Sharon Bryce Holly Community Hero Award
Tom and Diane Baklik

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Diane and Tom have been involved with TEAM’s Toys for Tots program for several years. They first became involved at their Rte. 34 business location. In addition, Diane in her previous position at Derby High School involved her students in organizing toy drives dropping toys off year after year.

In 2005, the Baklik’s established a greater role contributing to the campaign by using their personal resources to host an annual Community Christmas Party at their Seymour home. The event is called "Christmas at the Yankee Clipper" With a lot of hard work and coordination they provide breakfast outside to any one in the community and surrounding towns, provide the entertainment of the Park City Pride Drum and Bugle Corp., Christmas Carolers and to the delight of the children, Santa arrives on a tractor to receive his official hair cut. For many of us who have sponsored events we know the time and resources it takes to put on a successful event of this magnitude. All they ask in donations is a new unwrapped toy that they give to the Toys for Tots program. Their contributions have been substantial not only to the children who benefited the last five years from over 3,000 toys donated & $2,500 in monetary donations but to the community at large.

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"Sharon Bryce Holly Community Hero Award"
Paula Ferrara

Paula started with an individual interest in helping our homeless population. She began with donating personal items to various homeless shelters, driving by bridges where homeless people often reside to leave articles of clothing, blankets, and other necessities. As an educator, she began sharing with her colleagues and students the need she saw in our community to help people without homes, shelter, food, jobs and other life-sustaining basic needs.

Her outgoing, charismatic personality captivated people’s attention and her position as an educator grew to a new dimension. Not only was she teaching children, but she was increasing adult awareness of the growing, devastating social issue of homelessness. Before long, people were bringing items of need to her. Her weekly runs to various homeless shelters turned into daily trips. Her efforts expanded beyond the Valley to all of New Haven County. She works with Spooner House, St. Vincent DePaul, United Way, and Home for Vets, Columbus House, Careways, and Martha’s Place, New Haven Home Recovery, Beth El in Milford and numerous individuals who contact her with their personal needs.

When a homeless shelter employee told Paula that her clients did not have pillows to sleep on, she was appalled. She immediately jumped into action and began a campaign called "Piles of Pillows." Individuals, organizations, doctors’ offices and companies such as Latex Foam heard the call and rallied. Before long, more than 900 pillows were donated and these donations continue to rise in number.

Now, when people have birthday parties, holiday gatherings, and other personal get-togethers; their invitations often read, "Rather than bring a personal gift, bring an item for the homeless."

Paula was named Derby Teacher of the Year in 2009. She was also awarded the John S. Martinez Community Service Award from Columbus House in New Haven. In May 2010, she will be celebrating her 10^th year anniversary of being breast cancer free. As a cancer survivor with a profound appreciation for life, Paula Ferrara has transformed her own challenging journey into a desire to soothe the hardship of others.

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High School Youth
Colleen Holt

Colleen is a senior at Derby High School and is graduating as Salutatorian of her class.

Colleen has been an active volunteer in her community for many years. 　Since the start of high school, she has taken a proactive role in leading others and helping others. 　She is President of the Derby High School National Honor Society, President of the Derby Interact Club, and President of the Valley United Way Youth Leadership Program. 　She also participates in the High School Volunteer Council and has been taking dance lessons for 15 years. 　Over the summer, she volunteered at the Derby Summer School Program and worked with elementary level children. 　Through these, and many other programs, she has participated in numerous activities which have helped the community. 　From raising money for children with cancer to stocking shelves with food at the Spooner House, her goal has always been to make the lives of others a little bit easier. 　With the help of family and friends, she has been able to have a lasting impact on the community. She plans on continuing her volunteer efforts in college where she plans on majoring in the field of Criminal Justice. 　

Youth Group
Derby High School Interact Club

Interact is Rotary International’s service club for young people ages 14 to 18. Interact clubs are sponsored by individual Rotary clubs – Derby is sponsored by the Derby Shelton Rotary Club. The Club provide support and guidance, but the Interact Clubs are self-governing and self-supporting.

Club membership varies greatly. Clubs can be single gender or mixed, large or small. They can draw from the student body of a single school or from two or more schools in the same community.

Each year, Interact clubs complete at least two community service projects, one of which furthers international understanding and goodwill. Through these efforts, Interactors develop a network of friendships with local and overseas clubs and learn the importance of

• Developing leadership skills and personal integrity
• Demonstrating helpfulness and respect for others
• Understanding the value of individual responsibility and hard work
• Advancing international understanding and goodwill

As one of the most significant and fastest-growing programs of Rotary service, with more than 10,700 clubs in 109 countries and geographical areas, Interact has become a worldwide phenomenon. Almost 200,000 young people are involved in Interact.

