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AUSTRALIAN TEENS GIVEN A VISIT TO REMEMBER
By Jo Ann La Russo
 | | --Photo By Jo Ann La Russo For these Australian teens, touring America truly was a Trip of a Lifetime. |
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OCEAN COUNTY - Amusements on the Seaside Heights boardwalk captivated 10 teenagers visiting the United States from Australia as part of their Trip of a Lifetime 2007.
Sponsored by West Melbourne's Challenge House and Teamster Council 73, the group's tour of exciting American cities included the Jersey Shore last week.
Their stay at the Hershey Motel in Seaside Heights was courtesy of the Teamsters. A visit to Toms River was included as guests of the Gilford Park Yacht Club for a day of boating and fun. It was a day to remember, the group said.
"We are having a great time," gushed Josie Papalia, 16, and Natalie Turnbull, 15. "We cannot believe the boardwalk. We loved all the amusement rides. There are so many things to do for fun," said Natalie, "and so many rides with people having at good time."
"We did," added Josie. "We have nothing like your boardwalk at home," said the girls, adding that Jersey boys are pretty cool, too.
Chief Executive officer for Challenge House David Rogers said the month-long trip that began June 11 included visits to Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Florida, Washington D.C., Niagara Falls and New York City.
Trip of a Lifetime began in 1993. "The idea was to make happy terminally ill children and give them a good time," said Rogers.
Gilford Park Club's bar manager, Bob Cavalieri, arranged for the day trip after participating in a Challenge visit two years ago at the Lacey Elks, where he and his brothers, Andy and Jack, are members.
"Welcome to New Jersey," he announced to the teenagers at the presentation. "We hope you enjoy your stay. God bless everybody."
The teens received proclamations from the Governor's office and State Assembly. The Australian kids were happy to relax at lunch. They were upbeat and joked around.
"We don't really eat shrimp on the barby," joked Jack Brown, 16, and Josh Renga, 16. "And I don't have a kangaroo in my backyard," added Matt Werner, 17.
At 14, Shea James was one of the youngest in the group. "I don't take my koala bear to school with me," he laughed. Shea loves riding his BMX bike, fast cars and sightseeing in the USA, he said.
At the ceremony, Marty Caspare, a Dumont councilman, presented Challenge with a private donation. Caspare said that since 1993 when he lost his 12-year-old son Ryan to cancer he has raised over $120,000 through various fund drives to give to children with cancer.
"Before he died Ryan said to me, "Dad, help the kids," Caspare said.
Inside the clubhouse, the teenagers' smiles lit up the room as they looked forward to an afternoon K-9 demonstration, motorcycle rides with the Teamsters and a ride on the Ocean County Sheriff's boat over Barnegat Bay.
Grace Bradshaw was the oldest of the group at 19. She said that after undergoing more than 12 months of intensive treatment she just wants to enjoy life. Jessica Eddy, 16, likes watching football. Sarah Genius, 18, said she's feeling well at the moment and just happy to be on her whirlwind adventure. Austin Sfirlas, 14, is known to be the quietest member of the group. He is very proud of his family's Greek heritage, he said, and loves soccer, spaghetti and pizza.
It was a day to remember, they said.
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