United Way of Central Jersey recognizes volunteers who have contributed to the local Central Jersey community every year during National Volunteer Month.

We received many outstanding nominations this year and decisions were difficult. Thank you again to Committee Chair Shirley Jones and committee members Judy Braverman and Jesse Lazarus for their thoughtful review of all the nominations.

We are pleased to announce that Target has also provided us with award certificates and a congratulation letter from President George Bush. Each volunteer nominated receives a certificate of recognition from United Way of Central Jersey, the letter and certificate of recognition from the President of the United States, and the President’s Volunteer Service Award pin. Finalists receive their certificate mounted on a plaque.

The following have been nominated and approved by United Way of Central Jersey’s Review Committee.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CLICK THE LINKS BELOW

In the category of Student Volunteers (from 9 th-12 grades):

Kristen T. Avelsen, Bryan Gaeta, Maria Merino, Niel Patel, Ryan Richstein, Danielle Garback (Finalist).

In the category of College Student:

Marcelo Nicodemos

In the category of Adult Volunteer Groups:

Melanie Decker, Keith Helsby, Harry Klancer, Marie Alfano (finalist)

In the category of Family Volunteer Group:

Dar & Audrey Rose Shelley, Edwin & Juanita Hearn and their daughter Cathy Kobilis (finalist)

In the category of Disaster Emergency:

Hess Corporation & employees Carol Chmielewski and Laurie Parnaby

In the category of Individual Adult Volunteer:

Anthony Borrelli, John deLuce, Debbie Druker, JoAnn Ihnot, Megan Ketcham, Nancy Krahn, Kathy McCrystal, Linda McGovern, Robert Mitchell, Pam Perricone, Bernard Ressner, Nancy Ritz, Robert Ritz, Claire Schuller, Marjorie Spangler, Robert Stocker, Charles Tomaro, Theresa Ward, Joseph Weinberger, Frank Yusko, Yvonne Lopez (Finalist), Eric Spierer (finalist).

In the category of Student Volunteers (from 9 th-12th grades):

Kristen T. Avelsen was nominated by Deborah Berch of North Brunswick Township High School for Kristen’s efforts with the Willow Tree Teen Institute. The Institute allows her to educate middle school students about substance abuse and violence prevention. Kristen has also participated in the Institute’s 35-hour leadership training program.

Bryan Gaeta , an active Youth Council Member, outstanding student and leader, was nominated by North Brunswick Council President Catherine Nicola. He actively participated in a township wide televised “Anti-Underage Drinking Forum” engaging in open conversation about the dangers of youth drinking. Bryan has planted a friendship garden at the senior housing residences, assisted the police department in a disaster emergency drill and is the Township’s student representative to the 2030 committee, which advocates green initiatives to make North Brunswick sustainable.

Maria Merino , nominated by Joanne Ciezak of New Brunswick Health Sciences Technology High School, volunteers for everything from soup kitchens to walkathons however, it is her participation in the United Nations Youth Ambassador Program that has provided a better understanding of the problems communities have on a global level. The program sets ‘millennium goals’ such as world hunger and students then apply w hat they have experienced in their own communities. Maria is also president of the school’s national honor society and participates in peer-tutoring, always taking time to help students in need while juggling her own AP courses.

Nominated by Sydney Ivey at Franklin High School, Niel Patel has volunteered at the information desks at both University Medical Center in Princeton and Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in New Brunswick. These experiences have reinforced his desire to attend medical school. Niel was also a participant in the model UN program where he won a debate.

Ryan Richstein , who is not here this evening, was nominated by his guidance counselor at Colonia high school. He upgraded and renovated Iman Park in Woodbridge as part of his Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project.

And the HOMETOWN HERO finalist in this category is:

Danielle Garback . Danielle serves as the student representative to the Municipal Alliance Committee where she is the teen advocate combating underage drinking. She was nominated by North Brunswick Council President Catherine Nicola. Danielle worked to pass a township wide ordinance which makes it illegal for minors to consume alcohol on private property. Her efforts were recognized in the local press and on Ch 12 news. Danielle also coordinated and moderated a televised debate on the dangers of underage drinking; she addressed the entire middle school student body during a character building workshop urging positive healthy choices, and distributed over 1000 wristbands saying, “If you use, you lose.” She volunteers at other community organizations such as the North Brunswick Food Bank, soliciting food donations for those less fortunate. She maintains a 4.25 grade point average and was recently presented the Scholar Athlete Award, demonstrating her ability to balance studies and participate in varsity sports.

