LOCAL VETERANS AND POLICE JOIN FORCES TO SAVE 2-YEAR-OLD CANCER VICTIM

My friend Yehudah Meth is MC'ing this important local event, which I'm delighted to support.

The Sussex County Marine Corps. League (Detachment 747), the American Legion Post 278 of Stanhope, the VFW Post 2347 of Netcong, and the Stanhope Police Department have combined forces to assist Officer Joseph Johnson—a veteran and local policeman—with desperately needed medical funds. The combined efforts will culminate in BAND AID, an all-day musical festival and fund-raising effort on Sunday April 22 at the Stanhope House, 45 Main St., Stanhope, NJ. 100% of all proceeds will go to offset the rising medical needs of Joseph Johnson. Johnson, a Marine Corp. combat veteran who was honorably discharged after serving in Iraq, joined the Stanhope Police Dept. in 2008. This year, his 2-1/2 year old son Joey was diagnosed with Stage-4 Glioblastoma, a rare form of brain cancer that mostly strikes adult males over the age of 50.

“Times are tough for all of us, but few of us are facing anything as serious as this,” said David Vnenchak, Sr. Vice Commandant of the Marine Corps League Det. 747. “Everyone in our community is making an effort to help in at least some small way. By attending this event, you’re showing appreciation for someone who served our country and continues to serve our community. Let’s help him get his little boy better.”

The Stanhope House will open at noon for a full eight hours of music, food and beverages, with six different area bands filling the stage. Door prizes from theatre tickets to restaurant dinners have been provided by numerous local merchants. Jon Klein, owner of The Stanhope House, donated the use of the historic blue club for the occasion. Pre-sale BAND AID tickets are available for $25 per ticket ($40 at the door). Please make checks payable to THE JOEY FUND, 24 Main St., Stanhope, NJ 07874. For more information, email dave.mc3039@hotmail.com or phone 973-551-0192