from NYU. This film captured the essence of The ARC and told a story of The ARC’s past, present and future.