SHOUT OUT: A special benefit beefsteak dinner is planned for a Lodi woman battling breast cancer.
The Sept. 7 dinner for Alicia Veri-Rodriguez will be at the Boys & Girls Club of Lodi on Passaic Avenue.
Earlier this year, members of the Lodi Police Department shaved their heads to raise breast cancer awareness and show support for Veri-Rodriguez (SEE: Lodi police shave heads to support breast cancer victim).
TICKETS / MORE INFO: (973) 473-7410 x113
SHOUT OUT: Although no parent wants to think about it, large numbers of children are kidnapped or reported missing each year, making the child identification kits being provided next month by the fraternity of Freemasons in Westwood valuable tools.
Fingerprints, hair and saliva samples, dental impressions and DVD photos will be produced by members of Temple Lodge #173 in Westwood, with the assistance of volunteers and members of Fulton Friendship Lodge #102 in Park Ridge – at no charge to parents.
Westwood Elks Lodge #1562 is offering its building for the Sept. 7 Child Identification Protection event so that the Masons have plenty of room. The process doesn’t take very long, they said.
WHAT: ChIP (Child Identification Protection Program)
WHEN: Noon-5 p.m., Sept. 7
WHERE: Westwood Elks, 505 Kinderkamack Rd.
“It is an invaluable resource to law enforcement in helping to locate and identify missing children and has been lauded by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children,” said Scott McNiff, a freemason and officer with the Westwood Police Department.
No information will be retained by the Freemasons or police, McNiff said.
“Everything is given to the parents on the spot,” he said.
The freemasons began offering the program after it became too cost-prohibitive for the NCMEC to do it nationally.
Now, what once was a 66% chance of identifying missing or murdered children has increased to 90%, the center says.
SHOUT OUT: A free Bergen County Job Fair is set for Tuesday, Sept. 10 at Bergen Community College.
More than 100 employeres are expected to attend the event, which runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the BCC gymnasium.
“Our last job fair that was held in March was a great success,” county Executive Kathleen Donovan said. “By gathering businesses from both Bergen and surrounding counties, we are able to help local residents find work, while helping companies fill job openings with skilled talent.”
“We are the victims of our successes”, said Donovan’s deputy chief of staff Peter Incardone, a career educator who is organizing the event. This is the county’s third job fair of the summer, he explained.
Incardone urged that attendees bring plenty of resumes — and dress appropriately.
Companies will be looking to fill full-time, part-time and seasonal positions, Incardone said.
Registration is encouraged. Go to: Bergen County Job Fair
Employers may also register for free by going to: Bergen Job Fair Employers
SHOUT OUT: Workers from KPMG have put the finishing touches on the rehabilitation of Little Ferry’s Washington School, devastated by Hurricane Sandy, in time for classes next month and the 100th anniversary of the school.
Structural repairs were completed when a group of 65 employees from KPMG in Montvale put in a week of painting the walls of the 100-by-70-foot gym, along with eight classrooms and various bathrooms.
More than five feet of water flooded the gym during the storm, which damaged classrooms and other areas, as well.
“Our teams had a great time and meaningful experience working together to paint the school,” says KPMG Executive Director Andy Dunkinson. “The project was well-organized and our employees had a great team-building experience while doing good in the community.”
“The volunteers from KPMG were a welcome sight, with their smiling faces and enthusiastic attitude,” says Ellen Lutvak, manager of the Northern New Jersey Business Volunteer Council, of which KPMG is a member. “What a wonderful change to see freshly painted rooms where once there was devastation.”
Paradiso of Moonachie provided lunch for the workers.
PHOTO (l. to r.): Ting C. Chin: Joseph Rosselli: Ryan Mulluk, Bill DeMarco (Courtesy Northern New Jersey Business Volunteer Council)
The 30-member Northern New Jersey Business Volunteer Council, a program of the Volunteer Center of Bergen County, provides leadership in meeting community needs, especially those of children and families, by mobilizing employee volunteers. The countil welcomes new members and encourages companies interested in joining or learning more to call (201) 489-9454 or visit www.nnjbvc.org
SHOUT OUTS: The Fair Lawn Police Department welcomed two new officers tonight, one of whom returned to duty with the borough and both of whom came from the Paterson force.
Loved ones, friends and both Fair Lawn and Paterson police officers attended as Juan Rodriguez (above, left) and Peter Federico (right) were sworn in by Mayor John Cosgrove.
Bergenfield swore in two new police officers, as well — Adam Fingeroth and Peter J. Morano. They are pictured with Chief Michael Carr and promoted Capt. Cathy Madalone (SPECIAL to CLIFFVIEW PILOT)
New Fair Lawn Police Officer Juan Rodriguez
Rodriguez, 34 of Paterson, is a 1997 graduate of Don Bosco Technical High School who served with the U.S. Marine Corps during Operation Freedom in Afghanistan from 2000-2004.
He has six years of police experience, nearly all with the Paterson Police Department.
Laid off from his position there due to budget cuts, he joined Fair Lawn Police in 2011 but returned to Paterson in 2012 when the city began calling officers back.
