The Annual Bocce Ball Tournament was formally scheduled for this Thursday, June 13th, but it has been rescheduled for June 26th from 5:00 – 8:00. This is due to the weather. We are still accepting new participants. We hope to see you all there!
By Renée Kiriluk-Hill/Hunterdon Democrat
ALEXANDRIA TWP. — Dozens of students, staff and community members plan to get their heads shaved next week at Delaware Valley High School for a good cause — the fight against childhood cancer.
The goal is to raise at least $10,000 for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, which visitors to the school website learn is a “a volunteer-driven charity that funds more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the U.S. government.”
The description comes under the heading, “Be a hero for kids with cancer.”
The group shave is set for Thursday, April 18 at 4 p.m. in the school’s new gym, nicknamed “The Hutch.” Everyone’s invited to watch as three volunteer barbers take hair clippers to the heads of more than 25 volunteers, male and female, young and older.
School juniors and disc jockeys Jena Merritt and Audrey LaBar will keep the crowd pumped.
Vice principal Tony Mormile brought the idea for the fundraiser to Del Val from his former school, Hopewell Valley High School.
He’s thrilled by the many people volunteering to get their heads shaved, and the number of supporters.
“People want to do something nice, just to do something nice,” he said this week. “It’s taken it to a whole other level.”
Ten staff members have signed on. Some will look noticeably different the next day in school, including English teacher Tara Civitillo and librarian Tracy Miceli. They are among several females going under the hair clippers.
English teacher Brian Smith is taking part, Mormile said, in support of fellow shavee and brother Greg, a student at Rider University undergoing cancer treatments.
So far, 15 students are signed up to get their heads shaved.
Some, like school board member Dave Sousa of Alexandria Township, have previously participated in a St. Baldrick’s fundraiser.
Mormile is also taking part as a shavee and admits that he won’t look much different the next day because his hair is normally quite short.
But he knows, from prior events, that he’ll feel different. “This event has always given a really warm feeling to me and others. It feels good doing things for others. This is a fun event, we definitely want people to come out.”
Music teachers James Schnyderite and Steve Cooney will participate and serve as emcees at the fundraiser.
The volunteer barbers are: Eileen Inglin. from A Cut Above in Flemington, Lisa Fischer from the Frenchtown/Holland area, and Angela Guenther, wife of staff member and shavee Frank Guenther.
Article: http://www.nj.com/hunterdon-county-democrat/index.ssf/2013/04/be_a_hero_for_kids_with_cancer.html
Businesses sought for Career Gateway program
Career Gateway, an innovative program that teaches young adults with disabilities the necessary skills to enter the workforce and live independently, is seeking businesses willing to host students for six-hour internships.
The program, which works with young adults between the ages of 17-25, was developed by the Progressive Center for Independent Living, a leading advocate for people with disabilities.
Students who participate in the program attend classes for eight weeks, learning skills like balancing a checkbook, paying bills, searching for a job and the proper interview techniques.
Ultimately the goal is to teach students how to succeed in a work environment and live independently.
“Employment is the first vital step toward building an independent life,” said Scott Elliott, executive director of PCIL. “It is on this cornerstone that individuals with disabilities will have the financial freedom to live a full and productive life.”
Once students are ready they participate in a six-hour “internship” where they job-shadow a mentor at a business that meets their career aspirations. Accompanied by a trained job coordinator from PCIL at all times, each student will complete three internships, providing a variety of career options.
But for the program to succeed, businesses need to volunteer to host students, explained Renee Pfaff, program coordinator. “There is no long term commitment for the business, just the willingness to provide a mentor for six hours so the students can get a real feel for what it’s like to work in the field,” Pfaff added.
Career Gateway is funded through a grant from the state Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services. There is no cost for businesses to participate. For more information about the program contact Renee Pfaff at 609 581-4500 or Pamela Vernon at 908 782-1055.
PerformCare is now accepting applications for financial support toward summer camp tuition. Applications will be accepted March 15, 2013 through
April 30, 2013. Applications received after May 15, 2013 will not be accepted. For eligibility requirements please visit; www.performcarenj.org/families/disability/summer-camp-faq.aspx
Mercer County Office for the Disabled also offers funding for summer camps. To obtain more information please visit: http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dds/home/cntyofficeindex.html or contact them at: (609) 989-6468
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Please take this anonymous survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/72BWQ99 for ARC Mercer to provide input on respite, day programs, recreation, transportation etc. for families. If you have any questions, please contact Justin Hall, jhall@arcmercer.org, or Kelly Jiras, kjiras@arcmercer.org.
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