Fin, Fur & Feather Club of New Jersey 337 Route 526 Cream Ridge, New Jersey 08514 609.259.7309 A Proud Tradition and Heritage In Good Sportsmenship Since 1932

Article from The Times on our own Fred "Trapper" Schmitt

Celebration recalls the life of a patriot Allentown ceremony pays tribute to veteran

Monday, June 12, 2006 BY JOE GARAVENTE ALLENTOWN -- Frederick Schmitt served his country well, fighting in the Korean War, then dedicating himself to community service. Yesterday, Allentown remembered Schmitt by hoisting a Stars and Stripes in his honor at Heritage Park, the centerpiece event of the borough's 300th anniversary celebrations. "Fred would be very proud today of not only himself but of the town as well," said Janice Schmitt, the veteran's wife. The American flag, at the Main Street entrance to the park, flies alongside a newly raised POW flag, both donated by the Women's Association of Allentown and American Legion Post 31 of Hamilton Township, where Schmitt was a member. Post 31 was eager to help towards the donation of the American flag, the POW flag and a flagpole to honor a man who served them for several years. Schmitt was bestowed lifetime membership after serving in the Korean War and held every board position during his time with the unit. Living in Allentown since 1940, Schmitt graduated from Allentown High School, served on the board of education for nine years, and helped organize several yearly events in the town, including the Allentown Memorial Day Parade where he carried the American flag for 18 years. The initiative to dedicate the flag was taken by the Women's Association of Allentown a few months ago when the organization wanted to beautify Heritage Park, says Sue Rovner, a member of the Women's Association. We were having trouble deciding what to do. Finally we decided that the town really needed a flag," said Rovner. The Heritage Park entrance is an important site for the flag, says Rovner, because of its central location on Main Street right next to the Allentown Mill, which is of great historical significance to the town. Earlier this year a flag was put in front of the Allentown Library. Attending the dedication ceremony were Mayor Stu Fierstein, former Mayor Robert O'Hare, Councilman Jerry Rovner and Schmitt's wife Janet and son Todd. After the flag dedication ceremony the Women's Association of Allentown, along with Girl Scouts of Allentown, held Family Fun Day to recall Allentown's colorful history with old-fashioned games and storytelling. Fred "Trapper" Schmitt Fin, Fur & Feather Life Member Fred "Trapper" Schmitt was a life member of the Fin, Fur and Feather Club of New Jersey located 6 miles east of Allentown.  He joined the club in 1969 and served on the Executive Board as Trustee.  Trapper also served as Chairman of the Fishing Committee and Annual Banquet Committee.  Fred was a very active club member and loved the outdoors, fishing and hunting.