HOBOKEN, NJ - The Hoboken Public Library (HPL) is teaming up with the non-profit Hoboken Community Center to organize a food drive to assist local families in need.
The food drive will be taking place throughout the first week of April with residents being asked to donate unexpired canned fruit of any variety (15oz) and instant mashed potato packets (4-6oz).
Items can be dropped off at the HPL at 500 Park Avenue during opening hours.
For any questions, email pantry@hobokencc.org.
]]>LAKE COMO, NJ - In a display of community solidarity, the Friends of Belmar Skate Park organized their inaugural fundraiser at Salty’s in Lake Como on Saturday, March 23rd. Despite adverse weather conditions, the event saw an overwhelming turnout, marking it as a resounding success. The fundraiser aimed to generate funds dedicated to the construction of a new skate park, a project spearheaded by Belmar Councilwoman Dr. Jodi Kinney.
Kinney expressed her gratitude for the immense support received, stating, "Our first Skatepark Fundraiser was a great success despite the terrible weather. We had over 250 people come through, with bands, prizes, and giveaways." The event featured live music from Beach Music Studios Rock Band, Anthony Ferraro and Friends Band, and Neon Garage, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Kinney extended special thanks to sponsors, including Level Up, Skatepark, Goon Skate Gear, and prize donors, for their generous contributions.
A highlight of the fundraiser was the 50/50 prize, won by Steve Horn, who generously donated the entire amount back to the skate park initiative. Kinney emphasized the significance of community support, stating, "We are blessed to live in such a special community, and I was heartwarmed by all the support." She also revealed plans for future fundraisers throughout the summer months, encouraging residents to stay updated through the Friends of Belmar Skate Park's social media channels.
The event's success serves as a testament to the collective determination to provide recreational opportunities for the youth and community members of Belmar. With ongoing efforts and continued support, the vision of a new skate park in Belmar draws closer to realization, promising a brighter future for generations to come.
]]>ROXBURY, NJ – Ledgewood resident James Kennedy was presented this week with a bronze AmeriCorps President’s Volunteer Service Award recognizing his 100 hours of assistance to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The award was given to Kennedy at the March 26 meeting of the Roxbury Mayor and Council following comments by Roxbury Office of Emergency Management Director Bob Hackett, who noted Kennedy – an amateur radio operator – is the township’s Community Emergency Management Response Team (CERT) manager.
Kennedy has a doctorate in technology and operations management and a long history of work in cybersecurity and related fields. Hackett said the AmeriCorps award relates to Kennedy’s volunteer efforts in emergency management outside of Roxbury for FEMA.
“Amateur radio is a very important function of emergency management,” Hackett said. “Amateur radio was designed for, and its sole purpose is, community service and communication, even though it’s a hobby. We’re very fortunate to have Jim on board, but this award is separate from what Dr. Kennedy has done for Roxbury over the years.”
He explained that Kennedy’s role as a volunteer regional coordinator for FEMA sees Kennedy “working up and down the whole New Jersey coast.”
However, several members of the township council pointed out that Kennedy’s community involvement goes well beyond his role with emergency management. For example, he is on the township zoning board and serves as treasurer and board member of the Roxbury Public Library Board of Trustees.
A former Dover resident, Kennedy served for almost nine years on that town’s school board and for almost 20 years as a member of its fire department and rescue squad. He’s been a member of the state Fire Chiefs Association for 46 years.
“I don’t think anybody really understands the full depth of doctor Kennedy’s volunteerism in town, how many groups he actually helps,” said Roxbury Councilman Bob DeFillippo. “As treasurer for many years, he helped us bring the library from a really dismal place to a really strong financial footing. Jim is generous with his time and with his talent, and he’s really made a tremendous contribution to the community. It’s a well-deserved award for him.”
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]]>CORAL SPRINGS, FL - The American Cancer Society is hosting an event in Coral Springs on April 6 to honor and remember people lost to cancer and support those fighting the disease.
