A YUM Publication
No. 7 Vol. 4
APRIL 2025
Little Falls Celebrates Second Annual Lantern Lighting for Ramadan
Photos provided by The Township of Little Falls Pictured (from left) is Council President Anthony Sgobba, Councilwoman Christine Hablitz, Senator Kristin Corrado, Assemblyman Christopher DePhillips, Assemblyman Al Barlas and Councilman Christopher Vancheri.
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he Township held its second annual Ramadan Lantern Lighting Ceremony at Wilmore Park, with a celebration immediately following at the Little Falls Recreation Center on Feb. 23. Ramadan is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community. It's regarded as one of the "Five Pillars of Islam," roughly 30 days from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next. Mild February weather accented the evening as Councilman Christopher Vancheri welcomed everyone in attendance. "On behalf of the Mayor, the Township Council and the Little Falls Muslim Committee, we'd like to welcome you to the second annual Ramadan lantern lighting ceremony here in Little Falls," Vancheri said, and invited everyone in attendance to join the celebration at the Little Falls Recreation Center after lighting the Ramadan crescent moon, including those watching the ceremony on Facebook Live. Vancheri then thanked the Little Falls Muslim Committee for their work in helping to plan the evening. He also acknowledged Council President Anthony Sgobba, Councilwoman Christine Hablitz, Senator Kristin Corrado, Assemblyman Christopher DePhillips, and Assemblyman Al Barlas for their attendance. Additionally, he thanked Little Falls School District Board Members Nicole Smith, Patricia Lijoi, Shannon Zurbruegg and Desiree DiBuono for joining the ceremony. He also thanked the Little Falls DPW and the Little Falls Recreation Department for all the work completed at Wilmore Park
Councilman Christopher Vancheri addresses attendees during the second annual Ramadan Lantern Lighting Ceremony at Wilmore Park in Little Falls on Feb. 23.
School 1 student Talia Abdallah recites the Quran during the second annual Ramadan Lantern Lighting Ceremony at Wilmore Park in Little Falls.
and the Recreation Center for the celebration. Vancheri said he appreciates many coming out and taking the time to attend the ceremony. "A year ago when several residents reached out and asked if Little Falls would hold something for Ramadan, the answer was always 'Of course,'" he said. "And to see everyone this evening coming together as we did last year shows why it's important to our communities." Vancheri then introduced Council President Sgobba who spoke during the ceremony. "Councilman Vancheri puts in many hours to make sure this celebration goes off flawless and he deserves a round of applause," he said. "On behalf of the Mayor and Council, we wish you all good peace, closeness to your God and reflection. Thank you for attending this celebration." Vancheri introduced Senator Corrado, and Assembly Members DePhillips and Barlas, commending them for their assistance whenever they are needed in Little Falls. "It is wonderful to be here and it is a beautiful evening celebrating with all of you," she said. "I just want to wish each and every one of you a very peaceful Ramadan." DePhillips then spoke saying it's an honor to be among those celebrating Ramadan. "A time of peace, reflection and community and that's what this is," he said, and thanked Vancheri for his leadership and hard work. "We're happy to be here to support you." Barlas, who is of Muslim faith, spoke about the meaning of Ramadan. "Ramadan means a lot of things to a lot of people," he said. "But mostly it means this...community, and bringing together friends and relatives when you break your fast. Today is just a prime example of the community here in Little Falls and congratulations to all of you. And congratulations
to the Mayor and Council for planning such a terrific event." Vancheri then introduced the Little Falls Muslin Committee, adding that working with the committee has been special each year. "A lot of love was put forth to make this celebration happen," he further added. Little Falls Muslim Committee member Alia Abdallah then introduced Sheikh Osamah, as a respected scholar and speaker. He said it was an honor to be at the ceremony and thanked the Township Council and Muslim Committee for putting the event together. "I am a recent new resident of Little Falls and it's such a beautiful gathering as we prepare to celebrate the most precious month for us in the year for Ramadan for Muslims, which symbolizes a whole lot for us in the community," he explained. "It's the month of community, the month of family, and the month of connection with our souls. It also symbolizes the month of peace. Ramadan Mubarak to you all." Layaly Zanca, also a Little Falls Muslim Committee member, echoed the sentiment and said she felt it was a blessing to come together for the second annual ceremony to celebrate the lighting of the Ramadan crescent moon. "I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Township of Little Falls for their incredible efforts in organizing this event," she said. "Your hard work and dedication have helped create a tradition that brings light and joy to our community. Our heartfelt thank you to Councilman Chris Vancheri, our esteemed Mayor James Damiano and council members, and the entire Little Falls Muslin Committee for your unwavering support and commitment to making this celebration meaningful for all. Your efforts are fostering inclusivity and strengthening our bonds as a community are truly appreciated." cont. on page 2