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2002-03 76ers Hometown Heroes

The Philadelphia 76ers introduced a new program entitled “76ers Hometown Heroes” during the 2001-02 season and continued the program in the 2002-03 season. The program awarded two tickets to “an everyday hero in the community” to a 76ers home game during the season.

“After a successful launch to the program in 2001-02, where we recognized the efforts of 27 people and groups at our home games, we wanted to continue to distinguish the people in our community who are considered “heroes” and who might not receive the recognition they deserve,” Lara Price, senior vice president, said. “We look for this program to shine a spotlight on the true heroes in our community and thank them in front of our home crowd.”

all photos courtesy of Jesse D Garrabrant NBAE/Getty Images

May | April | March | February | January | December | November

May
May 16 - Dr. Erlene Bass.3
Nelson has influenced the lives of thousands of young children in the Philadelphia community as a kindergarten teacher at the Drew Elementary School in West Philadelphia. Neslon, aka Ms. Nelson, Erlene or Grandmom as her pupils affectionately refer to her, teaches in a bilingual and multi-cultural classroom where she prepares her students “to become the next viable and productive citizens of their respective communities.”

As a youthful 73-year old and grandmother of five, Nelson has received local and national recognition for her dedication and accomplishments in the classroom during her 45-year teaching tenure. In November 2002, Nelson received the highest distinction in the teaching profession, certification by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. In addition, Nelson has received awards such as Newspapers in Education (NIE) Innovative Teacher of the Year for use of newspapers in the classroom, Pennsylvania State Humane Society’s Humane Educator of the Year and Philadelphia Teacher of the Year for the West Philadelphia cluster, just to name a few.
May 11- Peggy Ashner
Ashner, a mother of three and grandmother of five, has dedicated her life to bringing aid and awareness about breast cancer to women in the Tri-State area. Ashner, a three-time survivor of breast cancer in the last twelve years, is a board member and former race chairperson for the Komen Race for the Cure® in Philadelphia, part of the largest series of 5K runs/fitness walks in the world that raises funding for research, education, screening and treatment of breast cancer.

As a board member for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Ashner has also helped organize events such as the Amazing Survivors Luncheon and the Pink Tie Ball. Before being recognized at the Sixer-Pistons game, Ashner, along with nearly 500 volunteers and representatives, will work at the 13th annual Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure®, an event that raised $2.1 million last year.
May 10 - Corporal Nicholas Elliott
A corporal attached to the first Marine division, Elliott was wounded while serving in “Operation Iraqi Freedom.” On March 23, Elliott was the crew chief of an assault amphibious vehicle that was ambushed in An Nasiriyah. Upon transporting him to Germany, doctors repaired his Achilles tendon. He was then transferred to Bethesda, Md. Elliott also sustained burns to his hand and the left side of his face and has a small hole in his neck.

Elliott, who fulfilled an enduring goal of becoming a Marine, is on leave for 30 days before beginning rehabilitation. The corporal has inspired his younger brother, Brandon, to enlist in the Army this August.
April
April 30- Lauren and Meghan Galvin, and Ashle Worrick
Meghan, 15, and Lauren, 18, with their friend, Worrick, 18, are helping to put smiles on the faces of children with cancer. The teens, who formed a group called “Autumn Angels” four years ago, raised $9,000 on USA Weekend Magazine’s Make A Difference Day. The money was raised so that children with cancer could attend a camp called "Happiness is Camping" located in Blairstown, N.J. The camp gives cancer patients ages 6 to 16 a place to have fun during the summer.

Since their efforts took place on Make A Difference Day, the group was nominated for a special award. They were one of 10 winners selected to receive a $10,000 award for their outstanding work in community service. Recently, they were featured on a special edition cover of USA Weekend.
April 23- Russell and Suzanne Fiske
Russell Fiske and his wife Suzanne, respectively are the executive and associate directors of Diamond State Youth Incorporated, which owns two group homes, Camelot and Avalon in Delaware.

