A call for Abe Lincoln

SPARTA — Richard Fritzky, a 30 year resident of Byram Township and father of 12, will address the Sparta Historical Society at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 8. He will share some personal stories and then delve into his primary topic for the evening: “Why we need our greatest President as much today as we did during the Great American Civil War.” Fritzky possesses a tremendous command of, and rich reverence for, the life of Abraham Lincoln and he believes that his words can and should continue to serve America today. “He possessed absolutely unique political, leadership and administrative skills that were complemented by a compassion and humility and generosity of spirit that was larger than life,” said Fritzky. “He was an extraordinary human being and we need him to inspire us still and to help remind us of just who we are and to what we are called.” With a BA and MA from Seton Hall University, Fritzky was awarded a Doctorate of Humane Letters by Felician College in 2008. In the early 70’s, he served as a communications director for the Mayor of Boston and then as a teacher at Seton Hall Prep. He taught at Bergen Community and Felician College and he has continued to teach at Fairleigh Dickinson University for more than 30 years now. Today, he teaches two online classes - The American Experience and Business in a Global Society. As president of the Meadowlands Regional Chamber of Commerce for 25 years, he initiated creative jobs development, customized training, educational, literacy, balanced growth, and affordable housing initiatives, as well as the first Transportation Management Association in NJ --- what is today, the finest in the nation. Fritzky went on to serve as a New Jersey Employment and Training Commissioner, as a New Jersey State Planning Commissioner, as the Chairman of the New Jersey Task Force on Adult Literacy, as a member of the Northeast-Midwest Leadership Coalition of the United States Senate, as the Chairman of Jersey City’s York Street Development Project which includes the Kenmare Alternative High School for Unwed Mothers and Saint Joseph’s Transitional Housing Home, as well as many other organizations. Taken out by a bout with neisseria meningitis on Oct. 4, 2005, all of life changed after a 441-day hospitalization that left him a quadruple amputee. He only recently completed his third book about this incredible journey, “A Victory of the Heart.” While continuing to write and teach, he also is an accomplished inspirational speaker. Fritzky and his wife, Maggie, continue to live in Byram, with three of their 12 children. This event will be held in the lower level of the Sparta Ambulance Squad Building, 14 Sparta Avenue. Refreshments will be served. Admission is free to members, $1 for students, and $3 for non-members. For more information, please contact Program Chairman Marjorie Strohsahl at 973-729-5153.