During the Relay for Life of Parkland, Coral Springs, Margate, and Coconut Creek, more than 40 teams and 500 participants are expected to come together at the Coral Springs Sportsplex, according to Megan Mila, the event’s entertainment leader.
Additionally, 100 cancer survivors and their caregivers will be at the event.
“Relay For Life is more than just a walk,” Chris Fletcher, a cancer survivor and an event leader, said in a news release. “It is a volunteer-led movement that unites communities to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost to cancer and raise funds to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families.”
The theme for this year’s Relay For Life is “Relay Through the Decades,” and the event “plans to honor the survivors, thrivers still in their fight, and the caregivers who provide so much help, love, and hope for those fighting,” Fletcher added.
The opening ceremony will include a special survivors lap.
“After sunset, we light Luminaria bags to remember those we have lost, to celebrate cancer survivors, and to show those affected by cancer that they are not alone,” Mila said in the news release.
This year, more than 1.9 million people will be diagnosed with cancer, the second most common cause of death among Americans after heart disease, according to the American Cancer Society.
Relay For Life continues to be the largest peer-to-peer fundraising event, with 2.5 million participants globally uniting to save lives from cancer, organizers said.
Since 1985, Relay For Life has raised $6.8 billion for its cause.
The event takes place 4 - 9 pm at the Coral Springs Sportsplex at 2800 Sportsplex Drive.
To join a team or create a new one for the event, visit Relayforlife.org/parklandfl.
(Our Giving Back section is sponsored by Darby’s Florist in Coral Springs.
The family owned and operated florist has been delivering smiles daily for more than 50 years.
Visit the store: 9615 Sample Road in Coral Springs
Call: (954) 227-2800
Order here: darbysflorist.com)
MORE CORAL SPRINGS NEWS:
FOOD & DRINK: Kroger Shuts Down South Florida Delivery Operations
LAW & JUSTICE: Coral Springs Police Officer Injured While Trying to Arrest Reckless 18-Year-Old Bicyclist
FOOD & DRINK: Korean Restaurant, The NAMU Korean Japanese Kitchen and Izakaya, Became Instagram Foodie Sensation in Coral Springs
BUSINESS & FINANCE: Best Buy Store in Margate Has Closed, Indicating Challenges Facing Retail Stores
]]>BARNEGAT - Students are all shades of happy as they prepare for the Barnegat Elementary Parent Teacher Association’s (BEPTA) Color Run and Family Fun Festival held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 28 at Barnegat Township School District’s (BTSD) Russell O. Brackman Middle School. The rain date is May 5.
Besides the color run, the annual event features vendor booths, food trucks, field day activities, performances, music and a bounce house. The color-run fundraiser promotes making the world brighter, healthier and happier for school families and the community.
Sponsors, vendors, and nonprofit organizations are encouraged and eagerly sought to take part in the Barnegat Color Run and Family Fun Festival.
There are three levels of sponsorship, including gold for $500, silver for $250 and bronze for $150. Vendor tables are available for $40. Nonprofit organizations and Barnegat Schools clubs and teams are welcome to set up a booth or activity free of charge. The deadline to sign up is April 14. Food truck sponsorships are currently full.
“Seeing community organizations come together for school events like these teaches our students that the value of partnerships and comradery is the cornerstone of our district’s success,” said BTSD Superintendent Brian Latwis. “Students react positively to these events, recognizing that the opportunities they provide stem from the support of individuals outside the classroom.”
The BEPTA teamed with Get Movin’ to use technology to make the event even more fun and successful. The online platform provides easy and convenient online fundraising tools and templates built just for schools. All proceeds from the color run will support the BEPTA initiatives including purchasing playground equipment, field day enhancements, book vending machine programs, bike-riding trainings and more.
The BEPTA aims to reach their fundraising goal of $25,000. The school with the highest earnings will receive a visit from the Kona ice truck in May, and the top three earners will have the opportunity to slime the Board of Education President Scott Sarno. Individual prizes based on a donation tier system will also be given to those who contribute to the cause.