Federico, 38 of Fair Lawn, is a 1992 graduate of St. Joseph’s Regional High School in Montvale and a 1996 graduate of Seton Hall University, where he earned a bachelor of arts in education.
He has 11 years of police experience, all with the Paterson Police Department, where for the past 6 years he was assigned to the Emergency Response Team.
Both officers will go through a short training period before receiving their assignments in the patrol division.
PHOTOS: ABOVE courtesy Douglas Haber. BELOW courtesy Fair Lawn Police Sgt. Brian Metzler
SHOUT OUTS: Bergenfield Volunteer Ambulance Corps members who rescued a 91-year-old woman from a fire where emergency workers found guns, gunpowder and explosives in the basement were honored with lifesaving awards and certificates of valor by the borough mayor and council.
During a meeting Tuesday, the honors were bestowed on the rescue workers for saving the Luke Avenue woman, whose son was killed in the June 2 blaze. The fire was ruled accidental.
PHOTO (l. to r.): Edgardo Sadang, Lt. Ryan Shell, Dovid Lisker, and Robert Kirsch. Making the presentation at the microphone is BVAC President Lora Schade (Not pictured is Lt. Ralph Lewie, who also received an award).
Frances Taylor was taken to Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck. James Taylor, 58, was killed.
SEE: Man killed, elderly mother hospitalized, guns, explosives found in Bergenfield house fire
SHOUT OUT: Wood-Ridge PBA Local 313′s 13th annual golf outing is on for Sept. 20, beginning with breakfast and ending with a comedy show at the Fiesta.
The extravaganza, aimed at raising money for the department’s body armor fund and for recreational organizations in town, kicks off at 8 a.m., when the buses leave the restaurant for Apple Green Country Club in Highland, N.Y.
It includes:
Cost: $150 per golfer
Breakfast and registration is from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Shotgun start: 11 a.m.
To register AND reserve a bus seat, call (201) 939-0476 and ask for Fran.
Checks are made payable to Wood-Ridge PBA #313.
NOTES: The outing books up fast and the two buses each seat 50. First-come, first-served.
SHOUT OUT: Fair Lawn PBA Local 67, in conjunction with the Fair Lawn Police Department, has joined other PBA locals and police departments throughout New Jersey in displaying ‘NJ COP SHOT’ stickers on the bumpers of patrol and auxiliary patrol units.
Thanks to NJ COP SHOT, $20,000 in reward money is paid out for information leading to the arrest and conviction of someone who shoots a police officer.
“We wholeheartedly support this important program, “said PBA Local 67 President Michael O’Brien (above, right).”Anyone who kills or seriously injures a New Jersey law enforcement officer should realize that, with the public’s support, we will find you.”
NJ Cop Shot was created by the New Jersey State PBA after off-duty Paterson Police Officer Tyron Franklin was shot and killed on January 7, 2007 during a robbery at a fast-food eatery in the city.
With no established fund to support hunting cop killers in New Jersey at the time, state PBA President Anthony Wieners created a committee to implement a cop-shot reward program so that we “would never be unprepared to track down anyone who shot an officer in New Jersey.”
The program, established in March 2008, would show that “never again should a person who pulls the trigger on an officer in New Jersey get a moment’s rest,” Wieners said.
For more information, CLICK HERE:
SHOUT OUT: A limited number of specially-priced tickets were still available for this Friday’s Doomsday Diaries gig in Englewood, which they’re billing as “back to the PAC.”
With their album nearing completion and a single already in circulation, the band is opening at the Bergen PAC for 80s rockers KIX. They intend to perform several tracks from the new record, featuring vocalist Ella Hester. Tickets are only $15 (see below)
Things have been popping for Doomsday Diaries, led by teenaged twin brothers Jay and Sean Sproviero of Hasbrouck Heights.
Their single “The Codex” is getting attention, having been played on several area radio station. WFMU also had the band members in a live radio broadcast performance/interview (LISTEN TO IT HERE: Doomsday Diaries on WFMU).
Watch the video:
The Sproviero twins continue to build confidence headed into the gig, which will be followed by a performance at the heavy metal Darknessfest 2013 at Dingbatz in Clifton (Sept. 14) and another on October 20 at The Blue Room in Secaucus.
The very first the twins played bergenPAC, while attending School of Rock, legendary singer/guitarist Leslie West had to nudge each of the boys forward during a jam on “Mississippi Queen.”
Things certainly have changed.
Although the full band played the 2011 Bamboozle festival at MetLife Stadium, the audience at a May 17 PAC gig, opening for Long Island power trio Zebra, was one of their largest yet. It moved both boys up front, although not center.
That spot was for Hester, a multi-instrumentalist from New York City’s School of Rock, who brings a deep singing range and musical know-how. She can also play various instruments.
Meanwhile, the twins — also known as J Von Doom and The Evil Twin — continue to mine new sounds for their brand of prog rock.
