Midland Park December 18, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 5 Businesses pool talents to assist local family A group of Midland Park businesses has decided to take action to brighten the holidays for a Midland Park Love Fund family. The effort was spearheaded by Iain Foster, owner of Nelund Minton. “In these hard economic times, I just wanted to do some- thing nice this holiday season for someone that really needs it,” Foster explained. He contacted neighboring businesses, who quickly liked the idea, and the Love Fund, whose members are always appreciative of anything that benefits the families it serves. Foster is donating makeovers and haircuts for the family members – a mother and three children. Dr. Ira J. Hanlon is conducting eye exams for the family, and H. Rubin Opti- cians will provide the prescription glasses and frames for a family member. Fiona’s restaurant will host the family for dinner. The community at large can also participate in spread- ing cheer. Each year, the MP Love Fund sponsors a Giving Tree project, and encourages residents to provide gifts to local families that might otherwise not be able to purchase them. While this season is one of joy, it can also be a time of anxiety and stress for families wondering how they will fulfill even the smallest Christmas wish for their children. The Love Fund collects wishes from the families it serves and displays them on Giving Trees, which are erected in Midland Park Memorial Library and various other loca- tions. Each time someone fulfills one of the Giving Tree wishes, a local child’s Christmas is a little more special. Individuals can purchase and wrap a special gift, place the tag from the tree on it, and bring the gift back to the appropriate Giving Tree location. A Love Fund volunteer then brings the gifts to the child’s family before Christmas morning. This program makes a tremendous difference in how a child from a struggling family will remember Christmas. The MP Love Fund holds an annual town-wide fund- raiser around Valentine’s Day, providing local residents the opportunity to help the children of Midland Park neighbors whose families are going through a difficult time. The 36- yearold fund answers the needs of Midland Park’s children in crisis by helping families to cope with personal and financial emergencies. The Love Fund depends on support from the commu- nity, which has a long tradition of giving generously to the organization. Any contribution is greatly appreciated. Donations go directly toward helping families right here in Midland Park. Donations may be made to the Midland Park Love Fund, Inc., P.O. Box 327, Midland Park, NJ 07432. Education Hall of Fame nominees sought The Midland Park Board of Education is seeking nomi- nees for the Education Hall of Fame. The hall was estab- lished in 2008 to recognize key contributions made by past school staff members. The Education Hall of Fame is open to all former Mid- land Park employees who have made significant contri- butions to the improvement of the Midland Park schools in their own special ways over at least a five-year period of employment. Candidates must have been retired for at least three full years prior to their nominations. Individuals nominated should be those whose past con- tributions are still well-recalled, very evident, and much appreciated. A nomination requires the submission of at least two separate letters endorsing the person’s candi- dacy. The letters should focus on the ways the nominee made a special contribution to the school system during his/her time of active association with the district. Nomi- nations should be at least one page in length, but can be longer. Nominations must be submitted by Feb. 2, 2014. There will be no more than three individuals selected for mem- bership in the Education Hall of Fame each year. The win- ners will be announced at a board of education meeting in April and their pictures will be placed in the Hallway of Fame at the high school. Nominations should be sent to: Office of the Super- intendent of Schools, 250 Prospect Street, Midland Park, NJ 07432.