Community Corner

Somerset Hills YMCA to Honor Volunteers, Including Heartworks Foundation

Volunteers from throughout the area, involved in many different organizations, to be recognized.

The Heartworks Foundation, founded after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001 as a way of passing along the support that was given to Somerset Hills families who lost loved ones, is this year's recipient of the Millicent Fenwick Memorial Civic Award to be presented by the Somerset Hills YMCA.

Heartworks, an "acts of kindness group," was founded by Bernardsville resident Megan McDowell in the aftermath of losing her brother-in-law, John Farrell of Basking Ridge, on that date at the World Trade Center.

"Through meaningful and personal ways, Heartworks volunteers support families who are struggling emotionally, physically and financially due to unexpected crisis," said David Carcieri, President and CEO of the Somerset Hills YMCA, in explaining why the organization was chosen for the special honor during an evening when volunteer organizations and individuals from the YMCA's coverage area will be recognized.

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For those struggling families, Carcieri said, "Heartworks brings comfort, kindness, and, most importantly… hope.”

The Somerset Hills YMCA's 26th Annual Volunteer Recognition night from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 21, at the Olde Mill Inn in Basking Ridge.

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The community-wide event provides local non-profits with the opportunity to honor volunteers who make significant contributions to their organizations, and to celebrate the spirit of volunteerism and community. The event is coordinated and presented by the Somerset Hills YMCA.

“At the Y, we are so proud to host Volunteer Recognition Night because it’s not only a night to honor volunteers, but also a night to be inspired,” said Jody D’Agostini, Chair of the Somerset Hills YMCA Board of Directors and master of ceremonies for the event. 

“I am always amazed by the good work that is being done, and how the volunteers selflessly and tirelessly offer their passion and talents. Really, when you think about it…what would our community be without volunteers?”

Local non-profits participating in the event include: The Arc of Somerset County, the Bernardsville Chamber of Commerce, Bonafides of Somerset Hills, CASA Shaw, Covenant Chapel Reformed Episcopal, Friends of Hearts for Honduras, Kiwanis of Somerset County, More than Me, based in Bernardsville, Raritan Headwaters Association, Rotary Club of Bernardsville, SHARE of Africa, the Somerset Valley YMCA, and the Visiting Nurse Association of Somerset Hills.

A total of 16 volunteers will be recognized, with one to be chosen by each of the organizations, said Megeen Laska, director of communications for the YMCA. However, the entire Heartworks Foundation is being honored with the Millicent Fenwick Award, she added. 

At the event, the Somerset Hills YMCA will present the Millicent Fenwick Memorial Civic Award, which honors an area individual or organization for meritorious leadership and service to the Heartworks Foundation. Established not long after 9/11, the organization now has an office on Route 202 in Basking Ridge, right over the border from Bernardsville.

"This award has a great legacy of recipients, and this year is no different," commented David Carcieri, President & CEO of the Somerset Hills YMCA. "Of the many worthy nominations, Heartworks was a clear choice in that the organization shares the same values as the Y.

New award to YMCA employee 

Additionally, the YMCA will introduce a Social Responsibility Champion of the Year, which is a new award presented to a Somerset Hills YMCA employee who exemplifies the Y’s core values and volunteers their time and talents outside the Y to strengthen our community.  This year’s recipient is Jennifer Golembeski, Human Resource Administrator, for her volunteer contributions to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and as a Parent Teacher Organization volunteer and a religious education teacher.

For more information about Volunteer Recognition Night, please contact Sylvia Velez, Director of Volunteer Services, at svelez@somersethillsymca.org or 908-766-7898, ext. 530.

Among its many activities, Heartworks provides meals and a cheering section for the previously little-recognized veterans from VFW Post 7858 who raise and lower the flag at the Bernardsville Post Office on Memorial Day.

Among the other activities at Heartworks that drew in the public this past year was an annual ceremony recognizing the Somerset Hills' many victims of 9/11 and a vigil last December for the families whose lives were impacted by the school shootings in Newtown, Ct.


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