May 16, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 15 Allendale residents rallied late last month to launch the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. The rally officially launched the first Relay for Life that will be coming to Allendale Sept. 28 through 29. Guests at the rally were greeted by Dana Rago of Waldwick and Meghan Shute of Ramsey, Relay for Life co-chairs. Rally participants learned how their involvement in the nationwide movement benefits the American Cancer Society’s mission to save lives and create more birthdays. Money raised will help people stay well and get well by finding cures and fighting back. Patty Murphy spoke at the rally about how her family stood by her side and inspired her to take on each day as she battled cancer. “I had three reasons to get out of bed every morning, even when I didn’t think I could – and those three reasons are named Julie, Kelly, and Denis,” Murphy said. Relay for Life is a volunteer-driven community event that welcomes participants from all walks of life to join together in the fight against cancer. Participants have included cancer survivors, families, friends, corporations, civic organizations, schools, religious groups, and concerned community members, along with anyone else who has been touched by cancer or wants to fight against the disease. The event is an overnight celebration where individuals and teams camp out, picnic, dance, play games, and take turns circling around a track “relay” style. The event Relay for Life rally encourages local participation begins as cancer survivors walk in a “survivor lap” around the track to celebrate their victory over cancer. Later, as the sun begins to set, participants light hundreds of luminaria to pay tribute to those lost their lives. The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in Allendale will be held at Crestwood Lake Park in September. To find learn how to form a Relay for Life team, or to volunteer, visit http://www.relayforlife.org/allendalenj or contact Dana Rago and Meghan Shute via e-mail at allendalerelay forlife@gmail.com. The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, ACS fights for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. ACS saves lives and helps people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; being a support system during and after a cancer diagnosis; finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer; and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. ACS is the nation’s largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing about $3.4 billion. For details, call 1-800-227-2345 any time, day or night, or visit cancer.org. Kathryn Hess, a first grade teacher in the Allendale schools, has been honored as the district’s recipient of the 2012 Bergen County Teacher/Educational Services Professional Recognition Act Award. Hess was recognized for her teaching skills and dedication to her students. The honoree is a graduate of Villanova with a degree in elementary education. She also holds a master’s degree as a reading specialist from William Paterson University. Hess joined the Allendale K-8 system as a third grade reading specialist seven years ago, and later moved to teach reading at the first grade level. Kathryn Hess honored at county level “(She) has never been deterred by a challenge and knows full well that she can make a difference in each of her students’ lives as they become active learners and good citizens,” the Allendale Board of Education resolution states. “Kathryn Hess is a model of modesty, always putting the needs of others ahead of her own while devoting a tremendous amount of time and energy in order to revise and improve lessons for her students and colleagues.” The board also accepted with regret the resignation for the purpose of retirement of Jean Underwood, Brookside School main office secretary, after 17 years of service.