Page 6 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • February 23, 2011 Emmanuel asks... Can You Help? Our hat’s off to: Glen Rock WICS and Grace Church of Wyckoff for their generous food drives, and to the two CCD groups from Willard Elementary in Ridgewood for coming to visit our center and stocking our pantry. Thank you, Allie, Christopher, Grace, Joe, Kate, Kayleen, Meghan, Taylor, Timmy, and Zach! We are pleased to announce the return of our popular fun-filled weekend event, the Fine Arts & Craft Show, which features artwork, sculpture, jewelry, and all kinds of crafts. The event will be held at McBride Field on Franklin Lake Road, across from the Market Basket, in Franklin Lakes. The dates are Saturday and Sunday, May 14 and 15, and hours will be from 10 to 5. Admission is free, but a $2 per person donation is suggested. Call Mary Ellen Marra at (201) 857-3930 for a vendor 4-29-09 karen/janine application. EmmanuelHelp2x.75(4-29-09) diagnosed with neuA follow-up on Andy: Andy was roblastoma at the age of three. Neuroblastoma is a can3 x .75 cerous tumor that develops from nerve tissue and occurs in infants and children. Andy received treatment from 2007 through 2009, including chemotherapy, radiation, and a bone marrow transplant. Afterwards, he was in recovery and remission. In July 2010, his mother became concerned about an inflammation inside Andy’s mouth and took him to the doctor. It was then confirmed that the cancer had returned and spread throughout Andy’s body. He was diagnosed with Stage IV neuroblastoma. The doctors attempted to treat the cancer, but were unsuccessful in stopping the rapid growth of tumors. Andy succumbed to the disease on Sunday, Feb. 7 at the age of six. Andy was a beautiful little boy with a sparkling per- sonality and a ton of energy. He was also very smart and loved to learn. He enjoyed puzzles, playing Wii, and chasing his kitten around the apartment he shared with his mom, Cathy. He and his mom were the best of friends. ECF became involved with the family in October of 2008, and provided the family with counseling and support, groceries, and household goods. ECF’s advocacy on behalf of this family resulted in a bighearted response from the community. The family was provided with furniture for Andy’s room after they were forced to move and throw out much of their furniture as a result of bed bugs. This past Christmas, Cathy and Andy received many gifts from a group who read about them in the newspaper and “adopted: them for Christmas. They also received an offer of a Christmas tree and tickets for an enjoyable event. Andy’s last Christmas with his mom was made extra special thanks to the generosity of the community. Andy’s mom Cathy will continue to receive support from ECF. We will continue to provide her with bereavement counseling, advocacy, and groceries/household goods for as long as she continues to need our help. We understand that her battle has not ended. We currently have 17 families receiving eight to 10 bags of food every month. You can help us fill our pantry by donating groceries and grocery store gift cards. We appreciate your help, and so do our families. We also need food drivers who can make deliveries to our families in Bergen and Essex counties. A background check is required. When you hold a fundraiser for ECF or write us a check, approximately 70 cents from every dollar that is donated goes toward direct care for our families. Your efforts help us to help families like Andy’s in many ways, including sending a caseworker to visit the families at home or in the hospital. This support for the kids, their siblings, and parents is crucial. We rely on our local community to help support our families. Many of them do not have the financial or emotional support to help them get through a major illness like cancer. Please remember: We do not charge anything for our services. We rely on you! We are also happy to come speak at your fundraiser or event and talk about our programs. Our center is currently looking for a gently used microwave. If you have one to donate, please call. If you have a few hours a week to spare, consider becoming a volunteer. Volunteers are welcome to assist on Mondays from 10 to 1, and Wednesday and Friday from 1 to 4. Call (201) 612-8118 before you stop by. Please do not leave items at the center without checking with us first. Our storage space is limited. The Northern Regional Center is located at 174 Paterson Avenue, Midland Park, NJ 07432. Visit us online at: www.emmanuelcancer.org. As always, thank you for helping the children and their families. Ramsey Seniors announce upcoming events The Ramsey Seniors group has rescheduled last month’s luncheon at the Macaroni Grill. The new date is Tuesday, March 15 at noon. Reservations are still available at the borough hall. The cost is $12 per person. Checks should be made payable to the Ramsey Seniors. Tickets for the March 23 bus trip to New York City to see Broadway’s new show, “Wonderland,” will be available on Monday, Feb. 28 at 10 a.m. at borough hall, 33 North Central Avenue, Ramsey. Tickets are $100 and include transportation, lunch at Lattanzi Restaurant, and the show. Checks should be made payable to the Borough of Ramsey. Proof of Ramsey residency is required. The show is a new spin on the classic story of Alice and her Looking Glass World. The modern-day woman goes on a life-changing adventure below the streets of New York, where she rediscovers what is really important. Early sign-up is suggested as tickets are limited. Reservations are open for the spring trip to the Azalea Festival planned for April 28 through May 1. Also planned for the trip are visits to the International Tattoo Show, which features marching bands and precision drill teams; a visit to the Norfolk navel base; a botanical garden tram tour; a dinner cruise on the Spirit of Norfolk; and NATO-sponsored activities. The cost for the four-day, three-night trip is $480 per person, double occupancy; for singles add $139. For more information, call Rosemary at (201) 327-2129. Committee meetings are now held on the second Thursday of the month at Finch Park at 4 p.m. Anyone who is interested in volunteering on the various committees may attend. Winter activities at the center are in full swing. Anyone interested in a game of pool or shuffleboard may contact Dick at (201) 327-2089. Bea and Marge plan for a 1 p.m. movie and goodies at the center on Sundays. For a detailed calendar of events, stop by the center or call borough hall at (201) 825-3400. Break the Highway Trend! ...not your community’s back. Local businesses are the backbone of your community and the trend to shop the big guys on the highway hurts us all.Your local businesses have what you want... at the right price... and close to home. So, why hassle with the highways? Save Time! Save Gas! Save Money! SAVE YOUR COMMUNITY! We Need You SHOP LOCALLY. IT’S SMART. ...and besides, it’s so convenient!