Cedar Grove Swim-a-Thon to Honor Memory of Team Member's Mom

Mariann Jansen and her husband, Kurt, were life-long residents of Cedar Grove, with their twins, Kyle and Katlyn, attending Cedar Grove High School.

For more than five summers, they supported the Cedar Grove swim team, on which their daughter, Katlyn, remains a member.

Just last June, Mariann was diagnosed with cancer, and unfortunately lost that battle this past November.

In her memory, the Cedar Grove swim team is holding its annual Swim-a-Thon Monday from 8 to 10 p.m. Participation in the Swim-a-Thon is for members of the Cedar Grove Splash swim team only and will be held when the pool is closed to the public.

Only the meet lanes will be open. There will be lifeguards on duty and coaches will be supervising.  Swim parents are welcome to stay, and swimmers will be given refreshments free of charge.

“Mariann was a gentle, unassuming person whose presence was seen through her generosity and her artistic talent,” according to a release from the team. “She was an active volunteer for the swim team as well as for both North End and Memorial Middle Schools. Her creativity as a graphic design artist is enjoyed by the swim team in the Cedar Grove Splash logo designed by Mariann. More of her work is displayed and enjoyed through the wall banners posted in the Memorial Middle School gymnasium. Her creative spirit, gentle presence and warm laughter is sorely missed.”

You can contribute to this cause in a number of ways:

• Sponsor a local swimmer who will be participating in the event; contact Lisa Jordan at lgj25@optonline.net to find a swimmer to sponsor
• Send a check made out to the Cedar Grove Swim Team c/o 241 Cedar Street, Cedar Grove, NJ 07009
• Stop by the pool during the Swim-A-Thon to make a contribution.

The final check will be presented to the Jansen Family at the Cedar Grove Swim Team end-of-season party on Thursday, August 1.