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Women ready to help Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Crisis Center
following training graduation

Allamuchy Girl Scouts put on ‘award-winning’ effort for D.A.R.C.C.

BELVIDERE (Nov. 21, 2008) – Each year the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Crisis Center collects toys, gifts, and other items to be provided to our clients and their children during the holidays. Last year one shelter resident was so overwhelmed that she burst into tears when she received the gifts. Children who otherwise would not have received presents once again believe in Santa Claus. One mother of six remarked that this was the first Christmas her children ever really had. Another said, “Life is truly beautiful and our community a better place to live because of good-hearted people like you.”

This year, with your help, we would like to continue our tradition of giving. Items that are on everyone’s wish list this year are gift cards to Wal-Mart, Target, Kohl’s, and Shop Rite. Wrapping paper, gas cards, and phone cards are also a huge hit every year.

Dr. Lebis, located at 51 Main Street in Hackettstown, will be conducting a Teen Drive this year by collecting gifts that are on our teen wish list. If you would like to donate a gift for a teenager, please call Margie at Dr. Lebis’s office at 908-852-5760. His office will be the drop off site for those types of gifts this year.

If you, or an organization you belong to, would like to donate gift cards to the holiday drive this year, please call Sue Allan at 908-453-4121 x 100. Or you can email her at sallan@besafewc.org. Please know that your donation will make the holidays brighter for many families in our community.

Incorporated in 1980, the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Crisis Center is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support and empower those affected by domestic violence and sexual assault, and to develop a community where there is no acceptance of or tolerance for either. The 24-hour hotline is 866-6BE-SAFE. For further information about the organization, visit www.besafewc.org.

Women ready to help Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Crisis Center
following training graduation

BELVIDERE (Dec. 4, 2007) - The Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Warren County has announced that 17 women from throughout the area have recently completed training that will allow them to work with domestic violence victims.

“I want to take this opportunity to congratulate our recent Domestic Violence training graduates," said Pam Farago, Executive Director of the Center.

The new graduates include Karen Adamo, Susan Allan, Elizabeth Baron, Elaine Beers, Virginia Boyle, Lois Ann Czermak, Betty Dziamba, Jennifer Hager, Yvonne Iverson, Rita Looney, Olivia Pei, Debbie Ringland, Robin Sielski, Barbara Smith, Necoloa West, Patricia Willets, and Ashley Young.

Some of these newly-qualified graduates will be working at the organization’s shelter while some will become part of the Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT).

“After shadowing experienced advocates, the DVRT volunteers will soon be ready to meet domestic violence victims at police and state trooper barracks to provide any and all support services required,” noted Farago.

Training assistance was provided through corporate help.

“We appreciate that the training space for this 40 hour class was provided by Warren Hospital and training materials were generously underwritten by Atlantic States,” Farago said.

For further information about Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Warren County please call 908-453-4121 or visit www.besafewc.org.

Domestic Abuse and Rape Crisis Center
Names Brelvi, Stiles, Grigsby to Board

BELVIDERE (Feb. 21, 2007) –  The Domestic Abuse and Rape Crisis Center of Warren County has announced that Sarah Brelvi, Bob Stiles and Dr. Bryon Grigsby have been appointed to its board of directors.           

“We are very excited about the additions of Sarah, Bob and Bryon to our Board of Directors,” said Casey Raffa, President of the organization’s board of directors. “All of them have been actively involved in the community and are very well respected. They provide our board with experience and knowledge that will be very helpful to the future of the Domestic Abuse and Rape Crisis Center.”

Brelvi, a resident of Allamuchy Township, is the Director of Women’s Leadership and Major Gifts for United Way of Essex and West Hudson. Brelvi has been heavily involved with the community and is committed to programs that empower women and their families.  Prior to joining the United Way she served as the Director of the AT&T Global Employee Giving and Volunteer Programs.

Dr. Grigsby is currently the Provost and Chief Operating Officer at Centenary College.  He is active in a host of community activities and organizations including United Way of Warren County, the Warren County Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Hackettstown Business Improvement District, and the Friendship Center. He also serves as the Chair for the United Way’s Local Emerging Needs Study and for the chamber’s Leadership Warren program.  Dr. Grigsby is also a trustee and the Public Theology Director for the Waterloo United Methodist Church.          

Stiles, a longtime attorney based in Hackettstown, specializes in real estate, estate planning and zoning law. He has also served on the Frelinghuysen Township School Board for nine years. Stiles gained his law degree from Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA and earned a Masters in Business from the University of Alaska. 

