May 4, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 9 ���������� by Jennifer Crusco Ho-Ho-Kus residents Olivia Blute and Nora Verhoff are working change the world – one sweet treat at a time. The two Northern Highlands High School freshmen and ������������������������������� ��������� ���������������������������������������������� Bakers with cause give council food for thought 5-4-11 karen/janine HoHoKusSidewalkBanner6x(5-4-11) 6 x .75” approximately 10 of their peers are currently seeking permission from the Ho-HoKus Council to run regular sales of their own homemade cupcakes, cookies, and brownies to benefit Compassion for Cambodia. Blute and Verhoff told the council their interest in Cambodia began when they were eighth graders at the Ho-Ho-Kus Public School and studied genocide in their history class. They noted that the continuing poor conditions in Cambodia receive little attention, and they aim to raise awareness for the residents of that country. The girls explained that their goal is to host sales of their homemade baked goods on Fridays in the borough’s downtown, perhaps setting up a table on the Ho-Ho-Kus Town Green between 3 and 5 p.m. Ho-HoKus Public School students tend to congregate downtown on Friday afternoons, and are expected to be avid patrons, the girls explained. The girls told the council 60 percent of their proceeds would benefit Compassion for Cambodia, while the balance would be devoted to other fundraising ideas. In 2010, the girls participated in fundraising efforts, including a benefit gala at the Ho-Ho-Kus Public School, that netted sufficient funds to build the Kunja School in Cambodia through the American Assistance for Cambodia’s Rural Schools Project. In response to a question from Councilman John Mongelli, the girls revealed that the 2010 effort netted $13,000 for the construction of the school building. They added that they now need approximately $5,000 for a teacher, books, water filters, and other supplies to support the The Ho-Ho-Kus/Saddle River Orange Crush basketball team won this year’s championship game, defeating Upper Saddle River in the fifth and sixth grade girls’ basketball league. Pictured are: Sarah Cedarstrand, Mary Goldin, Nora Moran, Maddie Higgins, Peyton Carnovale, Emily Delmonte, Talia Carter, Sarah Minchin and Katelyn Ewell. Back row: Coaches Todd Ewell and Brian Moran. Champions receive trophies In Ho -Ho -Kus it’s TM school. Verhoff and Blute said they plan to build additional schools in Cambodia, citing the importance of educating girls, in particular, and keeping them from becoming victims of human trafficking. Councilwoman Maryellen Lennon lauded the girls’ dedication, and asked about post-sale cleanup efforts. The girls stressed that they and their club members are aware of litter issues in the downtown, and would take care to police themselves by picking up any stray napkins or cupcake papers. Mayor Thomas Randall called the effort noble and worthwhile. However, he cautioned the girls that their sales should not interfere with other events taking place in the downtown. He and Councilwoman Lennon urged the students to formulate a plan as to how many sales would be held, and on what date the sales would end. During the discussion, the informal plan was to have sales of baked goods every other Friday until the end of June, when school closes for the summer. The girls also expressed an interest in selling their sweets at the local Movies under the Stars events and perhaps for Memorial Day. Mayor Randall said local officials, including the health inspector and police department, would have to be consulted regarding this request. According to Yale University’s Cambodian Genocide Program website, approximately 1.7 million Cambodians lost their lives between 1975-79 due to executions, starvation, and forced labor while the Khmer Rouge was in power. That regime, headed by Pol Pot and his associates, called the country Democratic Kampuchea. Franklyn’s Pharmacy 1 Sheridan Ave. • Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423 • 201-444-5550 Join Our Good Neighbor Pharmacy Prescription Club Over 400 Generic Drugs - $5.99 30 Day Supply for all your real estate needs See why our 30 years of exceptional service will make the difference for you. MarronGildea.com Ho-Ho-Kus 201-447-6100 Ridgewood 201-445-8880 Saddle River 201-934-9300 Also save on over 5000 brand name prescriptions Digital Photo kiosk on premises.  Mention this ad & get 25% OFF all Ho-Ho-Kus T-Shirts and Hats FREE DELIVERY A DOG’S BEST FRIEND All Breed Dog Grooming 5-4-11 Mike/Janine FranklynPharm2x2(5-4-11) 2 x 2” Over 30 years of prominent grooming by Lorraine Swinarton Former owner of The Woof Furry 604 N. Maple Avenue Ho-Ho-Kus (one hydrant up from Sicilian Sun) 201-444-9577 Hours by appointment