• Award of Excellence - $10,000
• Awards of Achievement - $3,000
• Awards of Merit - $1,000

A senseless act of violence motivated Karen J. Roots, Administrative Assistant in Communications and Advertising at PSEG Nuclear, to establish the Positive Impact Movement, an organization dedicated to Salem City’s children, senior citizens and neighborhood development. Working with local authorities and community residents, the group as led an effort to stop the violence plaguing the city, by patrolling specified zones and reporting suspicious or questionable activities. Their efforts have been instrumental in major drug busts and other crime prevention acts, which have decreased overall crime and drug activity. Under Karen’s leadership, Positive Impact Movement sponsors Town Hall forums that provide information, updates and educational presentation, as well as a place for citizens to voice concerns to local officials. In addition, Karen is a positive image to neighborhood’s youth, spending hours to help promote education, community involvement and pride.

  

(Back to Top)

Awards of Achievement - $3,000

David A. Rower, David A. Rower, Service Specialist, Newark Service Operations-Appliance Service, for his six years of dedication to New York City Relief, which offers service in NY and NJ. David, along with a few volunteers, started a Friday night outreach -- by serving peanut butter and jelly sandwiches from their cars -- to the poor, needy, addicted and homeless in the Newark and Elizabeth areas. Since then, the effort has evolved into two “Relief Buses” that bring service referrals, food, clothing and hope to people in need. David’s efforts complement the organization’s full time day outreach, which has connected more than 125,000 people with help and services since 1989.

Robert McGregor, Nuclear Equipment Operator for Nuclear Operations in Salem for his dedication to the American Cancer Society (ACS). An active committee member of the “Relay for Life” fundraising event in Salem County, Robert’s local relay raised nearly $100,000 in 2007. Each year, he volunteers more than 150 hours a year to the ACS, helping where needed at group events and health fairs. He also helps educate others by transporting the “Cancer Information Kiosk” to various locations. In addition, Robert meets with and counsels cancer patients undergoing treatment. He plans to start an outreach program that will allow newly diagnosed patients the opportunity to meet with cancer survivors for encouragement and treatment solutions.

Pictured left to right: Evelyn Negron, Charles Brown and Carlos Acevedo Not pictured: Rich Dwyer, Michael Garcia, & Carl Walrond

Rich Dwyer, Regional Public Affairs Manager - External Affairs department and a group of associates, known as the PSEG Community Development Team, have become positive role models for many of Jersey City’s students by providing self-esteem building activities in a nurturing and caring environment. Through their commitment to the NJ Tae Kwon Do for Youth Foundation, the team plans, organizes and implements creative projects that keep children off the streets and away from gang influence. Lessons focus on an array of subjects such as nutrition, career building and the environment. Other activities include planting community gardens, storyboarding a commercial for the Partnership for a Drug-Free NJ, volunteer assignments with senior citizens and Tae Kwon Do “Kick-a-Thons,” which have raised money for Hurricane Katrina victims and local animal shelters.

James Christiano, Group Supervisor in Customer Services-Inquiry, for his dedication to the Eagle Rock Reservation Conservancy in Essex County. As a child, Jim remembers the Reservation as a place to reflect, jog, or view the New York skyline. Today, these memories fuel Jim’s mission to give back so that others may experience what the Reservation offers. He and a team of volunteers spend many of their weekends restoring the beauty of the Reservation by cutting down trees in danger of falling, cleaning out culverts to secure water flow throughout the forest, keeping roads clear for emergency crews and by keeping a close watch on the Reservation’s September 11 Memorial.

(Back to Top)

Awards of Merit - $1,000

Jody Viviani, Application Consultant in the Clifton Gas District, for her service with Lincoln Park EMS. Jody devotes more than 1100 hours to patient care each year to the all-volunteer first aid squad. Jody started with the squad as a driver and became an EMT four 4 months later. She currently holds an officer's position and is being trained to become a line officer in the near future. Her knowledge of Lincoln Park and compassion for its residents has helped during a number of the town's recent tragedies. She provided nearly 20 hours of required initial patient care after a devastating condo complex fire. During a period of torrential flooding, she arranged to have flyers handed out, by neighborhood children, instructing residents on the best way to clean their properties and where to go for help. Jody can be depended on to assist during all types of weather and occurrences.

William E. Metts, Sr., Staff Accountant in Internal Services at PSEG, for his 26-year commitment to youth through the Boy Scouts of America-Northern NJ Council. Bill has especially made an impact in inner city communities and underprivileged neighborhoods served by the Council. He currently serves as Assistant Council Commissioner for five districts, providing guidance to other leaders who help bring scouting programs to local communities. He is District Dean of Merit Badges and also works with scouts individually, as a personal management and communications merit badge counselor. Bill is one of the Council's most respected leaders and an excellent example of how scouting can change lives.