The Derby Interact Club has been reinvented in the past two years with the enormous support and leadership of their Advisors Jennifer Shea and Anthony Gargano. Also Colleen Holt and a core group of youth, they have placed a focus on Volunteer Activity in the Valley Community and the World. As a group, they have collected 4 boxes full of baby supplies for a ‘Mommy and Me’ donation for mothers in need. They are also collecting gently used children’s books which will be donated to local children’s hospitals. Aside from these activities, the group has also volunteered time at multiple activities from a Rotary Auction to Bowl to Benefit, where they raised over $200 which was donated to the Umbrella Organization. The group continues to place volunteering as a priority and is striving to make a difference in the community.

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Volunteers of the Year

Nicole Lindley

Nicole has been a volunteer with the Birmingham Group Health Services for approximately 15 years. She has worked with the Umbrella Resources Committee, the Bowl to Benefit the Umbrella, and most recently she has joined the committee that will plan and execute the May is Mental Health Month Block Party. No matter the task at hand, Nikole willingly performs it, and most importantly performs it well. She is hard working, honest, consistent, enthusiastic, and humble. There are always volunteers who want to run or chair events, but successful events necessitate "worker bees." She is a volunteer because it is part of her nature. She cares about her causes, wants to see them succeed, and ultimately, in her quiet, humble way, is a driving force behind their success.

Nikole is also an active member of the Shelton-Jaycees, having most recently served as their president. The Shelton-Jaycees is a local non-profit community organization for individuals aged 21 to 40. Nikole has participated in a variety of community service oriented projects with the Jaycees, as well community outreach events, including a recent "Best Pizza in Shelton" open house; this event not only brought attention to local businesses, but also brought in several new members for the organization.

Nikole also works full time at Wal-Mart and has been instrumental in helping to secure donations and charitable funding for various Valley organizations through her affiliation with this corporation. And, she is nearing completion on her bachelors in communications at Southern Connecticut State University. And she has completed the training to serve as a battered women’s counselor.

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Randy Ritter

As a long time scout and now Scoutmaster of Derby’s legendary Troop 3, Randy has long lead by example, encouraging and mentoring hundreds of scouts in the Valley. He has traveled to Europe and National Parks throughout the US with his scouts; he organizes and executes the Annual Gang Show (now in its 86^th year) each spring; he also organizes Ed Strang Community Day in conjunction with the leaders of Pack 3 and Venture Crew 33; he assists his scouts with regular campouts, Eagle Scout projects, participation in the National Jamboree, and events like the annual Scouting for Food Drive; he also helps to organize popcorn sales and pasta dinners to help defray some of the costs of camp and traveling to the National Jamboree each summer in Virginia. He oversees the weekly scout meetings, patrol groups, and roundtables he participates in; Scouting is a huge commitment for the young scouts, but an even bigger commitment for leaders and organizers; activities that encompass nights and weekends. In addition to his work as Scoutmaster, Randy also serves on the Executive Board of the Housatonic Council of Boys Scouts. He is a valuable member of the board who can share insights not only as a scouter himself, but also as a practical voice from corporate America.

In recognition of his commitment to Boy Scouting in the Valley, Randy was awarded the Silver Beaver Award by the Housatonic Council. The Silver Beaver is the highest council award presented to registered adult scout leaders.

Troop 3 may have earned its place in the history of the Valley and the Boy Scouts of America thanks to the leadership and vision of Edmund Strang, but it has retained its position in the community thanks to Randy Ritter’s generous gifts of time, talent, and treasure.

Randy’s commitment to the Valley does not begin and end with the Boy Scouts. He is also a very active member of the Derby Historical Society and also serves on its board. He was instrumental in helping to mark the historical trolley line throughout the city of Derby and his passion for local history carries over into his work with the Boy Scouts, encouraging them to learn about the history of their community. In 2001 the Derby Historical Society honored Randy with their Dorothy Larson award, which is bestowed upon a member of the community whose contributions (in the spirit of the award’s namesake) coincide with the mission of the Derby Historical Society, which is to preserve, protect, and honor our cultural and traditional values.