“I can’t and don’t want to label it as any particular genre,” Jay told CLIFFVIEW PILOT earlier this year, “but it really isn’t metal, and it’s definitely not pop/punk or anything like that. I just want to take our music someplace other current bands aren’t going, while at the same time stay true to my progressive rock roots.”
Inspired by Radiohead, Porcupine Tree and others, the Sproviero twins created Doomsday Diaries four years ago. Jason plays guitar, Sean bass, and both sing. Although they’re in their late teens, the guys’ musical sensibilities stretch back nearly a half-century. Sweeping current music with a broad brush, they aim to smash the idea that musical originality no longer exists.
“I’m not sure if it’s the music that we’re writing, or because we, as twins, leave an impression on people,” Sean said, “but it just seems that doors keep opening up for us. We’ve certainly been blessed – someone up there is definitely watching over us.”
WHO: Doomsday Diaries (opening for KIX)
WHERE: bergenPAC, 30 N. Van Brunt St., Englewood (201) 227-1030
WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday
HOW MUCH: $15 SPECIAL OFFER (http://doomsdaydiaries.net/contactus.cfm)
TRIBUTE: After all she’s done to help others since her 7-year-old daughter was horrifically murdered 40 years ago, there’s so much more for Rosemarie D’Alessandro – beginning with a pair of commemorative, fund-raising events that she hopes will draw huge crowds next weekend.
Final arrangements are in place for a full day, with an afternoon event for kids – featuring food, refreshments, music, games and other activities – followed by a four-course dinner/dance party for adults, both at the Westwood Elks Lodge, on Sat., Sept. 7 (more below).
After a bit of back-and-forth among local officials, the re-wording also is finally set for a butterfly sculpture dedicated to Joan D’Alessandro, a Brownie Scout slain by neighbor while selling cookies door-to-door (see below).
Sept. 7 is Joan’s birthday.
And if that weren’t enough, D’Alessandro has found herself a subject in an ambitious documentary about women throughout the world who have made significant and lasting differences in people’s lives. The director is one of Joan’s former babysitters.
“I’m excited,” she told CLIFFVIEW PILOT. “Someone just bought a basket for the dinner. A stranger called yesterday asking for a table.
“We’ve got the wording for the butterfly. And now this movie,” D’Alessandro said. “Joan was magnetic, and she still is.”
That magnetism drew Ray Coneys, a former Westwood resident and “urban hipster,” as D’Alessandro calls him, who returned to the area when he heard about the ongoing 40th anniversary commemorations, including a candlelight vigil held in April (SEE: 40th anniversary candlelight vigil tonight for Joan D’Alessandro in Hillsdale).
Coneys, of Goshen, N.Y., joined the board of the Joan’s Joy foundation established by D’Alessandro to help youngsters and raise awareness of child safety issues. He’s also been involved in discussions with Hillsdale’s elected representatives over the wording of a plaque that will go with the white butterfly sculpture.
“If you were a kid that, year, things changed,” Coneys said, “and you knew it.”
Joseph McGowan, a former high school science teacher, was convicted of raping and murdering Joan on April 19, 1973 (Holy Thursday), before dumping her body in Harriman State Park, where it was found on Easter.
The youngster had come to McGowan’s home, three doors down, looking to sell her last two boxes of cookies.
Her murder prompted the passage of Joan’s Law, signed by Gov. Christie Whitman in 1997 and by President Clinton in 1998. It mandates life in prison for the killing of children under 14 during a sex crime.
Because it was adopted after McGowan was sentenced, the law doesn’t apply to him. But he remains in prison for his crimes, having repeatedly been denied parole – thanks in large part to D’Alessandro’s tireless advocacy.
D’Alessandro is hoping Joan’s Joy (officially known as the Joan Angela D’Alessandro Memorial Foundation ) raises enough money to build the sculpture and surrounding garden at the Hillsdale train station as a lasting symbol of child protection. It will feature a plaque with Joan’s photo, and have a butterfly bench nearby.
The white butterfly was chosen, D’Alessandro said, because it symbolizes Joan’s “joyful and free spirit, giving hope to many.”
“Her life and death inspired a movement to keep her killer in prison and spurred law changes,” she told CLIFFVIEW PILOT. “Joan’s legacy is more alive today than it ever was. It is a force for good in today’s society.”
D’Alessandro had hoped to unveil the statue on Joan’s birthday. But plans got snagged a bit by debate over the plaque’s wording – particularly the phrase “molested and murdered.”
Working with the borough council, D’Alessandro came up with something she said she’s happy with. The plaque also cites four laws that D’Alessandro helped convince legislators to enact the past two decades – while leaving space for one she hopes they’ll approve: extending the parole ban to anyone who is convicted of killing and committing a sex crime against any minor, instead of only those under 14:
Plans now are to unveil the statue on Oct. 30, if the borough approves.
Before then, D’Alessandro will be working with filmmaker Peggy O’Connor, a singer and musician who also spent time in the ministry.
O’Connor is making a film for which she is selecting women from throughout the world and homing in on their stories. For the United States, she selected D’Alessandro.