For more information or to register, visit www.barnegatpta.org/color-run. Learn more about the district’s upcoming events at barnegatschools.com.
]]>On a chilly February afternoon, Pedro Rosario drove from one Camden school to another, delivering snack-sized bags of popcorn to children in after-school programs.
The Dominican-born Rosario, 39, owns three businesses — DPL Warehouse, DPL Transport, and DPL Brokers — as well as an estimated $25 million worth of real estate in Camden, where he lived from the age of 10 until recently, when he moved his family of seven to Voorhees.
The DPL stands for Dios, Patriota and Liberte — Spanish for God, Patriot and Liberty -- and the bags of popcorn were made by Papa’s Pops. When the Arizona-based company found it had a surplus of the treats in Rosario’s warehouse, the entrepreneur decided to buy $30,000 worth of it and distributed it to Camden children.
Giving back is nothing new for Rosario, especially to a city he loves. The Woodrow Wilson graduate has sponsored the Cramer Hill Little League, sent computers to kids in Ghana, distributed Christmas gifts to Camden children, and given informal classes in how to underwrite and identify good real estate deals among other endeavors to area residents.
On this day, he is accompanied by Shaneka Boucher, former Camden councilwoman and president of the non-profit Social Responsibility Through Me.
She tells a group of Mastery McGraw students about Rosario’s accomplishments and urges them to ask him questions. “How many of you are renting apartments?” she asks them, adding, “It’s possible that your parents are renting from Pedro.”
“Pedro is very passionate about giving back,” says Boucher. “He didn’t go the traditional path and found himself a young father of three at the age of 23 years old, but he never let that stop him from making his dreams come true and pursuing bigger things.” He and former Wilson classmate Dania Rosario now have five children and have been married for 17 years; she co-owns the businesses and works alongside him.
At McGraw, Rosario tells the students about the risks and benefits of starting a business. “Once you’re used to working for a company,” he says, “you always know your paycheck’s going to be there every Friday…but when you open your own business, you don’t know if Friday’s going to come and if you’re going to get paid.”
Still, he says, “failure was never in my mind.”
If there’s one message Rosario is giving the McGraw students along with the popcorn, it’s that success is not only achieved through sports or music.
“Not everybody who makes it out of Camden and becomes a millionaire [did so] playing football or basketball or rapping,” he tells them. “You guys can do it just using your brain.”
“I’m a rapper!” one of the students exclaims.
“Well,” said Rosario, “always study and have a plan B.”
]]>
ASBURY PARK, NJ - The New Jersey State Police and members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) came together in a heartfelt demonstration of community support, combining their efforts to generously donate to the Mercy Center in preparation for its Easter dinner distribution on Thursday, March 28th.
The Mercy Center, located at 1104 Main Street in Asbury Park, is gearing up to distribute meals to families and individuals in need. The distribution will take place from 8:30 AM to 12 PM and then resume from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM. The first 100 people to arrive will receive a ham and chocolate bunny, adding a touch of holiday cheer to their meals.
Executive Director Kim Guadano expressed profound gratitude for the ongoing support from the IBEW and state police, acknowledging their pivotal role in meeting the rising demand for assistance. "We could not keep up with the explosion of need without the generosity of others," she emphasized.
Wayne Blanchard, President of the State Troopers Fraternal Association, lauded the partnership with the Mercy Center, highlighting its significant impact. "We are especially proud of how this partnership with the Mercy Center has grown and the outstanding accomplishments of this particular drive," he remarked. The combined efforts are expected to facilitate the creation of approximately 7,500 meals this holiday season, providing sustenance and comfort to countless individuals.
IBEW members echoed similar sentiments, underlining the organization's commitment to serving the communities they operate in. Eric Houghtaling emphasized the importance of supporting Asbury Park, where the IBEW's charter originated. "We have a great relationship with the Mercy Center and applaud and support the work they do for the local residents," he affirmed.
Frank Lawrence, a longstanding member of IBEW local 827, expressed pride in the collective efforts of his colleagues. "It gives me great pride that my brothers and sisters make it a priority to help those in the communities in which we work," he stated.
