Thursday, March 31, 2011

Buy a Book and Make a Difference in a Child’s Education

By Tess Tomasi

In a study published last year*, researchers found that the best indicator of a child’s educational success was the presence of books in the home, and the more the better. The 20-year study examined families in 27 countries and found that children raised in homes with many books – regardless of their parents’ education or occupation or class – were more successful in school. 

Children from low-income families are at a disadvantage because there is barely enough money for basics such as rent, food, and utilities, so there’s never enough money left over for books. But you can change that.

The Northern New Jersey Business Volunteer Council (BVC) is collecting books for children through its annual Books in a Bag program. New preschool or kindergarten books are accepted at the Volunteer Center until April 29. New or gently used books for all ages (baby books through adult) will be accepted from April 26 through 29. Monetary donations are also accepted and will be used to purchase books – click here to make a secure online donation.

Since 2000, the BVC has collected and distributed nearly 70,000 books for low-income children in Bergen County and the surrounding area. To find out how you can get involved in Books in a Bag or the BVC, contact Tess Tomasi at 201-489-9454 ext. 114 or ttomasi@bergenvolunteers.org.

* Family Scholarly Culture and Educational Success: Books and Schooling in 27 Nations. 2010. Evans, Kelley, Sikora, Treiman.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

REASON #2 to Join Bergen LEADS

“Because the dialogue and relationships with your peers are priceless!”
-James Woodley, CL11  

Time is winding down!  Applications are due April 8.  Learn more about Bergen LEADS or fill out your application online here


Bergen LEADS will:
•           introduce you to County leaders and decision makers
•           illuminate and strengthen your leadership style
•           bring Bergen County to life through exciting field trips and site visits
•           challenge your assumptions about Bergen County and its people
•           expose you to widely divergent views of Bergen County issues
•           expand your personal and professional network

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Feel the beat, those dancing feet


Students from Bergen County Academies will bring the fun and spectacle of Broadway to “Celebrate Volunteers” on Wednesday, April 6, by performing music and dance from their recent production of  the hit smash “42nd Street.”  The lively performance will have the audience tapping their feet to the tunes that make this show one of the best ever.  Special thanks to the cast and their director, Dr. Rebecca Strum, for sharing special moments from the show.

Celebrate Volunteers” pays tribute to the many people whose efforts enhance our community.  The evening will feature an inspiring program with Brenda Blackmon, popular news anchor for My 9 News, serving as Master of Ceremonies.  Public and private non-profit organizations, hospitals, libraries, religious organizations and schools in Bergen County are invited to bring their volunteers and staff to this non-competitive, community-wide event. For information visit us online or contact Debbie Emery, 201-489-9454, ext. 118 or demery@bergenvolunteers.org.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Sending Good Wishes to Japan

Volunteer Center Board Member Kuniko Minakawa created this poster “COURAGE JAPAN” to send to her friends and family in Japan.  Our staff is delighted to send our sincere good wishes to all of those affected by the recent devastation, and we encourage everyone to go to Network for Good to find out how to help.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Volunteer Mentors Inspire by Example

Training sessions planned during National Volunteer Month

April is National Volunteer Month, highlighted by National Volunteer Week, April 10 to 16.   During the entire month, the Volunteer Center of Bergen County celebrates the efforts of people who help make their communities better places to live and work.

Being a mentor is a great way to make a difference in the community and in peoples’ lives.   Men and women are needed to participate in two mentoring programs sponsored by the Volunteer Center.

Through the Mentoring Youth program, caring men and women provide guidance, friendship and support to youth who are experiencing social, emotional and behavioral problems.  Mentoring Moms are women who provide guidance to isolated or overwhelmed mothers of all ages, helping them cope with the challenges of parenting, managing households, providing for their children or overcoming other obstacles. 

“This year’s National Volunteer Month celebrates people in action,’” says Janet Sharma, Executive Director of the Volunteer Center.  “Being a mentor is an active way to be a positive influence on someone who could use a guiding hand or a sympathetic ear.  Mentors truly touch lives for the better.”