Established in 1970, and formally known as Camelot: A Home for Boys, this family oriented home in Claymont, Del., provides shelter and guidance for 24 young men “during times of desperation in their lives.” Identical to Camelot in its’ mission, programs and morals, is the two-year-old facility Avalon: A Home for Girls in Delaware City. The programs at Camelot and Avalon aim to introduce “a community type environment with children of different ages and backgrounds, which help to develop a strong foundation for their future in dealing with different situations and occurrences.” Furthermore, Camelot and Avalon provide continuing education for the children during the summer months to ensure improvement in the children’s skill levels throughout the year.
April 20 - Jim Murray
Murray, a former general manager of the Philadelphia Eagles, is a member of the Ronald McDonald House Charities Local Operations Advisory Council and a past president of the International Advisory Board for the Ronald McDonald House. During his 14-year tenure with the Eagles, Murray, a Philadelphia native, assumed leadership roles in several community service projects. In addition to assisting in the launch of the Eagles Fly for Leukemia program, he founded the first Ronald McDonald House here in Philadelphia.

The Ronald McDonald Houses provide temporary homes at little or no cost for the families of children undergoing treatment for various illnesses at nearby hospitals. Started in 1974 in Philadelphia, there are now over 200 Ronald McDonald Houses worldwide.

Murray is also a member of the Catholic Youth Organization’s board, where he helps raise funds for a variety of the organizations’ programs. As a result of his various community service efforts, Murray has accumulated a host of awards and honors for his work. Some of his honors include the Bert Bell Award from the Bakers Club of Philadelphia, former President Ronald Reagan’s Medal for Volunteers of America and an induction into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame to name a few.
April 16 - Lance Cpl. Shawn Eshleman
Eshleman, a local marine was wounded during Operation: Iraqi Freedom. On March 22, Eshleman, a member of the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines, 2nd Marine Division, was injured when his Humvee ran over a land mine just 15 miles south of Nasiriyah. The 22-year-old, who is stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, is recovering from broken bones and a wired jaw. He plans to finish his duties with the Marines and then go on to college. Eshleman was given a Purple Heart by the vice commandant of the Marine Corps.
April 13 - Jack Schwartz
Schwartz, a teacher by profession, lost a battle to cancer in January at the age of 49. Both in and out of the classroom, he had a passion for working with and developing children. As a youth soccer, basketball and Little League baseball coach, Schwartz taught children essential skills in sports and life. He was also the president of the county Little League, a Cub Scout leader and Avalon’s Fire Chief. His widow, Lynn, and children Jonathan, Lindsay and Douglass accepted the award on his behalf.
April 8 - Nina Owens
Owens, the mother of a U.S. Marine currently serving in Operation: Iraqi Freedom, recently launched a local support network for the families of those with loved ones serving the United States in war. Her son, U.S. Marine Lonzo Owens, was the inspiration for her creation of the “USA Marine Mom Depot.” Nina felt the need to organize the local support group and aid other parents in their time of need. The group serves as a drop off point for donations and packages to send to the troops. It also offers counseling services to families, minister services, and financial help to wives that need it. The group, which was started in February, has 40 members and meets every Tuesday for two hours. Anyone interested in finding out more information about the “USA Marine Mom Depot,” or about making a contribution, should contact Nina at (610) 489-6265.
April 6- Samantha and Alex Herbert
The Herberts, Samantha (12) and Alex (8), students at Radnor Middle and Ithan Elementary Schools respectively, suffer from Crohn’s Disease. Crohn’s Disease, a chronic illness, is an inflammatory bowel disorder. As a mode of support, the Herberts joined the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA). With the help of family, friends and the foundation they helped create and participate in the “You Gotta Have Guts Race” to raise money and awareness for their cause. In her five years as a member of the organization, Samantha has raised approximately $34,000 for the CCFA, with this year alone being her most successful, raising nearly $9,000. Recently, Samantha was asked to speak at a local chapter meeting for the CCFA in front of hundreds of members and guests, demonstrating her impressive poise and commitment to the organization as a 12 year old.