Incorporated in 1980, the Domestic Abuse and Rape Crisis Center is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support and empower those affected by domestic violence and sexual assault, and to develop a community where there is no acceptance of or tolerance for either. The 24-hour hotline is 908-475-8408. For further information about the organization, visit www.darccwc.org.

Domestic Abuse and Rape Crisis Center
Partners with Area Colleges

BELVIDERE (April 14, 2007) – A collaboration between the Domestic Abuse and Rape Crisis Center of Warren County and two area colleges is allowing the organization to further expand its full range of services to those affected by domestic violence and sexual assault, while offering vital experience to students pursuing careers in related fields.

Launched last year, the Domestic Abuse and Rape Crisis Center partners with Centenary College in Hackettstown and East Stroudsburg University to offer internships that provide students up to six credits for completing extensive domestic violence training followed by direct work with victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault.           

Currently, four students are interning. The two East Stroudsburg students, Alexandra Schopf and Karin Mattioli, are interning in the organization’s shelter program, which provides temporary housing for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Another East Stroudsburg intern, psychology major Stephanie Miller, and Kaitlyn Lein from Centenary College work in the outreach program that provides individual support counseling to both domestic violence and sexual assault clients and significant others; two women's domestic violence support groups; a comprehensive legal advocacy program; and accompaniment to hospitals, police stations, and courts.           

Kim Schneider, who heads the Domestic Abuse and Rape Crisis Center's outreach program, said the two-semester internship provides students with 40 hours of extensive domestic violence training during the first semester where they "gain the practical knowledge needed to provide direct services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault." In the second semester, the students gain experience working directly with clients.           

Kelly A. Walsh, Director of the Domestic Abuse and Rape Crisis Center’s Shelter, said the two students interning in the shelter program perform several functions important to the program's success. Their basic duties include: finding and presenting resources to clients; answering calls on the crisis hotline; completing paperwork for client files; learning about the legal system as it pertains to family violence; and "being a non-judgmental ear for clients to voice their stories."           

Schopf, a senior majoring in sociology with a minor in criminal justice, said the internship has provided her with "unlimited hands-on opportunities," including experiences related to the court system, hospitals, shelters and advocacy for victims of violence.           

"Working with those in need is very humbling and I have realized that you can't just come in, wave a wand, and make it better," Schopf said. "There are trust issues that you have to learn to accept and work through in order to reach some of these women.”           

She continued, "This experience has been extremely memorable and educational. The knowledge and compassion that you learn from the employees is a lesson in itself. This internship opportunity has allowed me to step into an area outside of my everyday life and comfort zone. This organization helps everyday women who have everyday dreams, goals and passions. So, to be able to participate in the program to give to someone is something I will never forget."           

Schopf said the experience provided by the internship will be a big help to her after she graduates. "The experience and education that I will take from this program will have a positive influence towards whatever it is I pursue," she stated. "This experience has re-confirmed my interest in pursuing sociology and criminal justice fields. I know what I am looking to get my hands into, and I also have become aware of areas that I may be less interested in."             

Psychology Professor Christine Floether, who coordinates the internship program at Centenary College, said the program allows students to take the knowledge they learn in the classroom and "understand how it works in everyday life." Most importantly, the students gain "a true hands-on feeling" of what the clients served by the program are going through.           

At Centenary, the internship program evolved from a flower sale that the Psi Chi National Honor Society held last year to benefit the Domestic Abuse and Rape Crisis Center. Following that fundraiser, Floether said the college and the organization began discussing the possibility of partnering for an internship program.           

Floether said she hopes the internship program is a success for many years to come. "It's exciting that the students are able to provide such a valuable service to the community," she said. "Not only do the interns feel good about being able to help others, they are gaining very marketable skills."           

Incorporated in 1980, the agency is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support and empower those affected by domestic violence and sexual assault, and to develop a community where there is no acceptance of or tolerance for either. The 24-hour hotline is 908-475-8408. For further information about the organization, visit www.darccwc.org.

Montville’s Columbia Inn Takes Dessert Honors -
at ‘Art of Chocolate’

BELVIDERE (May 4, 2007) – The Columbia Inn Ristorante of Montville once again prepared the top dessert at the Domestic Abuse and Rape Crisis Center’s Art of Chocolate.

Chef Franco Brattoli’s Solid Chocolate Martini Tiramisu not only won the Best Dessert division, but also claimed the “People’s Choice” award for the second straight year.