Tina Malinak, Business Analyst for Customer Operations in Newark, for her 14-year commitment to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center whose mission is to rehabilitate and release stranded or otherwise injured marine mammals and sea turtles in New Jersey. Each year, the organization takes in between 150 - 200 animals. Whether it's assisting stranded animals on the beach, giving a tour of the Center's museum, or working in the gift shop, Tina's there to lend a hand, which is always appreciated. With her IT skills, she can also be found fixing a computer or two or creating a new database to track the organization's inventory and contributors. In addition, Tina trains and mentors new volunteers, and coordinates outreach programs by setting up booths at festivals, and is accountable for money collected during special fund raising events. Tina teaches the Center's visitors about the organization's work and the role of marine mammals in our world.

Harry J. Mahoney, Senior Test Engineer, Maplewood Testing Services-Electrical Division, for his enthusiastic involvement with the Cerebral Palsy of North Jersey for more than two decades. As the event committee chairman, Harry has helped generate over a million dollars for the agency's programs for infants, children and adults with disabilities. He also serves as the chief organizer for the group's annual fundraising event at Giants Stadium, where he recruits teams and volunteer officials, and develops the tournament schedule. For the past 22 years, Harry's team has been one of the top two teams, raising over $75,000 at the event.

John M. Macciocca, III, Clerical Specialist, Electric Distribution - Southern Division, for more than 21 years of exemplary dedication to the March of Dimes. Johnny speaks to countless groups of would-be volunteers to help them understand why their involvement is so important. He has also personally raised more than $68, 000 since he became involved with the organization. His work helps the March of Dimes in its mission to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.

V Diane Jones, General Assistant, Customer Payment Processing Center, for her 14 years of dedication to the March of Dimes. A recent recipient of the Godlewski Award, in 2006, Diane was honored by PSEG for her passion, drive and enthusiasm toward the March of Dimes cause. In 2005, Diane was the recipient of the prestigious March of Dimes Franklin Award. Since volunteering to help with WalkAmerica for the first time in 1994, she has been a dedicated supporter promoting the mission of the March of Dimes wherever she goes. She currently serves as Team Captain and treasurer of her department's team. Diane has been elected to the Middlesex Walk Logistics Committee and serves as secretary and publisher of the newsletter. She is also a member of Registration Committee.

Patrick Halpin, Senior Operations Supervisor for PSEG Power at Mercer Generating Station, for his involvement with the Boy Scouts of America, Central NJ Council. Pat began as a Cubmaster where he worked with young people on community services projects. Over the years, he has worked in various positions and presently chairs the Camping Maintenance Committee where he helps maintain camp facilities and provide programs to thousands of Scouts each year. At the district level, Pat has been involved as the Training Chairman for other adult leaders. With his organizational and training skills, he serves as a key staff member for the 6-day Wood Badge Leaders training -- the highest level of adult leader training offered by the Boy Scouts of America -- based on principles of leadership and teamwork. Pat has been involved in scouting since he was a child and sees his continued participation as a way to help others experience scouting.

Robert A. Green, Senior Consultant - Risk Management/Treasury, for nearly 21 years of dedicated service to the Colonia Volunteer Fire Department. In 2008, Bob was promoted to First Assistant Chief. He currently serves as the department's training officer and ensures that the department remains in compliance with government regulations. Bob also assists the fire department in its goal to train young people, ages 14 -18, as Explorers, so that many of them can make the transition to firefighter at age 18.

Fatima Calcado, Distribution Business Team Leader for Gas Distribution in Newark for her vision to allow school-aged children to gain theater experience, outside traditional audition processes. Along with a group of like-minded mothers and educators, Fatima began the groundwork to establish the Children's Theatre of Livingston, which focuses on getting the experience, rather than already having it. Two years ago -- and without a budget -- the group appointed an executive board, wrote a mission statement and by-laws, raised money, developed a Web site, engaged the community and theater professionals, and received the endorsement of the Livingston Board of Education and the Town Council. In May 2007, the Children's Theatre of Livingston put on their first production - “Edna May's Musical Theatre Camp,” which consisted of 80 children from grades 2 - 6, working as stage managers, choreographers, actors and sound crew.

Scott Bickhart, Nuclear Control Operator, Nuclear Operations in Salem for his 13 years of dedicated service with the Boy Scouts of America, Southern NJ Council. Scott currently serves as Cubmaster for boys in grades 1-5, and Scoutmaster for ages 11-18 years. In addition, he is an advisor for a Coed Venture Crew program, which provides high-adventure outdoor experiences for teenagers and young adults ages 14-20 years. He also shares his scouting knowledge and experience with other adult volunteers in Gloucester and Salem Counties, and trains new leaders. Scott assists in fundraising and devoted a great deal of time to plan a successful two-week excursion to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. He believes skills learned in scouting programs can be used throughout life and everyday he puts his own skills to good use.

(Back to Top)