A new category was created this year to recognize and encourage service learning—the category of Individual College Student . This category will be added to the ongoing recognition of college volunteer groups. No nominations were received in College Volunteer Groups.

In the category of College Student we recognize HOMETOWN HERO

Marcelo Nicodemos . Nominated by Dr. Wayne Dyer of East Brunswick Public Schools, Marcelo’s translating and tutoring in English, Portuguese, Spanish and Japanese greatly assisted ESL (English as a Second Language) students in completing their paperwork and beginning level coursework. Cited for being positive, professional, thorough and accurate, Marcelo made the effort to come to East Brunswick and give himself to whatever was needed.

In the category of Adult Volunteer Groups:

Nominated by Laura Stanley of Service Centers of New Jersey, Melanie Decker organizers her neighbors in the Plainsboro Apartments to assist staff at the shelter by socializing with the animals, preparing pets for a new home and helping the animals get exercise. This dedicated group is a good role model for others.

Keith Helsby , nominated by Mark Nonestied of the Middlesex County Cultural & Heritage Commission, provides behind the scene museum display and restoration services benefiting thousands of school children and visitors to the Cornelius Low House and east Jersey Old Towne Village. At the Cornelius Low House, Keith has provided historic restoration to the front porch, and exhibit preparation, painting and set-up. At the East Jersey Towne Village, he was involved with setting up the Tavern exhibit. His dedication and enthusiasm are important qualities that positively impact other volunteers.

Harry Klancer , nominated by Mark Nonestied of the Middlesex County Cultural & Heritage Commission, is a dedicated volunteer who tackles projects with great enthusiasm. He has been given challenging projects such as working on the Cornelius Low House and the East Jersey Old Towne Village, and carefully plans them out, utilizing his own tools and equipment. His dedication is unparallel and rubs off on others.

And the HOMETOWN HERO finalist in this category is:

Marie Alfano . A registered nurse and president of Joining Hands, Marie was nominated by Dawn Hanvey of Joining Hands. Joining Hands is a volunteer-run non-profit that helps terminally ill and permanently handicapped children and their families—the assistance is either a ‘special gift’ for a child, financial support towards an exorbitant medical bill, or gifts of toys and clothing during the holidays. Joining Hands works closely with municipal governments, hospitals, shelters and surrounding communities.

A tireless volunteer, Marie has been recognized for her work by many others including the Italian American Cultural Society of Monroe Twp, East Brunswick Div of Parks and Recreation “Community Service Award,” and the ‘Woman of Achievement Central New Jersey Award’ from the Muscular Dystrophy Association to name a few. She has also been recognized for her work as a critical care technician at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and has served on numerous committees throughout the county related to disaster relief, emergency medical services, and various holiday drives.

In the category of Family Volunteer Group:

Dar & Audrey Rose Shelley (now five years old) and her mother delivered weekly meals on wheels to East Brunswick for the past two years to 12 homebound individuals. Nominated by Sue Dowling of Interfaith Network of Care, Sue notes that it was amazing to see a child so young “appreciate that we all have various needs and qualities that make us each unique, that are not related to our disabilities but to who we are as people.”

And the HOMETOWN HERO finalist in this category is:

Edwin & Juanita Hearn and their daughter Cathy Kobilis “have provided food, clothing and emotional support to some of the poorest people in New Brunswick for 25 years through Fish, Inc. –Dunellen Area,” writes Edward Halteman of Fish who nominated them. Senior residents at 76 and 90 Neilson Street receive food to help them through each month and at holiday times they receive food for a bountiful feast for their families. The welcome smiles of the residents each month are all the reward that Edwin, his family and members of his church in Edison receive for their dedicated efforts to help poor people in need.

Over the years Cathy Kobilis has solicited local businesses to provide toys and other gifts for children of local families who would have little to celebrate at Christmas. For the past four years she has ‘adopted’ children of the families who have a member serving in the US Coast Guard at the Navel Air Station in Staten Island. This year over 700 children benefited from gifts given by business and individuals in Middlesex County.