April 4 - Ken Wong
Wong, a board member for Inner-City Games Philadelphia, a non-profit organization founded by Arnold Schwarzenegger, helps to develop confidence and positive attitudes among inner-city kids, while also developing a link to the Chinese-American community in the Delaware Valley. He is a mentor, volunteer, and a coach involved with numerous organizations in Philadelphia including, the Philadelphia Suns, a youth basketball organization located in Chinatown. Wong is a member of the World Champion U.S. National Dragon Boat Team, which won the 2002 gold medal World Club Crew Races in Rome, Italy. The former varsity fencer of Penn State serves on many board of directors with links to Philadelphia youths including, the Philadelphia Sports Congress, Philadelphia Hero Scholarship Fund, Philadelphia Dragon Boat Association, Asian Arts Initiative, Woodrock, and Philadelphia Multicultural Affairs Congress.
April 2- James M Tighe
Tighe, who has been on the Philadelphia Police force for 30 years, is a sergeant at the 8th District (Northeast). In addition to starting the Jr. CYO in his Northeast Philadelphia parish of Maternity BVM, he also started a High School CYO in the parish. Both CYO groups involve children in volunteer work, social and athletic activities. Even though his youngest child graduated high school in 1996, he still spends much of his time with CYO. He single-handedly supervises three different parish basketball teams (two boys and one girls) and two co-ed volleyball teams. Furthermore, he has also received several service awards from the police force including, the Civic Association of Point Breeze Avenue Outstanding Service Award, The Philadelphia Daily News Cop of the Week, and many service other awards from the Police Department.
March
March 28- Roz Weiss
As the co-founder of Rubye’s Kids, Weiss and a host of volunteers organize a holiday party for underprivileged children in the Philadelphia area annually. In remembrance of Rubye Caesar, for whom the grassroots organization is named, Weiss and other volunteers aim to continue Caesar’s dream of “bringing joy and comfort to underprivileged children during the holiday season.” Formally known as Rubye’s Kids Holiday Party, its purpose is to help unfortunate children in Philadelphia by holding a holiday party with gifts, a warm meal and fun. In its eighth year, the organization, which is entirely funded by donations, now hosts some 350 children for its parties which also include, a winter hat and gloves for each child, a visit with Santa Claus, an opportunity to select a toy gift and other activities such as face painting, crafts and games. This past year, Weiss was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Despite this misfortune, she has vowed to continue with her efforts in making Rubye’s Kids a success each year.
March 21- Pam Levinson
In addition to working as the project leader at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia where she coordinates volunteers to read to children in the hospital’s emergency waiting room, Levinson is involved with several other organizations. She works with schools, shelter homes and neighborhood action programs. Levinson’s volunteer work consists of sponsoring children’s outings for Nebinger Elementary School as well as Northern Home for Children and Families in Philadelphia. Furthermore, Levinson tutors and reads to children at Ferguson Elementary School, Philadelphians Concerned About Housing and Community United Neighbors Against Drugs, and also is a parent volunteer at the William Penn Charter School where her son currently attends.
Levinson is also actively involved with the Philadelphia Cares Neighbors in Action program, where as a board member and volunteer, she helps residents reclaim their neighborhoods by cleaning up their streets and participating in painting projects. According to Megan Mead, the Director of Annual Events at the Philadelphia Cares organization who nominated Levinson, she is an invaluable guiding force who defines their caring spirit and is one of their most dedicated supporters.
March 14 - Donna Frisby-Greenwood
