December 12, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 11 Business Three years ago, an idea was hatched within the Eastern Christian community for an exciting, innovative way to serve not just the EC school family, but also the broader community of all local children and their families. This vision became reality at the recent grand opening ceremony and dedication service of the new Eagles Learning Center at 569 High Mountain Road in North Haledon. Tom Dykhouse, executive director and head of school for Eastern Christian, presided over the ribbon cutting ceremony, which was also attended by North Haledon Mayor Randy George, who was thanked for his personal support of the project and the backing of borough officials overall. Dykhouse acknowledged the work of John Belanus, director of operations for Eastern Christian, who led the efforts to secure and renovate the physical space now occupied by the learning center. He also thanked Dick Van Yperen, director of curriculum and instruction, for providing leadership in developing the program of Eagles Learning Center and recruiting staff. Eagles Learning Center Co-directors Ken Knyfd and Ian Zacharias were acknowledged for their diligent work in bringing the center to fruition, along with James Anderson, director of Eagles Learning Center opens in North Haledon Extended Learning Programs, under whose direction Eagles Learning Center falls. Also present at the dedication were members of the Eastern Christian School Association board of directors, trustees of the foundation for Eastern Christian School, members of the Eagles Learning Center Advisory Board, and members of the Eastern Christian Administrative Council and Educational Council. The venture of Eagles Learning Center was envisioned as a way for Eastern Christian Schools to capitalize on 120 years of experience in teaching children and young people and use that experience to support community families. Eagles Learning Center offers programs and activities such as SAT and ACT preparation, enrichment services, and education support for kids with unique learning needs and those who need a little extra help. Eagles Learning Center is located next to Veenstra’s Deli, which is right in the middle of North Haledon’s two schools, Memorial School on one side and High Mountain School on the other. Students from other local communities are welcome. Questions about Eagles Learning Center may be directed to info@eagleslearningcenter.org or call (973) 310-3205. Ian Zacharias, Eagles Learning Center co-director; Tom Dykhouse, Eastern Christian head of school; Randy George, North Haledon mayor; James Anderson, Eagles Extended Learning director; and Kenneth Knyfd, Learning Center co-director.