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Volunteer Recognition Luncheon
September 29, 2005
It's unanimous: our first ever Volunteer Recognition Luncheon was a huge success! About 130 people, including volunteers, Board members and staff, enjoyed food, talk and each other for several hours at Plainsboro's Queenship of Mary Church on Thursday, September 29.
"It was a nice to meet other volunteers from different time slots; you don't normally get to do that," remarked computer Reader Betty Scarlata afterwards. Her sentiments were echoed by many.
Executive Director Stephanie Campbell |
The occasion was also highlighted by a program of speakers including Board member David Grant (who arranged for the meeting space through his affiliation with the church), Executive Director Stephanie Campbell, Board member/volunteer Sandy Shapiro, Educational Outreach Director Chris Ranaghan, Development Director Sandi Wilson and Production Director Jessie Falcone. Assistant Production Director Tony Gruenewald delivered a heartfelt appreciation of Irv Rabinowitz (a 40-year force of nature at the Unit) and presented Irv's wife, Sandie, with a plaque commemorating the dedication of a physics books now being read in Irv's honor (Sneaking a Look at God's Cards). Sandi Wilson presented members of last year's Record-A-Thon committee with beautiful homemade trophies adorned with life-sized rats! |
Sandie Rabinowitz and Assistant Production Director Tony Gruenewald |
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Jessie presented special awards first to Steve Montefusco (that's right -- he's actually a volunteer!) and to Cliff Giddings, who got a special RFB&D apron, in appreciation for all the wonderful treats he provides the Unit so consistently. Jessie also had a special award and gift basket for Anne Sheldon, who has served for 46 glorious years. Unfortunately, Anne was not able to attend due to serious illness. Cards can be sent to: 107 Lassen Court, Princeton, NJ 08540.
Production Director Jessie Falcone and Clif Giddings
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Then Jessie presented the certificates to the volunteers who in the last fiscal year (July '04 to June '05) provided 100, 200, 300 and even 400 hours! In this last group were Phyllis Branin (495 hours!), Barbara Brown, Betsey Butler, Steve Montefusco and May Okhotnikoff.
Phillis Branin and Dot Messineo
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Jessie also presented certificates to the volunteers who had major anniversaries this year. Twenty-four people marked 20 or more years of service. Amongst them were 17 volunteers who hit or exceeded the 30-year mark: Julia Bernheim and Harriet Eubank (30 years), Amy Kerlin, Judith Pinch and Dick Williams (31 years), Phyllis Branin (32 years), Victor Bearg and Irwin Gordon (33 years), Bill Debuvitz, Peg Hastings, Ed Levin and Naomi Rose (34 years), Nancy Beck, and Harry Pinch (36 years), Phyllis Soffen (39 years), Nancy Amick (45 years) and Anne Sheldon (46 years.) That's a lotta years!
Click Here for a list of all of the honorees plus more photos!
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Irwin Gordon |
Many thanks to all the staff who made this wonderful event happen!
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