The collaborative spirit exhibited by the New Jersey State Police and IBEW serves as a shining example of compassion and solidarity, reaffirming the power of community-driven initiatives in addressing food insecurity and uplifting those in need.
]]>DOYLESTOWN, PA—Dick Patterson will leave behind a long legacy of volunteer work serving Doylestown, but he may be best remembered for his work with the Bucks 5K Series, a group that hosts races throughout Bucks County.
Patterson, who died peacefully on March 24, served as the director of the race series for 20-plus years, putting him in touch with countless runners from the region and beyond. As an avid runner and advocate of both mental and physical health, Patterson embraced the community around him.
“You'd be hard-pressed to find runners who hadn't crossed paths with Dick during his 20-plus years of directing the series,” said Kris Boger, who has served as director of the Doylestown 5K, one of the races in the series, for 12 years.
“Dick is the reason I got involved in the series and in running,” Boger said. “While he may have started as a mentor, I feel extraordinarily privileged to say he was my friend too.”
The 5K series was just one area where Patterson showed his love of the Doylestown community. Patterson also was an advocate for the local bike and hike trail system, served on Doylestown Borough’s Revitalization Board, was president of the board of the County Theater, and served as a trustee for the YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties.
But for many, Patterson will be remembered for his efforts in helping the Bucks 5K Series flourish. Patterson helped the event become more than just a series of races, turning it instead into a celebration of fitness, camaraderie and mutual support.
Under his leadership, the series would grow to attract riders from around the country and beyond.
As Patterson’s obituary notes, “As a fixture in the local Doylestown running scene, Dick became a beacon of encouragement and support for runners of all ages and abilities.” (The obituary is on the Reed & Steinbach Funeral Home website.)
Born in 1937 in Hanover, Pa., G. Richard Patterson graduated from Lehigh University with a degree in engineering physics. He went on to become the vice president of aerospace products for a company in Sellersville, Ametek, that made parts for commercial airliners, helicopters and business jets.
Patterson moved to Doylestown with his wife Edythe Wheeler Patterson in 1966. The two lived in town for more than 57 years.
The Bucks 5K Series will honor Patterson throughout the coming race season. The series had previously announced that the overall winner award would be renamed the Dick Patterson Series Champion Awards. That award is given following the Break-Fast 5K & 10K at the end of the race season.
Patterson is survived by his wife, Edythe, his children, Brad Patterson (Janet Patterson), Glynnis Patterson (Rip Harris), and Brian Patterson (Jim Lamprakos), and his grandchildren, Declan Patterson and Ada Patterson, and Rhys Harris and Finnegan Harris.
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]]>MOUNT KISCO, N.Y. - On Saturday, April 13, Hillside Food Outreach will host its 15th annual Dancing with Our Stars at The Summit at Danbury. The event will feature an evening of dancing and competition, and is Hillside's largest annual fundraiser.
Proceeds will benefit the Westchester nonprofit and its mission to deliver high-quality, nutritious food to thousands of low-income and limited mobility families, seniors, and the chronically ill each month.
Since its inception, Dancing with Our Stars has raised $300,000. The event features eight members of the community who take weekly dance lessons, donated by Arthur Murray of Danbury, for three months. Partnering with their Arthur Murray instructor, participants will showcase their skills in a live competition for attendees and a panel of judges.
Hillside’s 2024 Dancing with Our Stars participants include:
Billy Clifford, Student, Duchess Community College
Tom Clifford, Supervisor, Mount Pleasant Water Department
Stacey Cohen, CEO, Co-Communications
Michael Grace, Esq., Senior Partner, Grace & Grace
Shelly Hardie, Managing Partner, Shelty Golf, LLC
Izel Steinmann Obermeyer, Chief Clinical Officer, Westchester Institute for Human Development
Celeste Pasciolla, Realtor, Keller Williams Realty Partners
Joe Pasciolla, Realtor, Keller Williams Realty Partners
In addition to their live performance, all Dancing with Our Stars participants are competing for online votes. Friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors are encouraged to vote for their favorite dancer on the Hillside website ahead of time by making a $10 donation per vote. On April 13, four champions will be named – a man and woman in each category. Two will receive the people’s choice award (most votes), and two will be selected by the judges based on their dancing that night.
