Party, Rally, Run & Rodgers and Hammerstein

On Saturday, About Town visited the V.F.W., where their St. Patrick’s Day Party was in full swing. How could we not stop in? As soon as you walked past the Post’s open door the narcotic scent of corned beef and cabbage grabbed you by the stomach and pulled you inside. It seemed that the beautiful sunny day brought out so many of our neighbors; there were about 125 people who came out to celebrate.

Commander Jim Viola couldn’t have been more welcoming. As soon as you walked through the door he’d grab you, give you a big handshake or bear hug and drag you over to the food. And, oh! Don’t even try to tell him that you’re not hungry! He made sure everyone got more than just a little something to eat. Rounding out the welcoming committee was Mille Brudie who circulated the room and got the party started with her bright smile, good humor and incredible sense of style.

If you’ve never been inside the V.F.W., you should make it a point to stop by. The walls are covered not only with military history, but the history of Fort Lee. There are photographs, paintings and all kinds of memorabilia that should be seen. Now that the weather is getting nicer, or we hope that it is, our veterans will be sitting on the benches outside the Post, so stop by and say “hi.” They have some great stories to tell.

Despite the fact that About Town was stuffed, our children wouldn’t eat the corned beef and cabbage so off we trekked to Hiram’s to feed them hot dogs. At 3:00 in the afternoon Hiram’s was hopping! It was standing room only, and even then we were shoulder to shoulder at the counter. Kudos to Alysa and John who kept the orders moving. Even though there was a late afternoon chill in the air the outside picnic area was filled to capacity. If you want to catch up with old friends, go to Hiram’s on a Saturday afternoon. It seemed like just about every graduating class from Fort Lee High was represented.   

RALLY FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH TODAY

Today at 11a.m. there will be a Rally for Women’s Health at the Englewood Planned Parenthood Health Center. U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg, N.J. Senator Loretta Weinberg, Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle and Assemblywoman Linda Stender will be leading the rally. Lend your voice to fight for women’s health. It’s also a great way to meet your representatives face to face.

The Englewood Planned Parenthood Health Center is located at 46 Van Brunt Street, Englewood.

“RUN THE PALISADES” FOR DIABETES

Lace up those running shoes, and start getting ready for the third annual “Run the Palisades” for Diabetes on Sunday, May 15. Sponsored by Fort Lee, Cliffside Park and the Diabetes Foundation, the 5K Run/Walk and Health Fair will begin at Cliffside Park High School and run through the towns of Cliffside Park and Fort Lee. Our own Mayor Mark Sokolich  and Cliffside Park Mayor Gerry Calabrese are leading the committee to provide local community resources such as the Police Department, DPW, First Aid Squad, Health Department, Board of Education and Recreation Department to make this a great day. 

Runners of all ages are welcome to participate. The course is easy—flat and fast. The day will begin with a 9:30 a.m. with a “Healthy Kids Fun Run” where ribbons will be given to everyone who crosses the finish line. Awards will be given out in all categories. To pre-register log onto: www.firstgiving.com/dfi or www.raceforum.com/palisades.

Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. on the day of the race. T-shirts will be given to all pre-registered participants and while supplies last on the day of the race. The race begins at 9:30 a.m. ending at 12:30 p.m. where there will be a Health Fair inside the Cliffside Park High School and is open to everyone. Local hospitals will be offering blood pressure screenings, cholesterol and blood sugar screenings and eye and foot screenings, all free of charge. Vendors will also be present to educate people about their products. Special focus will be given to people with diabetes and raising awareness of diabetes.

FORT LEE HIGH PRESENTS RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S “THE KING AND I”

It’s officially spring when theater comes to Fort Lee High School. Performances for Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “The King and I” will begin this Thursday and run through Saturday. 7 p.m. evening performances will be held on March 24, 25 and 26. There will also be a 2 p.m. matinee performance on Saturday. Tickets are $10/adult; $7/students and seniors.

“The King and I” is directed by Cara Picone and the Music Supervisor is Joseph Picone. Come out and support our High School. Our talented students always promise a great show.