MAPLE SHADE -- Children dressed as monsters, witches and superheroes will march down Main Street in Maple Shade this Halloween thanks to a donation by two state legislators.

Assemblymen Herb Conaway Jr. and Jack Conners, both D-Burlington, have pledged $1,000 to close the funding gap for the town's nearly 40-year-old Halloween parade.

The 7th District representatives, which includes Maple Shade, said they decided to make the move after reading of the threatened parade in a Tuesday Courier-Post article.

"We know that the Maple Shade Halloween Parade is an institution in that town, and that many local children and their families look forward to it every year," Conners said. "We are happy to help this tradition continue."

"Understanding the hard work local volunteers put into these events, we felt it important to contribute to the effort," Conaway said.

The assemblymen, incumbent running mates up for election in November, plan to present the check to Maple Shade at Thursday night's council meeting.

Maple Shade Mayor Jim Fletcher and town manager George Haeuber said the fate of the parade was to be decided that evening.

Fletcher and Haeuber said the gift shows the assemblymen have a great appreciation of Maple Shade.

"I was extremely surprised and happy," Fletcher said, noting he's friends with both men. "Their generosity knows no bounds."

A South Jersey lawmaker will lobby Congress next week on behalf of nearly 1,000 state legislators who back federal health care reform.

Assemblyman Herb Conaway, D-Burlington, said his work as a physician gives him insight into a problem that affects both uninsured and insured New Jerseyans.

"You can just see all of the effects of not having health insurance," Conaway said at a teleconference Tuesday. "Blood pressures are not taken care of. Diabetes is not taken care of. They land in a hospital with a heart attack or stroke. It's a question of life and death for many."

Conaway was among 943 lawmakers from all states who joined a campaign overseen by Progressive States Network, a four-year-old non-profit that advocates on civil rights, workplace, energy, elections and other issues. Only one other New Jersey legislator — Sen. Shirley Turner, D-Mercer — has signed the group's letter to Congress asking for health care reform within 12 months.

"We need more to sign on to this," Conaway said. "If we don't step up and get this thing passed … I don't know when we can do it."

About 1.2 million New Jerseyans lack health policies, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Senior Services. Nearly 120,000 of them are considered high income.

The so-called "public option" insurance or its alternative, a co-op, would let all U.S. citizens enroll in a plan, for an estimated government savings of $500 billion a year.

Advocates say New Jersey policyholders no longer would cover the $1.1 billion annual debt passed to them by insurers and hospitals that are stuck with uncollectible bills. Opponents say that President Obama's ideas are akin to socialized medicine and would dilute the quality of care.

Progressive States Network chose five state lawmakers, including Conaway, to urge members of Congress to support the Obama plan in meetings next week.

CINNAMINSON - Hundreds of veterans came together Friday to honor those who made it back and to remember the thousands of servicemen who remain missing to this day.

"This is about remembrance," Assemblyman Jack Conners said of the eighth annual POW/MIA Recognition Breakfast he hosted at The Merion on Friday morning.

"American prisoners of war and missing in action are forced to endure conditions most of us would prefer not to even think about, and the grief their loved ones have faced is immeasurable," said Conners, D-7th of Pennsauken. "The courage of both must never be forgotten, and I am proud to hold this event each year to bring awareness to those sacrifices made for our country."

The event, which is held every year on National POW/MIA Day of Remembrance, the third Friday in September, drew about 600 veterans, guests and local officials.

During the ceremony, a small round table at the front of the banquet hall was empty, with place settings for each of the five branches of the military - Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy - as well as one setting for civilians who have been reported missing.

"We will never forget those who have been left behind," said Tony Halas of the POW Awareness Committee of Camden and Gloucester counties during the Missing Man Table and Honor Ceremony at the start of Friday's event.

He said that to date, 31,000 service members remain missing from World War I, 78,000 from World War II, 7,990 from the Korean War, 1,731 from the Vietnam War, and one soldier and three civilians from Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"The Department of Defense is working hard to bring back those who remain missing," Halas said. "It's a big task."

Veteran Anthony "Butch" Tobin of Cinnaminson said the ceremony is a great thing for veterans.

"As a Vietnam veteran I never felt welcomed when I got home. I do now," Tobin said.

Veteran Dan Conaway of Mount Laurel agreed.

"It's great the fact they don't forget the POWs and MIAs and the price they paid for this country," Conaway said.

Sam Ballinger, who fought in World War II with Gen. George S. Patton, said he wouldn't have missed the ceremony.

"I come every year to give some recognition to all (the POWs and MIAs)," the Burlington Township resident said. "I'm glad Jack takes the time to do this."

Assemblyman Herb Conaway, D-7th of Delanco, said the ceremony can be quite emotional but it reminds everyone of the sacrifices that service members and their families have made.

Veteran Art Veneziale of Cinnaminson said he believes it's essential to recognize those who have paid the "ultimate sacrifice."

"It's important for this country that we honor these great heroes," Veneziale said.