DHSS Press Release

GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES DELAWARE'S OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEERS; RECIPIENTS TO BE HONORED OCT. 22 IN DOVER CEREMONY

NEW CASTLE (Oct. 3, 2013) - Twenty-five individuals, groups, and corporate groups will be honored at the 2013 Governor's Outstanding Volunteer Awards on Oct. 22 at Dover Downs. These exceptional Delawareans participate in such diverse activities as advocating for causes important to them, educating others about the state's history, and raising thousands of dollars for community organizations.

"Carla and I strongly believe serving others binds us together as individuals and strengthens our connection to the larger community," Gov. Markell said. "This year's Volunteer Award recipients are just a few of the outstanding Delawareans who give their time and talents to make Delaware a better place to live and inspire others to do the same."

First lady Carla Markell is a champion of volunteerism, and, with the Governor, is doing much to encourage more people across the state to volunteer.

The recipients of the 2013 Governor's Outstanding Volunteer Service Awards represent the efforts of thousands of Delawareans who make positive contributions to society and inspire others to do the same.

"By working together we can improve the lives of many and create a positive and healthy future for all," said Rita Landgraf, secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services, which oversees the state's efforts to foster volunteerism and service.

At the Oct. 22 dinner and ceremony at Dover Down, more than 400 people are expected to honor the volunteers for their outstanding service. The event will begin with a reception at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. and the ceremony starting at 7.

The event is open to the public. Tickets are $35 per person and are available by calling (302) 857-5006 or by visiting www.volunteerdelaware.org to download the invitation and RSVP form.

The Governor's Outstanding Volunteer Awards are sponsored by the Office of the Governor, the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, the Division of State Service Centers, the State Office of Volunteerism, UnitedHealthcare, WSFS Bank, as well as the Governor's Commission on Community and Volunteer Service.

The 2013 recipients are (short biographies are attached):
PAUL WILKINSON LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD:
John M. Iwasyk, Wilmington

INDIVIDUAL WINNERS
New Castle County
David Glasscock, Avondale, PA, Human Needs Heather Hood, Wilmington, Education H. Hunter Lott, III, Wilmington, Arts and Culture
Lisa Murray, Wilmington, Community Service Margaret Rivera, Wilmington, Education Melissa Sann, Wilmington, Community Service
Dorianne Short, Wilmington, Health Cindy Wilkinson, Wilmington, Community Service

Kent County
Helen Gieske, Frederica, Arts and Culture Brian Lewis, Dover, Human Needs

Sussex County
John Gladwell, Lewes, Community Service
Lucy Mehl, Milford, Community Service
Patrick Miller, Millsboro, Public Safety Bob Patterson, Lewes, Community Service

GROUP WINNERS
Statewide- Groups
Stacey and Gregg Bacchieri, Human Needs
Stockings for Soldiers, Human Needs
The Volunteers of Waggies by Maggie and Friends, Human Needs

New Castle- Group
Greater Newark Baseball League Board Members, Community Service Resurrection Prison Ministry Team,
Social Justice Advocacy St. Patrick's Day Society,
Human Needs West End Neighborhood House GED Tutors,
Education Widener Law Wills for Heroes Program, Community Service

Kent- Group
Westminster Village Volunteers, Community Service

Corporate- Group
Bank of America, Education
Governor's Outstanding Volunteer Awards Short Bios John Iwasyk Paul Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award
Nominator: David Hunt

For over 50 years John Iwasyk has dedicated his life to helping the community. Over the years John has served in every volunteer leadership role imaginable. He is tenacious and much focused on getting the right result of Delaware. Examples of John's vast volunteer work include the planning and implementation of the Hockessin Francis Swift Memorial Park and the PAL center and the creation of the Red Clay Valley Museum. Since 1960 John has been an active volunteer in many local and State-wide organizations and has served over 35,000 hours in volunteer service.

New Castle- Individual
David Glasscock
Human Needs
Nominator: Cheryl Christiansen, Director of Community Engagement, Family Promise

Since its founding in 2007, David Glasscock has served in various capacities for Family Promise of Northern New Castle County (FPNNCC). From 2009 to 2012 He served as Board President and now assists in the capacity of Chair of the Development Committee. His planning and effort brought together over 30 congregations, including over 800 volunteers to serve over 200 homeless family members in 2012.