The Domestic Abuse and Rape Crisis Center’s 6th annual “Art of Chocolate” was held at The Skylands at Randolph earlier this month.

The “host” was a winner, as well. Skylands was given the award for Best Presentation for its Chocolate Fountain display.

The fundraiser event, which drew nearly 300 people, was a huge success, netting nearly $20,000 for the organization.

In addition to all the chocolate excitement, former longtime president and board member Georgette Ravella Molloy was honored for her years of service to the Domestic Abuse and Rape Crisis Center during the event.

Other chocolate winners included the Madison Chocolatier for Most Innovative (Blackberry Truffle) and J. Emanual Chocolatier of Chester (Best Miniature – Mexican Chocolates). Antoinette Chocolatier received the WOW! award for its incredible chocolate sea sculpture.

Other participating restaurateurs and chocolatiers were the Strip House at Westminster Hotel of Parsippany, Thomas Catering, A & P of Blairstown, Fantastic Creations by Kate, Mama’s Restaurant & Café Baci, yummie of Bridgewater and Zigarelli Chocolates.

Masterfoods USA was the event’s Patron Sponsor. Supporting sponsors included James Alexander Corporation, ShopRite of Hunterdon County, RoNetco Supermarkets, Warren Hospital Foundation, Centenary College and Skylands Community Bank.

“I would like to graciously thank all our participants who gave up many hours of their time and talent to make our 6th annual Art Of Chocolate a spectacular event,” said Laura Cosmillo, Development Director of the Domestic Abuse and Rape Crisis Center. “I hope that next year our participants will be back, with some added new faces as well.  It is our goal to make this event grow every year with more talent and lots of chocolate for everyone to enjoy.”

Those who attended this year’s event also enjoyed light music by the Warren County Quartet and a host of other activities. The Kiwanis Club of Hackettstown, in association with WRNJ radio, gave out prizes to those who spun the Birthday Wheel.

Incorporated in 1980, the agency is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support and empower those affected by domestic violence and sexual assault, and to develop a community where there is no acceptance of or tolerance for either. The 24-hour hotline is 908-475-8408. For further information about the organization, visit www.darccwc.org.

Farago Named President of ‘Panthers’ BNI Chapter

HACKETTSTOWN (May 6, 2007) – Pam Farago, Executive Director of the Domestic Abuse and Rape Crisis Center of Warren County, has been selected as the new president of the “Panthers” chapter of the Hackettstown-area BNI.

BNI, Business Network International, offers members an opportunity to network as a team, producing business referrals and other business incentives.
Also chosen as officers on the Leadership Team: Pat Haynes, Vice President, Mary Ricks, Secretary/Treasurer.

The Membership Committee includes Sue Zukoski and Jim Hotchkiss, and Visitor Hosts are Peter King and Ruth Karmazon. The new Educational Coordinator is Patty Fisher.           

If you would like to contact Farago about joining BNI, please call 908-453-4121.

Burd, Narby Among Winners in Golf Benefit for
Domestic Abuse and Rape Crisis Center

BELVIDERE (June 8, 2007) - Bob Burd of Oxford and Elaine Narby of Netcong were the net winners at the 18th Annual Golf Tournament that  benefited the Domestic Abuse and Rape Crisis Center of Warren County.

Sponsored by Rossi of Washington, the tournament drew dozens of golfers to Apple Mountain Golf and Country Club in Belvidere.

Burd shot a 71 while Narby led the women with a 74. Dave Huizenga of Long Valley took the men’s gross prize with a 68 while Betsy Cuneo of Layton claimed the gross title for the women with an 84.

 The real winner of the event, however, was the Domestic Abuse and Rape Crisis Center of Warren County. Proceeds from the tournament will go towards an array of programs. Apple Mountain has hosted the golf fundraiser for the organization since its inception.

In the men’s net division, Bob Hoyt, Carl Ackerman and Dave Rucki all finished behind the leader with a 72. In the men’s gross bracket, Doug Dashine took second with a 74 followed by Bill Schroeder and Bob Jankowski, each scoring a 75.
Narby was followed by Emily Rush (74) and Marilyn Gibbs (75), and Cuneo finished ahead of Paula DeBenedetto (90) and Jill Van Syckle (90) in the women’s gross division.

Specialty hole winners were Jim Rukavina, Jan Stalnaker, Hank Minesian, DeBenedetto, Rucki, Gibbs and Dennis Gawronski.