She is hoping O’Connor attends the Sept. 7 dinner, which also will feature John Douglas, the founder of the FBI’s profiling unit and author of an upcoming book on Joan’s case, and former New Jersey Parole Board Chairman Andy Consovoy.
All proceeds from both Sept. 7 events will go toward the sculpture and its garden, D’Alessandro said.
Afternoon event:
WHAT: Family Fun
WHEN: 1 – 5 p.m., Sat., Sept 7
WHERE: Elks Lodge, 523 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood
HOW MUCH: $10 per person $25 family (Pay at arrival)
FEATURES:
Evening event:
WHAT: Dinner/Dance Party
WHEN: 6-10 p.m., Sat. Sept. 7
WHERE: Elks Lodge, 523 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood
HOW MUCH: $65 adults, $30 children
FEATURES:
(Prizes include an I-PAD and 4 Disney One-Day Park Hopper Passes)
Sponsorships are available and donations are requested.
To reserve a seat or get more information, go to: www.JoansJoy.org
Or contact D’Alessandro directly: (201) 664-9140 / rosebd@email.com
Donations can be sent to: the Joan Angela D’Alessandro Foundation, 45 Florence St. Hillsdale, NJ 07642
SHOUT OUT: A 17-year-old Mahwah boy who rescued a couple in their 80s from a trailer home fire – carrying the woman to safety in his arms — got a special shout out from their grandkids.
“Grandma was recently diagnosed with congestive heart failure,” Beverly Vriesema told CLIFFVIEW PILOT. “She spent several days in the hospital and rehab center due to congestive heart failure and had not been home long when the fire broke out.”
It was around 12:15 a.m. Sunday, as Morgan Herndon — days short of his 18th birthday, with plans of becoming a firefighter – saw the flames from the couple’s trailer as he pulled into his driveway at the Bogert’s Ranch development.
Herndon told CLIFFVIEW PILOT that he escorted Henry Vriesema, 89, from the doorway, then ran into the burning mobile home and scooped up 87-year-old Pauline Vriesema. Dressed in her pajamas, she was searching in vain for her three cats, who died in the fire (SEE: Aspiring firefighter saves elderly couple from Mahwah trailer home blaze).
Herndon (above, left) turns 18 this Friday. On Monday, he said, he’s headed to Fire Company No. 4 in Mahwah to discuss fulfilling his dream of becoming a firefighter.
“I was just thinking about them and their safety,” he said. “I asked them both if they were all right. Then I told them, ‘Don’t worry.’ Then the police pulled up. It was later on that I felt really happy about what happened.”
Beverly and her husband, Darrell (above), stayed with his grandparents a few years back before moving to Ohio. Darrell, who grew up in this area, was previously known in town has having worked as an EMT volunteer with Mahwah Co. #4’s ambulance squad for several years.
“They take great pride in their volunteers – that’s for sure,” he said.
He and his wife remember Morgan, his brother and sister as “great kids.”
“We would see a lot of Morgan out skateboarding,” Beverly Vriesema said. “Anytime he would crash, we would always ask if he was OK. He would just smile, get up, brush himself off and continue on, nodding his head.”
Darrell Vriesema had to leave the ambulance squad after contracting a liver disease. His own unit had to rush him to The Valley Hospital after a particularly acute attack in February 2010, a day after the Super Bowl. He was later transferred to Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center.
“After he got released from the hospital, I remember Morgan asking me if my husband was OK,” Beverly Vriesema said. “I told him he was doing better but not out of the woods yet. It will take some time before he is fully recovered. He will need a liver transplant soon.
“Morgan expressed his concern and said he’d be thinking of us.”
“We are planning on coming out in November to visit our grandparents there and other family members and to also say a personal ‘thank you’ to Morgan for his heroic efforts,” she added.
“We are so blessed that Morgan jumped right into helping our grandparents out and glad that he wasn’t injured in doing so,” Beverly Vriesema. “He went above and beyond in doing what was right.
“Mahwah Fire Co. #4 will have a great asset added to their team if Morgan surely does decide to join.”
SHOUT OUT: The Maywood Police Department is hosting a beefsteak and comedy night to support community organizations and projects.
It’s set for 7-11 p.m., Fri., Sept. 27 at the Hasbrough Heights VFW, and features John Pizzi (as seen on “America’s Got Talent”).
A red-carpet inaugural fundraising gala is set in Teaneck for a newly-created non-profit organization that provides customized wigs free of charge to women and girls with cancer.
There are few higher callings than the “Do Wonders” program created by entrepreneur Lillian Lee, who owns and operates the Teaneck Road salon that bears her name.
Lee has been collecting, refurbishing and customizing donated wigs for several years.
MORE INFO: http://dowonderscharity.org/
She has taken her charity to a higher level by establishing Do Wonders as a 501(c)3 designated non-profit charity and partnering with The American Cancer Society’s national “Look Good Feel Better” program. The Nov. 17 red carpet gala at the Teaneck Jewish Center is both a fundraiser and a coming-out party.
“I am extremely excited to introduce everyone to this wonderful organization and looking forward to expanding our services to help even more women in the years to come,” said Lee, its president.