In 1999, National Chairman for the Inner-City Games Foundation, Arnold Schwarzenegger, personally selected Frisby-Greenwood as Executive Director of Inner-City Games Philadelphia (ICGP). As Executive Director, she handles all of ICGP’s programming while creating new programs, and expanding existing ones. Prior to her involvement with ICGP, Frisby-Greenwood served as Executive Director for the Rock the Vote, a non-partisan, non-profit organization which helps motivate young people to participate in the political process. During her time, she tripled the organization’s revenue and established the Hip Hop Coalition for Political Power. Participants of the coalition included hip hop artists such as LLCool J, Chuck D, Method Man, P Diddy and many more. Her work at Rock the Vote increased the young African-Americans who went to the polls in 1996 and 1998. Furthermore, she serves on the board of directors for many organizations including, Listen Inc., The Ms. Foundation for Women’s White House Project, Urban Think Tank, The Philadelphia Commercial Development Corporation, and the Tavis Smiley Foundation. Frisby-Greenwood has also been recognized by Ebony magazine as “One of the Fifty Leaders under 30”; Essence magazine’s 40 Woman to Watch; one of “‘40 under 40’ Business and Professional Leaders” in the Philadelphia Business Journal, and one of VIBE magazine ‘s “New Political shot Callers.”
March 12- Barbara DiMario
After the death of her daughter, Hope, Barbara helped organize a local chapter Delaware County Parents Of Murdered Children (POMC). As Chairperson of the Delaware chapter, she spends much of her time helping those in need by assisting victims and grieving families throughout Delaware County. Through this chapter, she has helped to create a Living Memorial Gardens in memory of loved ones killed. Even after an illness and car accident, Barbara helped organize several events that honor the memory of loved ones. During Crime Victims Week, April 13-19, there will be a Candlelight Vigil, and on Sept. 25th a Luminary Service will be held for the National Day of Remembrance.
February
February 28- Kristin Johnson
Johnson, a sophomore at St. Hubert's High School in Northeast Philadelphia, is being recognized for her efforts in organizing and promoting book collection drives in her community. As a result of her extensive promotion of the book drives through her school, church and local hospital, the 16-year-old Johnson successfully held four book drives collecting a total of 4,609 books that were donated to Philadelphia READS and the Greater Philadelphia Book Bank.
February 26- Elaine Sugar
Sugar, a volunteer at the Cozen Police Athletic League Center in Philadelphia, directs the “Positive Images” program at PAL. In it’s fifth year of existence, the Positive Images program is designed to boost the self-esteem, confidence and ambition of Philadelphia’s youth through a series of educational seminars and workshops. Sugar’s volunteer work consists of organizing numerous field trips and arranging guest speakers for the young ladies ages 10 to 17. Through her efforts, 76ers general manager Billy King, middleweight boxing champion Bernard Hopkins and opera star Denyce Graves have all addressed the girls. Furthermore, the girls at PAL wrote and bound their own book of poetry and host an annual talent show. According to Andrew Lee of PAL public relations department who nominated Sugar, she is the perfect example of a positive image for these young ladies.
February 23- Marc Stier
Stier, President of West Mount Airy Neighbors (WMAN) is being recognized for his work in the Mt. Airy community. Three and half years ago, Stier joined the Board of Directors, where he held a position as Vice President of Community Affairs. During that time, he established programs like “Neighborhood Network” linking together block and neighborhood associations in the community, and “Neighborhood Summit” where neighborhood leaders talk about ways to improve the West Mt. Airy community. Also under his leadership, the “Youthworks” project encourages youths from the ages of 7 to 14 to help landscape the commercial and residential intersection at Lincoln Drive and Mount Pleasant Avenue. His effortless work helped the Playground Raising Project build a playground near the Houston School, a public school in the community, that opened in October. Also after successful negotiations with Acme, a new supermarket will open next September in the Mt. Airy community.
February 14- MikaLyn Pangia
In March 2001, Pangia was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. She has battled the cancer for almost two years and is now cancer-free. The 14-year-old eighth grader and her older sister, Lona, have organized a group called Mikie’s Angels to spread the message of hope to other children battling the disease. In addition to visiting hospitals, the goal of Mikie’s Angels is to raise $5,000 for 500 patients at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, The Ronald McDonald House and Gilda’s Club of Atlantic City. Donations may be sent to Mikie’s Angels, P.O. Box 464, Linwood, N.J. 08221.
February 12- Christopher Ninfo
