Fundraising for Marines and First Aid Squad, While Celebrating Cancer Survivors and Teaching Healthy Living

Music and More for Marines

The Zimms Fund is once again stepping out to help sick and wounded members of the armed forces. On May 14, the Zimms Fund will host an event at Friendly Sons of Shillelagh, West Orange, from  2  to 6 p.m., to help raise funds for Marines Care, a 501 c(3) non-profit organization established to specifically help sick and wounded members of the military.

Created by , a West Essex Regional High School student, and his West Essex Knights football coach Dave Drozjock, the Zimms Fund raises money for wounded and sick members of the armed forces.

After meeting a Marine named Milton, Zimmermann was inspired to help the military. Milton, who by the age of 24 had already served two tours in Iraq as a helicopter mechanic and a hazardous materials handler, was diagnosed with acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) in November 2009, as a result of being poisoned while serving in Iraq. 

When Milton passed away in March, Zimmermann was even more driven to establish a fund, and partnered with Drozjock to start the Fund.  

To support the cause, a $20 donation will be accepted at the door or donate online at the website. All donations are forwarded to Marines Care.

It’s ACES

Students at, North Caldwell, jumped, cheered, and hula hooped their way into shape this week during the annual Project ACES. Organized by physical Education teacher James Whitney, the event included a variety of activities run and coordinated by the third grade students at the school.

“Our school is pre-kindergarten to third grade, so the third graders are getting ready to leave the school,” said Whitney. “I try to give them a chance to share their knowledge and leadership, and run the activities.”

And, run the activities, they did! Although held inside for the first time in 10 years due to rain, the students used every square inch of the stage to create obstacle courses, officiate floor hockey games, teach cheerleading drills, play box ball, toss footballs, jump rope and more as the pre-k through second-grade students enjoyed any or all of the activities. 

Project ACES, or All Children Exercise Simultaneously, was created by physical education teacher Len Saunders in 1989 as a method of motivating children to exercise. ACES takes place on the first Wednesday in May as part of National Physical Fitness and Sports Month along with National Physical Education Week. Referred to as "the world's largest exercise class," ACES began in 1989, and now, millions of children from all over the world exercise together to promote proper health and fitness habits.

“The third graders have truly creative minds,” added Whitney. “This gives them a chance to use their minds and move their bodies at the same time.”

Calling All Survivors

If you have walked or shopped anywhere about town, you have seen the purple balloons, bake sales, jewelry sales, sign-up sheets, and more for the local Relay for Life activities. On May 21 and 21, (JCHS) is participating in the  for the second time, but there is one group of people that they want to make sure get the message survivors!

Melissa Faragasso, a student at JCHS, is heading up the survivor committee this year, and inviting Cancer Survivors to the walk, to be celebrated and honored as the center of the Relay for Life event. The Relay event starts with the traditional Survivors Lap, an inspirational time when survivors are invited to the track together to help everyone celebrate the victories achieved over cancer, and emotional example of how Relay participants are creating a world with more birthdays.

The event is free and survivors receive a T-shirt and goody bag for participating. For more information, or to register as a survivor, fill out the survivor registration form, or contact Melissa Faragasso at 973-934-3604 or Rachel Edelstein at 973-830-7847.

Beefsteak, Anyone?

Looking for an excuse to go out to dinner? Like to win prizes? What about a beefsteak dinner? The (WEFAS) will hold a Beefsteak Dinner fundraiser on May 14, at the North Caldwell Firemen’s Hall, Gould Ave., North Caldwell. Doors open at 6 p.m., with dinner at 7 p.m. A tricky tray and 50/50 raffle will also be available. For tickets, call Janice Stickles at 973-228-1539. All proceeds will benefit the WEFAS.