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

As founder and vice president of the Wayne Little League’s Challenger Division, James J. Colligan Jr., Manager–Asset Management for PSEG in Newark believes no obstacle is too big and everyone can make a difference.  He’s volunteered with the Wayne Little League for 19 years and, 10 years ago, established a program for mentally and physically challenged children, to enrich their lives through sport, and to ensure they experience everything a Little League team should offer: uniforms, recognition and must-have baseball food—hot dogs, French fries and soda. Jim teaches kids about baseball and the joys of teamwork, while training others to become assistants. The program, which has grown over the last decade, includes more than 100 volunteers and children from neighboring NJ towns, and allows many to give back to the community, while indulging their passion for baseball. PSEG’s grant will help the Little League pay for equipment and supplies, and allow kids to compete in regional and national games.

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Awards of Achievement - $3,000

For the past two years, Patricia A. D’Alia, Customer Consultant at Central Engineering in Elizabeth, has volunteered her time at Good Grief, Inc. The organization helps families heal after the death of loved ones. As the facilitator of a support group for children ages six to nine, Patricia helps provide a loving, safe environment and an outlet for them to express their grief.  Having had her own personal experiences with loss, Patricia considers her involvement with Good Grief a full circle journey and great honor. PSEG’s grant will be used toward classroom supplies.

Since 2001, Donald Massey, Jr., Utility Mechanic at Plainfield Gas has volunteered at The Network Youth Development Program. The organization strives to improve the life opportunities and health of Newark’s at-risk youth. Donald serves as a mentor to boys ages four to eighteen, preparing them for adulthood and reinforcing the program’s three areas of development: Capability, Confidence and Character. Using basketball as a “hook” to engage youth, the organization has created a multifaceted program that offers young people the resources needed to set goals, develop confidence, handle major life changes and enter adulthood successfully.

A senseless act of violence motivated Karen J. Roots, Administrative Assistant in Communications and Advertising at PSEG Nuclear, to establish Positive Impact Movement, Inc., an organization dedicated to Salem City’s children, senior citizens and neighborhood development. Working with local authorities and community residents, the group has led an effort to stop violence in the city, by patrolling specified zones and reporting suspicious or questionable activities. Karen focuses much of her effort on Positive Impact’s “Youth on the Move” program, keeping young people out of trouble and involved in the community in positive ways. She also helps with a program for senior citizens, providing them with food, cheer and information resources.

David A. Rower, Service Specialist-Appliance Service Business, Harrison, volunteers with The Street Light Mission, Inc., which offers services in NY and NJ.  A number of years ago, David and a few other volunteers started a Friday night outreach, 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 in many ways, bringing additional resources, and hope, to thousands of people. In the last 12 months, David helped The Street Light Mission move into a 2,500 square foot building, enabling them to expand services from two to six days a week.

David’s efforts are making a positive impact…one life and one family at a time.

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Awards of Merit - $1,000

James Christiano, Senior Credit & Collection Representative in Customer Services-Inquiry, Cranford, dedicates his volunteer time 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. While much has been accomplished by Jim and his team of volunteers over the years, he most recently partnered with the local parks commission to build a gazebo, install new sidewalks, plant trees, and rebuild an old walking path. PSEG’s grant money will be used to purchase much-needed landscaping tools.

Patrick Halpin, Senior Operations Supervisor for PSEG Power at Mercer Generating Station, has been involved with the Central New Jersey Council, Boy Scouts of America, for 28 years.  Pat began as an adult leader at the age of 18, and he has held various positions in the organization. He presently chairs the camping and properties committee, where he helps maintain camp facilities to provide programs to thousands of Scouts each year.  At the district level, Pat has been involved as the Training Chairman for other adult leaders.   He also plays a key role in the Wood Badge Leaders training, which is 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.

V. Diane Jones, General Assistant, Customer Payment Processing Center, South Plainfield, has dedicated 16 years to the March of Dimes. A past recipient of the prestigious March of Dimes Franklin Award, she is a relentless fundraiser and recruiter for new volunteers, and she is the driving force for her department’s team at PSEG. She also serves as secretary of the Middlesex County March for Babies Logistics Committee and is the point person for registration at the Middlesex County site. Diane promotes the mission of the March of Dimes wherever she goes, from sending letters to local newspaper editors to lobbying for the PREEMIE act. It’s no wonder she’s often referred to as “the Ambassador” by her friends and colleagues.