Lee was inspired by Superior Court Judge Deborah Ustas – which made it an awful shock when she got a call asking for one of those wigs from the judge herself. Lee has since dedicated “Hope Cuts” charity events to Ustas, who died in 2009.
“My number one cheerleader, Debbie pushed me to take on new challenges in business, while her generosity and support of several charities moved me to form my own,” Lee said.
The wigs mean a great deal to the hundreds of patients referred not only by word of mouth but also by the American Cancer Society, Tomorrow’s Children at Hackensack University Medical Center, Gilda’s Club, Holy Name Medical Center and Sharsheret.
“Losing your hair after cancer treatment becomes another frustration in a long battle,” Lee said. “This is one way of helping them cope.
“Feeling good on the outside helps you feel better on the inside. With a customized wig, you can maintain your identity and dignity through such a difficult time.”
The history of Lee’s philanthropy has brought many touching stories.
There was teenager Rosa Holowen, for instance, who lost both of her parents to cancer and was diagnosed with bone cancer herself. The day of Rosa’s prom, Lee and her staff went to work, styling her wig, doing her makeup. She had to have a leg amputated a short time later, but Rosa – a three-sport star at Hasbrouck Heights High School — kept her determination, grace and dignity, inspiring countless others, before dying in August 2010 at 20.
“I very often visit the Hackensack Hospital Cancer Center, where I see so many bald women as a result of the chemo that treats their cancer,” another woman wrote to Lee. “They look as if they were stripped of their femininity as they walk around with no hair.
“You helped me to be more positive and look at this experience from a different angle.”
“Because of your selfless benevolence, this is now one less struggle that has left my worries,” wrote another. “I feel so much like my old self with a wig that looks exactly like my real hair…. I’m beyond thrilled to have been in your company.”
Wigs made of real human hair can cost more than $1,000, which is an additional expense that families of cancer victims often are unable to afford. Do Wonders seeks to bridge that gap.
Night of Wonders will feature a silent auction of donated goods and services by local businesses, a cocktail hour and benefit concert, with all proceeds going to Do Wonders.
INFO, tickets and/or donate: dowonderscharity.org
To donate silent-auction good: dowondersbusinesses
To advertise in the event program: dowondersadprogram
SHOUT OUT: Fairview Police Chief Frank Del Vecchio is set this Wednesday to repeat his 25.6-mile Remembrance Run from Ridgewood to the 9/11 memorial in downtown Manhattan to raise money for the families of victims of the terrorist attacks.
Del Vecchio, founder of the Run for Hope Foundation, made his first 9/11 Remembrance Run last year, then followed it with one of more than 100 miles this May to help victims of Hurricane Sandy.
The money raised on Wednesday will benefit Tuesday’s Children, the Semper Fi Fund and Emergency Responders.
Tuesday’s Children supports the “living memorials”: children and families of those killed, as well as first responders who survived. It emphasizes community, connecting with others, which helps those affected heal. Programs include confidential mental health and counseling services to all 9/11 families and first responders, including their spouses and children.
DONATE: www.runforhopefoundation.org
The run begins at the duck pond in Ridgewood around 9 a.m., then winds its way through Maywood, Hackensack, Bogota, Ridgfield Park, Leonia and, finally, Fort Lee, before crossing the George Washington Bridge and heading south on the path along the Hudson River to the 9/11 memorial.
Del Vecchio will have a small convoy riding alongside him on Wednesday, including Ridgewood Police Chief John Ward and Bogota Police Chief John Burke — both avid bicyclists — especially for the stretch run along the West Side Highway heading south.
Last year’s 9/11 Remembrance Run took Del Vecchio 5 hours, 5 minutes, and raised $10,000.
“The last five miles were a little rough. From the waist down, everything hurts,” Del Vecchio told CLIFFVIEW PILOT. “But it was worth it,” the chief said. “It was absolutely beautiful.”
He used a simple approach to keep him going.
“Every mile I dedicated to someone I know or whose family I knew who were affected,” he said.
Nearly all were from Fairview or his native Ridgewood, which lost a dozen residents.
“The main cause is so that people will remember,” Del Vecchio said. “I’m afraid some are beginning to forget.
“It’s always important to remember those 3,000 victims and try to support their families,” the chief said.
REMINDER: A free Bergen County Job Fair is set for tomorrow at Bergen Community College.
More than 100 employeres are expected to attend the event, which runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the BCC gymnasium.
“Our last job fair that was held in March was a great success,” county Executive Kathleen Donovan said. “By gathering businesses from both Bergen and surrounding counties, we are able to help local residents find work, while helping companies fill job openings with skilled talent.”
“We are the victims of our successes”, said Donovan’s deputy chief of staff Peter Incardone, a career educator who is organizing the event. This is the county’s third job fair of the summer, he explained.
Incardone urged that attendees bring plenty of resumes — and dress appropriately.
Companies will be looking to fill full-time, part-time and seasonal positions, Incardone said.
