On Friday, January 8, 2016, over 30 Stamford residents will be recognized for their volunteer contributions to the Stamford community. The event will take place at the Harry Bennett Branch of the Ferguson Library (115 Vine Road) and will begin at 8:30 a.m. The press is invited to attend.
The purpose of Stamford Volunteer Day is to recognize “grass roots” volunteers who have contributed their time and talent to the Stamford community. Sandy Weinberg, Principal – State and Local Tax at O’Connor Davies, LLP, will serve as chair of the awards program. Mayor Martin will offer welcome remarks and State Representative Caroline Simmons will also be joining us. Over 80 attendees have confirmed their attendance.
The Volunteer Center, which matches volunteers with non-profit agencies that need help, annually recognizes residents for their active involvement in the community. Community leaders nominate volunteers on the basis of achievement and commitment to the Stamford community.
“It is so important to recognize the helpers amongst us who diligently and quietly work to meet the needs of the community,” said Kim Morgan, CEO of United Way of Western Connecticut. “The critical work of non-profits – to provide services to new immigrants to Stamford, to provide free medical services to low-income families and individuals, and to work with the mentally ill – is not possible without the help of dedicated volunteers.”
Winners and nominators will be available to the press on the day of the event to speak about their volunteer work in the community.
The following is a list of this year’s winners:
New Youth Individual Male: Andy Angora for his work at Person-to-Person
New Youth Individual Female:Alexandra Walker for her work at Soundwaters
Established Youth Individual: Maeve Flaherty for her work at Neighbors Link Stamford
New Adult Individual: Wilson Sango for his work at Americares Free Clinic of Stamford
Established Adult Individual : Alda Braccia (Nestlé Waters North America employee) for her work at various Stamford nonprofit agencies including St. Mary’s Church and Person to Person
Established Senior Individual: Peter Russell for his work with the Bartlett Arboretum/University of CT Master Gardner program
Established Senior Group: Harvard Business School – Community Partners for their work with Family Centers
Volunteer of the Year: Donald Axleroad for his work at ARI of Connecticut
A selection of community leaders reviewed the nominations. The following individuals served on this year’s committee: Sally Kelman (Berkshire Hathaway); Sandy Weinberg (O’Connor Davies), Dan Sheehan (Genworth), Victoria Zerjav (Dickstein Shapiro) and Roberta Eichler (former Executive Director of The Volunteer Center).
The following individuals and groups will receive honorable mentions for their volunteer work with Stamford non-profits:
New Youth Individual
- Jessica Saturne for her work with Future 5
New Adult Individual
- Giulio Ricciardi for his work with The Stamford Historical Society
Established Adult Individual
- Maxene Fabe-Mulford for her work with Domus
- Mara Hammerman for her work with Westhill High School
- Madge Kellick for her work with The Stamford Public Education Foundation
- Richard Koven for his work with Kids in Crisis
- Miriam Matos for her work with various Stamford nonprofit agencies
- Alexander Pino for his work with Saint Joseph’s Parenting Center
- Robert Vendig for his work with Family Centers
- Established Adult Group
- Leslie Bruzik & Cynthia Mammone for their work with Stamford Museum and Nature Center
Friends of Mianus River Park
- Luz Tsiralidis and Nancy Arbito for their work with Stamford’s Early Childhood Collaborative Group
Established Senior Individual
- Grace Bounty for her work with The Stamford Historical Society
- Daniel Burke for his work with The Stamford Historical Society
- Henry Silverstein for his work with The Stamford Historical Society