2021 NJ-11 Heroes
This year, I launched the 2021 Heroes recognition program to recognize members of our community who have made a difference in NJ-11 over the past year. This was an opportunity to remind our everyday heroes— teachers, healthcare providers, first responders, family members, volunteers or others who have impacted another person’s life in a positive way— that our community is incredibly grateful for all of their work.
We had an outpouring of submissions from the community. Below is the complete list of nominees selected as a 2021 Hero and the reason someone in their life nominated them.
Adam Rudolph, Tractor Truck Driver, Lake Hiawatha
Nominated by his girlfriend, Rosalyn Blake
“When the pandemic hit In March 2020 Adam was one of the few truckers left working at his company. He works locally specifically NJ, NY & PA. He was working 14-16 hour days making deliveries that included medicine and PPE. There is a shortage of truckers nowadays and I truly think my trucker made a huge difference in the State of NJ during extraordinarily difficult and scary times. The State (including its constituents) doesn’t know they depended on Adam so much & he’s never even asked for recognition. He does his job, goes above and beyond & loves what he does. He deserves so much more than recognition but I love that we can start here.”
Alyssa D’Amico, First Grade Teacher, Woodland Park
Nominated by a parent of student in her class, Jessica Sterba
“This teacher put her heart and soul into trying to make virtual learning an enjoyable experience. She even converted a portion of her basement into a makeshift classroom. She is just an outstanding and caring teacher. Through her efforts my son was able to succeed and flourish. She made herself available outside of school hours. She worked tirelessly to keep the kids engaged. She deserves to be recognized.”
Ana Luisa Pozzoli, Physical and Lymphedema Therapist, West Orange
Nominated by her husband, Oscar Gustavo Pozzoli
“My wife has been a healthcare provider for over twenty five years. She has been helping cancer patients reduce their swelling from their extremities secondary to their lymphedema disease. These treatments require her to be in close contact with the patient for an hour as these treatments are all hands-on. She did this even though Covid was a huge risk. Many healthcare workers were recognized and many of them are hospital based, but what my wife did, with little concern about her own health, is simple a courageous act. Her patients’ extremities were saved from serious outcomes, cellulitis, infections, sepsis, and amputations if she did not continue to do her specialty during Covid. She is from Uruguay, one of many latinos that fall between the cracks when it comes to be recognized as heroes. I chose her, not because she is a wonderful wife and mother, but because she is a great human being. Her courageous spirit extends beyond recognition. Thank you for the opportunity.”
Anthony Trezza, High School Student, Randolph
Nominated by his mother, Laurie Trezza
“Anthony Trezza, a senior at Randolph High School, is a 2021 Hero in my book, for the initiative he took to help anxious COVID vaccine recipients. Early in 2021, after a long shift of vaccinating, I came home and told my family about a patient I had seen earlier that day. A young woman, she was very, very anxious about being vaccinated. She sat down at my station and began digging in her bag as she asked me if it would be alright for her to use her own band-aid. Of course, I said yes, considering she may have an allergy to adhesives. I took the wrapped band-aid from her, and continued to chat with her to help her relax as I administered her vaccine. I grinned as I opened that special bandage, it was a Wonder Woman band-aid! I gently placed it on her arm, she looked up at me with the biggest smile, thanked me, and walked away from my station with her shoulders set back, seeming a bit taller than she was when she first walked over to me, her anxiety had melted away. A Wonder Woman indeed! After hearing this story, Anthony asked me if I thought other patients would find superhero band-aids soothing. I told him absolutely! In the weeks that followed, he planned and organized a Band-Aid Drive to benefit the vaccine clinic I was working in, in Morristown, NJ. Through collection boxes and an online band-aid registry, he collected well over ten thousand band-aids! Donations came from staff and fellow students at Randolph High School, his swim team mates at the Randolph YMCA, community members from both Randolph, Morristown and more neighboring towns. One of the band-aid companies even saw his drive posted on social media and sent a case of character band-aid to help his cause. In the weeks and months that followed, myself and the other nurses at the clinic found we were enjoying the levity and smiles and chuckles, presenting the cheerful bandages was bringing not only our patients, but us as well. Thank you Anthony for your compassion, drive and for taking initiative. You infused kindness and happiness into a stressful situation for so many. For that, you are my hero! -Laurie Trezza RN”
Beth Vecchio, Member of Notre Dame of Mt Carmel Church, Cedar Knolls
Nominated by a volunteer in her ministry, Eileen McCaffrey
“Beth started a food rescue ministry early in the pandemic that rescues food from bagel shops, a bakery, and many other sources, brings the food to our church (Notre Dame of Mt Carmel in Cedar Knolls, NJ), then repackages the food into meals or whatever format is needed for many ministries to the needy to use it. It is still going strong. This requires a veritable army of volunteers. Early in the pandemic, the ministry included organizing people to make cloth masks and deliver the masks to nursing homes, hospitals and others who needed them. Many, many people have food because of her. A lot of food was rescued and channeled to those in need – food that would have been wasted. Beth well deserves this recognition. Thanks for considering her.”
Besa Adili, Kindergarten Teacher, Wayne
Nominated by her father, Tim Adili
“Has been committed during the pandemic as a kindergarten teacher and her family. Is always humble and grateful regardless of the conditions around her. Will keep everyone happy and on the move.”
Braden Somers, Girl Scout and High School Student, Nutley
Nominated by her parents, Jeana and Patrick Somers
“My daughter is a sophomore at Nutley High School and has been a member of the Girl Scout Organization since 1st grade. She has spent many hours giving back to her community and recognizes the need and benefit of getting involved with her community. For her Girl Scout Gold Award Project, she decided to create a Pet Food Pantry at our local food bank. She realized that during these hard times; pandemic, hurricanes, supply chain issues, unemployment etc. that there was a void in making sure that our most precious members of our families were not being forgotten – our pets. There was an increase in need for human food, but no one was addressing the need to feed those families suffering food insecurity with a way to provide for their pets. There was an increase in abandoning pets and surrendering to shelters over the last couple years. Clients of the food pantry admitted they were sacrificing their own needs and giving their human food to their pets. Braden created the Fur Pet’s Sake Food Pantry with the help from community businesses and residents, the food pantry is now a permanent service at Nutley Family Service Bureau and available to those families that not only struggle to feed themselves but can now also provide for their pets.”
Brian Schwartz, Founder of I Want To Mow Your Lawn, Wayne
Nominated by fellow volunteer and Little Falls Councilman Albert Kahwaty
“Brian, who lives in Wayne, started I Want To Mow Your Lawn, an organization that mows lawns for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities free of charge. Through the national press he has received, he is now connecting those in need to volunteers all around the country, including Little Falls, NJ!”
Carolyn Lake, Executive Director of Interfaith Food Pantry Network, Morris Plains
Nominated by her husband, Robert Lake
“In this trying time food insecurity has increased drastically in our community. Carolyn, along with her team at the Interfaith Food Pantry Network stepped up to the challenge to make sure everyone got the help they needed. While much of the country shut down, Carolyn and her team stepped up and worked tirelessly to keep this important pipeline open for our community.”
Chris Butto, Director of Family Promise of Sussex County, Sussex County
Nominated by her colleague, Colleen Guber-Decker
“She has successfully been raising awareness in Sussex County and beyond, but specifically this year they have grown significantly.”
Christine M. Radzai, Registered Nurse, Rockaway
Nominated by her spouse, Michael D. Radzai
“All throughout the Covid-19 epidemic, Christine went to patients’ homes, including many Covid patients taking care of them and their needs showing compassion and support for their plight.”
Christopher Mullin, Fire Department Chief, Livingston
Nominated by Jigar Shukla
“Chris and his Livingston fire crew were instrumental in saving the remains of my house last year during the peak of COVID. It was their timely response on a 911 call that helped me limit the damage to my house by a huge factor.”
Collette Judy Pritchard, Registered Nurse, Jefferson Township
Nominated by her spouse, Michael Mappee
“Collette has been an active covid vaccinator since the beginning of pandemic and is currently active with Atlantic Health System. She currently administers 90 vaccines daily with little recognition. She’s a lifelong nurse who cares deeply for the general public and all other heroes. She addresses their concerns with personal skill and knowledge in the fight to control the virus.”
Debra Jarvie, Elementary School Teacher, Montville
Nominated by a parent of a student in her class, Marina Belov
“Our teacher went far and above in providing an excellent level of education to her students in such challenging times. She absolutely exceeded all expectations by informing every parent about everything kids were doing in class, conducted weekly parents’ meetings, responded to every single child and parent request. She was thoughtful, caring and motivating for our children. She is an absolute hero for us and our children.”
Diana Colondres, Teacher, North Haledon
Nominated by her spouse, Eric Colondres
“While I deployed with the Army in 2019, my wife served as the FRG Leader, keeping our home and children safe while alone. I returned in December 2019 only to be home in time for COVID in March 2020. During that time, my wife (a high school Spanish teacher) has continued to strive for excellence in educating her students in learning not just the Spanish language, but exposing them to Spanish culture, food, traditions etc. She was born and raised in Colombia and came to the US as a teenager. Even through COVID she made it a point to have our children volunteer at church and give back to the community. When we heard of friends or family who were stricken with covid, she would send them food so they didn’t have to cook that day. She is the epitome of selfless service and is an amazing human being.”
