From left: Rotary Club of the Caldwells President Geetha Prasad, Tulaja Shreseha and Past President Tim Blattner Credit: Janet Markman

The Rotary Club of the Caldwells has been serving the West Essex community for over 60 years. During that time, the group has supported valuable humanitarian projects both at home and abroad. New members are always welcome; the group meets weekly at the Cloverleaf Tavern, Tuesdays at 12:15pm.

Based in south-central Pennsylvania, The Conner M. Holland Foundation is a non-profit organization that serves families in Lancaster, Lebanon, and York counties, who experience  financial and emotional burdens as they walk through the journey of a life-threatening pediatric cancer illness.

The Safe House is a protected shelter for abused women and their children located in Essex County. Also provided are emergency medical treatment; emotional support; short-term counseling to those in crisis and assistance with welfare, child care, vocational and educational referrals; legal advocacy; housing advocacy; help in police and court proceedings, and nutritional meals.

"It's really wonderful to see their pride and
love of the Parade and West Orange," Corcoran expressed.

"I always used to take my sons, Michael was the first,
to the West Orange St. Patrick's Day Parade which was a huge celebration
at my in-laws' house too," Michael Flynn commented after buying a t-shirt.
"I want it to continue so he can bring his children to it also,
to carry on the tradition."

"We only have a limited amount available and 
they come in all different sizes,"  commented Corcoran.
"Order your Parade Shirts before it's too late,
help support the Parade and look very Irish doing it!" 

Credit: John Bertollo

"I've run races in New Jersey, New York, Florida,
and California," Bertollo explained.
"I enjoy running, but I also like running for a cause
and bringing awareness to those in need. 
In August, 2013, when I competed in my first half-marathon,
my wife, Chrissy, and I raised over $2,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
As an educator, I felt that was the right organization to raise money for."

Credit: John Bertollo

"As I thought about a cause to run for," detailed Bertollo, "I looked at my
five-year-old Shih Tzu named Gia and thought about those animals in need.
I researched and found that the ASPCA has a running team
for several specific running events and I also found out that,
every 60 seconds, an animal is abused. 
I was shocked and appalled and wanted to raise money so that the
ASPCA can continue doing all of the great things they do to fight animal cruelty.  Running 48.6 miles is not an easy task,
but it's worth it if even one animal can be rescued."

Credit: John Bertollo

"I am raising money to help the ASPCA," Bertollo stated. "Although I am an educator and I love children (and now have one of my own), I also have a love for animals (especially my baby, Gia) and wanted to help impact them as well. If anyone feels inclined, they can donate to my Team ASPCA account. The ASPCA is very important to me and I appreciate the help as we fight to end animal cruelty, homelessness and neglect.  Please support me by making a donation and help me make a positive impact in the lives of animals living in my community. Any donation would be appreciated. Thank you"

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was the first humane society to be established in North America and is, today, one of the largest in the world. Headquartered in New York City, the ASPCA maintains a strong local presence, and with programs that extend their anti-cruelty mission across the country, they are recognized as a national animal welfare organization. The ASPCA is a privately funded 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation.

Vero Amici President Joe Garamella, Mental Health Association Members Taisia Koeppel, Manuela Garcia and Executive Director Robert Davison with Vero Amici President Emeritus Vinnie Christopher Credit: Carolyne Volpe Curley

"I'd like to thank my true friends in Vero Amici
for this very generous donation" Davison expressed.
"At the Mental Health Association, we have a program called
the Riskin Children's Center where we serve over forty children.
Not all, but many, of whom have been exposed to unspeakable traumas.
And many of these individuals are three, four, five, six, seven, eight years old."

"So this $5,000 gift has become a $10,000 gift," Davison enthused.

The Mental Health Association of Essex County promotes mental health including the integration of physical healthcare, improves the care and treatment of individuals with mental illness and endeavors to remove the stigma associated with emotional and mental disorders. They accomplish their work through advocacy, education, prevention, early intervention, treatment and service.

Vero Amici for Charity was established in December, 2005, by local men from the West Essex community. The mission of Vero Amici, which translates to "True Friends," is to raise money through charitable contributions that are dedicated for children, citizens with disabilities, senior citizens and under-privileged youths who need medical or financial assistance and to promote local awareness in our communities. The values of Vero Amici come from the individuals that make up their association.  These individuals are compassionate, committed and most importantly, caring.

Vero Amici members from left: Bob Masella, Patrick Aiello, President Joe Garamella, Pete Pirrello, President Emeritus Vinnie Christopher and Gabe Dimasi, Jr. Credit: Vero Amici

2014 $5,000 Donation: from left: Vero Amici President Joe Garamella, Local Assistance Board Director Maria Burak, West Caldwell Coordinator Jackie DeBonis and Vera Amici President Emeritus Vincent Christopher Credits: Vero Amici

2013 Turkey Donations: from left: Vero Amici Trustee Dominick Aiello, Local Assistance Board Director Maria Burak, Vera Amici President Emeritus Vincent Christopher, President Joe Garamella, member Bob Davison and member Gianni Siniscalchi Credits: Vero Amici

"You do not realize how many people cannot afford a turkey dinner on Thanksgiving right here in the West Essex community," Garamella commented. "We're not talking inner cities, we're talking right here in our own backyards. When we got her the turkeys, it was then that she told us
how fast the food comes in and how fast it goes out and
how many families here really can't afford to put food on their table."

