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Community Corner

5 Stamfordites Who Make a Difference

This week, Patch Picks recognizes five exceptional individuals for their service to others around our city.

Stamford is filled with people who are involved in great things and constantly giving back. This week, Patch Picks recognizes five exceptional individuals for their service to others around our city.

James Lacerenza

At just 24 years old, he has overcome every obstacle in his path and we’re fully confident that he’s well on his way to changing the world. The , Lacerenza has raised over $95,000 and sent 122 children with muscular dystrophy to summer camp. Watch for Lacerenza on television this Sunday evening during the 2011 MDA Labor Day Weekend Telethon.

Angela Malizia

When Patch , she was determined to stay out of the spotlight, instead she wanted us to emphasize the idea of helping people in need and creating change in Stamford. Still, as the founder of Backyard Humanitarian, Malizia has dedicated so much time and so much heart to serving Stamford and giving others the opportunity to do the same that we couldn’t leave her off this list (Sorry, Angela!).

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Maureen Pavia

Stamford’s first lady may be a former ballroom champion, but it was watching her at the that made her a star in our eyes. In addition to bringing Dancing Classrooms to the city, Pavia founded the Stamford Gives Back Association, a non-profit dedicated to supporting local art organizations and providing scholarships and support to young performing artists.

Jack Bryant

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As president of the Stamford NAACP, Bryant both in the public schools and for civil rights issues in the city. In his time as president, Bryant is credited with building the Stamford NAACP as a vibrant and vital organization within the community with a role in education, health, housing and criminal justice issues.

Trish Williams

From February through May, Williams, a program coordinator for Service for Peace, could be found every weekend of middle schoolers in service projects around Stamford.  Whether they were cleaning up a park or serving lunch at a shelter, Williams energy and enthusiasm kept the students -- and their families -- engaged and coming back weekend after weekend.

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