Dr. Michelle Gadaleta, Principal of Essex Fells Elementary & Superintendent, Essex Fells
Nominated by parents at her school, Lauren Kovas, Holly Panagiotakis, Ashley Moran, Gabrielle Mazaud, Melissa Slomienski, Maribeth Eckert, Viviane Bronstein, and Kate Stefanczyk
“Dr. Gadaleta went above and beyond her duties and our school was able to keep in person learning during the pandemic, the whole school year 2020-2021. She anticipated the needs and made sure the school had all the material and procedures to mitigate the risks, she worked hard with the school staff and the community to implement all the procedures. Thanks to her initiatives and leadership our kids could have a great learning and social experience throughout the pandemic. She is our hero!” – Viviane
Dr. Bishnu Maya Pariyar, Coordinator of Sexual and Domestic Violence Program and President and Founder Friends of Association of Dalit Women’s Advancement of Nepal, Hopatcong
Nominated by her colleague, Sandy Hecker
“Dr. Bishnu Maya Pariyar is an award winning scholar, prolific social entrepreneur, and one of the most admired Nepali-American personalities. Currently, She is working as a coordinator of Sexual and Domestic violence program. In 2013, Dr. Pariyar was conferred with honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) from her alma mater, Pine Manor College, MA for her pioneer social contribution. In 2015 the City of Louisville, Kentucky honored September 27 as “”Dr. Bishnu Maya Pariyar Day” by Mayor Greg E. Fischer for her outstanding social contribution. Dr. Bishnu Maya Pariyar’s life-struggle story has been featured at higher education text book, ‘The Writer’s Mindset’ by Dr. Lisa Wright Hoeffner which was published by one of the world’s top publications, McGraw Hill in 2021. Dr. Pariyar’s story is featured between 591-594 pages. Dr. Pariyar’s brain-child social integration organization, ADWAN aims to foster a measure of economic independence, to boost self-esteem, dignity and to instill solidarity among diverse community and build a sense of national pride. Through her dedication and passion for the marginalized and Dalit community-the so called low-caste or untouchable people, Dr. Pariyar has overcome tremendous obstacles of gender, caste discrimination and poverty in Nepal as well as challenges that emerged because of socio-economic inequality and exclusion. In the year 2020 and 2021, as Coronavirus devastated the community in the United States and around the world, Dr. Pariyar has been in forefront of COVID-19 pandemic relief assistance program to needy Nepali and South Asian American community and international students. She has tirelessly led efforts to directly help hundreds of families and F1 students from Nepal and South Asia to receive day-to-day essentials such as masks, medicines, groceries and provided counseling to victims of domestic and sexual violence. Without her steadfast leadership, expertise and prompt and just collaboration, community would be left behind and greatly impacted. Dr. Pariyar’s role as Hudson Speaks’ South Asian Initiative Coordinator, NRNA ICC Executive Member and Nepali American community’s leading figure, she has been able to bring together local government and social organizations together to create coronavirus awareness and provide access to resources available for the most needy and vulnerable people in the United States and Nepal. Dr. Pariyar’s organization, ADWAN had also spear-headed the COVID-19 pandemic relief assistance efforts in rural Nepal. She was also awarded COVID-19 Hero award 2020 by New York City, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams; COVID-19 Champion award 2020 by United Sherpa Association, USA and Humanitarian of the World; Women of Action award 2019 by City of Jersey City; International Women’s Day Award 2018 by The Society of Foreign Consuls in New York, USA; Community Service Award 2018 by South Asian American Outreach Community (SACO), New Jersey, USA; Nepal Samman (Jewel of Nation) award 2011 by Sagarmatha Foundation, Kathmandu, Nepal and Solute to the Heroes Award 2010 by Association of Nepali in America (ANA) and several commendation letters from various Nepali and International organizations from around the world. Dr. Pariyar has been awarded with more than 40 national and international recognition, award, citation, proclamation for her outstanding work for Nepali people and diaspora community including including The Bridge Builder Award from Harvard University, Perdita Hudson Human Rights Award by United Nations Association of USA, Dr. Ambedkar Award by Association of International Dalit Organizations, Margaret McNamara Memorial Award by World Bank Family Network, Pauline Tompkins Award, Women’s Leadership Award and President Cup Award from Pine Manor College, and Social change Fellow from Clark University. Dr. Pariyar has served twice as Advisory Member of Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop’s Diversity & Inclusion Board between 2015-2017 & 2017-2019. Dr Pariyar has more than one and a half decades experience as case manager, domestic violence and family advocate working with HUDSON Speaks Against Sexual Violence, Jersey City, NJ; ASIAN TASK FORCE AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, Boston, MA and NEPONSET Health Center, Boston, MA, and HarborCov, Communities Overcoming Violence, MA, USA. Through her work, community approach and tireless dedication she has been able to help hundreds of domestic and sexual violence victims from South Asian American community. Dr. Pariyar has given cultural sensitivity training to local officials, police and law enforcement officers in Boston, MA and Jersey City, New Jersey, USA. Dr. Pariyar currently serves as Member and Executive ICC Member of Non-Resident Nepalis Association (NRNA) International Coordination Council 2019-2021. Dr. Pariyar has also served Executive ICC Member of NRNA ICC (2019-2021) and was the first Chair of Women Empowerment Task Force of NRNA ICC (2014-2015). She is also founder of NRN Women Fund, a collective investment company of Non-Resident Nepali women from around the world and Vice Chair of All Ladies League New Jersey Chapter for Business Networking, USA. 2019-present; Co-Chair, NRNA ICC Children Welfare Task Force, Non-Resident Nepalis Association (NRNA) Internal Coordination Council; Board Member, Inspiring South Asian American Women, USA; Main Representative to UN for Beyond Beijing Committee (BBC) Nepal. She is actively involved with the United Nations NGO Committee on the Status of Women (CSW), New York and served as Co-Chair of Consultation Day 2018.
Dr. Pariyar has participated in over 50 national and international conferences as a keynote speaker, guest speaker and panelist. Dr. Pariyar had been invited to lecture at Harvard University, Clark University, Pine Manor College, Brandeis University, Boston University and other prestigious institutions. She has been invited as a panelist and speaker at national and international conferences including at UNIFEM, AMNESTY International, and The World Bank Family Network Forum. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social and Political Systems from Nepal and the USA and a Master’s degree in International Development and Social Change from Clark University, MA, USA. In 2013, Dr. Pariyar was conferred with honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) from her alma mater, Pine Manor College, MA, USA.”
Dr. Steven Stein, Science Chair at Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School, Livingston
Nominated by the principal of his school, Eliezer Rubin
“Dr. Stein is a research Virologist and has dedicated his professional career to inspire students to explore impact-based scientific research to solve real-world problems. Dozens of students have pursued careers in science and research because of his transformative mentorship. When covid shut down our society and left us confused, Dr. Stein used our science labs to open a covid screening center that uses LAMP technology to survey and screen pools of students. Under his leadership we have introduced a variety of mitigation protocols that have been very effective keeping our community safe while revealing asymptomatic students and teachers. His devotion to the community and our students has been heroic and I strongly endorse his candidacy.”
Elisabetta Araya, High School Student, Madison
Nominated by her club advisor, Carole Rawding
“Elisabetta is a leader of Madison Ends Hunger, a twice monthly food collection service created for the residents of Madison. She drives around Madison to participating households and collects donated non-perishable foods every other Saturday and then delivers this food to the Food Pantry at the First Baptist Church in Madison. Elisabetta has been a leader in this project since the summer of 2020. Madison Ends Hunger is approaching 2000 bags of groceries delivered to the food pantry which is open to all local residents. Madison Ends Hunger was created to address the food insecurity created by the pandemic and it serves to provide opportunity for over 50 local donors to simply place their food donations on their front porch so that the collectors may pick them up. Elisabetta has donated a great deal of time and energy to this project. She has stayed committed to Madison Ends Hunger since the planning stages. Elisabetta has recruited fellow classmates to serve as drivers, communicated consistently with adult leaders from the Madison Rotary and Interact Clubs and served as the student representative for Madison Ends Hunger. She is a 2021 Hero.”
Ellen Feeney, Attorney, Caldwell
Nominated by her cousin, Kathleen Feeney
“Ellen Feeney is a full time attorney who has unselfishly and tirelessly cared for my Uncle who lived in Chester, NJ. While many of us have faced the challenges of caring for parents during Covid-19 pandemic, my cousin Ellen took it upon herself to keep my uncle safe, fed and cared for during the pandemic. With so many elderly people contracting the disease in nursing homes, Ellen stepped in to help our uncle, Rev. Joseph Murphy – Age 93, remain in his housing in Chester. Ellen shopped weekly for him and delivered him his groceries as well as his medications. She attended to his medical needs with doctor visits, etc. Unfortunately, my parents were going through a traumatic brain injury and cancer during the Pandemic. Ellen stepped in, on behalf of our parent’s aging family, and cared for my uncle who had no one to care for him. My uncle just recently moved to assisted living, because he could no longer handle his daily medications. He has now contracted Covid-19. Now, more than ever, our family and the community is indebted to Ellen for her unselfish care she gave to the eldest living family member from the Murphy Family.”
Gary and Kathleen Butler, Grandparents, West Orange
Nominated by their daughter-in-law, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill
“Like so many families, we lost our childcare during COVID. As two working parents of four kids, we were really struggling. Gary and Kathleen moved all the way to NJ from their lifetime home in California. Our family could not have made it through COVID without their love and support.”
George Budd, Mendham First Aid Squad Captain, Mendham
Nominated by a member of the First Aid Squad, Deputy Mayor Nick Monaghan
“2020 and 2021 have been tremendously difficult years for the entire globe. In our little town, our residents depended on our all volunteer first aid squad to continue to help in times of sickness, COVID related or not, and in all manners of emergency situations. George created an evolving set of protocols that enabled our squad to respond to our residents, while ensuring that our members were safe from spreading or contracting COVID, and that our residents received the care that they needed and deserved. His work was so impressive that in spite of many calls where we subsequently learned the patient was COVID positive, to my knowledge not one Mendham Township First Aid Squad member contracted COVID while on a patient call. Yes, it’s a team effort and we all needed to adhere to the protocols, but George created the protocols, provided the leadership model, the protocols, and the training so we all knew, understood and could apply them. His work and dedication were, and are, exemplary. I say that as a past Captain and current Deputy Mayor. I see his work from many perspectives. George is a Hero to all of us on Mendham Township First Aid Squad, and all of us on the Mendham Township Committee. Thank you for your consideration and for this opportunity to recognize all of our heros!”
Greg Supron, Volunteer Chair of the Mayo Performing Arts Center Board of Trustees, Morristown
Nominated by his colleague, Allison Larena
“On March 12, 2020, like so many other businesses and non-profit organizations, Mayo Performing Arts Center had to shutter our doors and reinvent how we serve our community. Throughout this extremely challenging time with so much uncertainty, Greg Supron and the MPAC Board of Trustees demonstrated steady and thoughtful leadership as we navigated through one of the darkest times in the theater’s 84 year history. With encouragement, guidance and generous support from the board, MPAC remained a beacon of light for our community throughout the pandemic. I am profoundly grateful to Greg for his unwavering support of me, the MPAC staff, and the patrons we serve. Although there is still uncertainty ahead, the theater is on solid footing and looks forward to a brighter future as we continue to provide outstanding performances and education and outreach programs for our patrons.”
Gregory Romano, Owner of Greg’s Mobile Hearing, Cedar Grove
Nominated by his neighbor, Mike Adams
“Throughout the entire pandemic, Greg continuously provided in-home hearing (testing, fitting, repair, etc.) services to the elderly and needy. At a time when non-essential services stopped and retail storefronts stopped accepting customers, Greg realized that the quality of life for the elderly in our community would be seriously compromised if they could not (or were afraid to) leave their homes to get the quality care and hearing assistance they needed. Almost overnight, Greg transformed his small hearing aid business into a “bring the shop to you” door-to-door service. Throughout the pandemic, Greg went door to door, sometimes 16-20 hours a day and traveling hours just to reach any patient who reached out to him. He wanted to ensure the elderly citizens of New Jersey had access to the hearing care they needed. I’ve heard the testimonial of an overwhelming number of his patients who have thanked Greg and sung countless praises for his ability to help them in their time of need, when there was no other option to receive the care they needed in a safe and practical manner. I believe Greg went the extra mile for his patients and always put their safety and health as his top priority. That is why I nominate Greg Romano as a 2021 hero.”
