 Credit: Kiwanis On Oct. 12, the Kiwanis Club of Caldwell-West Essex officially organized Verona High School as a Keyclub. The Charter Ceremony was attended by Garrett Jones, Chris MacIntyre, Mary Ann Luke, Pat Collura and Bob Hodge. Students were Dasha Yaknnis, Julia Cambreleng, Tyler Jackson, Alex Ng, Brian Feury and Mr Maher. Information concerning Kiwanis found here  Credit: Kiwanis The Kiwanis Club of Caldwell-West Essex donated a windscreen for the community tennis court to the North Caldwell Recreation department.
Published 3:17pm CALDWELL, NJ - On Tuesday, July 22, the Rotary Club of the Caldwells presented Caldwell University student Tulaja Shreseha with $2,500 on behalf of the American Nepal Medical Foundation. The Foundation will use the funds for medical supplies to aid the victims of the April earthquake. Presenting Shreseha with the donation were Rotary President Geetha Prasad, and Past President Tim Blattner.  From left: Rotary Club of the Caldwells President Geetha Prasad, Tulaja Shreseha and Past President Tim Blattner Credit: Janet Markman Further Information The Rotary Club of The Caldwells President: Geetha Prasad PO Box 98 Caldwell, NJ 07006 973-433-5665 Website 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.  VERONA, NJ - The Junior Woman's Club of Verona has organized a Women's and Children's Pajama Drive" to collect new nightclothes for the Connor M Holland Foundation and the Essex County Safe House. Donations of NEW clothing only will be accepted until Saturday, May 30. Pajama Donations New pajamas, in any size, for any season are being collected. Two convenient drop-off collection bins have been designated:
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. Congregation Agudath Israel Third Graders Benefited The Seeing Eye of Morristown with "Bark Mitzvah"3/26/2015
Published 6:31pm  Credit: Congregation Agudath Israel CALDWELL, NJ - Congregation Agudath Israel's (CAI) third-grade girls gathered on Sunday, March 15, to participate in a "Bark Mitzvah." The event, which celebrated the life of Spencer, a 13-year-old Portuguese water dog, invited guests to bring dog food and supplies which were ultimately donated to The Seeing Eye of Morristown. The Seeing Eye, established in 1927 in Morristown, was the first school of its kind in the world. Thousands of lives have been enhanced through the companionship provided by the dogs which have been specially trained to assist those who have loss of sight.  Credit: Congregation Agudath Israel Educational Director at Agudath Israel Susan Werk led the group in a service honoring Spencer and the participants made dog-themed tzadakah boxes. Spencer's family members, CAI congregants Erica, Glenn, Zoe and Zack Lieberman, were on hand for the occasion and Zoe and her friend Marlee Perlmutter also participated in the service and educated their friends.
 Spencer Credit: Congregation Agudath Israel Donate The Seeing Eye receives no government funding and donations are always welcome. Those interested may donate online here or mail a check to:
Further Information
Congregation Agudath Israel Religious Leader: Rabbi Alan Silverstein, PhD 20 Academy Road Caldwell, NJ 07006 973-226-3600 Website Help Support the West Orange St. Patrick's Day Parade; Purchase a Parade T-Shirt by Feb. 41/22/2015
Published 1:58pm  WEST ORANGE, NJ - The West Orange St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee needs help raising money to continue producing one of the largest and well-attended St. Patrick's Day parades in New Jersey. This year, the West Orange Parade takes place Sunday, March 15 at 12:15pm. In a fundraising effort, the committee is selling t-shirts to offset the cost of the procurement of bands, insurance, and other essentials which keep the Parade an annual event for not only the West Essex area, but for many Irish throughout New Jersey. Click online here to place an order. The booster program will end Feb. 4, and the shirts will be delivered to customers around Feb. 18. Parade Committee Financial Secretary Carol Sharkey Corcoran explained that after purchasing t-shirts, people are given the opportunity to leave a comment. "It's really wonderful to see their pride and  The 2015 West Orange St. Patrick's Day Parade will be honoring:
"I always used to take my sons, Michael was the first, T-Shirt Information Shirts are $20 each plus $5 shipping Click online here to place an order.