Edwin & Juanita Hearn and Cathy Kobilis have been wonderful role models—Edwin served for 8 years as President of Fish Inc, the last year being 2002; Juanita has coordinated the schedule of Fish’s telephone volunteers from 1992 to the present; and Cathy has coordinated the Christmas gift effort for New Brunswick since 1993. This entire family puts into practice, “Love they neighbor as you love yourselves.”

In the category of Disaster Emergency:

Hess Corporation & employees Carol Chmielewski and Laurie Parnaby, nominated by Jennifer Apostol of Middlesex County Improvement Authority and coordinator of M.C.F.O.O.D.S. Hess was the first company to ever sponsor a food drive for M.C.F.O.O.D.S. and have put forth extra effort each year for over 10 years to ensure the drives are always successful. In the past they have donated an average of about 100 containers or 5,000 pounds of food.

In 2007 they took their food drive campaign to another level and initiated a friendly competition with another corporation, and added a competition within their own building. The result of all this generated 19,000 pounds (9.5 tons) of food—that is 380 green containers—a total not even approached by any other company in M.C.F.O.O.D.S history.

The benefits of Hess Corporation’s generosity is their immediate response with nonperishable foods and necessities which were in turn distributed to needy Middlesex County residents. The size of the donation helps keeps the shelves stocked throughout the winter months when M.C.F.O.O.D.S. is usually desperate for donations. Their efforts also raise community awareness about M.C.F.O.O.D.S. that inspires other contributions and volunteer support, and regardless of where employees live Hess employees are committed to aiding the people of Middlesex County. Hess’ approach could be used a model for other businesses who would like to run a drive.

And the finalist is Hess Corporation/Carol Chmielewski and Laurie Parnaby

In the category of Individual Adult Volunteer (our largest number of entries):

Anthony Borrelli , nominated by Jeannette Nadonley of Catholic Charities, Tony has mentored two youths, affecting their lives positively with his support, enthusiasm, interest, compassion, values, trust and consistency. He made himself available to the mentees’ families during their times of crisis and did not become discouraged.

John deLuce , nominated by Linda Madison of Milltown Public Schools, John has served as a classroom volunteer, tutor, youth group leader, and backstage parent volunteer. He inspired a group of young writers to continue a book they began to write together while in first grade (they are now in 5 th grade), and he assists struggling readers and writers in the classroom setting. “With so few male role models available to young people today, it is a bonus to have a grandfather (who happens to be raising his 10 yr old grandson) actively involved in both classroom and extracurricular activities,” writes Linda.

Debbie Druker , nominated by Bruce Rothenberg of Parsons Elementary School, initiated and oversaw a girl scout project of creating a butterfly garden for the enjoyment of the North Brunswick community. Debbie also tutors and is a girl and boy scout leader. In 2007 she received the North Brunswick Township Youth Advocate Award recognizing her leadership in providing opportunities for local youth.

JoAnn Ihnot , nominated by Deborah Honore, is a professional clown devoted to the patients, family and staff of the Barbara Cheung Memorial Hospice in Edison. Actively involved in the hospice program, JoAnn creates artistic projects that make patients and their families feel better about the dying process. She also coordinates the hospice’s annual Celebration of Life, a special event celebrating the memories of loved ones.

Megan Ketcham , nominated by Venus Majeski at Cerebral Palsy Association of Middlesex County, has become a great role model and an advocate on behalf of persons with disabilities. First concerned about her own circumstances as a person with disabilities, in 2005 Megan enrolled in a program to learn advocacy skills like ‘speaking up’ and problem solving. She now works to identify and eliminate physical barriers in various business throughout Central Jersey and has also testified before the Middlesex County Commission for Persons with Disabilities.

Nancy Krahn , was nominated by Jeannette Nadonley of Catholic Charities. Nancy is a bi-lingual mentor and worked with a Spanish-speaking family, providing additional support to the parent while making a positive impact on both her mentees.

Kathy McCrystal , nominated by Jeannette Nadonley of Catholic Charities, serves as a mentor to 13-year old boy whom she includes with her own family activities, and sees him every weekend for an entire day. She also contributes essential items and corporate support from Verizon , where she works, to the Connections Program.