Grover Cleveland Middle School Staff, Caldwell
Nominated by Principal John Bertollo
“The beloved principal of Grover Cleveland Middle School, Mr. Jim Brown, passed away in April of 2020 following a battle with COVID-19. The staff at GCMS has been through a lot over the last 18 months while still recovering from such a tragic loss in the community, but especially at GCMS. They have been resilient and continue to live on his legacy with his motto of ‘Make A Difference Today.’”
Hugh Beattie, Superintendent of the Lakeland Regional High School District, Wanaque
Nominated by President of the Lakeland Regional High School District Board of Education, Robert Adams
“Mr. Beattie masterfully guided our school district through the pandemic. He involved the staff and public and was excellent at communicating with all involved. His excellent leadership helped us avoid the many pitfalls encountered by other districts.”
Jane McCartney, Retired Registered Psych Nurse, Sparta
Nominated by her friend, Maureen Kershaw
“I’ve known Jane McCartney for 35 years. She’s a retired Psych nurse. Jane is a volunteer in several organizations. Namely the Sparta Ecumenical Food Bank where she brings a week’s worth of groceries to families in need. At St Joseph’s Church Thrift Shop in Newton where she volunteers for 3 hours every Saturday morning with staffing the Shop . At Our Lady of the Lake Church in Sparta Jane gives one hour on Tuesday to Eucharistic Adoration. Jane also makes beds at the Sacred Heart Spirituality Center on Monday mornings. The beds are used by the people who have participated in a retreat over the weekend.”
Janet K. Hess, Public Health Nurse BSN, Kinnelon
Nominated by her husband, Phillip L. Hess
“Janet Hess BSN has been a Public Health Nurse for Rockaway Township which covers Rockaway Township, Butler and Boonton and during the Pandemic she has been handling COVID tracings, COVID Quarantine notifications for all the towns in her coverage area plus her normal public health duties. She did share the responsibilities with one other nurse for part of the time, but Janet has worked sometimes day and night seven days a week to handle the flow of cases and she has always been pleasant, professional and caring, no matter how she has been treated. She has personally handled notifications for several school systems and is called day and night by the school nurses and administrations to make the appropriate determination of quarantining of students, classes, and schools as well as handling the general public. I have seen her get in the car and go purchase food for families that were quarantined. She delivered it to their doorstep so they had food for the day. That is Janet Hess. Janet was honored by three towns at her retirement party on 12/9/21 with recognition from the towns, the State Of New Jersey , and Congresswomen Sherrill, through commendations, citations and resolutions to honor her service, dedication, and her personal professional career. She has taken the care of her citizens as a personal responsibility to provide the best and most thorough care possible. She has talked to 100’s if not 1000’s of citizens affected by COVID and they all have her personal phone number if they have questions. I have witnessed her receiving calls at 6:00 AM to 11:00PM and never has she let it go to voicemail or refused to help her citizen patients. She has gladly performed these actions remotely in 2020 and in the office and remotely during 2021. She is planning on retiring after 31 year of service and she is still planning clinics to provide immunizations to citizens in need and those not covered by medical insurance for a variety of reasons. Some new arrivals to the US and others just in need of medical assistance. She treats each and everyone with dignity and respect. The Citizens of our district have been served by a person in Janet that I have never ever seen in another person. Just ask the town boards of health, the school administrations and see if they know Janet Hess and what they would say about her service and dedication. She is my hero and the hero of thousands which she has served. She prides herself in her professional expertise which has been a source of reference of health departments over the state. Thanks for letting me tell her story , because she would not talk about herself, because she truly lives the golden rule in her service to others and it is just the way she does her job.”
Jeff Friedman, Director, of Livingston Philanthropies, Inc., Livingston
Nominated by his friend, Christine Sablynski of The West Essex Tribune
“The West Essex Tribune would like to nominate Jeff Friedman, founder and director of Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. Jeff is a former television producer who has spent his retirement helping the homeless of Essex County. Some eleven years ago, he began an informal winter coat drive, collecting coats and distributing them personally to homeless individuals at Penn Station, etc. As time went on and his coat collections continued to mount, he reached out to local urban Essex County agencies, churches, food pantries and soup kitchens, and established distribution partnerships. In the meantime, he reached out to the Tribune, and we were happy to publicize his efforts. Through his hard work and enthusiasm for helping others, his operation grew exponentially. He had to recruit numerous volunteers to help him pick up and deliver coats and winter accessories. Not content to help the homeless only during the winter, Jeff expanded his efforts to include collecting trial-size toiletries during the summers. These were assembled into care packages for the homeless, filling a little known but much-needed niche: hygiene “on the run.” The toiletries collection expanded into a year ’round endeavor. The bulk of these care packages are assembled by Jeff and his wife, Karen Friedman, who has worked side by side with him the entire time to make all this happen. Eventually, his operation grew to such proportions that he formed a non-profit organization, Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. (LPI), whose mission is to help the “homeless, profoundly poor and disenfranchised. Each week, he sends press releases to the Tribune, updating our readership on his organization’s works and thereby raising awareness of homelessness close to home. In addition, he frequently speaks to civic and religious organizations, throwing a much-needed spotlight on the homeless and ways to help them. When the pandemic hit, he re-invented LPI, concentrating more on collecting monetary donations to enable him and his volunteers to purchase new items for distribution to the homeless, including clothing, socks, shoes, school supplies, non-perishable food items, and even fresh produce. He has formed partnerships with companies large and small to help the homeless, including Bimbo Bakeries and the Bombas sock company. His charity continues to grow in scope, and he and LPI show no signs of slowing down. Instead of spending his well-earned retirement on the golf course, Jeff dedicates his time and energy to helping others. His empathy for those less fortunate shines through in everything he does. Over the past decade, he has made an incalculably huge difference in the lives of the poor and homeless of urban Essex County and, in doing so, has made better people of all who know him.”
JoAnn Quattro, Executive Director of Children on the Green, Morristown
Nominated by her colleague, Jody Marcus
“JoAnn Quattro, Executive Director of the nonprofit Children on the Green in Morristown, showed unwavering dedication and commitment to the children and parents of our community. She spent countless hours crafting Covid guidelines that met state and federal standards for childcare centers, waded through ever changing requirements for federal and state loans and grants to keep our center in operation, she managed and educated our staff to be Covid ready, compliant, and how to keep the children and themselves safe. She closed and opened and reclosed and reopened as Covid cases rose and fell throughout our community. She worked long days, substituting for staff who were reluctant to come back to work, for those who quit, for those who refused to get vaccinated – all the while writing grants, transitioning from YMCA operated to independently operated and informing and reassuring parents of the safety of their children while running the center. JoAnn’s efforts were and continue to be heroic – going above and beyond expectation and duty. Our board of directors owes a great deal to her and our Director of Operations – Andrew Cattano for keeping our center open, safe and joyful havens for children in traumatic times, for those families in need, for those who live in shelters, for those children whose parents are health care or front line workers themselves and for those who can’t fully afford childcare. They knew that those families who had to work from the beginning of Covid shutdown and through it were the families we needed to provide day care for and made sure that as soon as we were legally able to open, that we did. JoAnn and Andrew are directly responsible for the survival of this invaluable resource to our community, for Children on the Green is the only childcare center in New Jersey that provides full scholarships to children referred to us by local homeless and battered women’s shelters.”
Jodi Squires, West Orange
Nominated by her husband, William Squires
“I had a severe battle with COVID-19 in March – April 2020. I was in St Barnabas Medical Center for 48 days and 32 days on a ventilator. I was transferred to the Kessler Institute of Rehabilitation where I spent 22 days learning how to walk, brush my teeth, put my pants on, and other daily tasks. I returned home after 71 days, and she then began the arduous task of caring for and motivating me to get better every day. She never gave up hope and communicated with hundreds, if not thousands of friends, colleagues, acquaintances, etc. asking for their prayers and support. She held our family together. I have made a full recovery thanks to Jodi. I am sure there are other worthy people who deserve to be recognized, but I think she is at the top of the list. Thanks to her I am still alive and making a difference every day. She is well deserving of this recognition.”
Joe Griffies, Vietnam Veteran and Radio Host of Welcome Home Show (WIBG 1020AM), NJ-11
Nominated by his Spouse, Colleen M. Griffies
“The Welcome Home Radio Show (WIBG 1020AM) – Joe Griffies – was instrumental in helping Veterans, registered or not registered with the VA, to get immediately vaccinated with their COVID-19 shots at any and all VA clinics and hospitals, including their spouses, caregivers, children and Veterans with less than honorable discharges in the country. This was done through the efforts of Vince Kane-at the Wilmington VA, Emma Corrander at Senator Booker’s office, Senator Booker, President Biden, and The Welcome Home Show-Joe Griffies.”
Juliana Eoga, Volunteer Ambulance EMS, Boonton
Nominated by her mother, Adriane Eoga
“Juliana is 17 years old, a senior at the Sports Medicine Academy at the Morris County School of Technology and has been a volunteer on the Ambulance squad since she turned 16. She volunteers between 24-72 hours per week on evening and overnight shifts even during the pandemic. She never misses the opportunity to serve our community. She is also Captain (3 years) of the Boonton High School Varsity cheer squad (even though she attends MCST full time). She volunteered for Hearts of Hope and The Visiting Nurse Association through the height of the pandemic. She plans to study Biomedical Engineering in college in New Jersey when she graduates in June of 2021. Her intended career is to use what she learns in college to help others.”
Jun Quon, Engineering Manager, Chatham
Nominated by her friend, Irene Treloar
“Jun has stood out as a hometown leader during the pandemic. I first heard her name when she personally sewed 500 masks for the Chatham Library’s 1000 Masks Challenge for frontline workers in March 2020. Shortly thereafter, the AAPI community was rocked by the mass shooting at 3, Asian-owned businesses in Atlanta. While many of us were struggling to figure out how to respond, Jun quickly organized a #StopAsianHate Rally on Chatham’s Main Street, galvanizing residents to participate in grassroots activism for the very first time, and building solidarity in our community. In conjunction, Jun personally paid for 500 “Stop Asian Hate” lawn signs and gathered volunteers to distribute them throughout the community. My sign is still displayed on my lawn to this day. Further, she worked with the Chatham school district and families to raise money for a donation of books to the school libraries written about AAPI characters and themes and helped the Borough Council organize its first Diversity Celebration event in June 2021. Jun has a full-time job at a large global company, two small children (4th grade and 1st grade), and is an active member of our local non-profit, the Chatham Education Foundation. She is a dedicated member of our community and deserves to be recognized for all she does.”
Kathy Pigott, Community Organizer, Roseland
Nominated by her friend, Michael Slattery Sr.
“Despite physical handicaps, Kathy organizes community help events all year long.