“The unfortunate reality is that today, an increasing number of families, seniors, and vulnerable individuals in our community face the agonizing choice between healthy meals and meeting basic needs,” said Kathy Purdy, CEO and Founder of Hillside Food Outreach. “By supporting Dancing with Our Stars, whether by casting votes online or attending in person, you are helping to changes lives and offer hope to so many neighbors in need.”
Hillside is a delivery-only food pantry providing high quality, nutrient-dense foods, staples and essentials to nearly 1,000 households and over 2,000 individuals across Westchester, Putnam and Fairfield Counties, including elderly residents who find it difficult to travel and carry grocery bags; those who are housebound due sickness or disability; and people with health conditions such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension who require nutritious diets. The nonprofit fills the nutrition need while establishing both connection and engagement with those feeling hopeless, alone, or forgotten.
Dancing with Our Stars begins at 6 p.m. with dinner, followed by the competition and an after party. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are still available. For additional information or to vote for your favorite dancer, visit hillsidefoodoutreach.org/dancing-with-our-stars.
Hillside Food Outreach is headquartered in Mount Kisco and may be reached at 914-747-0095 or by visiting hillsidefoodoutreach.org.
]]>BRIDGEWATER, NJ – The Arc of Somerset County announces the inaugural Rockin' Breakfast Run on June 1st at Duke Island Park, Bridgewater, NJ. This is a new twist on the Step Up for The Arc 5K Run & Walk which has provided funding for The Arc for many years. The new theme for the event will have the whole community Rockin’.
Join The Arc for a beautiful morning at scenic Duke Island Park. The 5K course is amazing and flat! It gives you the best views of Duke Island and the Raritan River and Canal. With half of the course adjacent to water, participants will surely have a peaceful morning run or walk. Participants will end the race with a one-of-a-kind finisher medal and a delicious BREAKFAST SANDWICH courtesy of Rock Deli of Bridgewater! Participants will also receive a race tee shirt or tank top. Event details and registration are here: https://runsignup.com/rockinbreakfastrun.
The annual 5K run and walk fundraiser helps support vital programs for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Somerset County. According to Christopher Corvino, Executive Director of The Arc of Somerset County, “The Arc provides a lifetime of comprehensive services, advocacy, and supports to over 1400 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities - and their families to promote growth, achievement and ongoing involvement in the community. Our services include group home and apartment locations, two day-habilitation centers, The Jerry Davis Center for Children and Families, Supported Employment and Family Support Programs, The Achievement Center at Raritan Valley Community College, and Camp Jotoni in Warren, NJ. This event serves as a major fundraiser and an opportunity to advocate side by side with those we serve, as a large group of our consumers participate in the walk.”
Event sponsors are Race Sponsors Cerminara Architect and Church & Dwight Employee Giving Fund; Breakfast Sponsor Rock Deli; Step Up Sponsors PSEG and WTW; Swag Sponsors Access Commercial Door, Deluccia Commercial Group, Nisivoccia, and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset; and Community Sponsor Risk Strategies. There are still opportunities to join these outstanding organizations by contacting Lisa Fielding Clymer at LisaC@TheArcOfSomerset.org.
]]>KENILWORTH, NJ - On Thursday, March 21, the Kenilworth Historical Society held their delicious event ‘Soup’s On’ at the Senior Center and it was a great success. This annual occasion gives participants the opportunity to taste a variety of favorite soups from local restaurants and others nearby.
Numerous Kenilworth residents and members from other Union County communities were in attendance. All guests enjoyed soups graciously donated from the following local restaurants/eateries: Angelo's Steakhouse, Bella Palermo Pastry Shop, Boulevard Five72, Caetanos Cucina, Great Wall Kitchen, Kenilworth Diner, Michigan Deli, Mike's Place, Opa Grill, and Westfield Diner. The bread and desserts were obtained and donated by Kenilworth Historical Society members.