Ninfo, a unit director at the Oakbrook Olivet Boys and Girls Club, was acknowledged for his efforts to improve his community. Since 1999, Ninfo has been responsible for the organization of recreational, educational and guidance programs at the club in Reading, which currently has 350 members between the ages of six and 18. Ninfo is tremendously appreciated by parents because he provides a safe environment for their children as well as incorporating programs that educate, inspire, guide and enable the children to become productive, responsible, and caring citizens.
February 5- Jim Lyons
Lyons, a local firefighter, was honored for his efforts in supporting the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). In addition to presenting a check for a record amount of money raised on behalf of Cherry Hill Firefighters and Fire Officers during the MDA telethon, he was also responsible for creating and hosting “MDA Day at Cherry Hill Fire Department.” Recently, this special day allowed local families affected by muscular dystrophy to come together, enjoy an early Thanksgiving dinner and visit the firehouse. Through his fund-raising efforts, 15 children suffering from muscular dystrophy are being sponsored to attend two weeks at the MDA Camp for Children.
January
January 31- Ali Cross, Julia DeVincent, Amy Cross, Michele DeVincent, and Taylor Brownfield
These five friends made this past Christmas brighter for children on the oncology ward at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia by raising money for pajamas and slippers for all the children on the ward. In August 2002, Brownfield, a former patient of the oncology ward, completed her chemotherapy for osteosarcoma. Brownfield gave her friends the idea because she hated wearing the hospital pajamas. For two Sunday’s from 4-8 p.m., they sold ornaments at Williamson’s restaurant in Horsham, Pa, and raised over $600.00. The girls used the proceeds to purchase the pajamas and slippers. Several days before Christmas, they personally wrapped and delivered the gifts to each of the 24 patients.
January 29- Chuck Donaldson
For 30 years, Donaldson has been involved with youth sports throughout the neighborhoods of Philadelphia. Donaldson, a Philadelphia native, who works at the Finley Recreation Center, created opportunities for youth participation in sports, cultural arts and personal development. He has also served on the citywide committees for track, baseball and basketball, and played a key role in the city’s participation in the Keystone Games and the U.S. Youth Games. He works with programs like GREAT (Gang Resistance Education and Training) and the “Peaceful Posse” program, teaching youths between the ages of 10 to 16 conflict resolution skills. Both programs provide a safe environment for youths, and also provide sports activities as well. In addition, Donaldson works closely with the Mount Airy/Germantown Athletic Association, which helps develop youth coaches for the National Youth Sports Coaches Association. Furthermore, he also works with the Sixers Neighborhood Basketball League (SNBL), distributing uniforms and working with special events.
January 23- Carolyn Gene
Adams, a teacher with 25 years of experience, was recognized for her involvement with student organizations, and helping hundreds of young men and women prepare for their careers. With two New Jersey teaching certifications in Distributive Occupations and General Business Studies, Adams was the Co-Advisor of both the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) at the Gloucester County Institute of Technology and of the Skills USA Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA). DECA and VICA are two student organizations committed to helping students compete in their chosen career fields. Currently, the State Advisor for the New Jersey DECA, Adams is responsible for supervising DECA’s 5,700 student members among its 117 chapters. She also works to provide regional, state and national competition for her students across New Jersey. Adams has made many significant impacts on the lives of her students and is well respected by her students, fellow teachers and the administration.
January 20- Todd Bernstein
Bernstein, the former state office Chief of Staff for United States Senator Harris Wofford (PA), was honored for his extensive career in public service. Among his various efforts to improve the community, Bernstein is best known for directing and founding the Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service. Under Bernstein’s direction, more than 35,000 volunteers serving in 600 projects are expected to serve in the Eighth Annual Greater Philadelphia King Day of Service today, making it the most successful project of its kind in the country.