January: LoveLy Ladies Collection for Jersey Battered Women’s Shelter. February: Adopt a Valentine School age children make Valentines cards for residents of assistant living facilities. March: Sure Shot …organized and managed volunteers to assist those needing help getting the vaccines. Walk in our Shoes. New white socks were distributed to the homeless at Penn Station, Newark. April: Over 100 small Easter baskets filled with candy and toys were distributed to those in need. May: gifts were given to homeless women and those in shelters. June: Hoodie collection. July: Restocked local food pantry. September: For Our Troops Collection. Sent holiday boxes to men and women on active military duty. October: collected over 600 lbs of leftover Halloween candy and given to Market St Mission in Morristown and the Caldwell Food Pantry. November: Thanksgiving in a Bag. Non perishable food items placed in a bag and given to any family that asks. December: For Our Troops Collection. 137 boxes filled and sent to troops around the world. Including USS Carl Vinson and USS America.
Kelly LaBar, Peer Recovery Specialist for Hope One, Rockaway
Nominated by her co-worker, Melody Runyon
“Kelly works tirelessly providing recovery support services to people who have problematic substance use. Whether it is navigation to treatment, a snack, a harm reduction kit, some warm clothing, a smile or kind words that someone needs Kelly is there. She does this through her work in Passaic County through Prevention is Key-CARES on the Hope One Mobile Recovery Vehicle and through community outreach.”
Kevin Gregorowicz, US Army Veteran, Nutley
Nominated by his fiance, Jeanine Whalen
“Proudly served in the US Army and has been serving the community for over 20 years in Law Enforcement. A true hero!!!!”
Kim Rushmore, Director of Independence360, Whippany
Nominated by mother of a person her program, Janette Schultze Mirabelli
“Because Kim and the staff were able to pull a Virtual program in two weeks when the Pandemic started, making sure that our Disable adults were taking care, not only socially but mentally as well.”
Larry Gross, Firefighter and EMT Captain, Morris Plains
Nominated by his co-worker, Stuart Brown
“Larry has led the Minutemen daily 911 response EMS operations through the pandemic with hardly a day off. He organizes every crew for every shift, trains ambulance drivers, orders all medical supplies, and manages the maintenance of 3 ambulances. He personally is always one of the top responders to alarms every month. And this is only his side job in addition to being a firefighter captain in Morristown.”
Laura Fencik, Registered Nurse, Wayne
Nominated by her sister, Natalie Fencik
“My sister Laura has worked tirelessly as an RN for many years but these past 18 months she has shown her incredible heart for her patients and community. My sister works for Memorial Sloan Kettering in Montvale as a Pain & Palliative Care Nurse. She so diligently helps families navigate how to manage cancer treatment as well as plan for end-of-life. She has a heart of gold and deserves to be recognized for the HERO she is!”
Laura Quinn, Middle School Music Teacher, Morristown
Nominated by her spouse, Nicholas M. D’Ambrosio
“My wife Laura, through pandemic, pregnancy, profession, and marriage, has endured like a trooper since March 2020, purchasing our home, bringing our son into the world, teaching remotely and then in person, all while still being a fully engaged wife, (new) mother and educator. Quite possibly the greatest life juggler our own time, persistently putting herself last, she’s managed to keep all the balls in the air (old, new, pandemic) with quiet, dignity and grace and should be recognized for all that she does not just for her own child, but for all the children who rely on her for stability, joy, and a break from the blur of the world outside her classroom. My wife is my source of endless joy, even during all of the madness of the last 21 months, she has managed to keep it, keep us, keep our family, and keep our whole world safe and glued together.”
Lea Bachenheimer, Volunteer EMT and College Student, Roseland
Nominated by her father and EMT Partner, Barry Bachenheimer
“It is sometimes said that teenagers are self-absorbed and think only of themselves and perhaps Instagram. While I may be a bit biased because I’m her father, I am also unbiased because I am her EMS partner on our volunteer Rescue Squad. When the Pandemic started in march of 2020, the state locked down. Lea’s first response was “I want to keep helping people.” Lea has been a volunteer member of the Rescue Squad since she was 13! (She was given a waiver as I was a long-time member; cadets normally cannot join until they are 16). She got her EMR certification at 13 and her EMT certification at 16. In 2015, she was awarded “Outstanding EMS Action by a Youth” by the New Jersey Department of Health at their annual conference. All throughout the pandemic, she rode as an EMT on a regular shift, responding to many calls for service for people sick with COVID donning full protective gear, and those who needed a regular 911 response. This was during a time when she was taking 5 AP classes in high school and applying to college. She made time to do it all. Now as a college freshman at the University of Wisconsin, whenever she is home on breaks (like the 3 days she was home for Thanksgiving) she volunteers her time and rides a shift at the squad. She has been involved with several life saving actions. While so many teens are worried about taking the perfect selfie on Instagram or doing the latest dance on Tik Tok, Lea is volunteering to save lives instead. As an aside, Lea was a volunteer intern on Representative Sherrill’s 2020 campaign and volunteered hundreds of hours phone banking during the pandemic. In addition to her work as a volunteer EMT, Lea is currently a public policy and sociology major at the University of Wisconsin and a member of the University of Wisconsin marching band, playing trumpet.
Lila Kurzum, Registered Nurse, Caldwell
Nominated by her child, Ramzi Kurzum
“My mother Lila is a true hero. She is currently a middle school nurse at Grover Cleveland middle school in Caldwell and has been working there as their school nurse for 6 years. When the pandemic hit my mother knew she had to use her expertise as a RN to help out in anyway. Right away she signed up to work at the Covid -19 testing sites that began to pop up around Essex county. She worked countless hours outside of her regular job addressing the most dire need of the pandemic at the time which was lack of testing. As the pandemic further progressed my mother was asked to get more involved and she began to run the vaccine site at the West Caldwell Tech location on Passaic Ave where she would coordinate the nurses working at that location. This is still all done in addition to her regular job as a school nurse. Speaking about her role as a school nurse, that role has since been expanded because of the pandemic. On her own time outside of school hours, and after a shift at the vaccine site, my mother has taken on the role of contract tracer for the middle school she works at. A critical role in keeping our schools open and safe. Many nights she will be up late making phone calls to parents about unfortunate quarantine protocols their children must follow. All of these things for the good of her community. Today my mother still works at the vaccine site 6 days a week, contact traces and has her regular job. That’s why I think over the last year (and more) I would consider my mother a Hero of District 11.”
Linda Hogoboom, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, Boonton
Nominated by her friend, Victoria Stafford
“Not only has the pandemic not stopped Linda from providing in-person support to her young patients and their families, Linda has been extremely active in her community, heading to start a LGBTQ+ Ally and advocacy group in our hometown. In June of 2021, thanks in part to Linda’s tireless efforts, the town of Boonton held its first ever Pride Day. Since then Linda has been championing the formation of formal LGBTQ+ clubs in the local high school and middle school, and made available resources for youths and their families at points throughout the community, including town hall. During this time Linda was also studying for professional advancement, and has received a new certification towards her practice.”
Lisa Christiansen, School District Nurse, Sparta
Nominated by her colleague, Andrea C Romano
“Our school district works with a significantly special needs population of students. Ms. Christiansen has gone above and beyond in all of her duties as a district nurse. She is on top of all things Covid, has spent innumerable hours contact tracing, has been used as each employee/family member’s personal nurse to decipher symptoms. She has done all of this- mostly on her own time, mostly unpaid and absolutely with the dedication you would expect from a school nurse. She rocks!”
Lisa Salberg, Founder & CEO of HCMA, Rockaway
Nominated by her husband, Adam Salberg
“The Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association is not just a cause or a hobby for Lisa Salberg, Founder and CEO of HCMA. It’s her life. Lisa’s grandfather died from sudden cardiac arrest at the age of 43. Her paternal great aunt suffered a massive stroke, secondary to HCM and died at 52. Her uncle died from sudden cardiac arrest at the age of 48. In the spring of 1995, Lisa’s sister, Lori Anne Flanigan-Munson, began to experience congestive heart failure, which was not recognized or treated. In June she suffered cardiac arrest. She died at the age of 36, leaving behind two children ages 10 and 13 who have since been raised by Lisa and her family. Her father, Larry Flanigan, passed away in June 2008 after a lifelong battle of misdiagnosis and finally proper identification of his HCM. Lisa’s niece, daughter, cousin and other family members also have HCM. Lisa was diagnosed with HCM at age 12 after a murmur was detected at a school physical. Three weeks after her wedding, at the age of 21, Lisa suffered a stroke secondary to HCM. In 1997, she received her first ICD (implantable cardiac defibrillator), the only true protection against sudden cardiac arrest. She also takes an assortment of cardiac medications to control her HCM. Professionally, Lisa has been a leader in human resource (HR) management for 17 years. Health insurance, employee benefits, business administration, event planning, employee counseling, analysis and general workflow management were the cornerstone of her career. She was a past President of the North Jersey Personnel Association and involved in many civic events and scholarship programs. Since Lisa founded HCMA in 1996 as a national resource and support center for families affected by HCM, she simultaneously held a full-time job while managing the organization. Through her tireless efforts to successfully increase membership, awareness and funding for HCMA, in 2005 she left her career in HR to serve the HCMA full time. The HCMA has an active membership of over 5,700 families with HCM and provides information to the world via its website which serves an estimated 200,000 people per year. Lisa’s accomplishments including acting as course director for the Annual HCMA meeting which includes CME course and patient education for 12 consecutive years, co-authoring, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy for Patients, their Families, and Interested Physicians, first and second editions (2001 and 2006); authored articles for publication in medical journals, trade publications and has been interviewed and quoted in hundreds of articles and news pieces in the media including, NBC News, News12 NJ, ESPN – Outside the Lines, Quite Frankly with Steven Smith, Comcast-Real Life with Mary Amoroso, Chicago Tribune, Washington Post, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Star Ledger, Star Tribune, Sports Illustrated, Men’s Health, EP Digest, Journal of the American College of Cardiology countless other regional and local newspapers. Lisa has served on many panels, councils and represents the HCMA in several coalitions. American College of Cardiology panelist (2007) – ICD Recalls, Food and Drug Administration and Heart Rhythm Society (FDA/HRS) Policy Conference on Device Performance – panelist and task force member (2005), ICD Leads Conference- panelist (2007). Legislative sub-committee of the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Coalition, member of the Genetic Alliance, Sudden Cardiac Arrest Coalition, Personalized Medicine Coalition, National Coalition for Heart and Stroke Research, NHLBI Constituency Group, and American Heart Association Community Strategies Council (North East Region).”
Liz Bernich, Founder of F.L.A.G. Of Chatham and Madison, Chatham
Nominated by her friend, Chatham Councilwoman Carolyn Dempsey
“Liz started F.L.A.G. Of Chatham and Madison (Front Line Appreciation Group) which has served tens of thousands of meals to frontline workers throughout the pandemic. This not only fed our overworked healthcare workers, emergency services and essential workers, but it lifted their spirits, and provided much needed business, through the generosity of the community, for the suffering local restaurants and eateries. It was a win-win-win for everyone!!”
Lorie Stock McDonald, COVID response planner at Overlook Hospital
Nominated by her friend, Shilpa Mankikar
“For two years while the pandemic was raging, Lorie and her team were indispensable, planning often confidential and morbid pandemic details at Overlook Hospital. One day, she was ordering mobile morgues. The next day, she was organizing food for the staff. Meanwhile, she is a wife and mother of two sons, and helped her mother survive cancer this year. She is a true gem and shows New Jersey native grit and compassion.”
