Celebrating Greenwich's Volunteers

Volunteerism is synonymous with the Town of Greenwich.

And to honor those committed residents who collectively give countless hours of dedication and time to nonprofit organizations in town, Monday, Oct. 7 was Greenwich Volunteer Day when more than two dozen individuals and organizations were honored for their yeoman's work in the community.

From youngsters to senior citizens and a family dedicated to the town's only volunteer-only fire department, were honored in the 16th annual Greenwich Volunteer Day Awards ceremony held at Town Hall Monday afternoon. The ceremony was organized by The Volunteer Center of Stamford and its Executive Vice President Bridget Fox and the Greenwich United Way and its President Stuart Adelberg.

"Volunteerism is the heart of the Greenwich community. What makes this community is its people who have given of themselves for others in the community," said First Selectman Peter Tesei who read a Greenwich Volunteer Day proclamation.

Nancy Gillon was honored as the Most Valuable Volunteer for her work helping residents at The Nathaniel Witherell nursing home, three to four days a week. She donated nearly 650 hours of time in the past year, helping residents with physical therapy and in the home's hair salon.

Gillon and the recipients of the Outstanding Volunteer Awards each received clocks encased in wood. "They are receiving clocks because they give the gift of time," Adelberg explained.

Receiving Outstanding Volunteer Awards were:

• Jacob Sernick, Outstanding New Youth Individual Volunteer, for work at The Nathaniel Witherell nursing home.
• John Baxter, Outstanding Established Adult Individual Volunteer, for work at SoundWaters.
• Morgan Stanley Wealth Management team, Outstanding Established Adult Volunteer Group, for work with Family Centers' Head Start program.
• Sue Rogers, Outstanding Established Senior Individual Volunteer, for work the the Metro New York American Red Cross Chapter in Greenwich.
• Josie Monroe, Margaret Gasparino and Yvonne Pollard, Outstanding Established Senior Volunteer Group, for work at the Greenwich Senior Center.
• The Strain Family, Outstanding Volunteering Family, for their service to the Round Hill Volunteer Fire Department.

• the Archeological Associates of Greenwich
• Robby Barter
• Joseph Dunbar Edeslstein
• Sharon Larsen
• Mary Racho
• Rachel Reese
• The Round Hill Volunteer Fire Department
• Joan Thakor.