Reflections About A Fallen Soldier

Twenty-five-year-old Westwood resident Christopher Hrbek went to war. He served his country well, touring three times in Iraq and once in Afghanistan, and was responsible for saving the life of a wounded marine. But his Afghanistan tour was his final blaze of glory.

Hrbek was killed in action on Jan. 14, 2010.

If you were around the streets of Westwood this summer, you'd have seen the flags on the porches in his honor, may have attended the parade and hero's homecoming he always dreamed about, seen the lines of residents come to pay their respects to this homegrown hero who was awarded the Bronze Star of Valor posthumously. By now, you know his name. Hrbek.

On Nov. 27, at 11 a.m. at an official ceremony open to the public, the (216 Westwood Ave.) will become publicly renamed and dedicated in Sgt. Christopher Hrbek's honor. Several officials, dignitariesand members of the Hrbek family are expected to attend, including Mayor John Birkner, Jr.

I know there are many who will make it their duty to repeat his name and not forget. "Hrbek." It seems right it will label a building right in the heart of our town. A man like that is the heart of Westwood.

How the heart tugs.

CARE ONE AT VALLEY HOLDS A CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

Nobody can relate to the stresses of caring for a dependent loved one more than someone else in the community going through the same thing. is hosting an informal group session dedicated to providing respite and support to caregivers of those with ailments and disabilities.

This meeting is being held Nov. 24 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at CareOne, 300 Old Hook Road, Westwood, and is free and open to the public. For more information, call 201-664-8888. An RSVP is appreciated.

OH, THE TEMPTATION!

I endeavor to take a photo or two of things you mightn't see anywhere but our beloved town of Westwood…..and today I bring you…….A GIANT TRAMPOLINE! Right in a resident's street-side yard! I won't tell you where it is exactly, since I don't want to be held responsible for someone sneaking onto the property and joyfully trying his hand at back handsprings, but oh, when I pass this thing, it does beckon.

Who knows? The next Patch.com Police blotter might be of me caught defying gravity, giggling in space in spite of myself. It's awfully tempting. Maybe I can just tell them I needed to try it out.

You know, for the sake of this story.

WESTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI HOLDS FOOD DRIVE

The Westwood High School Alumni Association and the Health and Humanitarian Aid Foundation (HHAF) is holding a local food pantry drive on Saturday, Nov. 27 at , 701 Ridgewood Road in Washington Township, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The HHAF is a non-profit dedicated to providing solutions for those in need and is known for its humanitarian efforts both on a local and international level.

Items requested are any canned non-perishables, tomato sauces, boxed and instant foods, etc. Supermarket gift cards which will be packaged properly and distributed to local food banks.

For more information, contact Christine Burke at cburke726@msn.com.