Manuela Lindemulder, Spanish Teacher, North Haledon
Nominated by her student, Nino Manna
“Mrs. Lindemulder is a Spanish teacher who works at Eastern Christian School in North Haledon, NJ. Mrs.Lindemulder deserves to be recognized as a 2021 Hero because of her positive uplifting energy, creativity, and love that she spreads to her students and coworkers. Mrs.Lindemulder is the teacher that students never forget, including her alumni. She engages us through many different ways, one of them being food. She knows that people love food, and she shows us her love for us through her food. It is a miracle that through this pandemic she has been able to safely make a plan so that her Spanish class students can eat Cultural Spanish foods. Mrs.Lindemulder has such a giving heart, so giving that she even gives some of her own lunch to students if they don’t have food, or she’ll buy them something as a surprise. Mrs.Lindemulder treats her students like her own children, she even is a host household, where she hosts students from anywhere in the world, and gives them a place to live while they go to school at Eastern Chrisitan. Mrs.Lindemulder is always there for her students who need her, when we are upset she makes us feel better, and when we are happy and energetic she definitely joins us in our excitement. Mrs.Lindemulder is a champion for culture, as she was born in Europe and moved to the USA when she was little. She fell in love with Spanish culture and learned the language. She speaks English, German, French, and Spanish and wants to learn Italian. Mrs.Lindemulder shows her students that different cultures are amazing and they should be celebrated. Mrs.Lindemulder engages us through showing us the cultures of others and delighting in them. Mrs.Lindemulder is a joy and delight to be around and she 100% deserves to be the recipient of this award.”
Maria Callanan, School Psychologist and Child Study Team Member, East Hanover
Nominated by colleague and friend, Shari Russo
“Maria Callanan has been our school district’s “go to” when it comes to mental health. She is an expert, professional and an advocate. Maria is pulled in so many directions on a daily basis and has become used to wearing so many different hats. Due to the pandemic and the students’ emotional needs Maria has assisted in a large amount of suicide risk assessments . She is never afraid to do what’s right. She continues to put students’ needs first, especially when it involves one’s safety. As if that’s not enough to handle, Maria also connects families with outside community agencies in order to keep the mental health services going. Maria is able to balance her professional career with her family which consists of her husband and 2 teenage boys. She is always available after school hours to consult with administration if necessary. In my eyes, Maria Callanan is a true hero. She is never looking for accolades and considers herself to be a very private person. The truth is this………….if the rest of the staff at Morris Knolls High School truly knew what Maria Callanan does on an everyday basis they would be filled with nothing but amazement and admiration. She has saved more lives than she would ever admit to. I am honored to work with such an amazing woman each and every day.”
Matthew Higgins, High School Social Studies Teacher, Denville
Nominated by his spouse, Jennifer Higgins
“My husband, like all teachers, has worked tirelessly during the pandemic to ensure engaging instruction while teaching in dual modalities (in-person and remote learners) simultaneously. To be able to teach to students in the classroom and those who are participating remotely is no small feat. He did this without his students ever knowing how tiring and stressful this was. He makes it appear effortless.”
Meghan Tavormina, Owner/Director of the New Jersey Association for the Education of Young Children, Chatham
Nominated by her co-worker, Cathy Moran
“On behalf of the New Jersey Association for the Education of Young Children (NJAEYC), it is with great pleasure that I nominate Ms. Meghan Tavormina, M.A. for consideration for the 2021 Heroes program. I have known Meghan for over three years as a member of the New Jersey Association for the Education of Young Children (NJAEYC). Currently, Meghan sits on the Board of NJAEYC where she serves as the President. Meghan has worked tirelessly to ensure that NJAEYC be recognized by state legislators, state leaders, advocacy groups and other statewide associates as a strong partner and voice for the early childhood community Thanks to all of Meghan’s hard work, we are very proud to say that NJAEYC is now being recognized as a vital force and champion for the early childhood community in NJ. Meghan is an active participant on the NIEER Infant Toddler Center Advisory Committee, Child Care Advisory Board, Pritzger Leadership Team, and is a co-chair of the Think Babies Child Care Committee and serves on several focus groups around early childhood education. Additionally, Meghan works with our national affiliate, National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), to advocate for federal change in the early childhood community. She has also worked with partners and funders to bring advocacy tools to NJ’s early childhood professionals. Meghan is passionate about advocating for young children and takes opportunities to testify and speak with elected officials around important issues and specifically focuses on workforce compensation for early childhood professionals. Meghan’s work as President of NJAEYC is volunteer, dedicated to ensuring the mission of NJAEYC is met in all capacities. Professionally, Meghan created and opened a high-quality early childhood program located in District 11. Through her leadership and guidance, Meghan strives to create a nurturing and caring environment for the children. She recruited a quality team to provide care for young children. Meghan and her staff work with the parents to ensure that the children’s needs are met throughout the day. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Meghan opened her doors and provided a safe and healthy environment for the children and her staff. She was able to balance the changes required as a licensed childcare center while ensuring the health, safety and well-being of her children and her staff. The parents were provided comfort and reassurance that their children were safe and received quality care throughout their day during this unprecedented time. I cannot express within the limits of this short description all of the attributes that Meghan Tavormina possesses to qualify her nomination for 2021 Heroes program. Rest assured that the list would be too exhaustive. Her skills, knowledge, and dedication to NJ’s children, families and early childhood community make her the 2021 Hero Recognition Award nominee.
Melissa Spiotta, Morristown Board of Education President, Morristown
Nominated by her friend, Renee Bogert
“First you need to know that Melissa is a well regarded community leader who is fully committed to our education system through her work as Morristown BoE President and actively supporting our local residents and businesses through her volunteer efforts. Melissa is known for her positive spirit, kindness, generosity, and commitment to bettering our community. During the pandemic, Melissa saw a need to connect and communicate in order to support the needs of our Morristown Hospital frontline workers and Morristown local businesses. She created a Facebook group called MORRISTOWN HELPS that became the epicenter of communication during the pandemic. Melissa actively posted opportunities for residents to support frontline workers through food and protective equipment donations. This site connected those in need of food, clothing or PPE with residents wanting to help. And through the purchase of food, residents were supporting local restaurants who were struggling to stay open. Additionally Melissa’s support of the Morristown Rotary Club’s Operation Hunger programs helped the club to raise over $30,000, which funded the purchase meals from local restaurants and provided to non-profits to feed the food insecure in Morris County.Melissa grew up in Morristown, raised her child here, and is a hometown hero committed to giving back to the community she loves.”
Melissa White, Social Services Worker, Madison
Nominated by her supervisor/co-worker, Carolyn Dean
“Melissa White has an incredible drive to help humanity. She is a determined, caring social service worker undaunted by the barriers and adversity faced by the people she serves. Melissa has dedicated her career to helping adults diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness. They are sometimes experiencing breaks from reality, fearful for their safety. Sometimes, they lose the will to live. Many face financial peril and homelessness. Melissa always sees the person first, never judging their actions or condemning their struggles. When they are in the throes of trauma, loss or rejection, Melissa is often the first person to validate them and give them a sense of safety. When a client is confronted by a problem or barrier, Melissa researches solutions, drawing on a deep network of resources and advocating on the person’s behalf at whatever level necessary. If a solution isn’t obvious, she will devise one. When a person is at risk for harm or hospitalization, she cannot rest until they have the appropriate support. A case manager recently sought Melissa’s advice about a client in NewBridge Services’ senior program. The individual was struggling with financial difficulty and health problems. The client underwent surgery recently and was unable to work. Social Security payments were not enough to cover monthly rent, so the individual was at risk of losing their apartment. While this person was not Melissa’s client, she nonetheless had the case manager make an introduction. From their conversation, Melissa came to understand that this individual had lived a life of just making do, and was reluctant to disclose any weaknesses. Melissa made this person feel comfortable enough to open up about having depression, and to accept support so greatly needed. With Melissa’s help, the client connected with community resources and received a housing voucher allowing them to remain in their home. That client is now much happier and secure, thanks to Melissa. Melissa is a hero to many!.”
Michael Carelli, Pompton Lakes
Nominated by his wife, Amy Cahil
“Michael Carelli serves as Public Information Officer for the Borough of Pompton Lakes and Borough of Riverdale. Michael has spent the entire pandemic working countless hours releasing important information to the residents of Riverdale and Pompton Lakes related to the COVID pandemic. Work includes COVID-19 facts, clinics, vaccination clinics, and Borough service announcements. Michael spent the most part of 2020 releasing Mayor’s messages and letters related to the pandemic. Michael also serves as the Assistant Borough Administrator for the Borough of Oakland, and serves in the same capacities as Riverdale and Pompton Lakes. Michael knows how important it is to be the main source providing information to the residents and has spent tireless hours designing graphics, fliers, robo calls, and maintaining the Borough websites. Michael also releases a Borough Newsletter monthly, and has spent the past few months creating a new Borough website for the Borough of Riverdale. Michael also serves as the PIO for the Pompton Lakes Business Improvement District, and is responsible for promoting local Pompton Lakes businesses who have struggled so much during the pandemic. Work includes graphics, promotions, and photos from around the Downtown. Michael started a new Downtowner Newsletter, new website, and revitalized social media channels. Michael has developed thousands of postings for social media, driving visitors to the Downtown, especially during such difficult times. Search Pompton Lakes Business Improvement District on social media to view his work. Serving on the front line for releasing official information to the Borough residents, is why I nominate Michael Carelli as a 2021 hero.”
Michael Grabas, Grocery Clerk, Cedar Grove
Nominated by his co-worker, Helen Ireland
Michael Grabas is selfless and caring. He spends his time, money and energy working with our veterans on active duty and retired. There is nothing this man won’t do for them. He’s been our member since 1974 and is 64 years young in every sense of the word young. Below is a little bit of what this man does out of pure passion for our Veterans. Michael started working with our veterans in 1998 through the elks lodge. He became the chairman in 2000 and started organizing the Big Band fundraisers, raising money for our veterans. The Bands we had included Glen Miller and Jimmy Dorsey. After the tragedy of 9/11 he started collecting goods to send over to Afghanistan for our soldiers and then and later to the soldiers in Iraq. Through the generosity of the public they were shipping out approximately 20-30 boxes a week. One year at Christmas time they sent over 500 boxes to Afghanistan. His friend who is a Coronel made sure every base had received some of the boxes. Michael was invited to attend the picnic reunion with the Coronel humbly said “he felt so blessed to be able to attend and join him and his unit when they came home. Mike’s group has a gift they give to the veterans and their family : a Blue Star Banner which they place in the window of their home to proudly display that they or a family member was in the military. As of today he and his friends have given out over 600 blue star banners! He joined the Chaplain Service at the VA in 2000 and was able to work with our elderly veterans and eventually worked with the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Ward. He also held picnics for the PTSD men and women and always had Congressman Bill Pascrell and Congressman Rodney Frelinghusien to talk to the veterans. In the past they have had the support of Bart Oates and OJ Anderson from the Giants who came to talk to them. Tommy James, a singer from the 60’s and Gene Cornish of the Rascals came to visit and treated the guys to a concert. Now Michael is working with the New Jersey AFL-CIO Veterans Committee and the Lyons club, but he works mainly with the guys at the VA bringing clothes, food and words of support and encouragement. Working with our Congresswomen Mikie Sherrill staff addressing the problems our Vets come to face every day and fixing those problems. Mike would like the public, the Unions and all his friends to know he appreciates their support, donation and time. The support of the public, unions and my dear friends make all this possible and I remind our vets all the time I have an army of wonderful caring and thankful public behind me to continually support them. Michael Grabas UFCW Local 360 member, Executive Vice President UFCW 360and Shop Steward, but mostly the supporter of Veterans! Mike doesn’t think he’s doing anything special that most people wouldn’t do, however most of us would love to help people that are especially in need of time, most of us probably said we would or will then life happens and it doesn’t!”