Mentoring Youth begins its 5-week training session on April 20. Mentoring Moms will meet on 5 consecutive Mondays beginning on April 25.  Deadline to register for either mentor training is April 18.  Visit our website and click on Mentoring Programs to learn more.

Monday, March 21, 2011

More Vans Equal More Service

With a third crew on the road, the Volunteer Center’s Chore Service has been able to provide home repairs that keep 18% more seniors and people with disabilities safe in their homes. In 2009 we helped 1,612 clients; in 2010 we helped 1,895.  TD Bank and a private family foundation provided funds to purchase two new vans. We still have 12-year-old van on the road and are seeking funds to replace it.

In the meantime, our crews of amiable Chore volunteers are performing home repairs throughout the County!  For more information about the Chore Service click here.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Why Bergen LEADS?

#4 - “New skills.  Bergen LEADS taught me to be still and listen, listen, listen.  I had to think in a different way about the future of Bergen County - how do I make things work better?”
-Marion Gregg-Whited, CL09  

#3 –Access to wisdom and influence.” 
-Laura Amerman, CL11   

The next Open House is Monday, March 21 at the Volunteer Center, click here for a complete schedule and to register for an Open House.

Bergen LEADS will:
•           introduce you to County leaders and decision makers
•           illuminate and strengthen your leadership style
•           bring Bergen County to life through exciting field trips and site visits
•           challenge your assumptions about Bergen County and its people
•           expose you to widely divergent views of Bergen County issues
•           expand your personal and professional network 

Learn more about Bergen LEADS or fill out your application online here.  Applications are due April 8.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

If You Know A Great Volunteer...

Here’s your chance to give dedicated volunteers and volunteer groups some very special recognition!   Nominations are open for two prestigious awards honoring outstanding volunteers and groups in New Jersey: the Governor's Jefferson Awards (due March 31) and the Russ Berrie Award for Making a Difference (due March 18). The Governor’s Jefferson Awards will be presented late this spring at the Newark Museum.  The program is co-sponsored by the Star Ledger  and provides significant recognition for those honored in numerous categories.  Details are at www.njgovernorsawards.com.   The Russ Berrie Award offers cash awards to “unsung heroes”:  8 awards at $5,000 each, 1 at $25,000, 1 at $35,000 and 1 at $50,000.  Application and details can be found at https://its.ramapo.edu/rbamd/ (click "no" on security box).  The awards will be presented in May at Ramapo College. 

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Comedy Night, March 26 - RSVP by Friday

Our third annual Comedy Night promises to bring a bit of levity to a troubled planet.  Join us Saturday, March 26, at Banana’s Comedy Club, 283 Rt. 17 South, Hasbrouck Heights. Doors open at 6:30pm and the show starts at 7:30 sharp. Comedian Alonzo Bodden will be headlining, and proceeds will benefit the Volunteer Center.

Alonzo was the winner of season three of Last Comic Standing. He has performed on The Tonight Show, The Late Late Show, and The Best Damned Sports Show.  Alonzo describes his material as "cynically good natured in an angry suburban Negro kind of way"...the rest of the country just thinks he's mega-funny.  He’s definitely hot and on the move, so catch him while you can!

Deadline is Friday, March 18. Tickets are just $30 plus a one food or drink minimum. Purchase your tickets here.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Bergen LEADS - Applications due April 8!

Top Ten Reasons to Join Bergen LEADS
# 6 – “Your mind and your heart will be stretched and challenged as you consider things you never thought of before, and look at things in a new way.”
-Jane He, CL10
&
 #5 – “The potential to see Bergen County as it truly is - a county with a population equal to many states, both in size and diversity.  Also, networking, networking, networking.” 

-Dave Dubin, CL09

The next Open House is Monday, March 21 at the Volunteer Center, click here for a complete schedule and to register for an Open House.

