Letter to the Editor: Reproductive Rights Remain at Risk

Millburn Resident and a vice president of Community Services of the National Council of Jewish Women in Livingston, Essex County Section, writes Patch seeking continued abortion rights support, not complacency.

  As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade on January 22, we must remember that complacency is the enemy of this epic reproductive rights victory.  The truth is our hard-fought reproductive rights are at risk. The relentless efforts of New Jersey state legislatures continue to threaten and chip away at the core rights affirmed by Roe v. Wade.  Invisible barriers including fewer providers, increased regulations, and restrictions on insurance carriers have been enacted to steadily erode the integrity of the law. As Vice President of Community Services of the National Council of Jewish Women, Essex County Section, I am proud to say that our organization has long been committed to protecting every woman’s right to access to …

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NCJW Scholarship Deadline Approaching

April 2 deadline for high school seniors to earn $500 award for making life better locally or globally.

Time is running out for high school seniors to apply for scholarships applications from the National Council of Jewish Women, Essex County Section. The deadline for applying for the nonsectarian award is April 2. The scholarship is bestowed annually on high school seniors who have demonstrated a commitment and dedication to making life better for others locally or globally. Winners receive $500 and an award certificate. To be eligible, an applicant must be a graduating senior attending a public or private high school in Essex County. Last year’s winners were Jason Levine of Nutley High School, Meagan Koch of James Caldwell High School and Isabel Abraham-Raveson of Montclair High School. Moved by hardships facing individuals and families …

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NCJW Provides Back to School Basics

National Council of Jewish Women helps kids get ready with backpacks, clothing and supplies.

Third-grader Edgar Urena was so excited about receiving a new pair of jeans and sneakers at the National Council of Jewish Women’s Back 2 School Store that he wore them home. Held inside B’nai Shalom, Edgar was one of 500 economically disadvantaged youngsters who took part in the third annual event.  “I’m really appreciative for this opportunity,” said Maria Urena, Edgar’s mother.  “It’s really a blessing. It’s funny too because when he goes to the store with me, he can’t choose what he wants. But he did so well here because his shopping guide said he has great taste.” Youngsters from 20 participating agencies showed up at B’nai Shalom in West Orange. Volunteer shopping guides greeted and escorted Edgar and every other child who took part …

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Teen Dating: Retired Teacher Steps In When Love Hurts

Marylu Valenzano volunteers her time to help teens avoid abusive relationships.

Marylu Valenzano understood the value of the message on teen dating abuse. Over the years, the former Livingston High School health teacher listened on the sidelines as experts from a local volunteer group on teen dating abuse presented their powerful educational program to her students -- two days a year, five times a day for 11 years. When she retired, in 2006, Marylu seized the opportunity to volunteer with the program she had observed so many times. Marylu is now completing her fifth year as a teen dating abuse educator for the Teen Dating Abuse (TDA) prevention and awareness program developed and run by the National Council of Jewish Women, Essex County Section.  “It was a natural fit,” said Marylu, who lives in Fairfield.  “I knew it…

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Hush, Little Baby: Jewish Women Tuck In Newborns

National Council of Jewish Women pack diaper bags for babies.

Booties, bibs, and blankets were piled as high as a high chair at Livingston’s Temple Beth Shalom last Sunday. Volunteers ranging from 5 to 75 years old bustled about, organizing supplies for the National Council of Jewish Women’s annual Tuck In event. The organization recruited family volunteers to help assemble special diaper bags to distribute to caregivers of newborn babies in need, through social service agencies across Essex County.  Every newborn deserves a great start and through this program, infants — preemies through 12 months — who are served by Children’s Aid and Family Services, Clara Maas Hospital, Harmony House, and Newark Beth Israel nursery and NICU will receive a diaper bag filled with provisions important for physical …

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Get Out

Sweet! Party with the Cake Boss

Buddy Valastro is the guest of honor at National Council of Jewish Women fundraiser.

Buddy Valastro, better known to reality show fans and cake aficionados alike as the “Cake Boss,” is sweet on Essex County. And locals with a sweet tooth can show Valastro who’s the boss at “Bake with the Cake Boss,” the Essex County section of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) event at the Crestmont Country Club in West Orange, on Tuesday, March 15 at 6 p.m. Guests at the event, which is open to the public, can dine with Valastro, sample desserts, and a lucky few can have their own sweet creations judged by the Cake Boss in a friendly competition. Valastro, whose youngest child was born last month at Saint Barnabas, was a natural choice for the NCJW fundraiser. “’Bake with the Cake Boss’ is going to be a fabulous fun event that …

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