Miguel Ocegueda, Veteran and COO of Headstrong Project, Bloomfield
Nominated by his friend, Aaron Bauer
“Miguel Ocegueda served honorably for over 13 years in the U.S. Army and NJ Army National Guard across a broad range of assignments. Miguel has worked for the Rutgers Office of Veteran and Military Programs and Services. Miguel now works full time for the Headstrong Project, an NPO that focuses on healing the unseen wounds of our soldiers. As the chief operating officer, Miguel is hands-on in the process and execution of most that goes on in the Headstrong Project. Not only is Miguel a person who has fought for our nation, but a person who continually aids our boys in uniform. Miguel is an all around hero and the definition of a true humanitarian. Miguel does what he can for friends and neighbors alike. Whether it was donating much needed foodstuffs during the pandemic, lending a helping hand to those afflicted by this year’s hurricane, or even just stopping to say hello and check in with you, Miguel is always there. Altruism comes in many forms, but it is often rare to find someone who can exemplify all of them. Miguel Ocegueda is a true hero, and I am proud to have him as a part of our community.”
Kevin Kelly, Trades-Customer Service, Morristown
Nominated by his friend and fellow scout leader, Paul Critchley
“Despite employment transition, Covid restrictions, challenging work shifts and the demands of caring for an adult autistic son – Kevin Kelly has remained committed to the Boy Scouts of America Troop 34. The Troop is sponsored by Monsignor John Hart and the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish located in Morristown NJ. Kevin has diligently and faithfully honored his role of Troop ScoutMaster throughout the Covid crisis. He has made extraordinary efforts to continue the Scouting program for the Scouts of NJ-11 by organizing weekly Scout meetings, coordinating monthly Scout campouts, participating in scout advancement meetings, troop leadership meetings; all while instituting social distancing and Covid protocols for the benefit of our Scouts, Troop and Parish. Kevin remains a constant source of guidance and inspiration to the Scouts and adult leaders of Troop 34. Kevin teaches and lives the Scout Oath and Scout Law every day. He is TRUSTWORTHY, LOYAL, HELPFUL, FRIENDLY, COURTEOUS, KIND, OBEDIENT, CHEERFUL, THRIFTY, BRAVE, CLEAN and REVERENT. Kevin is a NJ-11 hero!”
Nancy Y. Craig, High School English Teacher, Sparta
Nominated by her husband, Robert N. Lamken
“My wife is a highly dedicated English Teacher at Morris Hills HS. Nancy teaches AP English Literature, one of the most difficult AP HS courses. Yet she consistently outpaces the National AP average, her average for the past 5 yrs exceeded 4. Nancy signs up for just about every course available to improve her AP teaching skills. In addition to her teaching skills, Nancy is the Consulting Teacher for the English Department. This position is the link between the English Department and the Administration. Nancy is admired by all who come in contact with her, teachers, Administrators and students alike. She has been employed by the district for over 35 yrs, her first and only employer since graduating from Rutgers. You might find another teacher as good as Nancy, but none better. I am pleased to nominate Nancy for your Hero recognition.”
Narisa Pongklang, Tailor and Owner of Lingerie and Bridal by Lisa, Lake Hiawatha
Nominated by her husband, Stew A. Fried
“During the pandemic our business was not allowed to do business. That did not stop Narisa from going to work every day. She started making masks and donating them to the local ambulance squad, Hospitals, friends, family and customers. Eventually she was contacted by friends and family that wanted to help pay for the material to make the masks. To date she has donated well over a thousand masks to our community.”
New Jersey’s Public Health Worker
Nominated by Peter Tabbot
“New Jersey’s Public Health Worker has contended with unprecedented challenges over the last 22 months. These challenges are measured not only in the countless difficult questions – and in some cases, criticisms – fielded each day from stakeholders and the public…or in the number of seven-day work weeks, interrupted nights and excessive stress from the overwhelming scope of work the COVID-19 pandemic has presented. These challenges may also be quantified by the number of times public health professionals have advocated for cooperation and collaboration among our partners and the public…by the frequency with which practitioners have been forced to dispute inaccuracies and misinformation…by the daily struggle to find the intestinal fortitude to manage regional aspects of a pandemic, and to sidestep the politicization of a non-partisan issue. Be it nurses, epidemiologists, health officers, disease investigators, educators, environmental health specialists or other allied professionals, the Public Health Worker has surmounted unforeseen obstacles, has endured unimaginable stress, and above all else, has time and again singularly prioritized the health and safety of those they serve. There is an old aphorism in this profession, recognizing the fact that if public health is working, it is virtually invisible. It is often only during a crisis – for example, an environmental disaster or the intrusion of an exotic disease – that one would more visibly see the work of public health. One thing is clear, however. Though the work of public health may be difficult to recognize or market, it is absolutely essential to the well-being of our communities. This has never been more evident than during these difficult 22 months. A Time of Unparalleled Dedication. The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges to New Jersey’s public health workforce. Endless hours of service, continuous stress, community and political pressures, compromised resources, opposition from a small but loud anti-vaccine and anti-mask contingent – public health professionals have contended with unthinkable heartache and duress, but in spite of these obstacles have persevered in protecting the public. While the world shut down, the Public Health Worker got up, dusted off and did their duty. And public health does not take a day off, sometimes even in the face of unimaginable personal loss. As one example, Kathy Skrobala, Health Officer for the Lincoln Park Health Department, stated, “I lost two brothers this year. With all of the pressing family issues, I still worked every day in my public health role, responding to emails, phone calls and text messages while dealing with personal losses. This is a story I wish I did not have to tell, but it is the reality of public health.” The Public Health Worker answers the call, literally and figuratively, around the clock. Professionals may leave their desk at day’s end, but devotion to the underserved and the community at large never stops. During this pandemic, there may not be another worker who serves as such an essential resource for as broad a scope of important issues. It is public health officials who are depended upon to guide schools and daycare centers, inform elected officials and key stakeholders, protect patrons and employees in retail businesses, and to advise athletic programs, community groups and others. It is public health officials who tirelessly investigate cases of disease, perform contact tracing, and work to control outbreaks. And the Public Health Worker prevents many deaths and countless cases of disease in the process. A Time of Great Reward. Despite fighting this pandemic in the face of severe adversity and with limited resources, New Jersey’s Public Health Worker has met these challenges with a tremendous degree of success and a palpable sense of pride. There is little glory or praise in the work, but public health professionals will enthusiastically advise how gratifying this brand of public service truly is – even in the most challenging of times. For many, it is an opportunity to respond to an event one has planned their entire career for, and a means to be part of the solution to a global crisis. It is a way to make a real difference while amplifying the identity of public health. For most, it is the little victories that are most rewarding. That’s Just Public Health. The COVID-19 pandemic is the most important health crisis of the last century, but protecting and improving the public’s health is what the Public Health Worker does. While practitioners contend with the far-reaching effects of a global pandemic, there are many other critical services to provide. There are other important vaccinations to administer, scores of regulations to uphold, underserved communities to help, clinical services to provide, educational programs to deliver, contamination events to mitigate, and other emerging pathogens to control. Silently and without fanfare, the Public Health Worker goes on, making small but meaningful differences on a daily basis, independent of an ongoing pandemic.Though COVID-19 is the defining public health challenge of our lifetime, one would also be remiss in not recognizing that this pandemic is the latest in numerous crises for which New Jersey’s Public Health Worker has answered the call. HIV/AIDS…SARS…Sandy…Floyd…H1N1…West Nile…Bioterrorism…Ebola – these are but a handful of the public health emergencies that New Jersey’s public health workforce has contended with over the last four decades. COVID-19 is clearly not the first severe or unanticipated threat that public health practitioners have struggled with, nor will it be the last. One thing, however, is certain – the Public Health Worker will rise to the challenge again and again, and will do their very best to mitigate any crisis with poise, professionalism and a collaborative spirit.”
Nicholas Wright, Owner of Frank Anthony’s Restaurant, Verona
Nominated by his mother, Nancy Wright
“Nicholas Wright is a small business owner in Verona NJ, who I would like to recognize as a member of our NJ-11 community who is making a difference during the pandemic. When the pandemic hit here on March 13, 2020, Nicholas quickly changed his restaurant’s business course from the din-in service to take out and delivery only. Immediately for the safety of his customers and the small core of his essential employees who were willing to keep working, Nicholas closed his doors, put up a temporary tent and began serving his needy customers through window service. He did his best to be open every day without a break serving and making deliveries to his customers without real consideration to his own health. Nicholas began a never-ending period of donating his food, time and talents to his surrounding community members who needed him. He donated and made numerous deliveries of meals to every surrounding hospital including Hackensack Mountainside, Overlook, and St. Barnabas Hospital as well as supplying food to the essential town workers including the police, firefighters and public work employees. He supported many struggling local businesses, including other local Restaurants, The Flower and Fruit Market, a Beauty Salon and local charity organizations helping to promote them by advertising for them in his Frank Anthony’s Businesses’ Instagram account. There are so many stories that involve my son, Nicholas Wright. His awesome community spirit and call to provide above and beyond service is why he is a hero and should be recognized as a member of our NJ-11 community who is making a difference by giving his time, talents and treasures throughout this pandemic.”
Nicole Florio, Certified Medical Assistant and Clinical Supervisor of Vanguard Medical Group, Verona
Nominated by her co-worker, Katherine Fowler
“Nicole Florio has been coordinating the Vanguard Medical Group (VMG) covid-19 vaccine efforts since the first doses were given to our team members on December 23, 2020. She has personally given nearly 12,000 of the over 20,000 doses to patients at VMG. When the vaccine first came out and demand was so high, she worked to get every drop she could out of the vials, never allowing any to be wasted. Vanguard offers a drive-thru service in Verona and Nicole organized each step of the process, greeting nearly every patient with a reassuring smile. During the last year, she worked in every version of NJ weather to vaccinate. She is especially good with patients that need a little extra patience and have lots of concerns and/or questions. She has vaccinated people in the community from age 5 – 104. VMG focused our initial efforts on community based healthcare workers and vulnerable seniors. The number of lives she has protected and saved in the 11th and throughout NJ is hard to guess. Since you emailed this 2021 Hero nomination for out, multiple people in the practice have approached me and suggested we nominate her. I’m so proud to work with her! She is a hero and has made an incredible difference in helping to lead us out of the pandemic.”