Jennifer A. Kramer, Manager PSEG External Communications in Newark, donates her time and expertise to the Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey.  As a member of the organization’s Marketing Advisory Board, Jennifer raises the visibility of the Boys & Girls Clubs’ work in communities across the state. Over the last three years, Jennifer has helped organize forums that bring parents together with local and state leaders to discuss hot topics affecting children, and she has spearheaded the organization’s presence on Facebook and other online media. She has also launched social networking events for young professionals, to expand the base of Boys & Girls Clubs supporters.

Howard S. Londner, Street Leader for Clifton Gas Distribution, Walter A. Demeraski, Data Systems Administrator for Customer Operations in Springfield, and Kenneth Kubasta, Service Specialist for Oakland Service Operations, have provided 80 years of combined service to the Fair Lawn Borough Volunteer Fire Company #3.

Howard has held positions as Secretary, Vice President, President, Engineer, 2nd Lieutenant and 1st Lieutenant. He was Captain in 2006. Howard participates on many company and department committees, such as Bylaws, Budget, Investigating, and House and Grounds. He is also a trustee to the Department Relief Association.

Walt has served as Engineer, 2nd Lieutenant, 1st Lieutenant and Deputy Chief. In 1993, he became Chief and was responsible for personnel issues, budgets, training and the overall readiness of the department. He currently serves as the company engineer and department training officer.

Ken has served as Vice President and company secretary. He’s also held positions as engineer, 2nd Lieutenant, 1st Lieutenant, and Captain, or company commander. Ken is a member of the Department Convention Committee and serves as a delegate to the Fair Lawn Department Relief Association, which reviews and approves funds for firefighters in financial need.

Harry J. Mahoney, Senior Test Engineer, Maplewood Testing Services-Electrical Division has been involved with Cerebral Palsy of North Jersey for more than two decades. The organization provides programs and services to people of all ages who have disabilities and other special needs.  As the committee chair for the organization’s annual touch football tournament, Harry has helped raise more than a million dollars over the years.   In this role, he also enlists the help of over 40 volunteer officials, develops the tournament schedule, and more.  In each of the last 23 years, Harry’s own team has been one of the two top fundraising teams, bringing in a total of more than $75,000.

Tina M. Malinak, Business Analyst in Utility Finance in Newark, has had a 15-year commitment to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, located in Brigantine, NJ. The Center’s mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and release stranded or otherwise injured marine mammals and sea turtles. Since 1975, they have responded to more than 3500 animals across the region. Tina has played a big role in their success. She has assisted stranded animals, provided tours of the Center's museum, and run the gift shop. She has also participated in fundraising events, trained new volunteers, and used her technical skills to benefit the organization.

John A. McNiff, Planner Analyst, Transmission Services at the company’s Hadley Road facility, knows that time on the basketball court means more than just fun and exercise for the youth of his parish. It means the chance to provide an atmosphere that offers the joys of competition and being involved with the community. As co-director of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart CYO basketball team and cheerleading squad, John gives his time and expertise to oversee all aspects of the program, including registration, games, award dinners, fundraisers, and training for coaches. Over the past 12 months, 20 teams have played in and cheered at more than 300 games.

Rosa M. Schmidt, Employee Engagement & Outreach Manager, Workforce Planning & Development in Newark, has provided nearly ten years of dedicated service and leadership to Junior Achievement of New Jersey (JANJ).  Rosa has been an active board member, playing a critical role in the organization’s strategic planning.  For the past four years, she’s co-chaired the annual New Jersey Business Hall of Fame Gala™, a huge fundraiser for the organization.  She coordinates volunteers at PSEG to help her teach JANJ programs in the classroom and, this past year, organized a successful “JA in a Day” at Belmont-Runyon School in Newark.

For the past three years, Tara Speyer, Senior Analyst-Controls, Internal Services in Newark, has made a difference in the lives of children and adults in her community by volunteering with the YM-YWHA of Union County, which provides services related to education, socialization and recreation. Tara is currently a member of the board of directors and assistant treasurer of the executive board. She focuses her efforts on the organization’s day care and summer camp programs, as well as fundraising and the management and strength of the YM-YWHA’s portfolio.

Melissa S. Standing, Campaign Manager-Customer Relationships at PSE&G in Newark has combined her marketing and communications background with a love of the performing arts to reinforce the mission of the Summit Performing Arts Resource Committee.  The organization strives to enrich the lives of local public school students by exposing them to programs and productions that foster a lifelong interest in theater, music and dance.  Over the past year, Melissa’s talent and dedication have enhanced the way the organization communicates to members and the community of Summit.

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