WHAT'S NEW AT THE ECCR?
For more information please call 201-848-8005
or email info@eccretreat.org
BEEFSTEAK -  MARCH 4, 2008
The ECCR Annual Beefsteak Dinner was a success.  With 427 tickets sold, it was the largest turn out in years.  Senator Henry McNamara was recognized for his support of the ECCR over the years.  He will be missed by the ECCR while he enjoys retirement.  Proceeds from the evening will be used to purchase a vehicle for one of our community based group homes.

See you next year on March 3, 2009

MEANINGFUL MOVEMENTS -  FEBRUARY, 2008
The extremely talented dancers from Meaningful Movements performed for the ECCR in February.  This annual show and ice cream social is a favorite for many of the staff and residents.  Everyone gathered to watch the show, followed by a delicious ice cream party.  We look forward to next year. 
"MEN OF FAITH" SING -  FEBRUARY, 2008
The residents enjoyed being led in worship by the Men of Faith singers during a recent church service at the Retreat.  Men of Faith is a singing group from Faith Community Christian Reformed Church.  Thank you, Men of Faith for joining us in worship!”
HOLIDAY EXPRESS -  DECEMBER 15, 2007
Holiday Express, the NJ based non-profit group that shares the gift of music with those in need at the holidays, visited ECCR for their annual holiday show.  This fun filled event was enjoyed by residents, their families and staff.  The Wyckoff Family YMCA generously donated the use of their gym for the event.  Staff and residents performed as "Disco Santa's", volunteers from the youth group at Nativity Church were elves and helped with crafts.  Members of the Midland Park Knights of Columbus assisted by transporting the residents to and from the vans.  It is a wonderful day that gets everyone into the holiday spirit.  We look forward to next years show.          
ANNUAL MEETING -  NOVEMBER 12, 2007

The ECCR held their Annual Meeting on Monday,
November 12, 2007.  At the meeting new Board
Member, James Putt and Steve Hulsebos
were welcomed.  New officers were announced.
     President: Robert Oostdyk, Jr.
     Vice President: Darryl Siss
     Treasurer: Robert Fylstra
     Secretary: Walt Williams

At the meeting Tret Bushman and Jean Kort of the ECCR Ladies' Auxiliary presented ECCR President, Robert Oostdyk, Jr. with a check for $50,000.  This donation will be put towards facility renovations.
 

FALL FUN DAY - OCTOBER 20, 2007

The 4th Annual Fall Fun Day was held at the ECCR on Saturday, October 20.  This is a day for the residents, their families and friends to have a good time together.  DJ Bob kept everyone dancing and smiling.  His energy is contagious.  Thanks to a donation from Skyline Greenhouses, everyone had a pumpkin to paint.  The families brought a wonderful assortment of desserts.  The staff, volunteers, families and residents all had fun and are looking forward to next year. 

42nd ANNUAL COUNTRY FAIR - SEPTEMBER 29, 2007

The Eastern Christian Children’s Retreat has been hosting the Annual Country Fair for 42 years.  This year was no exception.  On September 29 thousands of people attend this time-honored tradition in Wyckoff.  Food, rides, games, crafts and over 60 vendor booths adorned the field.  There was something for everyone.  DJ Bob Kern and MC Ken Smith kept the day moving with music and fun. 

Some families have been involved with the fair for generations.  Dave Stokes followed his parents and now coordinates the food concession area.  The Bushman family has been involved since the first fair, in all aspects of the event.  The Braunius family had a few generations working at the Olie Bollin and Funnel Cake booth, a favorite to many of the attendees.  The Spykaboer family also had a more than one generation at the Plant and Produce booth.  People wait for the fair to open so they can be first in line to get their mums.  Charles Fisher continues to sell handmade Amish woodcraft. Organizations have also been involved for many years.  The ECCR Ladies’ Auxiliary, the 2nd Reformed Church, the 6th Reformed Church and Faith Reformed Church are loyal supporters of the Fair.  We thank the vendors and supporters who make this day a success. 

It is wonderful to see people of all ages come together for the fair.  It is a tradition that will continue for many years to come.  We look forward to seeing everyone on September 27, 2008 at the 43rd Annual Country Fair.  For picture from the Fair click here.

 

35th ANNIVERSARY GALA - JUNE 12, 2007

We celebrated our 35th anniversary on June 12, 2007 at the Westmount Country Club.  The 35th Anniversary Gala & Silent Auction, Celebrating a Lifetime of Care, was a wonderful evening.  Four individuals were honored for their commitment to the ECCR; Theresa "Tret" Bushman, MaryAnn DeKoek, Gordon Meyer and Kathi Harnig.  Senator McNamara presented Tret Bushman with a proclamation in recognition of her Lifetime Achievement Award.  Many ECCR supporters, family members and staff joined together for this magical evening.  For pictures from the Gala click here.