In it’s eighth year, Bernstein’s King Day of Service aims to embrace King’s legacy of turning the problems and concerns of local communities and the nation, such as illiteracy, homelessness, public safety, substandard housing and the environment, into volunteer action. Along those lines, Bernstein has arranged for a dozen AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps members to spend one month in West Philadelphia to kick off the January 20th King Day of Service. Bernstein and his staff have also continued their partnership with the Philadelphia Reads program, to train 1,000 volunteers on King Day to become reading coaches. Furthermore, Bernstein believes that the King holiday should be an opportunity to celebrate King’s life by bringing all people together to solve community problems. In addition to his many activities, Bernstein also serves as the President of the Fairmount Park Historic Preservation Trust, established the Wissahickon Volunteer Corps, currently chairs the Domestic Affairs Commission of the Jewish Community Relations Council, is on the executive committee of the International Visitors Council and is on the board of the United States/South Africa Leadership Development Program.
January 17- Amanda Jacobs
Jacobs, a fifth year medical student at Thomas Jefferson Medical College, was recognized for her admirable commitment to serving her community. While enrolled at the University of Delaware, Jacobs was actively involved in community service. She received the prestigious Newark Blue Ribbon Community Service Award for her esteemed work with organizations such as the Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children and the Newark Manor Nursing Home. In making the transition from college to medical school, Jacobs only strengthened her commitment to serving her community. She volunteers at Camp Horizon, a nationally known summer camp in northern Pennsylvania for children with chronic and debilitating skin disease. Jacobs also serves as a coordinator for JeffMOMS, a program that places medical students with pregnant women with little or no system of support throughout the birthing process. Furthermore, she coordinates the STATS program (Students Teaching AIDS to Students) in local high schools and is also intensely involved in the JeffHOPE program, which provides medical care to the city’s homeless.
January 15- Pamela Brown
Brown, a disabled veteran with 20 years of military service, was honored for her tremendous dedication and countless efforts to serve both her country and community. In addition to her local volunteering efforts for programs such as Safe Street Patroller and her neighborhood Townwatch, Brown has also spent time helping the homeless and the unfortunate. Recently, she received an award from Philadelphia City Councilwoman Janie Blackwell’s Helping the Homeless program for her commendable service to ensure that the homeless receive food and gifts during the holiday season. Brown also works with Project Rainbow, a shelter for abused women and children. At the age of 42, Brown adopted a newborn child left at the hospital, further demonstrating how her concern for others is far more important than that of her own. Even though she suffers from severe asthma and a tracheotomy, she continues to adhere to the motto that appears on her business cards - ‘the happiness of others lifts me above myself.’
January 12- Steve Brennan
Brennan has been director of the West Oak Lane Police Athletic League Center since 1994. Through his tireless efforts, the West Oak Lane PAL Center has been named PAL’s Center of the Year in 1999, 2000 and 2001, beating out 22 other locations. Brennan runs the Center from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from noon to 8 p.m. on Friday when statistics indicate that juvenile delinquency is at its peak. Since he runs the Center by himself, Brennan coordinates the athletics program and tutoring programs, and as he said in a recent Philadelphia Daily News article, acts as a “father-figure, a mentor, a coach, (and) a referee.” The former Philadelphia Police Officer of the Month (Feb. 1992) and Police Officer of the Year (1993), was named a runner-up for the George Fencl Award, one of the most prestigious awards that can be presented to a Philadelphia Police Officer.
January 10- Nathaniel McKee
McKee, an educator at the George School in Newtown, PA was recognized for his outstanding work in developing and influencing the youth he works with daily. A graduate of the George School himself, McKee has served as dean, teacher, coach, advisor, big brother, father figure and mentor since 1987. Students have benefited from not only the economic and social support McKee offers them, but academic and athletic guidance as well. In particular, he has been very influential in the development of his inner-city students, helping them adjust to school life as well as their new environment. Furthermore, McKee is strongly committed to inspiring the entire school to become more culturally and socially aware of all of its members. For the past 13 years he has run a program in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, where instead of a normal day of classes, the students participate in workshops involving issues such as race, diversity, history and social service in America.
January 8- Frank Greco
Greco was honored for his hard work and accomplishments as an athletic director, coach and teacher as well as his involvement in the community. As the athletic director at Central High School in Philadelphia, Greco is not only responsible for overseeing all sports programs, but he also coaches girls basketball and softball. As a coach he has led both of these teams to Public League championships. The softball team, whose program he initiated, has claimed the last three championships, winning fifty straight games in the process. After spending a full day at Central High, he then goes to work for the Philadelphia Department of Recreation. In addition, Greco provides guidance to the kids he interacts with daily. He keeps close relationships with his students, players and their parents and always puts the needs of others ahead of his own.
January 6- Deanna Lewis-VanHinkle
Lewis-VanHinkle has been an eighth grade teacher at Edwin H. Vare Middle School in South Philadelphia for 10 years and was nominated for her tireless efforts to better her students and her community. Lewis-VanHinkle, who teaches math, has made a habit out of extending herself beyond the call of duty for her students, as she regularly visits students’ homes and tutors children after school in algebra despite having a five-year-old daughter of her own to take care of. Many of the students Lewis-VanHinkle mentors come from impoverished neighborhoods and single-parent families. The work Lewis-VanHinkle does goes a long way in her students’ lives. She also has outings outside of the regular school day in which she takes her students to the movies, out to dinner, or to a local mall. Lewis-VanHinkle also is an avid volunteer of many services in her local church, Christ Haven in Darby, Pa.