Registration is encouraged. Go to: Bergen County Job Fair
Employers may also register for free by going to: Bergen Job Fair Employers
SHOUT OUT: A highly-decorated former federal agent who once smashed international drug cartels is headed to the Dominican Republic tomorrow to help a 13-month-old blind girl and her mother get emergency U.S. visas so that the tot can have surgery in Manhattan that may give her sight.
Joseph Occhipinti, executive director of the National Police Defense Foundation, has run several mercy missions to other countries. Once again, he will rely on Brian Campolattaro, a pediatric ophthalmologist who has done such surgeries for free at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary on 14th Street in Manhattan.
Scarling Cabrera – known as “Baby Scarling” — has been legally blind since birth. Campolattaro has scheduled surgery for Sept. 18.
Occhipinto has a visa appointment scheduled for and her mother at the American Consulate in Santo Domingo on Wednesday, Occhipinti told CLIFFVIEW PILOT.
“Despite the security concerns of September 11, and heightened security at consulates worldwide, I will present Baby Scarling to consular officials in hopes they approve the visas,” he said.
The mission is part of “Operation Kids,” a child safety initiative of the National Police Defense Foundation that has made surgery possible for critically and severely handicapped children worldwide.
Occhipini said he learned of Baby Scarling while on a March mission to the Dominican Republic with Campolattaro.
The surgeon was unable to help her there, Occhipinti said, but believes he can successfully complete the work in the U.S.
The NPDF “agreed to secure the necessary visas and fund the entire cost of travel, lodging and related expenses,” Occhipinti said.
He, Baby Scarling and her mother are due to reach Newark International Airport on Friday. Occhipinti said they will be met by various law enforcement officers and officials from, among other agencies, the New Jersey State Police, Port Authority Police of New York and New Jersey, and the Newark Police Department “who will provide a courtesy VIP escort to the Ronald McDonald House in New York City.”
The NPDF is primarily dedicated to providing medical and legal support services to law enforcement officers in a dozen countries, including Ecuador.
But it also operates “Operation Kids,” which distributes free fingerprint kits to parents, posts rewards for missing children and runs the medical-care missions.
“We’ll fly anywhere in the world for a critically ill baby for a life-saving operation,” Occhipinti said.
Corporate sponsorships and other benefactors help fund operations for the 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation, which is a CLIFFVIEW PILOT sponsor (SEE: National Police Defense Foundation).
Occhipinti said he considers himself blessed by “the good will of the hospitals, doctors and donors” who have footed the bill for the missions, the treatment and other expenses. This “gives each one of these children a chance to enjoy a normal life,” he said.
It’s only fitting that a police-related organization does this work, Occhipinti said.
After all, he said, “police have always had a special love for protecting children.”
YOU READ IT HERE FIRST: The head of the National Police Defense Foundation secured temporary visas in the Dominican Republic yesterday that allow 13-month-old blind girl and her mother to come to the U.S. for emergency eye surgery on the child.
NPDF Executive Director Joseph Occhipinti said he is due to arrive at at Newark International Airport just before 4:30 today with Scarling Cabrera – known as “Baby Scarling” — and her mother.
Occhipinti said they will be met by various law enforcement officers and officials from, among other agencies, the New Jersey State Police, Port Authority Police of New York and New Jersey, and the Newark Police Department “who will provide a courtesy VIP escort to the Ronald McDonald House in New York City.”
“Baby Scarling,” who has been legally blind since birth, will be operated on by Brian Campolattaro, a pediatric ophthalmologist who is doing the surgery for free at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary on 14th Street in Manhattan. The operation is scheduled for next Wednesday.
Joseph Occhipinti with Baby Scarling, her mom and NPDF Delegate Jose Zhanay (far right)
Occhipinti secured the emergency medical visas after taking the child and her mother to the American Consulate in Santo Domingo yesterday. They were joined by NPDF Delegate Jose Zhanay.
The mission is part of “Operation Kids,” a child safety initiative of the National Police Defense Foundation that has made surgery possible for critically and severely handicapped children worldwide.
Occhipini said he learned of Baby Scarling while on a March mission to the Dominican Republic with Campolattaro.
The surgeon was unable to help her there, Occhipinti said, but believes he can successfully complete the work in the U.S.
The NPDF “agreed to secure the necessary visas and fund the entire cost of travel, lodging and related expenses,” Occhipinti said.
The NPDF is primarily dedicated to providing medical and legal support services to law enforcement officers in a dozen countries, including Ecuador.
But it also operates “Operation Kids,” which distributes free fingerprint kits to parents, posts rewards for missing children and runs the medical-care missions.
“We’ll fly anywhere in the world for a critically ill baby for a life-saving operation,” Occhipinti said.
Corporate sponsorships and other benefactors help fund operations for the 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation, which is a CLIFFVIEW PILOT sponsor (SEE: National Police Defense Foundation).
Occhipinti said he considers himself blessed by “the good will of the hospitals, doctors and donors” who have footed the bill for the missions, the treatment and other expenses. This “gives each one of these children a chance to enjoy a normal life,” he said.
It’s only fitting that a police-related organization does this work, Occhipinti said.
