Page 14 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • October 14, 2009
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Personalized service is key at Rubin Opticians
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ubin Opticians’ well deserved reputation is due not only to the shop’s competence, concern for quality, and high ethical standards but also to the women who work there. Co-owner Penny Ship, long time employee Dorothy Voitas and Farah Kara-Mostefa provide the woman’s touch to the family business that has been a Midland Park institution for over 40 years. These fashion-conscious women advise customers on the proper eyeglass frames to fit Dorothy Voitas, owner Penny Ship, and Farah Kara-Mostefa. their face, coloring, budget, lifestyle and any other specialized need. They give each person, from children to senior citizens, all the individualized attention they require, which often means patiently trying on a good number of frames. And they understand the need to balance fashion with durability and budget. Rubin Opticians carries all the latest and highest quality in designer and non-designer eyewear, including such favorite classics as Ralph Lauren, Armani, and Calvin Klein. Also in stock are many European lines, such as Face a Face, Lafont, Anne et Valentin and Theo. Rubin’s recently extended its collections to include small, independent companies such as Salt, Etnia and Derek Lam, which feature innovative yet cost-effective lines. Rubin Opticians regularly hosts private showings so customers can preview a manufacturer’s entire frame collection. Due to the popularity of laser surgeries, Rubin’s has an extensive selection of non-prescription sunglasses and readers essential after surgery. It also carries a large selection of eyeglass holder jewelry, including La Loop and Sport Loop holders, and other accessories. Opticians Dana Ship, Penny’s husband and partner, and Larry Gaudiomonte and Stephen Wolff provide the correct lenses and advise on the latest technology available to suit individual requirements. Dr. Ira Hanlon (lic. # 27OA00433900) rounds out the practice by providing eye exams and contact lens service. The most innovative technology in specialty lenses and frames is their expertise. Most work is done in their lab right on the premises. Rubin Opticians is located at 240 Godwin Ave. in Midland Park. Call 201-447-3121.
Maureen Wuerfel is new owner at Gingerbread Shop
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aureen Wuerfel took over ownership of the distinctive Gingerbread Consignment Shop in Midland Park this past summer after having worked there for 15 years. “The former owners were closing it, and I thought it was worth it to keep providing the service to the community,” she explains. “The regulars encouraged me, because they didn’t want to lose it.” The shop’s ambiance is bright and relaxed. Wuerfel refurbished the storefront as soon as she took it over and says she likes everything about her new venture, even Maureen Wuerful the longer hours. “I very much enjoy the shop, the customers, helping people. The regulars have become friends,” she says. The Gingerbread Shop carries new and gently used quality clothing for women and children, including designer fashions. The stock comes from area residents whom the clothes no longer fit, or who received them as gifts and they didn’t suit their taste, or whose children outgrew them. Due to the shop’s reputation for quality merchandise at a very good price, consignees as well as shoppers come from as far away as New York City, Parsippany and Morris County. Wuerfel takes 20 items at a time on consignment, and conveniently, receiving hours are any time the shop is open. People may also bring in items on consignment and donate their share of the proceeds to a program for adults with autism in Paramus. The choice of beneficiary is no coincidence. Woerfel has been an active advocate for autistic programs for over 20 years, including running support groups. One of her three children is autistic, and she is well aware of the need for funding to support specialized programs. The Gingerbread Consignment Shop is located at 228 Godwin Ave. in Midland Park. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Stop by and surprise yourself with a great find.
Christy Delaguerra heads financial aid department at Eastwick College in Ramsey
hristy Delaguerra helps people with their higher education aspirations, working to make sure they get the best support possible through the Financial Aid Department at Eastwick College in Ramsey. Thanks to her, new students can spend more time working on their education and less time worrying how they’re going to pay for it. Delaguerra credits the college (previously the HoHoKus School of Business and Medical Sciences) for her success, and wants to make sure others have similar opportunities to achieve their career goals. She was a single mom waitressing and bartending to make ends meet when she decided to enroll in the school’s business administration program in 2001. “I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, when a friend who had attended the medical program here suggested I give the school a try, and here I am, seven years later,” said Delaguerra. Following her graduation from the 18-month program, President Thomas Eastwick realized Delaguerra’s potential and hired her in the financial aid office. Now the Director of Financial Aid, Delaguerra takes pride in helping students sort out their financial situations and getting them the financial assistance they need to attend school and pursue their career goals. “A lot of people are coming back to school and need help to pay for it. Many are looking to change career paths because there are no jobs in their field,” Delaguerra explained. Her office had grown tremendously in recent years, as her staff work hards to stay on top of new financial aid opportunities and changes in existing programs. Eastwick College was recently approved to offer associate degrees in addition to their certificate and diploma programs, allowing students to apply for state TAG grants (state) and federal PELL tuition grants –– many qualify for both at the same time. Loan programs, such as NJ Class and Direct Loans, often pick up what the other programs don’t cover, and vocational or unemployment benefits
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Christy Delaguerra
may even cover part of the tuition. Despite the wide variety of financial aid opportunities available to students, many colleges often only provide minimal help. Christy and her department at Eastwick College, however, provide personalized financial aid assistance. “We meet with every student to explore whether they
qualify for financial aid. We give them an estimate and then do all the follow-up paperwork,” she added. “We process everything for them.” This approach helps potential students focus more on their their career goals and less on paperwork. Eastwick College offers associate degree programs that can be completed in as little as 15 months, a significant advantage considering that a traditional associate degree takes about two or more years and a bachelor degree can often take up to six years to finish. Recently the college has made headlines, gaining approval from the New Jersey Board of Nursing to offer a registered nursing degree program. Eastwick College is the first private proprietary college in the state to earn this approval, making them a vital resource for those seeking to become a registered nurse. In addition to registered nursing, Eastwick College offers degree programs in surgical technology, health information technology, cardiovascular technology and allied health. The new registered nursing degree program follows a long history of medical education and training at Eastwick College and the HoHoKus Schools campuses, both owned and operated by Eastwick Education. “We’ve earned a large amount of respect among healthcare organizations in the area thanks to the focused programs we’ve developed for key occupations such as ultrasound technology, medical assisting, licensed practical nursing, surgical technology, medical billing and coding, and bilingual hispanic nursing,” explains Eastwick, president of Eastwick Education. “This new registered nursing degree comes as the result of extensive collaboration with the medical community to ensure that it provides the best training and career opportunities for our graduates.” To learn more about Eastwick College and its new LPN to RN Bridge registered nursing degree program, call 201327-8877, visit eastwick.edu/RN or stop by the campus at 10 South Franklin Turnpike in Ramsey.