Linda McGovern , a mentor since 2005 in the Catholic Charities Connections Program, Linda was nominated by Jeanette Nadonley for her consistent, supportive work with a child, even when he was hospitalized for several months. She is also involved with the Connections Program and offers her home for Mentor Support Nights yearly.

Robert Mitchell , nominated by Philip Cox of Fish Inc., oversees the food distribution—about 6 tons of food to 400 families—each month. A long-time volunteer to the Fish program, Bob spends 25 hours/week overseeing the purchase, sorting, bagging and delivery of the food program where ha also serves as an excellent role model for volunteers and church members.

A tireless organizer and motivator, Pam Perricone, nominated by her boss John GIttings, arranges many volunteer activities and ways to give for her colleagues at Paychex Inc in Piscataway NJ. Activities have included blood drives, bake sales, coat drives, adopt-a-family for the holidays gift drive, reading to children to name a few.

Bernard Ressner , nominated by Sara Ullman of Kosher Meals on Wheels, at age 91 Bernie is the quintessential “active” senior, demonstrating that the later years can be the richest chapter of life. As a volunteer in the Stein Center senior daycare program, Bernie introduced the concept of a Pictionary challenge for cognitively impaired seniors. Each week he creates new drawings that stimulate their imagination, abstract thinking and word skills; he elicits an enthusiastic response from otherwise withdrawn seniors. As a volunteer with his wife Roz for Meals on Wheels, Bernie has a reassuring effect on many homebound recipients.

Nancy Ritz a mentor in the Connections Program nominated by Jeanette Nadonley of Catholic Charities, has worked with two brothers. She managed to keep the sibling rivalry between the boys to a minimum with the help of her husband, and has provided compassion, dedication and consistency in both of the boys lives.

Robert Ritz , a mentor in the Connections Program nominated by Jeanette Nadonley of Catholic Charities, Bob assists his wife in mentoring two young brothers. He makes himself available to Catholic Charities picking up and delivering furniture, food, presents, clothing etc to clients. He also serves as a volunteer fireman in Old Bridge Township.

A woman who leads by example, Claire Schuller, nominated by Marlene Scanlon of St. Vincent DePaul Society, reaches out to the elderly, the homebound and the needy. Since 1993, she has been an active volunteer with the food pantry and Elijah’s Promise, both in New Brunswick. She serves as President of the St. Vincent DePaul Conference and Secretary of the St. Vincent DePaul Society, helping those who face eviction or utilities shut-off. She is also an active member of several Community Resource Teams.

Marjorie Spangler , nominated by Pete Clark of Linwood Middle School, serves as a mentor and role model for teachers and youth through her activities as a volunteer on the Willow Tree Teen Institute, as an educator and outreach partner to the PACES Project at Rutgers and the service learning initiatives at Linwood and with two middles schools in Plainfield, and as a fundraiser and volunteer for diverse programs such as Meals on Wheels, March of Dimes, and the Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Robert Stocker , nominated by Cindy Roberto of Kiddie Keep Well Camp, provides an extra set of hands to this small office on a weekly basis. His commitment, flexibility and willingness to do anything are welcomed by the staff at this outdoor summer day camp.

Edison Council member Charles Tomaro, nominated by Reina Murphy ( Township of Edison) and Jackie Goedesky (St. James Church) is involved in the Boy Scouts, the parks and local food pantry in addition to his duties as a Council man. He has found over 30 Eagle Scout projects for boys to complete and has also assisted them; no job is too large or small at the Hands of Hope Food Pantry, and he actively participates in coat drives and other types of distribution to the needy. As Jackie writes, “ he talks the talk and walks the walk.”

Theresa Ward , nominated by Lisa Gulla of Edison Municipal Alliance, is a retired school teacher who started Project Rose 15 years ago to help children under 18 years old who break laws for the first time involving theft, assault, shoplifting and drugs. Under her leadership there has been less than 1% repeat offenders; she also volunteers on Edison’s Domestic Violence Response Team and as a AARP tax aide for seniors living in Edison.