Apple Mountain offers an array of outings and tournaments throughout the year, plus convenient tee times for golfers every day of the week. For more details, please call Apple Mountain, 800-PLAYGOLF, or visit www.applemountaingolf.com.

a comfortable setting for the sampling of culinary delights from many of the area’s most noted professional chefs.

“We were humbled when asked to be the chairpersons,” said the Rossis. “We truly are looking forward to the event and doing what we can to make it a success.”
           
The Rossis’ involvement in charitable organizations throughout the years makes them the perfect choice.

Edward is the owner of Rossi Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac, and GMC, as well as Suzuki of Washington. The dealership gets involved with a host of fundraising events throughout the year, helping to raise important funds for organizations such as Domestic Abuse and Rape Crisis Center of Warren County, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and The Arc. Edward, a native of Warren County, is also the president of the Washington Business Improvement District's Board of Directors and is a member of the Board of Directors for Team Capital Bank. In addition, he is a member and former chair of both the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers and the Wholesale Automotive Supply Company.

Patti Sue has been involved with the American Cancer Society, The Fresh Air Fund, and the Hunterdon Art Museum, as well as her church and her children’s schools. The Washington Rotary Club made her a Paul Harris Fellow because of her involvement with the Gift of Life Program. 

The Rossis, both graduates of Villanova University, live in Hunterdon County and have four children.

The Rossis invite everyone to come and sample delicious food from some of the finest restaurants in North Jersey and partake in a Silent Auction that will feature an array of high end sports and entertainment items. In addition, the Warren County Quartet will be on hand to entertain attendees.  

            For ticket and sponsorship information, or to find out how you can support this organization in myriad ways, please phone the DARCC office, 908-453-4121.

            Incorporated in 1980, D.A.R.C.C. is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support and empower those affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. And to develop a community where there is no acceptance of or tolerance for either. The 24-hour hotline is 908-475-8408. For further information about the organization, visit www.darccwc.org.

Sweet Fundraiser For D.A.R.C.C.
‘Art of Chocolate’ Delivers

The sweet aroma of chocolate delights at the Warren County Domestic Abuse and Rape Crisis Center’s (D.A.R.C.C.) third annual Art of Chocolate chef competition and tasting fundraiser permeated throughout the ballroom at the Hilton Parsippany this past spring, but without a doubt, it was the sight of one particular chocolate presentation that drew the most oohs and ahhs.

Jim Clohessey of Clohessey’s Bakery and Confections in Blairstown displayed an 8-foot work of chocolate art, a Lionel-sized train set that featured an assortment of typical train cars in lucious white chocolate.

BELVIDERE (April 6, 2006) – The Domestic Abuse and Rape Crisis Center of Warren County has announced that Pam Farago is its new Executive Director.
           
“We are so pleased to have Pam with us,” said Casey Raffa, president of the Board of Directors. “Not only does Pam have many years of management and marketing experience in the corporate world, but has also spent the last six years in the fundraising end of the non-profit world. We firmly believe that her experience and knowledge, along with her delightful outgoing personality, will be a very positive development to our organization.”
           
Farago most recently was the Regional Director for the American Heart Association. From 2001-2004, she was the Director of Special Events for the American Cancer Society. In 2004, Farago was named the Non-Profit Person of the Year by the Morris County Chamber of Commerce.
           
“I am so excited to be with D.A.R.C.C. and being part of such an important organization,” said Farago. “It is clear that D.A.R.C.C. provides an extremely vital service to the community.”
           
If you would like to contact Farago, please call 908-453-4121.
           
Incorporated in 1980, D.A.R.C.C. is a non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention and intervention of domestic violence and sexual assault. D.A.R.C.C.’s current shelter was built in 1989 through the efforts of the community, county, state and federal government. D.A.R.C.C. is a United Way agency.

Friendship Center scholarships help
D.A.R.C.C. families make transition

BELVIDERE (April 25, 2006) – Families affected by domestic violence and sexual assault often find themselves in a state of turmoil physically, mentally and financially.
           
The Domestic Abuse and Rape Crisis Center (D.A.R.C.C.) of Warren County offers shelter, services and transitional living arrangements to these families to help them cope with their suddenly upside down lives. In due time and with D.A.R.C.C.’s help, families will venture into a new life. However, particularly in families with small children, trying to balance work with often expensive child care makes this difficult.
           
The Friendship Center at Schooley’s Mountain, a non-profit intergenerational child care facility in Washington Township (Morris), has been doing its part for the past several years to help these families.
           