December
December 20- Randolph Powell
Powell was honored for his commitment and dedication to both his community and his country. Powell is a former reservist and active duty member of the United States Coast Guard. The law enforcement training he received in the Coast Guard later facilitated his decision to become an Airport Policeman in Middletown, Pa., where he was employed for seven years. Powell then transferred to his current post as an officer for the Capitol Police in Harrisburg. For the last four years he has handled everything from being a bike patrol officer, to desk dispatching to car patrols to guarding the office of Governor Mark Schweiker. Powell’s 11 years of work as a police officer are evidence that Powell not only cares about the welfare of the public, but also the welfare of his fellow officers.
December 18- Joe Hand, Sr.
Hand, a retired Philadelphia Police Officer, was recognized for his hard work on behalf of the city’s youth. In 1995, Hand opened the Joe Hand Boxing Gym. The gym in Kensington is a non-profit organization offering multifaceted programs that are designed to encourage the area children to continue their education while setting and achieving self-imposed goals. The gym has reached over 600 area youths, who have participated in many sporting activities and earned top honors in many events. Hand’s most recent accomplishment was opening a 20-station computer lab in the upper floor of the gym in April 2002. The lab will allow children to use the computers for their schoolwork and offer assistance with their school projects or homework. Hand was recently recognized in June 2002 with the Philadelphia Sports Congress’s Wanamaker Award for Community Service.
December 16- Walter Jeffers
For the past two years Jeffers has been working as a volunteer in the Youth in the Faith Ministries program in Southwest Philadelphia. The 17 year old donates his time after school every Monday through Saturday as the Youth Director of the program. The program is tentatively scheduled to close in January 2003, but Jeffers has been actively seeking foundational grants to keep the program alive. Due to his desire to keep the children of Southwest Philadelphia away from drugs and violence, Jeffers has been sending out proposals for grants and taking part in community funding programs on a daily basis. Jeffers has also volunteered for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the AIDS Fund, and the Variety Club and was the secretary for the student government at John Bartram High School in Philadelphia. Jeffers is currently an employee at the Philadelphia Job Corps Center and is an active member of the New Spirit Community Presbyterian Church.
December 13- Susan Goldstein
Goldstein has aided Philadelphia athletes young and old by starting a sports equipment drive among members of her synagogue and fellow students of the William Penn Charter School. Goldstein, a recognized athlete and scholar, organized the drive despite being involved in two car accidents. The idea for holding the equipment drive came to Goldstein when she realized that children in many of the city’s neighborhoods did not have easy access to various recreational opportunities. The two car accidents rendered Goldstein unable to participate in sports for several months, but gave her the time to put the athletic equipment drive together. Susan worked on the drive with “Philadelphia Cares”, who set her up with the Police Athletic League (PAL), where administrators welcomed large amounts of basketballs, baseball mitts, and tennis rackets. Goldstein received “Philadelphia Cares’” first Youth Service Leader Award for her efforts as a youth volunteer.
December 11- Bernadette Parker
Parker, a single mother of two children, has been a Philadelphia Police Officer for 19 years. She was honored for her work in the community through programs such as DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) and GREAT (Gang Resistance Education and Training). Parker was able to provide students from St. Veronica’s a chance to see Man of La Mancha, performed live at the Merriam Theatre. She used this opportunity to make the media aware that many students at the school were unable to attend private or parochial high schools due to lack of funds, and a generous response from the community made the hopes of those students a reality. Parker has touched the lives of many children and disadvantaged families in the community through her efforts.
December 4- Jamy Leusner
Leusner was honored for her accomplishments as a kindergarten teacher as well as her involvement in numerous volunteer programs. For the past nine years, Leusner has been a teacher as well as an assistant director with Kindercare Day Care Centers in Washington Township, N.J. During this time, she has taught reading and phonics to countless children. When she is not at work, she spends much of her time at home with her three-year-old son, Benjamin, while her husband, Scott, who is a Camden police officer is at work. Leusner still finds time to volunteer and has participated in the MS Walk, March of Dimes, and the FOP Auxiliary. Leusner’s husband describes her as a committed teacher, excellent mom, and great wife, but most of all as a hero for all that she does day in and day out.
November
November 27- Maria D. Jusino
Jusino, a volunteer coach with the 76ers La Liga del Barrio, was honored for her numerous efforts in the community. Jusino has a long list of accomplishments and has been a volunteer in many programs that support her community. She is presently coaching a group of six-to-eight-year-old girls (Team Gear-Up) in the 76ers La Liga del Barrio presented by Old Navy, the first Latino youth basketball league in Philadelphia. She has been a part of the league since its inception in January 2000. Jusino is also part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assist program where she helps prepare income tax returns for low-income families. In addition to this, she also assists at Pierce Junior College, where she obtained her associates degree, as a peer tutor as well as in voter registration drives here in Philadelphia. Jusino, who is a graduate of Drexel University, has been recognized as a Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges and as a Who’s Who of Professional and Business Women. Jusino is also a member of the PICPA, the National Council de La Raza, and the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society.

