Politics & Government

Eight for the Eighth

Eight women who help make the township a better place were honored in the "Women Who Make a Difference" ceremony at Council's meeting Monday night.

The Township Council and Mayor David Mayer on Monday honored eight women who have made valuable contributions to the township in a variety of ways.

It was the eighth annual "Women Who Make a Difference" ceremony, held as Women's History Month comes to a close.

"I just want to thank you for your commitment. To hear the stories and the differences in the lives you're making, whether its veterans and children and the list goes on and on," state Sen. Fred Madden said. "You really do put a shot in the arm into public and elected leaders such as David (Mayer) and myself to just try to continue to do the best that we can."

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The ceremony included a tribute to longtime township mayor Ann A. Mullen, who died in 1994 while still in office. Mullen was the township's first female mayor, and served in the post for 15 years.

The local American Cancer Society Relay for Life was well-represented in this year's eight-woman class.

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Two recipients—Vicki Robbins and Tracey Trotto—are active volunteers with the 24-hour walk/run event, which will be held this year on Saturday, June 11, at .

Council Vice President Orlando Mercado described Trotto, who lives in the Glendora section of town, as "having a candle and it's burning brightly."

"That's why you're being honored today—because of the candle you have within you," he said, "and that you continue to inspire people with your commitment to volunteerism, your commitment to your family ..."

Robbins is a longtime township music teacher. She currently works at and elementary schools, and volunteers with the Gloucester Township Historical Society. She is battling cancer.

Also recognized Monday night were:

  • Elizabeth Beetle, a retired educator and active member at , volunteers with the Gloucester Township Historical Society, which she once led as chairwoman, and the township's preschool program. She has also volunteered at Kennedy University Hospital-Stratford twice a week for the past 25 years.
  • Helen Cross volunteers at Blackwood Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 7927. She was nominated by VFW 7927 Senior Vice Commander Mike Barbella Jr., who noted in his nominating letter that Cross' "help is invaluable."
  • Karen Grosso has helped raise thousands of dollars for the Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, which benefits pediatric cancer research, through the annual Alex's Lemonade Stand she and her daughter started at , where she works as a physical education teacher. Grosso also collaborated with her colleagues to form the Kids Care Club at the Erial school, helping the township's needy through canned-good and toy drives.
  • Madelyn A. Jankowski, an art teacher in the system for 27 years, currently serves as chairwoman of the Gloucester Township Historical Society.
  • Bridgitte Nzali owns and operates , which she opened 11 years ago after moving to the U.S. from France. Her salon became the first of its kind in the area when it opened. Nzali also owns a salon in Washington D.C., where her husband works as a diplomat. She said, "I love my state. I love my township."
  • Constance Wolf, who could not attend Monday's ceremony, is a special education teacher. She helped bring Helping Hands, which collects and distributes coats, bookbags, and shoes to the needy, and the Kids Care Club to .

There were about 12 nominations submitted for this year's "Women Who Make a Difference" class, according to Sheryl Casey, a past recipient who served as emcee Monday night and sat on the three-member evaluating committee.

"We wanted to make sure you went above and beyond what you or your sister may do" when making selections, Casey said.

Joining Casey on the evaluating committee were Dr. Joanne Acerba and Phyllis Giusti.


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