The Board of Trustees five years ago wanted to give back to the greater community and agreed to “create a scholarship fund” for families in need, said Patrick E. Brady, President of the Board of Trustees and the Executive Director of Heath Village retirement community, which is located next to the Friendship Center. And so the Friendship Center Building Blocks Scholarship was founded.
           
“We wanted to target families in transitional situations such as those served by D.A.R.C.C.,” said Brady. “We felt that those kinds of families are most in need and certainly affected by child care expenses.”
           
The trustees got in contact with Patricia Sweeney, then the Executive Director of D.A.R.C.C., and the relationship was forged.
           
“The Friendship Center has been very generous to our families,” said Pam Farago, current Executive Director of D.A.R.C.C. “Even though these families may be living in the community, they are still struggling. The scholarships have made life for them in that aspect of their lives that much easier. It’s one less thing that they have to worry about.”
           
The Friendship Center At Schooley’s Mountain offers child care for kids 2 1/2 to 6, including a kindergarten program. What makes it an especially special child care center is that several senior volunteers from Heath Village assist in various programs. They help youngsters with language programs, in wood shop, and even take the children out on nature walks. Others bake cookies for the children or make flower arrangements. One Heath Village resident has taken it upon herself to start a “bell ringers” group with some of the children. At Heath Village, the library now features a children’s section that is used by the Friendship Center kids. In another ongoing project, several men at Heath Village have made incredible wooden structures for the Center’s playground, including a huge pirate ship, a 4-car train, and an entertainment stage.
           
“The parents are really happy to give this kind of exposure to their children,” said Brady. “The children - and the parents - truly get a different view of what a retirement community is all about.”
           
For further information about the Friendship Center, please call 908-852-2221.
           
D.A.R.C.C. is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help prevent domestic violence and sexual assault and to provide services to individuals, their families, and significant others who have experienced either or both. The 24-hour hotline is 908-475-8408.

Allamuchy Girl Scouts put on
‘award-winning’ effort for D.A.R.C.C.

ALLAMUCHY TWP. (June 20, 2006) – A Bronze Award for six girls representing Allamuchy Junior Girl Scout Troop 678 was a gold medal to the Domestic Abuse and Rape Crisis Center of Warren County (D.A.R.C.C.).

The troop is led by Sandra Huffman and Belinda Toma and includes  Emily Garcia, Jessie Huffman, Katie Toma, Jaime Conklin, Carrie Wilcoxson, and Brittany Clarke.

The Bronze Award is the highest achievement at the Junior Girl Scout level.  The award shows that the girls have made a promise to help others, improve their community and world, and become the best that they can be.

To prepare for the Bronze Award, Junior Girl Scouts must earn two badges related to the Bronze Award Project, complete one of the Girl Scout signs (Troop 678’s was the Sign of the World) and earn the Junior Aide Patch by working with younger Girl Scouts.

The Bronze Award Project for Troop 678 was planning and coordinating a “Brownie Try-It Day” for the four Allamuchy Brownie Girl Scout troops.  The project required all six girls to work together to send out invitations, plan the activities for the day and then to actually spend three  hours working with the younger girls on two different Try-Its.  A Try-It is the badge that Brownie Girl Scouts work on, and generally requires fulfilling at least three different activities related to the Try-It.  The Try-Its earned on Try-It Day were Colors & Shapes and Let’s Pretend.

As part of the community service aspect, the Junior Girl Scouts decided to ask each Brownie Girl Scout to bring an educational book or toy as admittance to the Brownie Try-It Day.  D.A.R.C.C. was selected as the organization to receive these wonderful items because of the important work they do to help Warren County women and children in need.

Incorporated in 1980, D.A.R.C.C. is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help prevent domestic violence and sexual assault and to provide services to individuals, their families, and significant others who have experienced either or both. The 24-hour hotline is 908-475-8408. For further information about D.A.R.C.C., visit www.darcc.org.

Brooks, Frey named to DARCC’s
Board of Directors

The Domestic Abuse and Rape Crisis Center of Warren County (DARCC) has announced that Monte Brooks of Masterfoods USA in Hackettstown and Margaret Frey of Tri-Co Federal Credit Union, have been named to its Board of Directors.          
Brooks is the Site Director for Masterfoods USA. Frey is Vice President of Lending for Tri-Co.
           
Brooks and Frey are both involved in a variety of community programs in the region. Brooks is currently on the Board of Directors for the Warren County Regional Chamber of Commerce and has also served as the Honorary Chairperson of the Hackettstown Regional Medical Center Foundation’s Annual Cotillion for Health. Frey has been involved with March of Dimes, American Heart Asssociation and United Way, and many other fundraising efforts.
           