Heather Hood Education
Nominator: Laura Bianco, Vice President, Junior League of Wilmington

Since 2010, Heather Hood has been an important member of the Community Impact Committee for the Junior League of Wilmington; first as a member, then Vice Chair, and most recently Chair. During this time Heather helped create Hands-On Education About Lifestyles That are Healthy for You (HEALTHY) programs at West End Neighborhood House. This past year alone, she coordinated and supervised 11 events, encompassing 600 volunteer hours and reaching more than 3,500 children and adults.

H. Hunter Lott, III Arts and Culture
Nominator: Margaret Tigue, Friend and Fellow Board Member, Kalmar Nyckel

For more than twenty years, Hunter Lott has devoted thousands of volunteer hours to the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation. Starting as a volunteer in 1985, Hunter later became a Board member and President of the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation in 1999. Since that time, Hunter led a $3.4 million dollar capital campaign and spent the last 18 months organizing the 375th Anniversary celebrations involving the King and Queen of Sweden. Through Hunter's enthusiasm and leadership, the Kalmar Nyckel has become an inspirational, 3-maste, living history museum.

Lisa Murray Community Service
Nominator: Janis Julian, Senior V.P., WSFS Bank

Since 2008, Lisa Murray has demonstrated her outstanding commitment to youth in her community through her leadership with the YMCA Black Achievers Program. During this time, she has taken numerous students under her wing, mentoring, taking students on college visits, and leading sessions on various life skills. In addition to the Black Achievers Program, Lisa is also active in the Special Olympics, and NAAAHR of Delaware.

Margaret R. Rivera Education
Nominator: Lourdes Puig, Ph.D., Vice Chair, Aspira of Delaware Charter Operations

Through ASPIRA's Saturday Academy Program, Margaret Rivera has impacted the lives and futures of 280 students and their families. Using her personal experiences and partnerships, Margie has reached into the Hispanic community to educate and support youth on their path to college. If it were not for the encouragement and guidance of volunteers like Margie, many of these youth would never see College as an option.

Melissa Sann Community Service
Nominator: Deborah Palmer-Sutton, Child Inc.

As a child, Melissa Sann and her mother were involved with the Adopt a Family Program and CHILD, Inc. Since that time, Melissa has carried on that tradition and created new ones. She shops all year for paper goods, household items, and toiletries for the families. During the holiday season, Melissa spends 20+ hours a week preparing items and volunteering at the Holiday Gift Shop, where clients can "shop" for their families. It is clear through all that Melissa does; she is not seasonal volunteer, but an important part of the Adopt a Family Program at CHILD, Inc. throughout the year.

Dorianne Short Health
Nominator: Sally Oberle, Member, Delaware Ovarian Cancer Foundation

In 2009, Dorianne Short founded the Delaware Ovarian Cancer Foundation (DOCF) in order to increase awareness, educate others, and support women affected by ovarian cancer. Under her leadership, the DOCF has raised over $171,000.00 and given more than 9,000 hours of her time to eradicating this deadly disease. For over a decade, Dorianne Short has consistently dedicated her efforts through the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition and the Delaware Ovarian Cancer Foundation in meeting the community's needs.

Cindy P. Wilkinson Community Service<<br /> Nominator: Kate Gugerty, Director of Development, The Grand Opera House

For more than twenty years, Cindy Wilkinson has devoted her time, talents, and energy to public service in the State of Delaware and beyond. She is active with the Ministry of Caring Guild, Girls on the Run, and many other organizations. Since 2008, Cindy has co-chaired the Delaware Pancakes for Parkinson's Fundraiser for the Michael J. Fox Foundation. During that time, she's raised over $350,000.00 for Parkinson's Research.