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Roger Spinelli

Roger Spinelli is an exceptionally talented decorator. For the past six years Roger has volunteered his time and talents to Valley Interfaith Caregivers Festival of Trees. Roger started out by decorating a few trees and his work has grown to include decorating the venue, soliciting corporate sponsorships and chairing the event the last two years. His untiring efforts have contributed to the Festival of Trees six year total profit of over $25,000. His trees, wreaths and decorating are coveted by everyone who attends the event. In addition to the Festival of Trees Roger also has volunteered his time for the tree lighting on the Huntington Green, decorating the Shelton Senior Center for the holidays and currently is hosting the 2010 Shelton butterfly Project.

Adult Group
George and Eileen Colwell from Salvation Army

George "Coke" and Eileen have given of their time at the Greater Valley Salvation Army since the Fall of 2008. They saw a need and stepped forward to offer their assistance in meeting a specific need. They first started with picking up bread and pastries from BJ's Wholesale and then distributing from the center three or more times a week.

Their volunteer time soon increased to providing Leadership with the work involved in our Food Pantry Distribution; which includes, but, not limited to: application and review process for recipients, restocking shelves, packing food boxes, distribution to clientele to assist in meeting basic needs for the individual and their families. And, it doesn’t end there. Their enthusiasm to give back to others has become a natural part of their daily lives as they extend their hands of service to assist in meeting the needs of The Salvation Army and the Greater Valley Communities we serve.

The benefits that Coke and Eileen have received as a result of their service to others, is that they have found a new sense of purpose in giving their time and their overall health and activity has improved since they joined forces with The Salvation Army.

The Colwell's are a true asset and a blessing to the work and ministry of the Salvation Army serving the Greater Valley since 1891.

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Living Treasure Award
Dorothy "Dot" Pendagast

Dot has had a long career of volunteer work starting with PTO at Booth Hill School in the 1960's. As a full time working Mom, she attended meetings, games, and activities with her 3 boys. She was on the St. Lawrence Carnival Committee for over 10 years. Dot became a Den Mother for her sons' Cub Scout Pack in 1967 and has remained very active with the BSA, Housatonic Council ever since; serving in various positions on multiple committees. At present, she is a Council Rep for the Annual National BSA Meetings and an Assistant Council Commissioner as well as a committee member for the annual Friends of Scouting Family Campaign and for Troop 28 in Shelton where 3 of her 5 grandsons are members. Dot is currently a participating volunteer in an Eagle Scout Project for her Grandson Joe.

In addition to Scouts, she is past President of the St. Vincent Hospital Retirees Group, currently serving as Activities Chair and continues to work part time at the Council Service Center in Derby.

When anyone needs her help, she is there.

She has taught her family the value of volunteerism and helping others by setting a wonderful example for them to witness every day.

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Corporate Excellence Community Award
Seymour Police Department - Seymour Super Stop & Shop

In late November 2006, TEAM received a phone call from Officer Sergio Deserado from the Seymour Police Dept stating that his department along with the employees of Seymour Super Stop & Shop wanted to do something special for the children in the community. After one initial meeting, the "We Care for Kids’ fill the cruiser toy drive campaign collaboration was developed. The toy drive was to be held in two weeks on a Saturday morning at the Stop & Shop location. They talked about having children activities, beverages and treats. They would solicit the EMS & Fire department to bring trucks for the kids to see. It all sounded like a great idea, but could it be pulled off in less than two weeks. Under the leadership of Peter Marquis and Sgt. Deserado, they went to work contacting the local merchants for donations, asked staff to volunteer time and resources, the fire and EMS departments joined forces; Sergio and Peter’s enthusiasm flowed over into the community resulting in over 1,000 toys and $600 in monetary donations. That was year one and over the past 4 years, the "We Care for Kids" toy campaign has raised over a total of 3,396 toys and over $2,453.00 in gift cards and monetary donations..

TEAM is still in "awe" over the success of the campaign resulting in one of the Valley Toys for Tots largest toy drives. They are truly grateful to the Seymour Police Department and the Seymour Stop and Shop for their thoughtfulness in remembering the struggling parents TEAM serves daily and because of their support a child did not have to go without on Christmas Day.

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Special Award
John J. Sullivan’s

John J Sullivan’s exemplifies "Celebrating people in Action" – they set an example for other companies and individuals. John J. Sullivan’s quietly yet significantly banners the way to "thank" people who volunteer for so many non profits during special events that help others further their mission. These Valley Non Profits benefit from their generosity. John and Charlie dedicate themselves to taking action and bettering their communities each and every day.

John J. Sullivan’s humbly "LEAD BY EXAMPLE" and makes a difference in their Valley Community every day.