Proceeds from “Soup’s On” went to benefit the Kenilworth Historical Society’s Oswald J. Nitschke House (c. 1880) “living history” museum and cultural arts center by helping defray the cost of an elevator that makes all levels of the site fully accessible to everyone. The Kenilworth Historical Society is an independent, volunteer-based, non-profit, tax-exempt, 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to the research, preservation and interpretation of the Oswald J. Nitschke House, local history and culture.
Related Articles:
Kenilworth Historical Hosts ‘Soup’s On’
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]]>PARKLAND, FL- A local educator has been nominated to be called "America's Favorite Teacher" in 2024. Somerset Parkland Academy elementary school teacher Carrie Ferlazzo is in the running to win the award. The winner of the annual award will appear in Reader's Digest, win a trip to Hawaii, and a cash prize as well.
Ferlazzo, a long-time educator, says "I teach because I love my students, delight in making a positive impact on their lives, and I strive to instill a love for learning."
Ferlazzo says that her most impactful time in teaching was when she had an opportunity to teach children at a United States military base in Europe.
"Teaching for DODEA at a low socio-economic US military base in Europe was powerful," she said. "I taught US military kids during the Iraq war, so for most of the time, one of their parents was away at war. It was an intense time and my kindergartners needed a lot of support and love."
The "America's Favorite Teacher" award competition is hosted by Reader's Digest in conjunction with Teach For America. Ferlazzo is currently in 3rd place in her competition group, and the first round of the competition closes on Thursday, April 4, 2024.
Parkland area residents can vote for Carrie Ferlazzo as "America's Favorite Teacher" here.
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]]>
CHATHAM, NJ -- When Tom Salvas received his commemorative pin for his "Citizenship Award" on Tuesday night at the Chatham Township Committee meeting, it was no surprise that he was the one who took the photo of the Chatham Township logo that was used to make the pin.
In his 36 years as a resident of Chatham Township, Salvas has pioneered the televised production of Chatham Township Committee meetings, Chatham Board of Education meetings, and the Veterans Project at the Library of the Chathams, just to name a few, and has served on numerous committees. He's also documented a wide range of events with his photography.
"Community is an equal collaboration, and I think one of the great things about Chatham Township, Chatham Borough, with whom I've also collaborated with on a number of initiatives, is that people get out and they actually do things."
Anyone would be hard-pressed to find someone who gets out and does more good for the community than Salvas, who also served his country as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force and was a noted Olympic photographer.
Salvas was nominated for the award by Chatham Township Committee member Mark Lois and Mayor Stacey Ewald noted the challenge posed in listing all of his accomplishments before reading the Citizenship Award resolution into the record (see below).
Salvas noted "It's been a lot of fun, and the work will continue" in his remarks below.
There had been no televised Chatham Township Committee meetings nor Chatham Board of Education meetings until Salvas began producing them, by count 225 Township Committee broadcasts and more than 70 BOE meetings. Former Mayor Kevin Sullivan (see below) pointed out how Salvas was a 'consummate professional" in his production work and took the quality of the broadcasts to a "higher level."
"You have captured so much of living history in this town, it's been phenomenal, so thank you," Sullivan said.
Andy Hollander, president of the board of trustees for the Library of the Chathams, praised Salvas as an inspiration to others for the Veterans Project he has produced for the Library of the Chathams with video interviews of Chatham veterans.
Editor's note: Tom Salvas has been an invaluable friend and contributor to the quality control of TAPinto Chatham, most notably in his diligent proofreading of articles and the astute observations he offers regarding the coverage of the Chathams.
]]>SOMERSET, NJ - In a heartwarming turn of events, 40 non-profits in Somerset County hit a home run as they were awarded with reserved seating and the use of the Commissioners’ private suite at TD Bank Ballpark, home of the Somerset Patriots, a New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate.