Pastor Rev. Dr. Sidney Williams Jr., Pastor of Bethel AME Church, Morristown
Nominated by his friend, Mary Ellen Levine
“As pastor of a historically African Methodist Episcopal Church which serves a mainly African American neighborhood, I met Pastor and his wife, Teresa, when I was looking to bring nursing students into the community for a health project. Pastor opened his doors and it was then I began to really appreciate the wonderful blessing he and his church are to the community. The church provides food and fellowship as well as support for all, including those with financial hardship and those who struggle with addiction. I also recall how Pastor Williams took on the fight to bring much needed funding and attention to the flooding that has yet to be rectified as the township looks to further develop the area. Finally, I was enamored by his fostering the love and support to bring his daughter into ministry as she provided a meaningful and strong message of family and faith to the sermon I attended with my nursing students, as they prepared to address the congregation with their project. I think this servant to the community and faith is deserving of recognition as a 2021 Hero. Thank you.”
Pat Guide,Volunteer who runs the local Explorers Post, Pompton Plains
Nominated by the father of a participant in her program, Stephen De Haan
“Ms. Guide runs the Explorer Post, a club for handicapped adults. She develops a complete schedule of activities including: swimming, bowling, dances, parties, picnics, and outings working with various churches and community groups in Pompton Lakes. They have also had various dance and other classes and even put on a play. It is needless to say difficult to work with a range of handicapped adults with issues ranging from mild perceptual impairment to autism. She makes all feel welcome and provides over 50 people with a social outlet they would never have without her.”
Pat Keating, Doug Heidt, Bob Dombrowski, Shawn Galuska, Volunteers at the St. Agnes Food Pantry, Little Falls
Nominated by Little Falls Councilman Christopher Vancheri
“The Little Falls residents I nominated have been on the front lines at the local food bank in town making sure families in need from NJ-11 have what they need for their families. The dedication and time each has shown needs to be recognized.”
Patti and Susan Neil, Church Leaders, West Orange
Nominated by fellow parishioner, Tarz Palomba
“Throughout the pandemic, Patti and Susan Neil have been instrumental in keeping our loving parish community connected, engaged, safe and hopeful. They have been tireless in their work on behalf of the congregation, creatively reinventing worship, fellowship and community with limited in-person contact. Together with our priest, the Rev. Sheelagh Clarke, their faith, hope, love and support to the entire community has been a beacon of light in these difficult times.”
Peyton Triano, Founder of Compassion Kids NJ and 8th Grade Student, Kinnelon
Nominated by her mother, Jenna Triano
“Peyton is truly my hero and I am honored to nominate her as a 2021 hero. Peyton started selling her baked goods when she was home from school on quarantine. She spent all of her spare time carefully baking and packing up her treats and selling them to local members of her community. As she continued to collect money she told me that she really wanted to do something good with it. Finally on New Year’s Eve of 2020 she figured out what she wanted to do with the money she had made so far. She wanted to start her own charitable foundation. She had been watching news reports with the long lines at the food pantries and she couldn’t help thinking about all of the children whose families we’re in that line. She also kept thinking about what kinds of foods are normally on the shelves at food pantries. She said that she didn’t think there were too many kid friendly foods that she and her friends get to enjoy. That night her foundation Compassionate Kids NJ was born. In the year since Peyton has continued to sell incredible amounts of baked goods and run specific fundraisers such as a large tricky tray in April all to raise money for the Father English food pantry in Paterson. Once a month she stands outside with her bags of kid friendly foods and hands them out to the recipients in line. They have come to expect to see her and she now considers the food pantry her second home. To watch such a young child put in so much work to help other children continues to blow my mind. She was even awarded the Caritas award for service from Catholic charities for her work at the food pantry. She is the youngest ever recipient of this award. She spends every day thinking up new ways to make a difference at both the Father English food pantry and the homeless shelter at the Paterson YMCA where she recently spent time donating clothes and serving food. Peyton is a hero in every sense of the word and a wonderful role model for other kids her age.”
Pompton Lakes Riverdale First Aid Squad
Nominated by Pompton Lakes Mayor Michael Serra
“The Pompton Lakes Riverdale First Aid Squad was on the front line in serving our communities during the COVID crisis. The Squad never wavered in its commitment to providing care to those in need under trying circumstances. As volunteers,they risked their own health and that of family members to answer the call. COVID 19 did not deter them from their mission of community service. They truly are the unsung heroes of 2021 in Pompton Lakes & Riverdale.”
Rabbi Ariann Weitzman, Rabbi and Educator, West Orange
Nominated by her congregant & friend, Jessica Brater
“Rabbi Ariann Weitzman is the Director of Congregational Learning and Associate Rabbi at B’nai Keshet in Montclair, N.J. A passionate Jewish educator committed to truly innovative approaches to Jewish teaching and learning, Rabbi Ariann is our hero. When the synagogue went into lockdown, her dedication to the children in our congregation was immediately evident. She drew from her full teaching and learning toolkit to create a feeling of community for our isolated children. At the same time, Rabbi Ariann also filled in for our Senior Rabbi, who was on sabbatical for a large portion of the pandemic. Rabbi Ariann balanced both of these most challenging tasks without skipping a beat. Hebrew School moved to Zoom and Google Classroom with training and support for teachers. Rabbi Ariann identified a Jewish learning curriculum focused on trauma and healing designed for online learning. Students gathered each week on Zoom, plus for additional community gatherings like a Friday night Zoom Shabbat candle lighting. Teachers delivered learning material to students at their homes. Rabbi Ariann arranged for tents so that when safety and weather allowed, younger children, most challenged by online learning, could gather together in person. And she did all of this while homeschooling her own children during the 2020-21 school year. Rabbi Ariann didn’t forget that healthy children need healthy parents. She was there for us throughout these new parenting challenges, providing individual pastoral care as well as community gatherings like a pandemic parent support evening, post-bedtime on Zoom. She prepared for and conducted weekly services, led a full roster of daily synagogue activities and handled the myriad challenges encountered while running a religious organization during a pandemic – challenges that nobody could have prepared for or even imagined not so long ago. She continues to navigate the best course for our children, keeping students’ safety, mental and emotional health and social needs foremost. Parents are confident when our children are in her care. She has regularly surveyed parents about our comfort level about gathering in person, first outside, now inside. No detail has gone unconsidered: as 5-11 year olds are getting vaccinated and moving indoors for learning, Rabbi Ariann has been careful to move them back outside for snack, when they will need to remove their masks. She also directs a robust program for our post b’nai mitzvah students, and, in collaboration with our partner synagogue, Society for the Advancement of Judaism, will lead them on a tour of significant sites in Black History in Georgia and Alabama this spring. Adult Education also falls in her portfolio. Throughout the pandemic, she continued her popular “Lunch and Learn” sessions, Shabbat morning adult education, and classes that foster deep change like her current Cultivating Anti-Racism course. Whether by Zoom or in a tent, around a campfire, or in Bnai Keshet’s sanctuary dissecting a sacred text, nothing keeps Rabbi Ariann from her appointed rounds: teaching, caring and leading all generations of our community. For many of us, our commitment to Jewish learning has been strengthened through Rabbi Ariann’s leadership – over the last ten years, and, in particular, during the past 22 months. We are sure Rabbi Ariann would say that she only did what needed to be done. Well, that makes her even more of a hero! When many of us were lost in confusion, frustration, isolation and sadness, she boostered children and adults with belonging, support, love and a strong sense of identity, There is no question that she made a difference in the lives of our children and the entire congregation during the pandemic and she continues to do so today! We are so grateful for her guidance and leadership.”
Rebecca Ciambruschini, Registered Nurse, Caldwell
Nominated by her father, Charles Schwartz
“She is working diligently with people who have suffered terrible accidents and crippling medical conditions.”
Regina Elberg, Elementary School Teacher, Montclair
Nominated by her son, Brian Elberg
“Regina has been a teacher in New Jersey for nearly 50 years. During that time she has worked with Elementary school students in Jersey City, Newark and Montclair. During the pandemic she literally started a school in her garage and worked with local students every day. In typical fashion for herself she did far more than anyone was expecting her to. She transformed a small garage into a warm and joyful classroom. Every day the students completed an arts and crafts project, did rigorous math and literacy work and most importantly had a great time. The students grew an incredible amount as readers and people. It was heroic to watch.”
Rev. Jeff Markay, Pastoral Leader of Chatham United Methodist Church, Chatham
Nominated by his friend, Chatham Councilman Leonard Resto
“As soon as Covid hit and there was food insecurity in Chatham, Rev. Markay reached out to me and fellow Council Member Carolyn Dempsey to establish a weekly Food Distribution. This takes place at the rear of the Chatham United Methodist Church each Wednesday afternoon from 3:30 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. We are in our 83rd week of operation and serve up to 60 families per week. We rely solely on donations of money from residents to order fresh produce, milk, eggs and butter. In addition, we accept canned and bottled goods, plus toiletries for our 24/7 pantry. Rev. Markay has gone “above and beyond”.
Rev. Sheelagh Clarke, Priest of Church of the Holy Innocents, West Orange
Nominated by her parishioner, Tarz Palomba
“Rev. Sheelagh has been instrumental in keeping our tiny congregation connected, engaged and hopeful throughout the pandemic. With limited opportunity for in-person worship, she has creatively engaged with us via Zoom, reinventing worship in this new medium, moving us forward as a community and keeping us hopeful.”
