Villadom Times Weekly Newpaper Online-December 23, 2009 Issue

December 23, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 3 Upper Saddle River Foundation presents Tabussi with national honor Upper Saddle River resident Doreen Tabussi recently received the Patty Rettig Health Care Professional Award for Outstanding Achievement at the Arthritis Foundation’s Volunteer Recognition Event. Each year, this award is presented by the National Arthritis Foundation to one outstanding volunteer in the country. The recipient must demonstrate outstanding leadership in the juvenile arthritis community, have a long history of serving this special population, and make a difference in the lives of children struggling with arthritis and rheumatic disease. Tabussi is a registered nurse specializing in pediatric rheumatology at Hackensack University Medical Center. “Doreen has been instrumental in local, state, and national initiatives and is a virtual dynamo in bringing this mission to the juvenile arthritis community and expanding the scope and perception of the Arthritis Foundation,” said Peggy Lotkowictz, vice president of mission delivery for the Arthritis Foundation, New Jersey Chapter. “Her personal commitment to Camp CHAT (Children Have Arthritis Too) can be seen in the fact that she has volunteered to spend the week at the campsite for the past ﬁve years,” Lotkowictz added. “Doreen personally sees to it that every child is comforted when homesick, and doles out her special brand of ‘tender loving care’ when a child is having a tough day. As an ambassador of good will, it is Doreen’s reassuring words and belief in the Camp CHAT experience that convinces many parents that sending their child away for a week, could be the best experience of their child’s life.” The honoree stated, “It was a great honor to be recognized by the Arthritis Foundation for my work with children and families who have been affected by arthritis and rheumatic diseases,” said Tabussi. “As a volunteer, I have witnessed the great programs and supportive services that the foundation offers the families we care for. These programs make a positive impact on the children who are affected by arthritis and also on their family members. I thank the foundation for all that they do; I couldn’t think of a greater organization to work with!” For the past four years, Tabussi has been a member of the Arthritis Walk Committee for the walk in Bergen County and is the driving force behind their team recruitment efforts. “Every patient she sees is told about the event, given information on how to form a family and friends team, and all are encouraged to participate. She is a walking, talking billboard for the Arthritis Walk and our Jingle Bell Run event!” Due to Tabussi’s efforts, over 25 patients from the Hackensack Pediatric Rheumatology Center formed a team and walked at the event. She has also formed her own walk team for the past two years. The honoree has also been one of the professionals responsible for the creation of the New Jersey Chapter’s school program that teaches children and school faculty about arthritis in children. She helped write curriculum for this program, and has helped get the program into New Jersey schools. This year, she has taken on the additional challenge that of advocacy ambassador for her district. The Arthritis Foundation is the only nationwide, nonproﬁt health organization helping people take greater control of arthritis by leading efforts to prevent, control, and cure arthritis and related diseases -- the nation’s number one cause of disability. For free information, including simple strategies to improve health and limit the impact of arthritis, contact the Arthritis Foundation at (732) 2834300 or on the Web at www.arthritis.org. Doreen Tabussi �� But STILL can’t lose that Tummy or Cellulite? Call me about VelaShapeTM A NEW Nonsurgical method of Fat reduction and body contouring • Non-invasive • No Anesthesia • No Downtime Beverly Dunn, MD Waldwick, NJ • 201-445-0032 Dieting? Working Out? �� Reserve today: 201-818-0141 �� combines the � �� of poker with the challenge Bridge �� suspense �� interesting people. of chess. Sharpen your memory. Meet Laugh out loud. Join Master�� Bridge Teacher Amy Nellissen for a free, no-obligation introductory lesson. �� TheBridgeTable.com �� Proud Supporters of the American Contract Bridge League �� Tues., Jan. 5 at 12:45 am West Side Presbyterian Church �� 6 South Monroe St., Ridgewood �� Mon., ��Jan. 25 at 10:00 am �� United Methodist Church �� Franklin Lakes 454 Pulis Ave.,�� Bridge Lesson Absolute Beginner 12-23-09 Mike/Janine BridgeTable2x2(12-23-09) 2x2 ��