Page 8 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • November 13, 2013 Area Fundraiser for Veterans Park reaches initial goal The Mahwah Beautification Committee has announced that it has reached its initial fundraising goal and its target date of Veterans Day (Nov. 11) for the Circle of Freedom Memorial Garden project at Veterans Memorial Park. Donations have been used to enhance the current land- scape and provide 12 memorials requested by the veterans. Because the appeal was met with such generosity, proj- ect organizers were able to enhance the memorials with illustrations depicting an aspect of each war: American Revolution (1775-1783), War of 1812 (1812-1815), Span- ish American War (1898), Mexican-American War (1846- 1848), Civil War (1861-1865), World War I (1917-1918), World War II (1941-1945), Korean War (1950-1953), Viet- nam War (1964-1975), Persian Gulf War (1990-1991), Iraq War (2003-2011), and the War in Afghanistan (2001-pres- ent). The monuments cost $700 each and were funded entirely through donations. “We wanted to recognize the sacrifice of our military men and women in defending the freedoms we all enjoy,” said Susan Stedtler, chair of the project. “We believe this garden is an enduring and beautiful way to thank all veter- ans for their service. We look forward to continually beau- tifying Mahwah and to recognizing the veterans who have given so much to our country.” Fundraising began at the Mahwah Memorial Day parade on May 27, 2013 with Boy Scouts collecting dona- tions from spectators. News of the effort was spread via newspaper articles, letters to the editor in community pub- lications, mailings, and word of mouth. Additional money was raised through restaurant fundraisers, donations from those attending group functions at the Mahwah Senior Center, contributions from Mahwah Day participants, and meetings with friends throughout the township. “Through the love and generosity of our entire commu- nity, this park is now fulfilling its purpose: to reflect the history of our veterans and each of the wars in which they served,” said Maria LaSalvia, committee co-chair. Designed by Jacobsen Landscaping of Midland Park, the Circle of Freedom Memorial Garden features a variety of colorful, low-maintenance perennials and shrubs, all of which are sustained by the existing sprinkler system. Next year, through the continued generosity of the com- munity, the committee will complete the third and final phase of Veterans Memorial Park renovation by adding six flags representing the five branches of the armed services and one for prisoners of war. The cost for each flag pole is $800. To make a donation, send a check for any amount payable to the Township of Mahwah Beautification Com- mittee, Attn: Susan Stedtler, Circle of Freedom Memorial Garden, 475 Corporate Drive, Mahwah, NJ 07430. For fur- ther information, email MahwahFreedom@gmail.com. Foundation awards $25,000 to SOS The OritaniBank Charitable Foundation has awarded a $25,000 grant to the Shelter Our Sisters Children’s Program. Founded in 1976, SOS provides emergency shel- ter for victims of domes- tic violence in Bergen County. Children are often the forgotten victims of domestic violence, and to address that issue, SOS has been providing programs and services for children through the Children’s Services Program. The program at the emergency shelter works specifically to aid children by stabiliz- ing the child’s environ- ment and counteracting the effects of abuse resulting from violence at home. “We have supported Shelter Our Sisters for Kevin J. Lynch, president of the OritaniBank Charitable Foundation and chairman, president, and CEO of Oritani Bank; Elaine Meyerson, executive director, Shelter Our Sisters; and Wil- liam McInerney, trustee, Shelter Our Sisters. many years now because we believe the organization performs an invaluable ser- vice by protecting vulnerable children,” said Kevin J. Lynch, president of the Ori- taniBank Charitable Foundation and chair- man, president, and CEO of Oritani Bank. “More than 150 children a year are involved in the program, and with the help of SOS they can begin to repair their lives after the impact of domestic violence. The future of Bergen County and our communities is truly about the future of our children, which is why we are so proud to support SOS’s positive work.” Elaine Meyerson, executive director of Shelter Our Sisters, said, “We so greatly appreciate the ongoing commitment that Oritani Bank has shown to our organization and the recognition that domestic violence occurs. The youth programs and therapy we provide will help make these children healthier, happier, more confident individu- als.” OritaniBank Charitable Foundation’s donation to SOS will help fund a compre- hensive art therapy program to address anger, depression, anxiety, aggression, self- esteem issues, and the impaired social skills development that often result from domes- tic abuse and violence at home. For more information about Shelter Our Sisters, visit http://www.shelteroursisters.org or call (201) 836-1075. Oritani Bank established the Ori- taniBank Charitable Foundation in 2007 to assist not-for-profit organizations that help to improve the quality of life for area residents, especially those members of its communities most in need. Since its incep- tion, the foundation has donated more than $4 million to local charitable organizations, primarily in support of education, health and human services, youth programs, and affordable housing. Oritani Bank is a 102-year-old commu- nity bank with over $2.8 billion in assets, based in the Township of Washington. Oritani Bank is a publicly held company trading on the NASDAQ with the trading symbol ORIT. Oritani Bank offers a full line of deposit and loan services to retail and commercial customers. For more infor- mation, call 888-ORITANI, or visit www. oritani.com. The time you take today could give you a lifetime of tomorrows.