Villadom Times Weekly Newpaper Online-February 9, 2011 Issue

Franklin Lakes February 9, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 7 Foundation’s online auction raises $10,000 for schools by Frank J. McMahon The Franklin Lakes Education Foundation raised nearly $10,000 last week in the group’s first-ever online auction. The online auction catalogue, which was open to district families with children in pre-K through grade eight, featured more than 25 items, including unique school experiences. Auction items included opportunities for children to be principal for the day in the elementary schools, serve as a live TV host at the middle school, and to attend an art party with teachers. The auction also incorporated diverse items donated by members of the community, including a chance to be mayor for a day and to spend time as a junior fire chief. Kristen Nihamin, FLEF co-vice president and co-chair of the event, emphasized the importance of the foundation’s work. “With the current budget environment,” Nihamin stated, “FLEF’s mission to enhance innovative education is more vital than ever to simply sustain the high level of quality education in our public schools.” Mary Loprete, trustee and online auction co-chair added, “The online auction concept is a creative way to not only raise these essential funds, but to reach members of our community who are unable to attend or support other FLEF-sponsored events. “The online venue also serves as an opportunity to showcase the generous and unique donations from our teachers and municipality.” FLEF will host its annual dinner dance fundraiser on Friday, Feb. 11 at Seasons in Washington Township. Event organizers plan to incorporate new auction technology at this event. Gina Hayes, co-chair of the upcoming event, explained that FLEF will be using handheld, electronic bidding devices for its special auction, enabling them to provide an interactive experience for guests, keep the auction open longer, and possibly raise more funds. “This technology seems to be the trend in fundraising today,” Hayes said, “and we are thrilled that IML, a leading global supplier of interactive event technology, will be providing our guests with the most advanced and sophisticated audience response system available.” According to Maureen McLaughlin, the co-vice-president of the FLEF, the foundation is comprised of 20 parent volunteers and is dedicated to enriching the quality of education in the pre-K through grade eight schools in Franklin Lakes by granting the resources for innovative programming that would not be possible within the limitations of the board of education’s budget. FAMS student designs logo (continued from page 6) Lakes Public Schools is an outstanding educational institution,” Romano told Lyons. “Like all exceptional organizations, we strive to grow even better over time.” Romano explained that, in addition to learning about the school community and as part of his conversations during his entry into the school district this past spring and summer, he asked various stakeholders in the district to identify those areas where the district might grow. He said they articulated one area more than others: consistency. In response, Romano said he brought the concept of “branding” to the district’s administrative cabinet as a healthy and somewhat creative way to establish a foundation for this work. “That initial phase of branding brings us to tonight’s celebration of your contribution,” Romano told Lyons. “The administrative cabinet decided in the fall that we would engage students in the process of branding our district in the form of a logo,” Romano said, “and the administrative cabinet would then select among the best of the submissions.” He told Lyons, “Your talent and commitment to Franklin Lakes yielded the winning logo and on behalf of the board of education and the administration, I thank you for your efforts and your artistic contribution. “Your logo will appear on such items as the new district website, our letterhead, and the strategic plan. “Students like you make education a rewarding and exciting place to be. Please accept this commendation for a job well done.” �� ✤ �� ✤ �� ✤ �� ✤ �� ✤ �� New Jersey Pediatric Neurosurgical Associates welcomes �� Dr. Lauren Schwartz�� to its new state-of-the-art facility in Hackensack Dr. Mazzola has published several peer – reviewed articles and has presented numerous posters and abstracts at national neuroscience conventions. She was responsible for the creation of the Neuromuscular and Movements Disorder Center for Children at Hackensack University Medical Center in 2001 and the Craniofacial and Cleft Lip and Palate Center at Morristown Memorial Hospital in 2006. She has authored and co-authored more than twenty-five papers, and has received grants from the Children’s Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and the N.J. State Cancer Commission. As the mother of five children, Dr. MazCatherine Mazzola, M.D. zola understands the responsibilities of parenthood and is able to empathize with parents who have children with special needs. As an active and concerned pediatric neurosurgeon, Dr. Mazzola gives several lectures a year for patients and their families, nursing organizations, pediatricians, and residents and has cared for thousands of children with neurosurgical disorders. Certifications: American Board of Pediatric Neurology; American Board of Neurological Surgeons. One of two board certified N.J. Pediatric Neurosurgeons and one of the few female neurosurgeons in N.J. Catherine Mazzola, M.D., Director Dr. Schwartz is committed to advancing neurosurgery both in the US and internationally. She has been an invited lecturer on topics in pediatric neurosurgery, neurotrauma, stroke, aneurysm surgery, spine surgery and the social and political issues affecting neurosurgery. She recently served as the 20th president of Women in Neurosurgery (WINS), a national neurosurgical association for which she currently remains a member of the Executive Board. Dr. Schwartz has written and co-authored multiple journal articles, textLauren Schwartz, M.D. book and web chapters and was featured on Lifetime TV’s “Women Heroes of 9/11” for her service at Ground Zero. Neurosurgical training: the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio and at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Yeshiva University in NY. Fellowship training: Pediatric Neurosurgery at the Institute for Neurology and Neurosurgery (INN) at Beth Israel Medical Center, NY; Christopher’s Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, Pa. Lauren Schwartz M.D. Comprehensive care for neurosurgical patients and their family. 385 Prospect Ave. • 2nd Floor • Hackensack, NJ 07601 • 201-996-9300 131 Madison Ave. • Suite 140 • Morristown, NJ 07960 • 973-326-9000 Both ofﬁces open 5 days www.njpediatricneurosurgery.com 2-9-11 joan/janine