Ronnie Konner, Retired Teacher and Board of Education Member, Livingston
Nominated by her son-in-law, Scott Lantzman
“A Livingston High School graduate, Ronnie Ferber Konner was inducted into the Livingston Education Foundation Hall of Fame after a long career as a Spanish teacher. As impactful as her classroom education was, Ronnie also served 7 terms on the Livingston Board of Education for 16 years over four decades, four times as board president and twice as Vice President. Starting in the 80s and 90s she was instrumental in laying the foundation for what the Livingston school system looks like today, including introducing a Spanish language program to the elementary schools. In her Board of Ed retirement speech on December 7, 2021, Ronnie stated some of her achievements from her first term included the establishment of all–Day Kindergarten, the expansion of Livingston High School, the LHS TV Studio, the Alternative School, our first turf fields, a change from a Jr. High to a Middle School configuration, a Listening Post held monthly for community to meet informally with Board members, the nurturing and hiring of an extraordinary team of administrators, the adoption of a supervisory structure to address the fact that when students entered the then Middle School they all had very different programs at the six elementary schools, in addition to the hiring of an individual whose primary purpose was to support our teachers with Professional Development Programs. She retired from the board to focus on her Spanish teaching career, but came back post-retirement in 2014 when she saw there was a need for her experience and leadership once again. In her second round as a board member, Ronnie’s achievements and accomplishments include introducing the One-to-One Computer Initiative; expansion of the Livingston school calendar to include recognition of Lunar New Year, Diwali, and soon to include Eid; programs such as Lance Talks, interdisciplinary Pathways for Humanities, Science – including our Science Research Program, and Performing Arts; making our Board Office Handicap Accessible; worked to enhance Board communication with the public, promoting policies that supported video-taping of BOE meetings, reports by our BOE Student Representative, meeting with the Livingston Education Association, our Township Planning Board Chair and Committee, Five on Five Meetings with the Livingston Town Council to address shared services, Mental Health, and other topics of common interest including the recent changes in policies related to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Greater than just the achievements of her teaching and board service is how she has carried herself for over 40 years in the public eye. She has always treated everyone with dignity and respect, valued input from all directions, and has gone above and beyond in her responsibilities, never once attending a board meeting without being thoroughly prepared. On more than one occasion in her second round of board service she returned for a day from her winter vacation in Mexico to attend a board meeting before catching the first flight the next morning back to Mexico. Who else but Ronnie Konner would ever consider doing something like that? The impact Ronnie Konner has left on the Livingston School District, and by extension, all of Livingston, is too great to quantify and yet too subtle for anyone to realize how instrumental she has been to such change. While Livingston may miss having Ronnie serve, her family is extremely happy to finally have their mother and grandmother back!”
Sarah Langan, Teacher, Rockaway
Nominated by her spouse, Kyle Langan
“Sarah (along with all of the teachers in Paterson) has always been working in terrible conditions as far as the buildings are concerned. Add the COVID-19 pandemic to that and they deserve an award. I am nominating Sarah because she goes into those conditions daily with an amazingly positive attitude. She goes above and beyond for her students, even welcoming one of her previous students to stay with us for a week over the Thanksgiving holiday because of a horrendous home life. She even led a Facebook initiative to get people vaccinated when the vaccine first came available. She would be up at all hours of the night and early morning signing strangers up for appointments as they came available. Sarah is constantly putting others before herself and expecting nothing in return. I believe she should be recognized for her numerous selfless acts.”
Scot Burkholder, Educational Leader, Sparta
Nominated by co-worker, Necole Jadick
“Mr. Burkholder tirelessly stands up for students from marginalized communities within our school district. He always centers student needs, and he advocates for equity and inclusivity in collaborative and comprehensive ways. Yet, his support extends beyond our students and families. He is also there for the teachers, counselors, and administrators who work with him. He recognizes nuance, and he is always willing to engage in difficult discussions in an effort to bring us to new understandings and help us find ways to better serve our school communities. Moreover, he has had his own challenges with hearing loss in recent years, and instead of shying away from these personal dynamics, he has used them as inspiration to expand his advocacy. He does all of this authentically and without any desire for accolades. His work is frequently behind-the-scenes, which is all the more reason that he should be recognized.”
Shala Gagliardi, Constituent Services Manager for Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, Parsippanyy
Nominated by constituent Jigar Shukla
“After hearing my story of being a US immigrant for 20 years without getting to my permanent residence, Shala and her office worked on my case tirelessly to push my case through Texas and Nebraska service centers. While it’s still work in progress, I’m confident that my case will get the attention it deserves soon.”
Shanna Cook, Activities Lead at Arbor Terrace, Roseland
Nominated by her father, William Fitts
“Shanna works at a senior living facility in Roseland that includes both assisted living and a memory unit. During the pandemic the residents are under a strict lockdown and Shanna was one of the few people that they could interact with every day. She worked almost every day in 2020 and 2021 helping to arrange different activities for the residents while dealing with all the COVID protocols initiated at the facility to keep everyone safe. Shanna has made numerous friends at Arbor Terrace among both the residents and their families due to her dedication and willingness to help everyone stay healthy.”
Shipra Shah, Physician, Wayne
Nominated by her spouse, Darius Shah
“Dr. Shah has been fighting the COVID-19 pandemic right from the beginning. She was working as a hospitalist at the Montefiore hospital and she herself contacted Covid in April 2020. This did not deter her resolve. She went right back to work after she recovered. She treated dozens of patients suffering from Covid making sure they were able to get the best care available at the time. She tried to make them as comfortable as she could, arranging for FaceTime with their families since these families could not visit them in person. She has started her own independent practice in Wayne in order to best serve the community. She takes all insurances including Medicaid which a lot of other practices do not. Her philosophy is if I don’t take care of these patients nobody else well. To her the welfare and well-being of her patients is above everything else. She has been doing this while being a full-time mother to two wonderful sons being a parent who is involved in their activities in and outside of school. I believe with all her work that she’s been doing she will one day be recognized. If it helps I would be happy to share specific examples of patient care without divulging any patient information.”
The Entire Staff at the K-Mart Vaccination Center in West Orange
Nominated by Nathaniel Silber, who got vaccinated at the center
“These people were superb, gracious, friendly, efficient, and talented”
Sparta Helps Healthcare Heroes: LeAnn Pitzer, Melissa Pietropinto, Erica Hertzberg; Nicole Chiong; Joanna Beach; Kristen List; Tina Rowan, Local group of concerned citizens that banded together to form a movement to support healthcare heroes during COVID, Sparta
Nominated by Sparta Mayor Christine Quinn
“When the state locked down – The Sparta Helps Healthcare Heroes initiative took off. This group of outstanding, community minded volunteers immediately organized a town-wide initiative to enlist the residents of Sparta to take action and begin to sew masks, organize meal and snack drop offs for hospital workers, created and sold initiative tee shirts to raise money and so much more ! Although their primary scope was to support our local EMS in Sparta and healthcare workers in local hospitals – this quickly expanded, as did their coalition base. Initiated with the purpose of supporting those on the front lines of the healthcare crisis – what they created did so much more. This initiative spread like wild-fire, providing residents throughout our town and well beyond with a purpose – during a time when they were stricken with fear, locked in their homes. They now had a purpose – and a task to keep them focused on doing something meaningful for others. I could not be more proud that this humble yet powerful initiative started in our very own home-town of Sparta. Initiatives such as this, driven by community-minded, purpose driven, committed people such as these, are just another amazing reason that we are all so collectively fortunate to call Sparta our home. “
Theresa Pardalis, Nurse, Pompton Lakes
Nominated by her son, Steven Pardalis
“My mother has been a nurse for almost 40 years. For the majority of that time she has been a geriatric nurse, taking care of the elderly. She worked in a rehab facility for the majority of COVID and never stopped caring for those most in need, despite her own Rheumatoid Arthritis. As if that wasn’t enough she has helped people she barely knows navigate COVID: helping them find housing and bringing winter clothes to the homeless in Newark. She was also at the forefront of collecting food donations for the Father English pantry in Paterson…all while running her own animal rescue, Saving All Paws. This is only a small sample of what she has given. She is an inspiration who I hope can be recognized. Thank you.”
Theresa Piliero, Nurse Practitioner, Morris Township
Nominated by her spouse, Peter Piliero
“When the pandemic hit, Theresa was furloughed from her job running the health clinic at ADP’s Florham Park site. Then when the COVID vaccines became available she knew she had to get involved to ensure fellow New Jerseyans could get vaccinated. She initially worked at the Meadowlands mega-site and then subsequently volunteered at the Morris County mega-site. She worked 12 hours days to ensure people could get protected and in so doing is a healthcare hero. In addition throughout the pandemic she has continued her incredible dedication to advocating for common sense gun laws as a Moms Demand Action volunteer.”
Todd Smith, Business Consultant at the New Jersey Small Business Development Center at Ramapo College, Boonton
Nominated by his supervisor, Ryan Greff
“Todd Smith of Boonton serves as a Business Consultant with the New Jersey Small Business Development Center (NJSBDC) at Ramapo College. The NJSBDC is a federal-state-education partnership, primarily funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration, that provides small businesses with no-cost business management counseling and information services. In his role, Mr. Smith has worked to counsel business owners in need of assistance starting, growing, and expanding their enterprises. Through his work with the NJSBDC at Ramapo College, Todd Smith has led a finance task force within the center’s Economic Recovery Task Force Initiative to help small businesses in NJ recover in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. His finance task force, which includes student volunteers from Ramapo College, has provided crisis management assistance to small businesses throughout New Jersey. The team has aided businesses through providing help with gaining access to loans and grants, drafting business plans, and strategically planning out corporate recovery activities. He has helped business owners navigate the intricacies of emergency loans in order to keep their businesses afloat and their workers employed. He has also helped several veteran-owned businesses during the pandemic. His involvement within the NJSBDC Network has proven to his colleagues and clients that he is the model of professionalism and service. His leadership of the finance task force has shown that he has gone above and beyond the call of duty with regards to the state’s economic recovery. It is for these reasons that he is deserving of this hero recognition. Todd Smith also joined the Board of Directors of Community Hope. Community Hope is the largest nonprofit in the State of New Jersey that works to address the homeless veteran crisis. The organization provides assistance by both housing former homeless veterans as well as assisting many other veterans and their families. The work of Community Hope has helped prevent veterans and their families from becoming homeless. Community Hope also assists people by housing those with mental illnesses.”
Tom DeSalvo, Volunteer for I Want To Mow Your Lawn, Little Falls
Nominated by fellow volunteer and Little Falls Councilman Albert Kahwaty
“Tom is a top volunteer for I Want To Mow Your Lawn which provides free lawn mowing services to seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities, and has helped the organization grow into a national effort. And he cuts lawns, too!”
Travis and Ezekiel Ehrenberg, Students, Randolph
Nominated by their mother, Francine Ehrenberg
“During 2021 Travis and Ezekiel (Zeke) were members of the Sons of the American Legion Post 342 in Chester NJ. They volunteered to call our elderly Veterans on a weekly basis to check in with them and their families to see if they were healthy and needed any assistance. Also Travis and Zeke place flags on the graves of Veterans during Armed Forces Remembrance days.”
Walter L. Joyce Jr., Probation Officer, Livingston
Nominated by his brother, Michael Joyce
“Walter is 86 years old. He spearheaded the vaccination of the homebound in Livingston. He was Man of the Year in Livingston. He is active in the Old Guard.”
Wayne Township Memorial First Aid Squad
Nominated by a member of the Wayne Township Memorial First Aid Squad
“The dedicated members of the WAYNE TOWNSHIP MEMORIAL FIRST AID SQUAD, INC live by the motto: SERVICE TO THE LIVING IN MEMORY OF THE DEAD and act under the motto: I SHALL PASS THROUGH THIS WORLD BUT ONCE. ANY GOOD THEREFORE THAT I CAN DO, OR ANY KINDNESS THAT I CAN SHOW TO ANY HUMAN BEING; LET ME DO IT NOW. LET ME NOT DEFER OR NEGLECT IT. FOR I SHALL NOT PASS THIS WAY AGAIN. The Wayne First Aid Squad answers more than 5,000 calls per year in recent years.”
