Event to be held at Roebling Volunteer Fire Company
By:Michael Maugeri
ROEBLING Exercise usually gives participants physical satisfaction.
Jazzercise instructor Kathy Along is taking that concept one step further with an exercise class that will appeal to a person’s altruistic side by raising funds for victims of the terrorist attacks Sept. 11.
On Oct. 7, Ms. Along’s usual Jazzercise class at the Roebling Volunteer Fire Co. No. 3 building at 69 Main St. will be a fund-raising event from 1 to 3 p.m.
Everyone is invited to attend and no prior Jazzercise experience is necessary.
Participants are asked to bring a $10 donation and proceeds will go to the World Trade Center Relief Fund.
Ms. Along, a Hamilton Township resident, brainstormed with other Jazzercise instructors to come up with the fund-raising idea.
When the Roebling class commences, six similar events will be taking place in Monmouth, Mercer and Ocean counties. Money will be pooled from the seven events and sent to the fund. A total amount of $50,000 is anticipated.
"It began with e-mails flying around suggesting that we do something," Ms. Along said. "We thought this would be better than just sticking out a can for donations. It’s in the same vein as fund-raising dance marathons or Jump Rope For Heart events. We’re going to be sweating for it."
After the terrorist events, Ms. Along said many people on exercise regimens temporarily stopped their routines, believing that exercise was a "superficial" activity in light of such tragedy.
On the contrary, said Ms. Along, exercise is more important than ever.
"We’ve seen so many negative images on television and heard talk of things like chemical warfare," she said. "Who knows what’s coming in the future? We’re going to need something like exercise that’s going to help us in our reduction of stress and to develop our inner reserve."
The Roebling firehouse location, she said, is perfect for such an event, providing plenty of room and reminding many of the dedication of the firefighters who took part in rescue efforts, many losing their lives in the process.
A regular Jazzercise class is an hour. But, Ms. Along said, this special two-hour session will concentrate on cardiovascular conditioning during the first hour and standing strength training techniques during the second.
"It’s important to let people know that Jazzercise is always open to all fitness levels and people of all shapes and sizes," she said. "We have high- and low-impact variations of each exercise. We’re an exercise class for ordinary people."
As if that wasn’t enough incentive to bring people to the event, Ms. Along said there also will be baked goods available to buy after the class.
"It’ll feel good to eat them after the class," said Ms. Along, laughing. "And you’ll feel less guilt eating them because you’ve just worked out."
Local businesses have donated fruit, drinks and cereal bars to the class, she said. In addition, a kid’s bike also has been donated and will be given away in a drawing. Donations are being asked for the drawing.
Ms. Along has been involved in Jazzercise since 1985 and has taught for the past five years at the Roebling firehouse. She said she has invited state and local government officials to the event.
"I feel it’s important that since we’ve gotten over the shock of what happened, let’s get up, help others and empower ourselves," she said.
Donations for the event can be made in cash or by check made out to the "World Trade Center Relief Fund."
For more information, call Ms. Along at 259-0344.