May 3 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Centenary United Methodist Church, 108 N. Union St.
The Kalmia Club of Lambertville is hosting a community blood drive in memory of Jason Fuhr and in recognition of his lifelong commitment to public service.
The blood drive will take place May 3 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Centenary United Methodist Church, 108 N. Union St., Lambertville.
”Community activists are the backbone of any community and Jason Fuhr exemplified volunteerism,” said Kalmia Club President Sharon Warne. “He is remembered fondly by the many groups he wholeheartedly supported, as much for his upbeat personality as for his dedication. He was also a committed blood donor, which is why we thought a blood drive would be a wonderful way to honor his many efforts on behalf of the community.”
Kim Fuhr said her father’s commitment prompted her to become a blood donor as well. “As long as I can remember, Dad was a blood donor himself, often being called in to the medical center to give directly if there was a shortage or urgent need for his type,” said Ms. Fuhr. “That is a strong memory for me and one of the reasons I became a donor as a young adult.”
Blood donors must be healthy, weigh at least 110 pounds and be at least 16 years old (parental consent required in New Jersey). Additional weight requirements apply for donors 18 and younger and all high school donors. Appointments are preferred. Call Marcia Tucker at 609-397-8650 or sign up online at www.redcrossblood.org (enter sponsor code KalmiaCentenaryUMC).
Born in Lambertville, Mr. Fuhr had lived in West Amwell since 1960. He died in February of this year, at age 80. He supported Lambertville’s first responders and medical groups and served on the board at Phillips-Barber Family Health Center.
Through the Jason Fuhr Charity Golf Tournament, he provided financial support for the Amwell Valley Rescue Squad, Lambertville-New Hope Rescue Squad (where he was an honorary member), the Stockton Fire and Ambulance Squad, Hunterdon Hospice, Palisades Search and Rescue Dogs, and South Hunterdon Municipal Alliance. In 2012, the golf tournament raised $10,000.
In 2008, he was named Volunteer of the Year by the NJ Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse. He helped area youth in many ways, including serving on the West Amwell Board of Education for 12 years and the South Hunterdon Regional High School Board of Education for 24 years. He was one of the founders of the South Hunterdon Regional High School Booster Club and with his wife, Irma, started and managed the West Amwell Girls’ Softball League. He was a huge fan of South’s football team and was often seen at the high school’s sporting and fundraising events.
An Army veteran, Mr. Fuhr retired from Educational Testing Service in 1999 after 30 years, leading the company’s men’s softball team to a national championship. He was also a licensed barber and well known for the camaraderie he provided to shut-ins.
”The blood drive is especially important this year in light of the harsh winter, which made it challenging to maintain sufficient supplies. The Red Cross can move blood around the country to where it is needed most and stands ready to assist with any additional requests for blood and blood products,” said a spokesman.
Eligible blood donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment to give, especially Type O donors. Type O negative blood is often used during emergencies, when there is no time to determine the patient’s blood type.
The Centenary United Methodist Church, which was founded in the 1800s, also hosts a community lunch at the church every Wednesday as part of its outreach activities.
The May 3 blood drive is the Kalmia Club’s third annual effort. The club (www.kalmiaclub.org) is the oldest continuously running women’s club in New Jersey. Its members assist with community outreach and annual scholarship programs.
The club’s next major fundraising event is the annual Hidden Gardens of Lambertville tour on June 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., rain or shine. The self-guided tour starts at the club’s historic pink clubhouse, 39 York St., Lambertville, and will showcase a wide variety of garden types and plants.