Bergen LEADS will:
•           introduce you to County leaders and decision makers
•           illuminate and strengthen your leadership style
•           bring Bergen County to life through exciting field trips and site visits
•           challenge your assumptions about Bergen County and its people
•           expose you to widely divergent views of Bergen County issues
•           expand your personal and professional network

Learn more about Bergen LEADS or fill out your application online here.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Read Across America

Ten companies and 50 volunteers fanned out across Bergen County on March 3 for "Read Across America Day,” reading to children at area early learning programs. The event was sponsored by the Northern New Jersey Business Volunteer Council, with these participating companies: Bank of New Jersey, Bayada Nurses (pictured, Alyson Bolton and Marlana Follet), BD, Classic Residence, Community Bank of Bergen County, Modera Wealth Management, Sigma Group, TD Bank, and United Water.

Read Across America Day commemorates Dr. Suess’s birthday, and encourages motivation and awareness about reading. The program was designed to make every child in every community celebrate reading.

Read Across America Day kicks off the BVC’s annual Books in a Bag campaign to collect books for children from low income families. For more information about Books in a Bag or about how companies can get involved in initiatives that help children and families throughout Bergen County, visit the BVC website at nnjbvc.org.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Join Us to Celebrate the Spirit of Doing Good

"Celebrate Volunteers" - Wednesday, April 6, 2011!

The Volunteer Center of Bergen County will host its annual community-wide celebration honoring hundreds of volunteers on Wednesday, April 6 in Hackensack.  Public and private nonprofit organizations, hospitals, libraries, religious organizations, and schools are invited to bring the volunteers they want to honor to this very special event.   This year’s event sponsors are Sony Electronics, Dessault Falcon Jet, Lakeland Bank and TD Bank.  Brenda Blackmon, NY9News anchor, will again serve as our emcee for the evening. 

This is not a competition or a contest.  You can select those you want to honor and give them a public “pat on the back” for the good work they do for your organization and for our community.

Celebrate Volunteers will be held at the Bergen Academies Auditorium, 200 Hackensack Avenue, in Hackensack.  The event begins at 6:30pm with a dessert reception, followed by the recognition program at 7:15pm.  Blackmon, popular news anchor at MY 9 News, is master of ceremonies, and special entertainment will be featured.  The cost is $10.00 per person.  For more information please call Debbie Emery at 201-489-9454, ext. 118 or click here to purchase your tickets online.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Top Ten Reasons to Join Bergen LEADS - Reason #7

REASON #7...
  
Bergen LEADS never sends you home hungry!”
-Gary Albrecht, CL09
   

Bergen LEADS feeds your mind and your stomach.  Thought-provoking speakers, eye-opening site visits, access to County leaders and the opportunity to chew it all over with your classmates.  And the cookies are great too!    

Bergen LEADS will:
•           introduce you to County leaders and decision makers
•           illuminate and strengthen your leadership style
•           bring Bergen County to life through exciting field trips and site visits
•           challenge your assumptions about Bergen County and its people
•           expose you to widely divergent views of Bergen County issues
•           expand your personal and professional network

Attend a FREE informational Open House to find out how you can become a part of Bergen LEADS, meet alumni and members of the Class of 2011.  Click here for a complete schedule and to register for an Open House.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Join us at Comedy Night!

 
Our third annual Comedy Night is Saturday, March 26, at Banana’s Comedy Club, 283 Rt. 17 South, Hasbrouck Heights. Doors open at 6:30pm and the show starts at 7:30 sharp. Comedian Alonzo Bodden will be headlining, and proceeds will benefit the Volunteer Center.

Alonzo was the winner of season three of Last Comic Standing. He has performed on The Tonight Show, The Late Late Show, and The Best Damned Sports Show. Alonzo describes his material as "cynically good natured in an angry suburban Negro kind of way"...the rest of the country just thinks he's mega-funny. Don't miss this hot comic...he's on the move so, catch him while you can!
RSVP by March 18. Tickets are just $30 plus a one food or drink minimum. Purchase your tickets here.