Somerset County Commissioner Director Shanel Y. Robinson, who is also a Franklin resident, picked Conerly Road School PTO and the Meadows Foundation at random during the annual County Board of Commissioners TD Bank Ballpark Drawing, according to a news release.
“Our dedicated non-profits provide valuable services and programs that make a positive impact in our communities. We are so grateful to the employees and volunteers who tirelessly continue to serve our residents,” Robinson said in a news release. “This tradition is a way for us to show our gratitude to those organizations.”
The Commissioners’ suite comes with thirty tickets to the game, comfortable couches in a climate- controlled indoor suite, plus seats along the third-base line to watch the game.
The following non-profit organizations are also winners:
Basking Ridge: Chabad of Somerset County; Curbing Hunger, Inc.; Friends of Lord Stirling Stable
Bernards: Liberty Corner Fire Company
Bernardsville: New Jersey Audubon Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary
Bound Brook: Bound Brook Seniors
Branchburg: Branchburg Country Fair Committee; Branchburg In-Town Soccer Club; La Leche League of Hillsborough/Bridgewater
Bridgewater: Bridgewater Garden Club; BR Theatre Arts Council, Inc.; Country Hills Volunteer Fire Co.; Literacy Volunteers of Somerset County; Martinsville Volunteer Fire Department; Somerset County Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) St. Patrick Div 1; Somerset County Vocational & Technical School Baseball Team
Green Brook: Elizabeth Snyder – Continental Chapter, (DAR)
Hillsborough: Becca's Friends-St. Joseph Parish; Feeding Hands Pantry; East Millstone First Aid; Hillsborough Memorial VFW Post 8371; Hillsborough Township Senior Citizens Chapter B; Raritan Valley Choral Society; Steps Together
Manville: Knights of Columbus St. Jude Council #6573
Montgomery: Montgomery Baseball League; Montgomery Special Olympics
Raritan: John Basilone Parade Commission; Raritan Food Pantry
Somerville: Community Childcare Solutions; Good Shepherd Lutheran Church; Legal Services of Northwest Jersey; Somerville Baseball, Inc.; Special Olympics Of New Jersey Area 10; The Drew McLachlan Memorial Fund
Warren: Rawhide Rescue; Watchung Hills Baseball & Softball
Watchung: Wilson Memorial Church
Winners are Somerset County non-profits and community organizations that must have at least fifty percent of their clients or membership residing in Somerset County. Out-of-county organizations must provide significant community service or volunteerism for the residents of Somerset County.
]]>WESTFIELD, NJ — Westfield High School junior Ruby Moscowitz represented the organization Girls Learn International at the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations in New York last week. Her efforts were part of a broader initiative aimed at addressing challenges faced by girls worldwide, particularly focusing on education and poverty eradication.
Girls Learn International, founded by Lisa Alter in 2003, inspires and prepares middle and high school students to advocate for human rights, equality and universal education in the United States and worldwide.
“I applied to be a GLI delegate for the international organization in November, and I filled out a pretty lengthy application and then I was accepted,” Moscowitz said. She emphasized the extensive preparation involved, including weekly meetings with GLI where they checked in and explained the tasks ahead.
“I chose to be on the statement team, and being on this team I met with a bunch of other girl organizations ... We met on Saturday mornings and we would review the Zero Draft, which had different suggestions regarding poverty and women and girls in it,” Moscowitz said. The Zero Draft is a rough draft of negotiations made by member states before the conference.
“We included a lot about lack of sanitary products, inadequate transportation, child marriage, child labor and more. We put in how education is crucial to getting out of poverty,” she said.
During her two days at the UN CSW sessions, with this year’s theme of eradicating poverty, Moscowitz listened in on panels and presentations, networking with professionals and other delegates. She highlighted the importance of education in tackling poverty and related challenges girls face.
“I’m hoping, in the future, I can team up with the connections I’ve made and be able to make more of a personal change outside of the event I went to,” Moscowitz said. In her upcoming GLI meeting at the high school, Moscowitz plans to provide an overview of her experience at the CSW conference, where she aims to share her experiences and encourage others to join the cause.
