Volunteers recognized for contributions
By Nancy Shields • Staff Writer
• April 24, 2008
WEST LONG BRANCH — The Volunteer Center of Monmouth County held its annual luncheon April 16 at Branches in West Long Branch where they honored individuals nominated by nonprofit groups and schools as the most outstanding volunteers.
Arlene Saltz, manager of the volunteer center, which operates under the Family & Children's Service, said nine special awards and many certificates of recognition were given to volunteers for their contributions to their community.
"These volunteers are totally amazing," Saltz said.
The nine individuals or groups recognized were:
— Albert Plevier, Jackson, Monmouth County Association for the Blind. Plevier was said to "exemplify the theme of inspiration by example." According to the volunteer center, Plevier, a trained electrical engineer, lost his sight at age 24 during a work-related accident. He became a volunteer and leader, coaching baseball with the help of his sons' descriptions of players, abilities and skills and keeping notes in Braille. He also tutors children in math and volunteers as a carpenter and worker for Madonna House. He runs a social program for the blind and visually impaired.
— Betty Scharmann, Middletown, Pleasant Valley Adult Day Care Center. Scharmann has developed arts and crafts and music programs and creates an environment of fun and praise to divert attention away from illness and pain. She has volunteered with the Girl Scouts, the Children's Choir of the First Presbyterian Church of Red Bank and the Junior Gardner's Club at the Navesink School.
— Erna Sottile, Holmdel, Search Day Program. Sottile has worked for the nonprofit school for students with autism since 1995 and has helped enhance the students' educational program, according to the volunteer center. She also coordinates a church program called "Family Promise" that provides temporary shelter to homeless families.
— Judy Blaha, Wall, Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children of Monmouth County (CASA), a nonprofit that trains and supports volunteers to be advocates for children from families cited for abuse and neglect. Blaha worked on her first case in 2006, helping twin babies get the services they needed as they went through the adoption process. Blaha has donated 450 hours to be a voice for children who have suffered abuse or neglect.
— Kevin Clarkson, Freehold, Synergy (Singles in Community Service). Clarkson has coordinated Walk America for the March of Dimes the past few years and coordinates events for his volunteer groups for such agencies as Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Salvation Army, CHANT Food Pantry, Jersey Shore Girl Scouts and Juvenile Diabetes.
— Michelle Kohl, Manasquan, RSVP Reading Buddies Program. The Manasquan High School senior helped the Reading Buddies with the 2007 Asbury Park Summer Reading Program, the RSVP Fall backpack drive for the neediest children in Monmouth County schools, and by organizing a garage sale, raising $528.25 to buy children's books.
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Novadebt's Outreach Program, Freehold, United Way of Monmouth County. Novadebt volunteers support United Way on such projects as collecting winter coats, identifying families in need of social service agencies, visiting patients and families at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, and sponsoring blood drives in conjunction with the Central Jersey Blood Bank.
— Debbie, Gary, Danielle and Melissa Seals, Eatontown, The Arc of Monmouth, an organization supporting individuals with cognitive and developmental disabilities. The Seals oversee the Arc's dances held twice a month. They also coordinate an annual barbecue. Danielle is the co-leader and lifeguard for the swim program. When she went to college, her younger sister, Melissa took over her responsibilities.
— Red Bank Catholic Maryknoll Mission Club, Red Bank Catholic High School. The community service club, established in 1993, has raised money to help children in developing countries, including Cambodia, Nepal, El Salvador and Bolivia.