Kent - Individual
Helen Gieske Arts and Culture
Nominator: Di Rafter, Director, Delaware Agricultural Museum

Since becoming a volunteer in 2000, Helen Gieske has given an astounding 2,039 hours to the Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village. From enhancing the Museum experience for more than 30,000 visitors, to decorating the Museum for the annual "A Farmer's Christmas" event, to leading cooking demonstrations, there is nothing Helen would not do for the Agricultural Museum or its visitors.

Brian E. Lewis Human Needs
Nominator: Deacon Robert McMullen, Friend and Advisor

Brian Lewis wears many hats at the Interfaith Homeless Mission in Dover. He feeds the men, recruits volunteers, and serves on the Board. Helping and giving back are very important to Brian, and it shows in his 800+ hours of service to local organizations. In addition to the Dover Interfaith Mission, Brian also volunteers for the Knights of Columbus, the Special Olympics, and the Kent County SPCA.

Sussex - Individual
John Gladwell Community Service
Nominator: Morgan Fabber, Volunteer Coordinator, Meals on Wheels

Since starting with Meals on Wheels in 2005, John Gladwell has delivered more than 15,000 meals to the elderly clients on his route, created an outreach committee, trained other volunteers, and dedicated more than 2,800 hours helping others. In addition to John's work with Meals on Wheels, he is also a dedicated volunteer for Conley's Chapel Thrift Store, where he stocks shelves, sorts, and cleans. Through his work with Conley's and Meals and Wheels, John has worked tirelessly to bring smiles and hope to those in his community.

Lucy Mehl Community ServiceM
Nominator: Barbara Lister, Friend

Lucy Mehl believes it is her mission in life to educate and give back to the community. From her work with Delaware Hospice to Prime Hook, to Milford Garden Club, there is not a person in Milford who Lucy has not impacted through her kindness and generosity.

Patrick C. Miller Public Safety
Nominator: Carol Taylor, fellow volunteer

Patrick Miller serves his community in many ways through his service to the Boys and Girls Club of Oak Orchard/ Riverdale and the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company (IRVFC.) Patrick has served nearly every level of both organizations- from fundraiser to Board member; there is nothing he hasn't done. His leadership is responsible for the day to day positive impact on the 87 club members, who have come to rely on his involvement.

Bob Patterson Community Service
Nominator: Kevin Gilmore, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity

For almost 20 years, Bob Patterson has been an integral part of the Sussex County Habitat for Humanity. Serving as construction volunteer, Board of Directors, and member of the Construction Management Team, Bob has completed homes in over 10 towns in Sussex County. In the last 5 years, Bob has served over 2500 hours; having completed 22 projects in the last year alone. Bob's love of Habitat knows no bounds, in addition to his work in Sussex County he has participated in builds in Alabama, Mexico, and Guatemala.

Statewide- Groups Stacey and Gregg Bacchieri Human Needs
Nominator: George Krupanski, Director, Boys and Girls Club of Delaware

For the past 22 years, Stacey and Gregg Bacchieri have served as members of boards, chairs of committees, task forces, events and activities. Their numerous volunteer efforts include organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club of Delaware, Christiana Hospital, Sanford School and the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition. Together they have designed and equipped two teen centers, provided support to other non-profit organizations, have helped establish educational centers, computer labs and teen centers within Delaware and outside of the State. They are true advocates for teen throughout the Tri-State area.

Stockings for Soldiers Human Needs
Nominator: RSVP, New Castle County Office

Stockings for Soldiers, whose mission is to help improve the morale and welfare of members of the armed forces of the United States of America deployed in harm's way, was founded in 2004. Under the direction of Judy Travis and 40 team leaders, hundreds of volunteers help by sewing Holiday stockings and collecting special donated items to fill these stockings for our deployed troops in Afghanistan. In 2012, over 10,000 stockings, 2,500 blankets and 500 knitted hats were shipped to our soldiers.

The Volunteers of Waggies by Maggie and Friends Human Needs Nominator: Karen Anderson, Northern Delaware Coordinator, Delaware Autism

Waggies by Maggie, a dog treat business, is a non-profit founded by two Delaware women, Mary Ann Nolan and Leigh Corrigan- in order to provide meaningful employment for adults with intellectual disabilities. Waggies by Maggie hires persons with intellectual disabilities and empowers them to become productive contributors in their community. Waggies provides these underserved Delawareans steady and predictable employment designed to meet their needs and capabilities in a safe, professional and supportive environment. Through the leadership of these two women and the many other volunteers, Waggies provides meaningful work to 10 Delawareans but is also a prototype for sustainable business specifically geared toward employing adults with intellectual disabilities.