“We are very happy to have Monte and Margaret on our Board of Directors,” said Pam Farago, Executive Director of DARCC. “Both Monte and Margaret give our board another dimension of experience in both the for-profit and non-profit worlds. This is a very positive development for our organization.”
           
Incorporated in 1980, DARCC is a non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention of domestic violence and sexual assault. DARCC’s current shelter was built in 1989 through the efforts of the community, county, state and federal government. DARCC is a United Way agency. For more information about D.A.R.C.C., please call 908-453-4121 or visit www.darccwc.org.

Exclusively created for DARCC, pin raises
domestic abuse awareness affecting children, families

BELVIDERE (Aug. 28, 2006) – A pin created exclusively for the Domestic Abuse and Rape Crisis Center of Warren County is intended to do two things: raise awareness of those affected most by domestic abuse, children and families, and to raise funds to ensure that those affected will have services provided to them.

The intricate pin, designed by Liztech and called “Rising”, has special meaning in myriad ways.

Made of Mirrored Chrome, a reflective material, the pin, with its “rising sun”, represents a new day and a new beginning for victims and their families. Through DARCC’s “umbrella” of programs and services its staff is able to provide a safe haven and offer assistance to help women and their children through the struggles and entanglement of their lives. This is represented by the intertwining beadwork in the pin, all with the hope of being able to “bloom” and grow into a life free of violence.

These programs and services would not be available without the long time support and generosity of individuals and businesses in the community. The $55 cost for the pin will help make a difference to hundreds of people every year.

To purchase a pin, or to find out how you can support this organization in other ways, please phone the DARCC office, 908-453-4121.

Incorporated in 1980, D.A.R.C.C. is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support and empower those affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. And to develop a community where there is no acceptance of or tolerance for either. The 24-hour hotline is 908-475-8408. For further information about the organization, visit www.darccwc.org.

‘Shuffle’ nets over $4,000 for DARCC;
Texan strikes gold!

BELVIDERE (July 8, 2006) - Over 150 runners and walkers “shuffled” for a good cause on Saturday June 24. When all was said and done, $4,025 was raised for the Domestic Abuse and Rape Crisis Center (DARCC) of Warren County at the Shoe Tree Shuffle in Belvidere.
           
They came from as far away as Texas (yes, Texas!).
           
Mary Kaplan of Sunrise Beach, TX., which is west of Austin, continued on her quest to finish first in a 5K road race in every state of the union by winning the women’s 60-75 year old division.
           
“I’ve got seven more to go,” smiled Kaplan, who has raced in every state. She and her husband of 34 years, Hal, both retired, use the road races as an excuse to travel. Hal described himself as his wife’s Cheering Section, Water Boy and Stat Keeper. They log about 40,000 miles a year in efforts to reach Mary’s golden goal.
           
Kaplan noted that she started running some 25 years ago and began racing competitively six years ago. Flipping through a listing of New Jersey 5K races this year, Kaplan picked the Shoe Tree Shuffle.
           
Kaplan was not the only winner, of course. The top three overall winners for the men and women were: Mark Bahnuk (16:18) of Hackettstown, Sean Mick and Drew Nesbitt for the males, and Bonnie Linton (19:06) of Hackettstown, Renee Crisafulli and Katie Gelok for the females.
           
Category winners ranged from 19 and under to 60-75. First place finishers for the men included Patrick Carr, Nesbitt, Mick, Matthrew Fritz, Kevin Glover and Craig Wunderly. For the women, top finishers were Anna Kerkendall, Gelok, Crisafulli, Diane Herber, Michele Litke and Kaplan. Nesbitt and Vanessa Andes were the male and female winners, respectively, in last year’s inaugural race.
           
This year’s event easily topped last year’s totals in terms of participants and amount of money raised, despite the threat of rain.
           
“Everything really came together,” said Shelley Speirs-Aston, Fundraiser Event Planer for DARCC. “We had an excellent turnout, we raised a good deal of money for a very important cause, and everybody had fun. You can’t ask for much more than that.” 
           
Corporate sponsors included Dr. Anthony M. Rossi, D.M.D., Belvidere and Sanico Inc., Delaware. There were a host of community sponsors who also helped to make the event such a success.
           
Incorporated in 1980, DARCC is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help prevent domestic violence and sexual assault and to provide services to individuals, their families, and significant others who have experienced either or both. The 24-hour hotline is 908-475-8408. For more about DARCC, visit www.darccwc.com.