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yw90th anniversary
Check here for updates and details about all of the festivities. And be sure to “Fan” us on Facebook for info, photos and feedback.
YWCA Hosts Rebecca Skloot
Author Rebecca Skloot chatted with fans, signed books and spoke at length about issues ranging from racism and poverty to medical science and ghosts during her appearance on Thursday, November 11, at the YWCA Bergen County’s fall fundraiser. The event, which was held at the Teaneck Marriott at Glenpointe in Teaneck, NJ, capped off the organization’s year-long celebration of its 90th Anniversary.
Skloot’s book, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, was named to several high-profile “best of” lists in the days leading up to her exclusive area appearance. Amazon selected it as the #1 Best Book of 2010 and Publishers’ Weekly sited it as one of their Top10 picks of2010. It was also awarded the 2010 Wellcome Trust Book Prize (www.rebeccaskloot.com). The YWCA chose Skloot as its keynote speaker because her book was so closely aligned with its mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.
The author mingled with guests during a VIP reception before reading several selections from The Immortal Life and sharing anecdotes about her 10-year journey to write it. She then answered questions from the crowd, which was as interested in her relationship with the Lacks family as in the story of a poor, black tobacco farmer whose cancer cells, taken without her knowledge, became one of the most important tools in medicine. “My biggest challenge—besides getting the family to talk with me—was wading through the overwhelming volume of medical research,” she said. “I had a hard time containing it and distilling it into something that would hold a reader’s interest.” She was also intent on creating a balanced view. “Getting Henrietta’s story out there—and the scientists’ story out there—was really important to me. The family wanted their story told, and trusted me to tell it in a respectful way. I also didn’t want people to read this and think tissue research was a bad thing.”
The event was sponsored by PNC Bank, Roche Pharmaceuticals, Capital One Bank, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Bergen/Passaic Chapter, Hackensack University Medical Center, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney - Evan Steinberg, Teaneck Marriott at Glenpointe, and The Valley Hospital. Bookends in Ridgewood, NJ also partnered with the YWCA, donating 20% of the sales for each book purchased in-store and at the event. Proceeds will benefit YWCA scholarships for after school care and summer camps, special needs recreation programs, and the county’s only 24/7 Rape Crisis Hotline.
Photo left: Guests at the “Meet the Speaker” reception included (L to R) Vicki Bruni, YWCA volunteer, trustee, The Valley Hospital, and director, Hudson City Savings Bank; Monica Roers, YWCA CEO; Lisa Kender, former president, YWCA board of directors; and Megan Fraser, vice president, communications and marketing, The Valley Hospital.
Photo right: Rebecca Skloot (right) signs a book for Linda Bowden, regional president for northern New Jersey, PNC Financial Services Group. PNC sponsored the VIP “Meet the Speaker” Reception.
Photo left: Rebecca Skloot (holding her book) (L to R) YWCA board president Nisha Cordero, YWCA CEO Monica Roers, and former YWCA Board member and volunteer Pam Averso.
Photo right: Rebecca Skloot (fourth from left) thanks high school volunteers from the mentoring program run by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Bergen/Passaic Chapter, one of the event sponsors. The students, who helped with everything from greeting guests to distributing gift bags, were joined by several Coalition members, including president Deborah Jackson (third from right) and mentor committee chair Jeannette Curtis-Rideau (second from left.)
Block Party
YWCA Bergen County hosted our first-ever Block Party on Sunday, September 26 as part of our year-long 90th Anniversary celebration. More than 200 members, staff and their families enjoyed a fun-filled afternoon sponsored by Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar. The event included live music courtesy of the YW’s very own... “Rockin’ Rhonda” and her band, balloon-making clowns, arcade games, a bouncy castle and a hoola-hoop contest. Beverages were provided by United Water and desserts included Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, brownies from Cupcakes by Carousel, and pastries from Whole Foods Market, Paramus. The party concluded with a drawing for prizes including Toys ‘R’ Us gift certificates—the perfect ending to a great afternoon!
Ridgewood's 4th of July Parade
Our YW joined the Village of Ridgewood in observing the 100th Anniversary of its Independence Day celebration—and our own 90th birthday—by marching in the July 4th parade. Members of our Newcomers Club and summer camp families braved the heat to proudly display our message on banners and T-shirts. They were rewarded for their efforts with a post-parade party that included hot dogs, ice cream and arts & crafts. Our sincere thanks to all of the moms, dads and kids who took time during this busy holiday to support and honor our YW!
Tea & History
Friends of the YWCA Bergen County enjoyed high tea and the chance to share memories with acquaintances old and new at our “Tea and History” event on June 2, 2010. The Woman’s Club of Ridgewood was decked out in the YW’s signature shade of persimmon and filled with archival photos, videos and memorabilia highlighting our 90-year history of making a difference in the community. Guests were also treated to a brief history of tea provided by food historian Judith Krall-Russo. This was the first in a series of 90th Anniversary special events we’ll be hosting this year to show our appreciation for all who have supported our efforts throughout the years.
Top Right: A slide show featuring nine decades of archived photos runs on a laptop surrounded by YW memorabilia.
Top Left: 90th Anniversary committee member Linda Plastina, YWCA board president Nisha Cordero and board member Cara Murray.
Middle Left: New Jersey Assemblywoman Connie Wagner (right) presents YW Special Events Manager Barbara Giarmo with a proclamation.
Middle Right: Kurth Café catered the formal tea, which featured traditional scones and sanwiches, teas from Teaberry’s Tea Room in Flemington and delectable desserts by Nonie’s Pastries.
Bottom Left: Seated L to R: Gina Damiano, Francesca Assad, Nina Assad, and 2010 TWIN Honoree Paulette Wright. Standing L to R: Monica Roers, Dot Jenkins, Betsy Murphy Sparrow and Barbara Kiernan.
Bottom Right:Longtime YWCA volunteers and 90th Anniversary committee members Marlene Lubinger and Bobbie Eaton enjoy catching up.
90th Birthday Party Celebrates YWStaff & Volunteers
Staff, board members and volunteers kicked off the YWCA’s year-long 90th Anniversary celebration at a reception hosted by Board President Lisa Kender on February 4th.
Top left: Board Member Patricia Preztunik; CEO Monica Roers; former Board Member Barbara Eaton; Development Director Jeanne Patrican.
Top right: Former Board Member Sally Martino, Board Member Christina Gibbons, Ridgewood Newcomers Member Linda Plastina; Board 2nd Vice President and Treasurer Nisha Cordero
Bottom left: Finance Director Lois Browne, Board Member Barbara Kiernan, former Board Member Linda Tauscher; Board Member Amy Labanowski
Bottom right: Former Board Member Pamela Averso; Board Secretary Nancy Passow; former Board Member Susan Borea; Board President Lisa Kender