Joseph Weinberger , nominated by Steven Milchman of MR FIX –IT-RSVP, makes home repairs for senior citizens and disabled home owners of Middlesex County free-of-charge. He makes the houses of seniors safe, enabling them to stay in their homes first doing a safety check before making the necessary repairs.

Frank Yusko, nominated by Mayor Barry Zagnit of Spotswood, is a social studies teacher at Spotswood High School who is dedicated to organizing community service projects for his students. Through the high school’s Octagon and History Clubs, Frank has raised over $40,000 for noteworthy causes like Multiple Sclerosis, World War II Memorial and a 9-11 Memorial; created a WWI Commemorative Community Park and raised funds for playground equipment, memorial plaques and trees to honor veterans; created two award-winning video documentaries on local history—“The Morgan Explosion of 1918” and the “South Amboy Power Pier Explosion of 1950;” to name a few.

And the HOMETOWN HERO finalists in this category are (we have two):

Yvonne Lopez , nominated by Jorge Cruz of the Girls & Boys Club of Perth Amboy. Nearly three years ago, Yvonne engaged local leaders and stakeholders in a collective discussion as to what was needed to get kids off the streets and on to a path towards their own success in Perth Amboy. Within six months, Yvonne organized an initial corps of 14 corporate, legal, education and community leaders who together reached a shared commitment towards establishing a Boys & Girls Clubs affiliate in Perth Amboy. She provided leadership to put in place the organizational structure, strategic plan and money to establish a protective haven away from the dangers of the street, particularly during after-school hours where trouble tends to be most pervasive. In June 2007 the Boys & Girls Club of Perth Amboy secured full charter status from Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The Boys & Girls Club of Perth Amboy now serves 434 high-risk youth at two middle schools in Perth Amboy, and has started a “Sports & Technology Enrichment Camp” that provides 100 youth, ages 6-14 with a daily menu of educational and recreational programming. Three more clubs located in three elementary schools are being added, creating five year-round sites serving approximately 600 members, ages 6-14, with a staff of 92 professionals and an operating budget of approximately $1 million.

Despite the demands of work and family life, Yvonne maximizes her expertise in banking, marketing and corporate grantmaking to the benefit of the Boys & Girls Club, by serving at both the local and statewide level: she is a member of the Resources Development Committee on the State Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs in addition to serving on the local board. In her prior role as Vice President for Community Relations at Wachovia Bank, she worked closely with the State Alliance to from strategic partnerships between the bank and Boys & Girls Clubs of NJ that yielded grants dollars, significant sponsorship support and additional benefits. “Her willingness and ability to volunteer in any capacity,…and her leadership and passion..have been instrumental in our origination and our sustainability,” writes Jorge Cruz, Chief Professional Officer of the Perth Amboy Boys & Girls Club.

Eric Spierer , nominated by Claudia Yurecko of Project SPAN, Eric has served since 2004 as a volunteer mentor for Project SPAN, an intervention program targeting families identified by DYFS as abusive and/or neglectful. Eric was assigned to work with a 13-year-old boy, “M” residing in New Brunswick, referred by a caseworker for mentoring services. A big brother was needed to help “M” focus on school, get involved with appropriate activities and generally be a positive role model. Eric took “M” to the movies, visits to the mall, bowling, and helped him with school projects. When “M” showed an interest in school wrestling, Eric took him to matches and encouraged him to join the middle school team. As their relationship deepened, Eric noticed that “M’s” home life was becoming more chaotic. It was discovered “M’s” mother was again abusing drugs and Eric contacted SPAN and DYFS. As a result of their investigation, “M” and his siblings were placed with the maternal grandmother.

“M” proved to be a talented athlete. Eric transports M to and from his trainings and travel to different middle schools to watch him wrestle. Together they celebrate his many victories. This boosted “M’s” self-esteem; his grades improved and at the end of the year he requested to play on the township’s recreation team during the summer. Eric continues to support “M” and meet with him regularly and is anxious to see “M” through the challenging high school years: his devotion has not waivered—he is able to provide the wisdom of a caring parent, the guidance of a good teacher, the unconditional support of a big brother while maintaining his boundaries as a SPAN volunteer. Claudia writes: “..as you know it only takes one person to make a difference in the life of a child. And that is no small thing.”