The Caring Community Alliance has a two-fold mission. It seeks to coordinate the community outreach efforts of our town's non-profit organizations, along with those in our neighboring communities, in order to promote the health, safety and well-being of residents in need.

It also will provide a means by which these non-profit organizations can network, share information and concerns, create greater public awareness of their missions and attract new volunteers, and be of mutual assistance in their ongoing efforts.

Glen Ridge Community Fund Sends Thanks

The Glen Ridge Community Fund sends a gracious THANK YOU! to town residents for their generous support during its annual town-wide mailing this past fall. The GRCF conducts its fundraising twice a year through the Fall Annual Mail Campaign and the Fitzgerald's 1028 Tavern 5000 Meter Lager Run held in late June.

Despite the uncertain economic environment, Glen Ridge residents responded generously to the Fall Campaign! These funds will be distributed to nine GRCF supported social service agencies including Senior Care & Activities Center, ARC of Essex County, Family Service League, Chrill Care and the American Red Cross.

Donations are gratefully accepted throughout the year to the GRCF at PO Box 27, Glen Ridge, NJ, 07028 or through charitable or matching gift programs at your place of business. Simply designate the Glen Ridge Community Fund as your beneficiary. The GRCF is a 501c3 non-profit and the tax ID# is 22-6083612.

If you are a Glen Resident and would like to learn more about the GRCF or become directly involved as a Board of Trustees member, please visit our website at http://www.grcf.org.

What's Happening

UNITED WAY of NORTH ESSEX, in partnership with AARP
Free tax preparation services will be available to those filing straightforward tax returns starting February 4th. Appointment required. For more information call the United Way at 973-746-4040 or go online at http://www.uwne.org/.

Need help? Call the United Way's 24/7 free and confidential helpline by dialing 211. United Way volunteers will provide information about community services, job placement assistance, health services, drug treatment programs and so much more.

MOUNTAINSIDE HOSPITAL
Basic First Aid for Children - First aid parents/guardians can handle vs. when it is necessary to go to the Hospital ER. Dr. Orlando Gonzalez from Mountainside Family Practice Assoc. will lead the discussion. Tues., Jan. 27th, 6-7pm at the Helen and Bill Geyer YMCA Family Center, 159 Glenridge Ave, Montclair.

Overview of Breast Imaging - Women's Health Center at Mountainside Hospital is offering comprehensive breast screening and diagnostic mammography. Learn more. Presented by Dr. Medelyn Danoff, Radiologist. Wed., Jan. 28th, 6-7pm.

Go Red For Women: The Facts about Heart Disease and Stroke - Support National Wear Red Day. Learn the risk factors and reduce your risk. Presented by Dr. Judy Washington from Mountainside Family Practice Assoc. Fri., Feb. 6th at 2pm. The American Heart Assoc. will be on hand from 11:30am - 1:30pm providing risk assessment tools.

Weight Loss Surgery: The Facts - Learn more. Center for Bariatric Surgery at Mountainside Hospital. Presented by Dr. Karl Strom, Bariatric Surgeon. Wed., Feb. 18th from 6-7pm.

To attend any of these events register online at http://www.mountainsidenow.com/ or call 1-888-973-4674.

MONTCLAIR HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Women's Health Screening - Pap smears, pelvic exams, breast exam, blood pressure screening and educational materials. Montclair Health Dept., 205 Claremont Ave., Montclair. Screenings held on Thurs., Jan. 15th & 22nd, Feb. 5th & 12th and Mar. 5th & 15th between the hours of 8:45 - 11:15am. Fee is $20 / Free to Seniors over 60. Appointments are necessary. For more info and to schedule appointment call 973-509-4974.

Body Mass Index (BMI) Screening - BMI is one of the numerous risk factors related to developing a chronic disease. Fri., Jan. 23rd from 10am - 12pm. Screening is FREE but registration is required. Call 973-509-4974.

Respiratory Screening - A simple spirometry test can determine the presence of obstructive and/or restricted lung function. Mon., Feb. 9th from 9 - 11am. Screening is FREE. Appointment required. Call 973-509-4974.

GLEN RIDGE BOY SCOUTS
Get your hot coffee each morning in February and March from the Boy Scouts at the GR Train Station. This yearly fundraiser supports outings and new equipment purchases.

GLEN RIDGE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Lecture on E.P. Mitchell, founder of Glen Ridge and New York Editor who created the Science Fiction genre. Presented by Joan Hayes. Tues., Feb. 24th at 8pm at the Women's Club.

GLEN RIDGE VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE SQUAD
The GRVAS is receiving a good response for new volunteers but still need MORE. Membership is diverse, ranging from high school students to retirees, from commuters to work at home parents. Captain Chris Landers urges any town resident, who has the inclination to join one of the most interesting and vital organizations in Glen Ridge to call him at 973-566-0903 or Erika Bleiberg at 973-743-4393. It may well be the beginning of one of the most rewarding experiences in your life.

ROTARY CLUB
Rotary Club International - The Rotary Foundation's Group Study Exchange (GSE) is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for businesspeople and professionals between the ages of 25 and 40 in the early stages of their careers. They are seeking enthusiastic, informed and outgoing professionals for the GSE upcoming opportunity to experience Switzerland in May-June 2009. The Rotary Foundation pays for round trip airfare and Rotary Club members in Switzerland provide lodging, meals and group travel through central Switzerland. For more information and an application please contact GSE Chairman Frank Geraghty (Rotary of Phillipsburg) at fgeraghty@enter.net or by fax at 908-213-0948.

Rotary Club District 7470 (Glen Ridge's District) - Rotary Clubs throughout District 7470 in Northern NJ are joining together in search for students to represent the District in the Ross Redmond Exchange Program with Japan. Students aged 15 to 23 are eligible for this exciting opportunity. For more information please contact Jim Allison at the Ross Redmond Exchange Program at jra188@aol.com or call him at (610) 438-0845.

Forward this newsletter to the members of your organization. If you aren't the contact person help us reach that person. We welcome and encourage all organizations to submit their news and notice of coming events and we will help spread the word. Look for our next issue February 15th. Deadline for submissions will be February 12th. Send to newsletter@grcca.org