For the third year in a row, The Orange Times wants to honor the volunteers who give of themselves to make our community better. We’ve chosen 10 nominees for the 2016 Volunteers of the Year awards and are asking you, the readers, to help us pick two.
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A committee consisting of last year’s winners: Mitch Goldblatt and Marianne Miller, The Orange Times’s publisher Steve Hechtman, editor Joseph Cole and Milford correspondent Joseph Weathered met and compiled this year’s list. John Caldwell, another winner from last year, was unavailable.
Those chosen were done so based on the merrits and scope of their efforts as well as a consideration for the length of time they have dedicated to volunteering. Honorable mentions who were just shy of making the list include Lana Ho for her efforts with the Orange Garden Club and Lauren Richitelli who helps set an example for other youth with her annual toy drive.
Ballots for the nominees are available on page 18 and can be dropped off at The High Plains community center and the Case Library. Ballots must be submitted by Jan. 23. Votes can also be cast via email at OVOTY@theorangetimes.com. The two top vote earners will be recognized.
New this year (see attached article below) is a separate award recognition for two volunteers in Milford.
The Orange Times Volunteers of the Year nominees for 2016 in Orange are:
Don Lewis
Don Lewis has a long history in Orange as a police commissioner and member of the Orange Chamber of Commerce, where he has served on the legislative committee. He’s also a staunch and recognized supporter of veterans and helps organize events such as the annual Rotary Club veterans appreciation dinner.
Pat McCorkle
Perhaps you’ve spotted Pat McCorkle at the Orange Country Fair, as superintendent of the Civic Tent. Or maybe you’ve seen her involved in any number of the various community events sponsored and promoted by Orange Community Women, where she serves as treasurer.
Don Foyer
Aside from being one of Orange’s most recognized volunteer firefighters, Don Foyer takes a leading role in organizing the annual Orange Firemen’s Carnival. It is one of the largest events overtaking Orange each year and serves as the fire department’s primary fundraiser.
Ginny Reinhard
Nobody keeps Orange’s history alive like Ginny Reinhard. Ginny champions for Orange’s historic prooperties, including the Stone Otis and the Bryan-Andrew houses. When she’s on property, there is a good chance she’s wearing period appropriate attire and eager to give tours and lessons.
Harold Cavallaro
For almost two decades, Harold Cavallaro, has been the co-chair for the Lion’s Club’s annual Thanksgiving Dinner, held at the High Plains Community Center. Every year the dinner brings together more than 100 members of the community for one giant meal hosted by the Lions. Some years they even deliver meals to a handful of people unable to attend the event.
Kevin Hadlock
Orange Lions Club treasurer Kevin Hadlock’s reputation for volunteerism is almost as tall as he is. The towering Orange resident has served with the organization on three continents. He’s also been an active member of various town committees and commissions including as the chairman of the Community Services Commission.
Tom Pisano
Few people fight for youth sports like Tom Pisano does for the Orange Soccer Association. Through his work the sport has flourished in town. Pisano has also been instrumental in the development of Fred Wolfe Park, where children from all over the region can enjoy new, open fields to accommodate an array of sporting preferences.
Ron Ruotolo
Ron Ruotolo earned a nomination for his work with the with the Historic Society and Stone Otis house. He also sits on the Board of Trustees for the Lions Club Lions Low Vision Centers. Ruotolo is chair of the Bond Oversight Committee and is a long time member of the Inland Wetlands Commission.
Glenn Pearson
Glenn Pearson’s resume as a community volunteer is lengthy. He’s been active with the Boy Scouts of America, a member of AmeriCares “Project Homefront” and served on several town boards and commissions. He’s also been instrumental at getting playgrounds built at Race Brook School, Mary L. Tracy School and High Plains Community center.
Roger Tausig
It doesn’t take a hypnotist to convince anyone of Roger Tausig’s (husband of The Orange Time’s columnist Fern Tausig) kind heart. After retiring, he decided to join the Orange Rotary Club where he became involved in various community projects. Through the Rotary, he also became aware of Interfaith Care Givers, an organization that helps get seniors to their medical appointments. He’s been happily making sure the elderly can get to the doctor when they need to ever since.