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THE BERNARDS-RIDGE CONNECTION
DEC 2015/JAN 2016
The Piano Workshop at Chester SUPER COOL WITH KIDS & ADULTS TOO! • In-home lessons available 415 State Route 24, Suite B, Chester 908-955-3022 www.thepianoworkshopatchester.com Director@thepianoworkshopatchester.com Director: Mark Weisman Register Now for Winter/ Spring Semester • Private lessons - Piano, Voice, Guitar • Now offering lessons in Flute, Saxophone, Oboe and Clarinet Kindermusik Classes 0-5 years of age. Please call or email to sign up for FREE demo class and scheduling. • Tiny-Fingers, a group piano class for 4-6 year olds, uses a state-of-the-art piano lab. SATURDAY MORNINGS AT 10AM • Classes in Jazz Improvisation, Music Technology & Ensemble Programs Email or Call For More Info. Holiday Gift Certificates Available Stacia McDonough has kicked off her fourth annual, “They Kept Us Safe, Let's Keep Them Warm,” new winter clothing drive to benefit the formerly homeless, and disabled veterans currently housed at Community Hope’s “Hope for Veterans” VA campus in Lyons, New Jersey. The drop off collection boxes are located at: 1) The Salon Studio, 27 Mine Mount Road (Second Floor), Bernardsville, NJ 07942 (Contact: Kate Phan) *Non-perishable food also being collected at this location. PH: 732.306.3846. 2) Investor’s Savings Bank, 315 Route #202/ 206, Pluckemin, NJ 07978 (Contact: Antonella Celli, Assistant Vice President, Branch Manager). PH: 908.719.6750. 3) Coldwell Banker Realty, 1 S. Finley Avenue, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 (Contact: Theresa Filippone). PH: 908.766.8354 or 908.766.0808. 4) The Stirling Elks Lodge, 1138 Valley Road, Stirling, NJ 07980 (Contact: Kelly Mazzochi) *Non-perishable food also being collected at this location. PH: 908.672.2079. 5) Robbiani’s Clock and Doll Shop, 14 School Road West, Marlboro, NJ 07746 (Contact: Michael and Kathleen Robbiani) *Non-perishable food also being collected at this location. PH: 732.462.3589. 6) Salon Seraphim, 55 Willow Lane, 184 Route #9 North, Englishtown, NJ 07726 (Contact: Jennifer Oakley or Michelle Whinni) PH: 732.972.5177. Items being collected are brand new winter coats, hats, scarves, socks, slippers, ear muffs, undershirts (All men’s sizes: L-5XL), thermal underwear, sweaters, blankets, toi- letries (shampoo, bar soap, razors, deodor- ant, sunblock, lip balm, etc.). In addition, afood drive is also included to help stock the
food pantry located on the premises.
The residents are mostly men, however, there
are currently 7 ex-servicewomen (sizes L-16)
residing at one of the facilities. There are a
total of 167 ex-servicemen and women resid-
ing at the 2 “Hope For Veterans” facilities.
Mrs. McDonough, along with several dedi-
cated volunteers will personally hand-deliv-
er the gift-wrapped items to each veteran on
Christmas Eve morn.
Mrs. McDonough
was inspired to start
this innovative cam-
paign in loving
memory of her late
husband, a Sergeant
in the U.S. Air Force
who served “In
Country” during the
Vietnam War.
“As Americans, we must keep our brave veter-
ans in the forefront. For their service, bravery,
and sacrifice these extraordinary souls should
be revered, and never forgotten,” says Mrs.
McDonough. She is thrilled by the tremen-
dous success of her previous campaigns. “I’m
looking forward to a banner year, hoping I can
spread a little bit of Christmas cheer to our
amazing heroes,” she adds.
Mrs. McDonough is the CEO of the multi-
award winning company, Neva Dolls®, an
award-winning journalist, and has also
authored several children’s books, including
the best-selling fairy tale, paper doll book,
“The Sad Little Princess,” which is now
available for purchase at
Amazon.com.Unfortunately, the majority of our country’s
homeless population is comprised of former
servicemen and women. “Hope For Veter-
ans
®
” is a New Jersey based 501c-3 non-prof-
it organization which provides housing and
other necessities for veterans who have fallen
on hard times. For further information visit
their website at:
www.communityhope-nj.orgor call 973.463.9600.
“It is a tremendous privilege for me to be able
to conduct this annual campaign, and an
honor to spend Christmas Eve with our
remarkable veterans. It’s truly humbling just
to be in their presence,” says Mrs. McDonough.
Any individuals, businesses, or organizations
interested in participating with “They Kept
Us Safe, Let’s Keep Them Warm” drive, can
contact Mrs. Stacia McDonough via e-mail
at:
staciamcdonough@hotmail.com, orMrs.
Jena Rae at
jenakrae@gmail.com. They Kept Us Safe, Let’s KeepThem Warm
Stacia McDonoughSgt. John McDonough
www.theconnectionsnj.com