"We only have a limited amount available and  Further Information West Orange St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee Financial Secretary Carol Sharkey Corcoran Box 344 West Orange, NJ 07052 Website
Published 10:36pm  Credit: John Bertollo WEST CALDWELL, NJ - In January, James Caldwell High School Vice Principal John Bertollo will find himself in a warm place for a good cause. Bertollo is presently training to run his first marathon in Orlando, Florida, with the aim of benefiting the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). For years, Bertollo has been running competitively in an array of different races and has competed in several 5Ks, 10Ks, and four half marathons. "I've run races in New Jersey, New York, Florida,  Make-a-Wish is the well-known philanthropic organization that grants the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses. This coming year, Bertollo has decided to work to benefit the ASPCA when he competes in the "Dopey Challenge" at Walt Disney World. The January race will be Bertollo's first time taking on a full-scale endeavor. The race, which is named after one of the Seven Dwarves featured in Walt Disney's classic Snow White, is considered challenging because it consists of a 5K, 10K, half marathon and marathon on four consecutive days, totaling 48.6 miles. All of the funds raised will be given to the ASPCA.  Credit: John Bertollo Donations Welcomed Bertollo has a personal goal he has set for himself to raise $1,200 to donate to the ASPCA. The monies raised will help the ASPCA continue to provide local and national leadership in three key areas:
Anyone interested in making a contribution to Bertollo's team may do so online here. "As I thought about a cause to run for," detailed Bertollo, "I looked at my  Credit: John Bertollo
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.
Published 9:30pm  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 MONTCLAIR / WEST CALDWELL, NJ - At a recent gathering of the members of Vero Amici for Charity, West Caldwell's Robert N. Davison, Executive Director of the Mental Health Association of Essex County, accepted a check for $5,000 on behalf of the organization. The Vero Amici donation will be used by the Association to provide a sense of Christmas for children who are under their care in The Riskin Children's Center and who would otherwise not experience any traditional holiday joy. At the Nov. 13 event, Vero Amici President Joe Garamella said mental health is concern not just in this country but around the world. Davison explained that each year the Association arranges for a full Christmas for as many children as they are able through the generous donation of the philanthropic organization. "I'd like to thank my true friends in Vero Amici Davison explained that the families of many of those children don't have extra resources during the holiday season and that, through a donation from Vero Amici five years ago, the Association created the tradition of assisting those families at Christmas. The Riskin Children's Center puts aside $500 for each family in need to buy Christmas presents, a tree, dinner and "the whole nine yards," Davison said. He went on to say that he had more good news, and earlier that day, an anonymous donor said he would match the $5000 donation with his own. "So this $5,000 gift has become a $10,000 gift," Davison enthused. Services A full list of services offered for adults and children by the Mental Health Association of Essex County is found online here. Donate To make a donation to the organization:
Further Information Mental Health Association of Essex County Executive Director Robert N. Davison 33 South Fullerton Avenue Montclair, NJ 07042 973-509-9777 Website Further Reading 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.
