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Brick Couples Honored As "Parents Of The Year"
By Catherine Galioto
The greeting card aisle is lined with cards, teddy bears and mugs that say #1 Mom and #2 Dad.
But Brick has two couples that are legitimately labeled "Parents of the Year."
The New Jersey Parents Foundation chose Brick residents Joseph and Lynette Marra, and Leonard and Constance Larcara, to be parents of the year.
The foundation receives nominations annually, recognizing outstanding parents who lead the family with discipline, family togetherness and love.
With their children nearby, both couples smiled broadly as they accepted the honor during this week's township council meeting. Council Vice President Ruthanne Scaturro and Councilwoman Kathy Russell presented the mothers and fathers with a special plaque and resolution dedicating a day in their honor.
Each year, the fourth Sunday of July is Parents Day, a celebration Congress created in 1994.
The Larcaras, married 52 years, have four children and nine grandchildren. They recalled the years spent sharing time together, playing games and going on vacations.
The Marras, married 34 years, have two children and one toddler grandchild, who nearly stole the spotlight as the grandparents received their award. Their children, who were active in sports' programs, always had mom and dad rooting on the sidelines. The Marras were members of the Parent Teacher Association and the Municipal Drug Alliance.
The foundation recognized parenting as providing a loving household where the children learned "important life lessons such as morals, values, respect for others" and then passed those values onto their own children.
Each couple thanked the foundation, the council and the township and received the audience's applause.
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