“Write it on your heart No. 19 Vol. 1
www.mypaperonline.com • 973-809-4784
January 2023
Remembering Leonard (Lennie) DiMenna
L
By Lorraine Anderson eaving behind a legacy, something significant to be remembered for, is a common desire of many people. If one’s inspiration, hard work and devotion are a legacy, then Leonard DiMenna “Lennie” (1949-2022) President of the Thrift Barns of Morris County from 20152022 has certainly left his mark. Prior to his volunteer years, Lennie graduated from Rider College with a B.S. in Business Management and had a career in Materials Management. Lennie was also an avid reader, and loved hiking and camping in the mountains of New York State. He spent his quiet time with his dog, Skye. Lennie’s battle with cancer brought on his retirement and as a cancer survivor, he became a volunteer at Saint Clare’s Hospital in Denville. Lennie helped to transport patients to their appointments, delivered books to patients, and often distributed meals while wearing a huge chef’s hat which always brought a big smile to every patient he visited. While volunteering at the hospital, Lennie also became a volunteer at the Book Barn and Bargain Barn, which was affiliated with Saint Clare’s Foundation at that time. With the sale of Saint Clare’s Hospital, the fate of the Book Barn and Bargain Barn was unknown but was shortly reorganized as a non-profit and became known as The Thrift Barns of Morris County with Lennie becoming President in 2015. Lennie formed relationships with many of the customers who donated and made purchases at the Thrift Barns. Under Lennie’s management, the Book Barn was recognized in 2018 by The Daily Record Reader’s Choice Award as one of the “Best Book stores in Morris County.” In addition to his strong work ethic, Lennie also had a whimsical side to him and always enjoyed dressing up for Halloween to bring a smile to all the children who stopped by. At Christmas you could always find Lennie dressed as Santa at the Thrifts Barns and also at the hospital, walking the halls to surprise the patients as well as the hospital staff. In recognition to the continual financial support to Denville Social Services each year, the Key to the City was awarded to Lennie and the Thrift Barns in April, 2018 by Stephen DuBlanica, Denville Social Services Director. Dublanica has said “the hearts Lennie and his volunteers have unlocked and the lives they’ve touched have the gratitude of the community.” Each year at the annual Joey Bella Memorial Fundraising event, Lennie and the volunteers of the Thrift Barns are recognized as one of the largest contributors to this worthy organization that helps individuals and families in and around Denville who need assistance covering the health care and related expenses of a seriously ill child. In addition, Celebrate the Children, a school in Denville that supports
that every day is the best day in the year.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
! r a e Y w e N Happy
children with alternative learning styles, presented an award to Lennie acknowledging a significant contribution to their organization which was earmarked towards the school’s new Dr. Anthony Novembre Memorial Playground. Besides the financial support to the school, Lennie’s goal of giving back to the community has had a dramatic impact on some of the students from Celebrate the Children who volunteer at the Thrift Barns each week, learning life skills and how to personally interact with the customers. After five years with Lennie serving as President, the Thrift Barns reached a donation total of $1,000,000 and was awarded a proclamation recognizing the achievement by Senator Anthony Bucco and Assemblywoman, Aura Dunn during a local celebration for all the volunteers. Mayor Tom Andes also participated and congratulated Lennie and the volunteers and said, “It is amazing that in just five years, Lennie and a small group of volunteers have been able to raise over one million dollars.” Recently, Saint Clare’s continued on page 4
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