"Yesterday, Maria Burak called to say that the pantry
was desperately in need of turkeys
to distribute to local families within the community
for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday," explained Garamella.
"Once Maria called and told us about the turkey shortage, we acted right away."

"If someone's lights get turned off, for instance,
we're able to help them," Burak explained.  
Or if someone can't pay their rent and are about to be evicted.
It makes you feel good that you are able to do 
different things for the people of the town when they really need it."

"We are here to make the community aware that
there are people and families in our area that are less fortunate
and in need of assistance," stated Garamella.
"They could be your neighbor or someone who sits next to you at church.
We are asking that the West Essex community please help
by donating food or money to the Local Assistance Board.”  

Vero Amici for Charity was established in December, 2005, by local men from the West Essex community. The mission of Vero Amici, which translates to "True Friends," is to raise money through charitable contributions that are dedicated for children, citizens with disabilities, senior citizens and under-privileged youths who need medical or financial assistance and to promote local awareness in our communities. The values of Vero Amici come from the individuals that make up their association.  These individuals are compassionate, committed and most importantly, caring.

Credit: Terrie Michaels

Food Pantry Donations Needed

"It's really a great experience and the
people in the past
have been amazing with donations," Michaels enthused.
"All of the items collected will go directly to the food pantry.
We stay out all night, going inside only to use the restrooms.
The only year there was a change was the Sandy year;
we instead stayed up all night baking and then
delivered all the baked goods down the shore, another great experience."

Notre Dame Parish is a community of more than 1900 families in Western Essex County. They are a Christian Community of the Roman Catholic tradition, serving the town of North Caldwell and the wider West Essex Community.

Credit: Victoria Steele

"I just wanted to let all my 'Rockin' Rhonda' and 'Dancin' Donna' fans know that I have a bit of sad news; I have relocated," Lee commented.
"I will no longer be dancing on the wall next year and I will really miss you all.
Thanks so much for such happy memories and all of the waving and beeping.
I promise I will come back and visit.
Always be happy and dance."

"I have lived in Caldwell for 42 years," Dancin' Donna explained.
"I went to Trinity Academy, which was Saint Aloyious then,
and graduated from James Caldwell.
I first lived on Smull Avenue, moved to Prospect Avenue,
then over to Westover and then to Espy.
I have made a lot of great memories and known a lot of great people."

Credit: Victoria Steele

When asked what she listens to, Lee expressed that she enjoys "Top Forty, Country and Rock Music" and stays away from Hip-Hop and Rap.  "I have always loved eighties music," Lee expressed.  "I listen to Madonna, Poison, Def Leopard, Boys to Men,  Richard Marx, George Michael and Ricky Martin."

West Caldwell resident Fran Fiore Seragusa commented, "I will really miss Donna's presence in town. She always put a smile on my face! Caldwell/ West Caldwell will miss her - save the last dance for us Donna!"

Credit: VIctoria Steele

Susanne Lazar commented on Lee's departure, "I really wish Donna all the best. She often made me smile, especially when when I was going to visit my dad in Caldwell. He was very ill, and while I was taking care of him, Donna would really lift my spirits. and she absolutely helped get me through some tough times until he passed away, December, 2011."

"Riding down Bloomfield Avenue won't be the same,"
commented Kathy Reilly Zieser of Caldwell.
"Donna will really be missed. 
Anyone who is from town knows her; maybe not to talk to,
but certainly to wave to or beep their horn at her while driving.
Everyone always has so much on their mind,
but when they came around the bend and Donna was sitting there,
she always brought a smile to our faces." 

"The wall was my happy place.
No one could bring me down. I felt safe and comfortable.
In high school I wasn't allowed to be myself,
I was made fun of all the time and in college the same thing.
On the wall, I was myself and people accepted me for who I am. 
The old Donna that was bullied
would never have sat on the wall and listened to music. 
By the age of 34 I finally learned that you just
can't let people stop you from being yourself. 
And if people don't like who you are, that is ok."

Steele explained she had videotaped Lee because she had seen her for many years "bopping on that wall" and thought of Lee as "something of an institution in our community."  Credit: Victoria Steele

"Donna Lee is a gentle spirit with a real appreciation for tongue in cheek humor," Steele described. "She has a ready smile and loves making people happy. They honk their horns and wave when they see her, and if the tunes aren't  'too' loud, she will wave and smile. She is a real sweetheart who added sunshine and smiles with her dancing.  I can't believe she has left. She has lived her whole life in our community. Without her, the wall seems so stark now."

" I think I just wanted to make people smile while I listen to my music," Rockin' Rhonda expressed. "I hope I did that." It's apparent that Lee has touched countless lives, more than she will ever know.

Credit: Victoria Steele

Sign up for Daily and Breaking News Emails