After all, he said, “police have always had a special love for protecting children.”
PHOTOS: Courtesy NATIONAL POLICE DEFENSE FOUNDATION
SHOUT OUT: What began 10 years ago as a walk to support individuals and families living with brain injury, has become something much bigger — both literally and figuratively.
Jane and Joe Concato of Westwood have followed a similar path. Jane wasn’t sure she could run a support group for those who, like her, sustained a brain injury. But Joe was pumped enough for both of them.
As a result, they continue to bring more participants and donors into the fold, many of whom will be involved with this year’s “Walk For Thought” on Sept. 28 at Saddle River County Park in Paramus.
Thousands from New Jersey have registered for or donated toward the walk, united by a single mission. Besides showing strength and success, the walk is a tribute to those who were lost to brain injury — or, like Jane, have foguth to overcome it.
Nearly 15,000 of 1.4 million people who sustain traumatic brain injuries each year are from New Jersey, according to the Brain Injury Association of New Jersey, which sponsors the walk.
About 175,000 New Jerseyans in all live with the disabilities these injuries cause.
“People know of brain injury,” primarily because of those that occur in football and military combat, Jane Concato said. “But many don’t understand what it means to have one or what it can do to a person’s life.”
Nor are many aware that the best “cure” for a brain injury is not having one in the first place. Accidents will happen, of course, but understanding risk factors plays a huge role.
WALK FOR THOUGHT
WHEN: Sat., Sept. 28 (rain or shine)
9 a.m. registration, 10 a.m. walk
WHERE: Saddle River County Park Dunkerhook Area – Pavilion D – North Trail, Paramus Road, Paramus
Concato was in a coma for three weeks after a fall at home eight years ago fractured her skull. She sustained aphasia — difficulty in finding the right words — and doctors told Joe his wife might never walk or speak again.
Although you couldn’t tell from talking with her, Jane needed six months of “cognitive rehabilitation” to get her mind fully funcitonal again, and still deals at times with unsteadiness, fatigue and vertigo. The former dental hygienist also needs medication to control seizures.
Still, she and her husband of 35 years facilitate meetings of the Brain Injury Support Group of Bergen County, which draw dozens to Englewood Hospital the third Monday of every month.
Jane also visits the Saddle Brook and West Orange facilities of the Kessler Institute with her effervescent service dog, Lucy, a small black collie.
One of the couple’s go-to resources is the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey, the only non-profit of its kind. Its mission is “to support and advocate for individuals affected by brain injury and raise public awareness through education and prevention.”
DONATE: Support Group Strollers
INFO (Jane & Joe Cancato): 201-666-2015 or jjconc@optonline.net
It directly assists those in need, while suppling information and resources that include a family help line, a browse-and-borrow library, brain injury training sessions, a summer camp known as TREK and other services and programs.
And it promotes self advocacy through a special committee, Council for the Head Injured Community, while maintaining an active legislative network to encourage advocacy on the behalf all affected by brain injury.
The Concatos’ “Support Group Strollers,” including a fellow outfit from Essex County, will participate in the one-mile walk. The event will include breakfast and lunch, as well as a host of activities for youngsters.
Besides raising money and awareness, this year’s march honors “those who have sustained brain injuries and cannot walk with us.”
The Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. Your contribution is tax deductible to the fullest extent allowable under the law. Personal information is required so that the Brain Injury Alliance of NJ may acknowledge your donation.
SHOUT OUT: The first annual END DWI Walk of Remembrance, dedicated to reminding people about the dangers and potential hearbreak of drunk driving while raising funds for the group’s mission, is scheduled at Van Saun Park in Paramus on Sunday, Sept. 29.
“Every step taken by those who participate is for someone who can no longer take that step as a result of a totally preventable tragedy — a drunk-driving incident,” said Bogota Police Chief John Burke, a member of END DWI’s Board of Directors.
The event will include a ceremony at the END DWI Memorial Tree Grove, where trees are planted and bricks placed along the path in honor of drunk-driving victims.
You can donate or start your own walking team by clicking this image:
“END DWI has been the leading organization in Bergen County to make their mission to eradicate drunk driving incidents so that there will be no further victims,” Burke said. “Please support them in their efforts in raising awareness and generating resources to keep their mission and message alive.
“Any support you muster will go a long way,” the chief said.
WHAT: END DWI Walk of Remembrance
WHEN: Sun., Sept. 29 (registration, refreshments: 8‐10 a.m.; ceremony, walk: 10 a.m.)
WHERE: Memorial Tree Grove, Van Saun Park, 216 Forest Avenue, Paramus
(Participants raising a minimum of $25 will receive a “Walk of Remembrance” t-shirt at the event.)
FOR MORE: info@enddwi.org
When Dr. Ira Klemons decided to devote his life to eliminating headaches and facial pain four decades ago, he couldn’t have imagined that nearly 38 million Americans would later be found to be sufferers.
At the time, the most common approach involved medications, all of which have side effects, and surgery, which carries its own risks.