New Castle - Group
Greater Newark Baseball League Board Members Community Service Nominator: Lisa Diller, Councilwoman, New Castle County Council

The Greater Newark Baseball League board has been in existence since 1953 and along with the leagues other sixty volunteers puts in over 5,500 volunteer hours per year for the love of their community's children and the game of baseball. IN addition to doing an amazing recruiting, organizing and coaching job for the GNBL, this group has made many physical improvements to their field and facilities. In addition to all their other volunteer duties, this group serves as roles models for the children and youth in the league.

Resurrection Prison Ministry Team Social Justice and Advocacy
Nominator: Ann Carlton, Volunteer Services Coordinator

The Resurrection Prison Justice Ministry had an idea and with a lot of time, meetings, council and education, they put their plan in to action. They began as tutors in the Gander Hill prison system primarily in math, social studies and English but ended up coaches, mentors and so much more. This small team has now blossomed into a larger movement and has expanded their efforts from Gander Hill Prison to Baylor as well. The variety of programs they offer prisoners now includes leadership, writing skills and planning for the future. The impact of this group is wide reaching.

St. Patrick's Day Society Human Needs
Nominator: William Kooser, Managing Director, St. Patrick's Society

Since 1994, the St. Patrick's Day Society seeks to improve the annual celebration of the Irish heritage on St. Patrick's Day by creating events to benefit the local Wilmington Community. A large portion of the work of the St. Patrick's Day Society involves the planning of events and fundraising for the Father James Trainor Memorial Scholarship fund and financial assistance to the St. Patrick's Center, established in 1971. One event, the St. Patrick's Day breakfast has raised nearly two million dollars for the St. Patrick's Center.

West End Neighborhood House GED Tutors Education
Nominator: Julie Bieber, Education Coordinator, West End Neighborhood House

The Education and Employment Department at the West End Neighborhood House offers a GED preparation program that provides participants with the skills they need to take the exam. The West End Volunteer Tutors play many roles and influenced many lives. They often serve as positive roles models for young students who have dropped out of school and are pursuing their GED. Tutors also provide academic and moral support for students who may have no support from family or friends.

Widener Law Wills for Heroes Program Community Service
Nominator: Mary Allen, Widener Law Public Relations Officer

Widener Law became Delaware's Wills For Heroes affiliate in 2009. To date, it has provided vital documents to 452 people by executing eight successful events, with a ninth event planned for Oct. 5. The events represent thousands of donated volunteer hours from students, alumni, other attorneys and a core group of law school staff and faculty.

Kent - Group Westminster Village Volunteers Community Service
Nominator: Margot Lamar, Former Board Member

The volunteers at Westminster Village retirement community perform a wide-range of services from operating a thrift shop and gift shop, serving as marketing ambassadors for sales directors, offering friendly visits to the health care center, and reading to residents with low vision, providing homebound visitation and leading yoga classes. Most of the volunteers are residents themselves of the community and therefore each bring a wealth of professionalism and skills to their volunteer responsibilities no matter what task.

Corporate- Group Bank of America
Education Nominator: Barbara Emery, Center for Economic Education and Entrepreneurship, University of Delaware

As a result of the volunteers of Bank of America over the last decade, the Center for Economic Education and Entrepreneurship has been able to reach thousands of Delaware Kindergarten through 12th grade students as well as College students to provide financial literacy education. Their volunteer capacities range from teaching in elementary classrooms, facilitating student competition and leading credit and money management sessions for college freshman. Their efforts have made it possible for over 13,500 students statewide to receive the knowledge, understanding and skills to navigate the waters of their financial futures.

For more information about the awards or volunteer opportunities, go to www.volunteerdelaware.org , or contact Carrie Hart, Volunteer Service Administrator, at (302) 857-5006.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.