Twelve nominees have been chosen for the The Orange Times Volunteers of the Year – 2015 awards. The names range from accomplished political leaders to neighbors who go out of their way to lend a hand.
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No specific criteria was set to be nominated save that the person under consideration was a resident of Orange and ideally still actively volunteering. In determining eligibility, some elected and appointed officials were considered as their time and service is provided to the town without compensation.
The nominating committee consisted of Rotarian Baxter Walsh, Lion’s Club member Kevin Hadlock and The Orange Times publisher Steve Hechtman.
This year, two volunteers will be honored.
Jim Leahy has been attempting to keep Orange, “Doing more with less,” since he was first elected to the Board of Finance in 2005. He’s served as vice chairman since 2009 and has been instrumental in guiding the town budget process. He was also part of the Amity Finance Committee from 2005 to 2009.
Selectman Mitch Goldblatt began his service to Orange as a member of the Library Building Committee and a constable in 1979. In 1993 he won a seat on the Board of Selectmen and has served since, including 6 years as First Selectman. During that time he also served on the Bond Committee. Goldblatt is a huge proponent of recycling efforts in the town and a member of the recycling committee.
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. The centers help those who are not legally blind but do suffer from vision impairment beyond what can be readily fixed with surgery or glasses.
John Caldwell regularly organizes trips down to Biloxi, Mississippi, to help rebuild the region which is still suffering from the damages of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. He funds these Biloxi Mission trips himself. When staying local he assists with clothing drives and other charitable events.
Marianne Miller is a former president and active member. Miller began volunteering in Orange in the 1970s as a library volunteer. Eventually, she joined the Orange Players where she has been active ever since as everything from a performer to a producer.
Jim Ronai is the creative force behind the Orange Elementary Olympics, an idea he developed a a volunteer trainer for the United States Olympics teams. He’s an active member and volunteer at the Orange Congregational Church where he has served on the Board of Deacons. He’s been volunteering since he was attending Amity Junior High School
Judy Smith has been a member of the Orange Planning and Zoning Commission since 1995 and has served as vice chairman. When not sitting in a commission meeting, Smith can be found at the family business: Orange Hills Country Club. She helps organize numerous tournaments to benefit organizations all across the region.
Glenn Pearson’s resume as a community volunteer is lengthy. He’s been active with the Boy Scouts of America, a volunteer fireman, 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. As a Rotarian, he is one of the driving forces in the Annual Rotary Lobsterfest.
Maria Sandillo began volunteering as a member of the Amity Junior High student council. When her own children were attending Amity High School, Sandillo became involved with the school’s theater program. She joined the Chamber of Commerce in 2010 and serves on the board of directors. She joined the Orange Lions Club in 2013, where she now serves as president and is involved with many projects.
Walter “Beau” Clark IV has chaired the town’s Planning and Zoning Commission for 14 years. On the commission he seeks to maintain the character of the town. In his personal life, Clark runs a business focused on creating wound dressings for trees. He’s also served on the Conservation Commission and has the Board of Deacons at Orange Congregational Church.
Tiffany Beesley has a long history of involvement on the Turkey Hill School PTO, including a stint as president. She’s helped run end of year celebrations, talent shows, pasta and bingo nights and volunteers for Art Goes to School among many other other programs. This is her final year at the school.
Karen McCausland is an active member of Orange Congregational Church where she has been involved with several charitable organizations including Heifer International and Habitat for Humanity. She is an adult adviser with the church’s youth group, with which she first became involved at the age of 9. She’s a regular volunteer with the Strawberry Festival and at the Orange Fireman’s Carnival. If that weren’t enough, McCausland is a co-chair for the Orange Country Fair.
Hadlock and Walsh were both chosen for the nomination committee on the merits of their own service to the community.
Walsh won last year’s volunteer of the year vote. The votes were overwhelmingly in his favor. Hadlock was recently named a Living Treasure for the town of Orange.
Several local businesses have pledged to help contribute to the prize pool for the winning volunteers. A recognition ceremony will be held at a time yet to be determined.
Residents can vote for one of the candidates by emailing their choice to: OrangeCTVolunteers@gmail.com.
Alternatively, ballot boxes are available at High Plains Community Center and Case Memorial Library. The ballot is available on page 24 of this publication.
Voting will close on Jan. 4. Winners will be announced in the Jan. 14 edition and an recognition ceremony will be held at a future date to be determined.