Klemons has built a different approach at the Center for Headaches and Facial Pain. It’s brought relief to tens of thousands of patients – many of them police, firefighters and other emergency responders who have come in with headaches, migraines, face pain, jaw pain, ear pain, eye pain dizziness, tinnitus, throat pain and twitching, among other ailments, he says.
It’s also bought him an enormous number of personal and professional accolades. Among them is ae Safe Cop Achievement Award from the National Police Defense Foundation’s State Troopers Coalition.
With his knowledge of orthopedics of the head and face, a comprehensive understanding of jaw function and decades of experience, Klemons has managed to “alleviate pain even in highly complex cases involving patients who previously suffered for as long as 60 years.”
Treatment at his South Amboy-based center involves painless procedures that help stimulate muscles and joints to function normally, decrease spasms, remove toxic waste products and increase blood flow and nutrition to the affected areas.
Therapies include low-current electric stimulation to reduce muscle spasm and stimulate healing, ultrasound for deep tissue heating, moist heat, and cold therapy, as well as a variety of removable orthopedic appliances.
“I knew I made the right choice when patients began telling me that we gave them back their lives,” Klemons said. “It became even more exciting when people began traveling here from every continent around the world and almost every state in the U.S.A.
“I could not be happier that I have been given the privilege to help so many people from around the world.”
As Klemons explains it: Headaches and face pain are nearly always a result of an injury or dysfunction involving muscles, ligaments or joints.
Most involve muscle contraction and spasm, producing pain in the head, face, neck, in or around the eyes, ears and throat, as well as difficulty swallowing, blurring vision and dizziness. The most common symptom is a chronic, severe headache.
The Center for Headaches and Facial Pain aims to discover the cause, help patients heal and eliminate the need for drugs.
For those who cannot find an answer from family physicians, neurologists, ear, nose and throat specialists, or pain-management specialists, “the probability is more than 90% that the pain and other symptoms will be gone when we complete treatment,” Klemons said.
WATCH HIS VIDEO:
The volume of testimonials attests to the program’s effectiveness.
“I had pain in my head, face, and behind my eye that I couldn’t even understand because I never had anything like it before,” one patient said. “I was so dizzy that I could hardly function. I spent most of my day in a confused, diminished state and lost so much productivity and wondered whether I was crazy or lazy. Every day I had to lay down and nap for several hours.
“Now that the pain is gone, I’m able to do so much,” she added. “When I see new patients in the reception room, I just want to tell them: ‘It’s going to be ok!’ ”
(SEE MORE TESTIMONIALS BELOW)
Klemons said his center has helped thousands of others eliminate (click on the one that applies to you or your loved one):
Headaches/Migraines
Face Pain
Jaw Pain/TMJ Pain
Eye Pain
Ear Pain
Sinus Headaches
Dizziness
Difficulty Swallowing
Frequent Sore Throats
Adverse reactions from drugs and various device reactions create huge risks in treating those conditions. Only half of newly discovered side-effects are made public within seven years of drug approval, Kemons noted.
“In other words, the fact that a medication has been used for many years does not automatically make it safe,” he said.
“That’s not to say that we disagree with the use of medication. We prescribe them too,” Klemons said. “However, they should be used for short periods while awaiting healing and not as a means of covering-up the problem.”
Klemons’ patients have come from:
The Center for Headaches and Facial Pain accepts referrals from physicians and other professionals but will also see individuals who come in on their own. The office, Klemons said, is “large, comfortable and modern,” with a staff of 30 professionals, including three additional physicians.
Among many other distinctions, he said, the center has been approved by the U.S. government to provide advanced training to physicians and dentists in head and facial pain and TM joint disorders.
While noting that the center’s approach “dramatically reduces the overall cost of diagnosis and treatment,” Klemons said, “we are particularly attuned to refer to other types of doctors in cases where we believe that the patient will benefit from treatment elsewhere.”
Klemons holds two doctorates, including the first in the world in the diagnosis and treatment of headaches, facial pain, and related problems. He has lectured at medical schools and hospitals worldwide, appeared on national television and radio interviews, and completed 5,000 or so hours of post-graduate courses involving treatment of headaches and facial pain.
Klemons also has published various articles on head and facial pain in medical journals and been elected president or other officer of several professional organizations involving the treatment of head and facial.
He has practiced in Appalachia and in some of the United States’ most depressed urban slums, and traveled to the Himalayan Mountains to treat needy Tibetan villagers, creating a makeshift clinic with an operating table made of wooden planks and instruments sterilized in huge pots of boiling water.
The Medical Society of New Jersey has designated Kemons an impartial medical expert in head and facial pain and TM joint disorders for the New Jersey Courts. The New Jersey State Senate also has cited him for an “outstanding record of professional excellence and praiseworthy service to others.”
Klemons, a lifetime member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers PBA, will be honored with a Safe Cop Achievement Award by the NPDF’s State Troopers Coalition at its Oct. dinner at the Venetian in Garfield. For tickets and/or information, CLICK HERE: 2013 NPDF State Trooper Coalition Dinner
Click here for: MORE TESTIMONIALS
