newjerseynewsroom.com

Queen Latifah, Buzz Aldrin, Tony Bennett and Governors among many showing state pride

BY ALLISON EBNER

Sunday night was the fourth annual New Jersey Hall of Fame Induction Gala Ceremony, and thanks to Don Jay Smith, Executive Director of The N.J. Hall Of Fame, our own Tom “Celebrity Magnet” Murro was lucky enough to have the opportunity to attend. He also had the honor of sharing the experience with his good friend Claire Pavlinec, Mrs. New Jersey 2010.

The ceremony, which took place Sunday, June 5th at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, honored those who have both ties to New Jersey and have made “invaluable contributions to society and the world beyond.” This year’s inductees included: John Basilone, Tony Bennett, Governor Brendan Byrne, Mary Higgins Clark, Admiral William Halsey, Franco Harris, Leon Hess, Queen Latifah, Bucky Pizzarelli and Joe Theismann. Martha Stewart, John Travolta and Bruce Willis were set to be inducted, but due to scheduling conflicts, could not attend.

As Murro discussed his experience, it was clear that Sunday was a night to remember for anyone filled with Jersey pride. From politicians to football players, there were plenty of notable names and faces who came to share in the memories.

Montclair’s Buzz Aldrin, known for walking on the moon in 1969 with Neil Armstrong, was a personal favorite of Murro’s as they were seated together for dinner and drinks. For a man who grew up in the rush and excitement of the men on the moon, it was a huge deal to meet the man behind the astronaut suit. “I was giggling like a little school girl,” Murro told us. The man, who was wearing three very expensive Omega watches (although Tom never got a clear answer as to why) and crystal beads to ward off evil spirits, clearly set the bar for Murro, who jokingly compared others to Aldrin with, “Yeah, yeah, they can sing and act, but can they talk on the moon?” When Buzz hinted on stage that he might know someone capable of sending Snooki back to the moon, Buzz quickly became a favorite of everyone in the room.

The ceremony also seemed to be a makeshift game of how many governors one can fit in the same room. Between former Governors Kean and inductee Brendan Byrne along with the current New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, the room was charged with political power. But this wasn’t a night for politics, per se. It was a night for commemoration, celebration and relaxation, with Murro and Pavlinec managing to meet the entire beautiful Christie family who were all there enjoying the night together.

In a reflective and serious turn in the ceremony, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani presented the Unsung Hero Award, on behalf of the New Jersey Hall of Fame, to the 746 New Jersey victims of the 9/11 attack.

Murro also got to spend time with many other great names who call New Jersey home. He got to meet comedian Joe Piscopo known for his Frank Sinatra impersonations and even said a Sinatra quote as Murro got in a picture with Piscopo and Pavlinec, ''like Sinatra would say, lets put the pretty lady in the middle.'' Murro also got to catch up with his new friend Harry Carson and his wife who were as gracious as always. “Every time I see them they just seem to look younger and younger,” Murro laughed.

And Harry was able to keep the laughter going as he told the story of inductee Franco Harris’ career ending injury and how Harris looked at him as he was being wheeled out on a stretcher saying “I’ll be back,” to which Harry simply said, “Not tonight.” Others also brought the cheer and laughs to the ceremony, including Tony Bennett, who pointed out that his son has more Grammy’s than him. Tony weighing in with 15 and his son topping that with 20. Talk about a talented family!