For those interested in supporting or collaborating with Moscowitz on future initiatives, she welcomes inquiries and discussions via email at rubymoscowitz@gmail.com.
Julie Snyder is a student at Westfield High School participating in a journalism program with TAPinto Westfield.
]]>MORRISTOWN, NJ - The free food distribution will take place in Morristown on March 28 from 1pm - 2pm at Bishop Nazery Way (59 Spring Street in Morristown). There will be only one distribution this week due to Friday being a holiday.
Everyone is welcome at the Morristown location.
Additionally, a Mobile Food Pantry till be at TUrkey Brook Park on Friday April 5 from 1:30pm - 2:30pm.
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RED BANK, NJ: The Affordable Housing Alliance (AHA), a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of New Jersey residents through the provision of affordable housing, is actively seeking volunteers to serve on its Board of Directors.
As a vital part of the AHA's mission to improve the quality of life for all New Jerseyans, board members play a crucial role in guiding the organization's initiatives and strategies.
If you're passionate about addressing housing affordability issues and making a positive impact in your community, consider joining the AHA's Board of Directors.
An information meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 18, from 6:00pm to 7:30pm in the Meeting Room at the Monmouth County Library’s Eastern Branch, located at 1001 Route 35, Shrewsbury. This meeting offers an excellent opportunity to learn more about AHA's work and how you can contribute to its mission.
Click on the poster and scan the QC code to RSVP.
“The Affordable Housing Alliance is looking for volunteers to serve on its Board of Directors. If you believe you could assist in this area and would like to volunteer to help those in need, please scan the QR code to attend this event.
At this meeting, you can find out more about the Affordable Housing Alliance, the responsibilities of board members and ways you could contribute.
Together, we can work towards ensuring that everyone in New Jersey has access to safe, affordable housing. Join us in making a difference!” said Bernard Friel, AHA Director.
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]]>WEST ORANGE, NJ – Gavin Cohn’s younger brother, Jordan, won two gold metals at the 2024 Winter Special Olympics New Jersey (SONJ). While Jordan was skiing, Gavin was fundraising for the SONJ.
This year’s annual SONJ Snow Bowl tag football fundraiser was played on March 1 at MetLife Stadium. Gavin and his friends played on the “Jordan’s Avengers” team, and they were the second top fundraising team in the Snow Ball -- beating everyone but Luke’s Warriors. The Snow Bowl raised $398,616 of its $565,000 goal.
Gavin shared how he was able to secure $18,223 in donations, “It was a combination of initiatives through The MRCF (The Monica & Richard Cohn Foundation), which included Friendsgiving Fundraiser, Super Bowl Box Pools, Raffles, Super Bowl Party Fundraiser, direct donations from local businesses, friends and family, social media outreach, organic outreach and public support.” Also, his teammates on Jordan’s Avengers helped raise money.
“The Snow Bowl has now become an annual event I look forward to every year because it is a combination of my passions for playing flag football, helping others and making a difference all while having fun,” reported Gavin. He continued, “I am elated to be able to represent my brother and his accomplishments along with my parents and their boundless generosity and support. That’s why I named our Snow Ball team “Jordan’s Avengers” and my foundation’s name is the “Monica & Richard Cohn Foundation” (MRCF).”
He spoke about the team and foundation names being tributes to his family and meant to inspire others to know that even if they don’t know the family, “We are here to help in any way we can, so let’s work together to make a better future,” he said.
Gavin stated that his goal is to increase awareness of the Snow Bowl to include more individuals and families of those with special needs and to get more local businesses involved to share the Snow Bowl experience.
Gavin is a 27-year-old Project Manager who enjoys playing flag football and other pickup sports, entrepreneurial endeavors/side hustles, helping others and developing his foundation -- The MRCF. Click HERE for their Instagram.
Click HERE for additional information about the Snow Ball.
If you’d like to make a financial contribution to the Snow Ball, click HERE.
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