Although the earliest recorded history of Mother’s Day goes back to the Ancient Greece and the celebration of the Rhea, the Mother of the Greek Gods, Mother’s Day in the United States can find its roots in 1872 when Julia Ward Howe (who wrote the lyrics to Battle Hymn of the Republican) first organized it in Boston, Mass., leading to a formal recognized holiday in May in 1907.
But this year, Bayonne may have given the holiday a new twist.
Gabby Powanda, a first grader at Saint Mary’s grammar school– with the help of her great aunt, nominated her mother, Megan, for Bayonne Town Center’s “Queen for a Day,” by filling out one of the entry forms at Chez Marie on 22nd Street.
Gabby seemed to think this was a remarkably grand year – especially since the seven years old had just undergone open heart surgery and was doing remarkably well.
Megan, who also has a four-month old daughter, Samantha was surrounded by friends and family when crowned as the Bayonne Town Center’s “Queen for a Day” on Saturday, May 14th at Pamrapo Savings Bank, 544 Broadway.
Claire Powanda, Megan’s mother, and Gabby’s grandmother received the phone call that her daughter had won the “Queen for a Day” promotion.
“I was at home with the baby when we got the call, because Megan was at the hospital with Gabby,” Claire said. ” I was so excited to hear that Megan had won and I knew that Gabby would be, too. What a great Mother’s Day this turned out to be.”
Bayonne Town Center Management representatives Mary Divock, Chairperson, Rich Martin, Board Member and Cathy Jakubowski, District Manager, presented the gifts on behalf of the Town Center businesses.
“I can’t believe how generous the stores are, the amount of gifts is overwhelming,” said Megan.
The following businesses donated gifts totaling over $1800; Winsome, Aaron’s Gold, Abramson’s Jewelers, Adele’s, Advanced Photo, Aloi’s Jewelers, Alter Hair Salon, Barney Stock, Bayonne Community Bank, Beauty Bizz, Elan, Big Apple Lounge& Restaurant, Blimpie Base, Broadway Bagels, Café Ole, Carvel Ice Cream, Candle Cottage , Chez Marie, Cell Shop, Colonial House of Pets, Color & Cuts, Constantine’s, European Day Spa, Gormley, LoRe and Murphy Insurance, Hollywood Tans, Irwin’s Discount Department Store, Jerry’s Drugs, Joyce Leslie, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Klothes Kloset, Latin American Hair, The Salon, Networking Café, Pamrapo Savings, Pasters, Petridis Hot Dogs, Pizza Masters, Pompei Pizza, Ralph Lauren Fragrances, Ridge Gold, Sacalis Florist, San Vito’s, Sound City, Subway, Supreme Bagels, Unique Books, W. Kodak Jewelers.
Jakubowski would like to thank Ernesta Leahey, Branch manager at the 25th Street branch of Pamrapo Savings for her hospitality and all of the participating businesses for their continued support of Town Center promotions.
“I am continually amazed and proud of the generosity displayed by our sponsors and district members,” Jakubowski said. Through their actions they prove that the Bayonne Town Center is truly `The Heart of Bayonne.'”
Meanwhile Megan has been very busy trying to make certain everything is okay with Gabby, giving her a lot of time and attention to make certain her daughter fully recovers.
“I’m very busy,” she said during a brief telephone interview.