Township Salutes Local Volunteers [Video]

Warren Township Recreation Commission depends on an army of volunteers to help organize and put on the many programs offered to residents each year, and Thursday night, some of those volunteers were honored during the Township Committee meeting.

The Recreation Commission named Bob Marino and Cecilia Fontana as Volunteers of the Year, Stacy Choy, Chris Cunha, Isabel Kim and Erin Maloney as Jr. Volunteers of the Year.

A new award—"Volunteer Group of the Year"—was presented to the members of the Warren Rescue Squad for their assistance events ranging from the bonfire to the fishing derby—and for just being there, since "we feel secure when they are present at our events because of their skills and training," as presenter David Cole, a member of the Recreation Commission, said.

Marino was unable to attend the presentations, but was thanked for his help organizing the recent Toys concert, and the summertime "Music Under the Stars" program.

"Bob also has lent the Recreation Department his equipment for many occasions at the eleventh hour," the citation for him notes. "In addition, as a speaker on a Rutgers radio country station, he plugged our events for us. Bob has been so determined in improving our cultural events here in Warren; his volunteerism has gone above and beyond."

Jr. Volunteer of the Year Stacy Choy, a junior at Watchung Hills Regional, was also unable to attend but thanked for her 285+ hours volunteering for Recreation Commission events, including the teen concerts, Music Under the Stars, Brite Nights, Yuletide Bonfire Winter Festival, as well as help in the commission office.

She is also a counselor in training for the playground program.

"Stacy knew we needed a health coordinator for our playground program for this summer, so she volunteered with the Warren Rescue Squad this fall to earn an EMT certification in order to fill the position that was open," her citation says. "She has so much enthusiasm, goes above and beyond and is always there to lend a hand."