Family, friends celebrate accident victim

VERNON — Dancing Chinese lions in Vernon, New Jersey?

Certainly for a belated birthday party thrown to celebrate Louis Smaglia's life along with about 65 family, friends, dignitaries, and clergy at the Wing's Asian Fusion Bistro on Route 94 last Saturday.

The Rev. Victoria Goodbar, who helped organize the afternoon, said it also was a special thank you from Maureen [Smaglia's mother] to all of the people who have helped the family after Louis' serious car accident eight years ago that resulted in his severe brain injury.

Some of the guests Maureen wanted to thank were Dr. Richard Munley, a chiropractor from Vernon, who works with Smaglia two to three times a week. Other guests spend time with him reading Scriptures, keeping company, and playing music.

Yet another good friend, Kingo Wong, the owner of Wing's Asian Fusion Bistro, gave Smaglia a red silk jacket and hat, which he wore to the party.

Smaglia's guests ate appetizer works of art, while Wong showed the professional-quality slide show of Smaglia's life, which Wong — who also majored in graphic design — had created.

Then, in order to really celebrate the day, Wong also organized for the New York United Lion and Dragon Dance Troupe to perform the traditional Chinese “Lion Dance.” Ricky Mun, their instructor, performed along with the troupe.

The “lion” jumped, flew, and twirled in heavy hot costumes to the throbbing music of cymbals and drums which drove “it” forward.

After the excitement Maureen Smaglia said she was not sure what they would do for Louis' birthday next year because it would be tough to top this celebration.

“If there is anything I can do to help this young man and his family, I want to," said Vernon Township Mayor Victor Marotta, who attended the celebration. "This is a story of tragedy; and our community always supports our people. I ask everyone who sees my Facebook page to donate to the fund that's been set up by Louis' church.”

Checks should be sent payable to : “Smaglia-Family Healing Fund,” Attention: Rev. Victoria Goodbar, P.O. Box 382, McAfee, NJ 07428.