Published 9:33pm  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 CALDWELL / WEST CALDWELL, NJ - Vero Amici for Charity announced that, on Monday, their philanthropic group purchased 50 turkeys for the Caldwell-West Caldwell Local Assistance Board. The Board's Caldwell Food Pantry was in dire need as it is in the process of providing Thanksgiving meals for many area families.  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 Vero Amici's Thanksgiving gift comes on top of the $5000 check which the men's group had already given to the board on Thursday, Nov. 13. Currently, about 84 families make use of local assistance on a monthly basis. For Thanksgiving, the food pantry is expecting to make up over 120 baskets for those who are not able to provide the traditional holiday dinner for their families. In the past seven years, Vero Amici has donated over 400 turkeys to Caldwell's food pantry and has donated $35,000 to help keep the food bank stocked throughout the year.  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 At the Nov. 13 gathering, Vero Amici's President Joseph Garamella presented the Board Director Maria Burak with the substantial donation. Also present for the occasion was West Caldwell's Board Chair Rose Marie Jackie DeBonis. Garamella recounted to the audience how, seven years ago, Burak had contacted Vero Amici requesting 50 turkeys just a few days before Thanksgiving. The men went to Shop Rite and delivered Burak 50 turkeys that day, and thus the tradition began. "You do not realize how many people cannot afford a turkey dinner on Thanksgiving right here in the West Essex community," Garamella commented. The assistance board is involved with many aspects of the community's welfare. As she accepted the donation, Burak described how the board had just helped a single mom with three kids stay in their home. Community groups, area schools, local scouts and religious organizations all help to provide food donations for the pantry. Yesterday, despite the many turkey donations the food pantry had already received, Burak again notified Vero Amici that many more were needed. "Yesterday, Maria Burak called to say that the pantry Burak explained the Local Assistance Board donations are used to provide emergency assistance to people. "If someone's lights get turned off, for instance, Garamella expressed that part of Vero Amici's mission as a charity is to help promote local awareness of those in the community who are in need. "We are here to make the community aware that Donations Donations to the Local Assistance Board and Caldwell Food Pantry may be mailed or delivered to the following address: Local Assistance Board 14 Park Avenue Caldwell, NJ 07006 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. Further Reading
Published 2:56pm  Credit: Terrie Michaels NORTH CALDWELL, NJ - For the fourth year, the Youth Ministry of Notre Dame Church will be spending a cold night sleeping outside on the front lawn of the church in the hope of bringing awareness to homelessness and hunger. The event will take place this weekend at 359 Central Avenue, North Caldwell, and area residents are encouraged to stop by with donations for the Caldwell Food Pantry. The teens will be outside from 8pm, Saturday evening until 8am, Sunday morning, Nov 22 and 23. Food Pantry Donations NeededDonations Requested Nearby the front yard camp-out are shopping carts waiting for the donations. The teens will come pick up any items from a car and bring them over to the carts. The following non-perishable food items, hygiene necessities and household supplies are currently in demand at the Caldwell Food Pantry: Food Items
Toiletries
The Notre Dame Parish Communications Director Terrie Michaels explained the the group spends the entire evening outside in sleeping bags, sheltered by large cardboard boxes. During the month after Hurricaine Sandy, the teens instead took the time period to stay up all evening baking and then delivered the items the next morning to churches down the shore. "It's really a great experience and the Further Information Notre Dame Pastor: Rev. Anthony Randazzo 359 Central Ave. North Caldwell NJ 07006 973-226-0979 Website 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.
Published 7:41pm  Credit: Victoria Steele CALDWELL, NJ - Donna Lee, also known as "Dancin' Donna" and "Rockin' Rhonda" has moved on from Caldwell and has left her Bloomfield Avenue wall behind. Lee moved earlier this fall after living her entire life, 42 years, in Caldwell. She could be found on most nice afternoons sitting on the wall at the corner of Bloomfield Avenue and Westover and on other occasions, like the July 4th Fireworks, or Caldwell Street Fair, she was sure to be seen walking around smiling or warmly greeting people. "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. Lee is the essence of all that is Caldwell. She grew up going to St. Aloysius Grammar School and then moved on to James Caldwell High School. "I have lived in Caldwell for 42 years," Dancin' Donna explained. Lee says she can't recall exactly when she started sitting on the wall and listening to music. She thinks it may have been six or even ten years ago. As time went by, people have grown accustomed to seeing her sit on the wall at the corner of Bloomfield Avenue and Westover, nodding her head and smiling and waving to people as she listened to the music from her headphones.
"Riding down Bloomfield Avenue won't be the same," Lee commented that her wall experience helped her recover from earlier days when she had been bullied. "The wall was my happy place. During Sandy, when much of West Essex was without power, without car fuel - Lee made it her mission to get back on that wall and wave to people. A local resident, Veronica Steele, took note of her service and uploaded it to YouTube.
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