Julia Somers, Executive Director of Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) announced that four volunteers were honored at their recent bi-annual Volunteer Recognition Party. In addition, the Honorable Susan Hoag, Mayor of Chatham Township, is the recipient of GSWA’s 2001 Abbie Fair Good Government Award.

According to Somers, the Abbie Fair Good Government Award is given to an elected official who has high ideals and puts "good government" into action. The Honorable Abigail Fair, a founding trustee of GSWA, former Chatham Township Mayor and current Chatham Township Committeewoman says: "Sue Hoag is extremely hardworking, yet always cheerful. She’s volunteered her time to keep her town residents informed by editing the local newsletter. She reached out to the volunteer firefighters and worked with them to bolster membership and obtain some retirement benefits. She rolled up her sleeves and wrote the town’s valuable open space plan and is leading its acquisition efforts. Hoag is a genuine public servant, epitomizing good government in action and truly deserves this award."

Somers also said that Frank Stillinger of Chatham Township, Kathy Abbott of Chatham Township, Joan Kirsten of Chatham Township, and Angelina Monti of Madison are the recipients of this years’ volunteer awards from GSWA. Selected from a group of nearly 100 volunteers, they were chosen because they have worked extremely hard and are indispensable to the Watershed Association in many ways.

"Frank Stillinger has worked tirelessly on GSWA’s Conservation Area at LaBarre. He has done everything from designing and building bridges to physical labor as we restore the property. Kathy Abbott is editor of Swamp Watch, GSWA’s bulletin on local issues and is Vice Chair of the Local Issues Committee. She puts in countless hours working to ensure that the information printed in our newsletter and posted on our website is accurate, informative, complete and fair. Joan Kirsten has volunteered in GSWA’s office since we moved to 36 Main Street in 1998. We are extremely lucky to be the recipient of her organizational skills and help. Angelina Monti is one of our guardian angels and has worked many, many hours for more than six years and has never declined to help with a project." Somers continued, "We are indebted to all of our volunteers for their dedication. It is through their generosity that we’re able to provide diverse and high quality programs."

Great Swamp owes its survival to the remarkable efforts of the citizens of New Jersey, who continue to fight to protect this precious natural jewel. Celebrating its 20^th Anniversary as a non-profit organization, the Watershed Association relies solely on membership and contributions to protect the continued health of our watershed’s area. If you’re not already a member, become one today. For more information, call (973) 966-1900, or visit their website at www.greatswamp.org.

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Photo Caption (from left): Honorees Frank Stillinger, Joan Kirsten, Mayor Susan Hoag, 
Kathy Abbott, and GSWA President, David Budd at the recent 
Great Swamp Watershed Association bi-annual volunteer recognition celebration.
(print version of this photo available from Missy Small at the GSWA office)

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