November 25- Gerald Macfarlane
After playing professional soccer in Scotland, Macfarlane arrived in the United States in 1967 at the age of 29. Since then, Macfarlane has contributed much of his time and effort to his community, as well as the game of soccer. Macfarlane, with the help of his wife, Anna, introduced youth soccer programs to Cape May County, N.J. in 1976, and one year later, started a soccer program at Wildwood Catholic, where soccer had previously been a club sport. In 1984, Macfarlane became the head coach of the varsity soccer team at Wildwood Catholic, leading his team to four state titles, two Cape Atlantic Titles, and a State Cup Championship a long the way. Macfarlane also won the Coach of the Year Award in 1998. This year, Macfarlane plans to retire from coaching at Wildwood Catholic, but not before helping 30 of his former players going on to play soccer at the collegiate level, including two of his sons. Macfarlane is far from done with the sport of soccer, next year he plans to coach his six-year-old grandson Brendan in his youth league.

November 22- Charlie Hartman
Hartman, a student at St. Josaphat’s School, was honored for efforts to save a six-year-old boy from drowning. On Aug. 21, 2002, Hartman, along with other members of the Over the Rainbow Day Care Center, were attending the Vogt Recreation Center for a swim. At around 12:30 p.m., Hartman noticed something that both his day care counselors and the lifeguard didn’t-one of the children from the day care was motionless in the pool. Hartman acted quickly to save the young boy. Hartman swam to the boy, picked him up and screamed for help. The lifeguard and counselors quickly responded and within seconds the child began to breathe again. Thanks to Hartman’s actions, the child was safe and has since made a full recovery. Hartman, who learned to swim at the Vogt Recreation Center five years ago, was just happy that the boy was ok.

November 17- Shubha Bhat
Bhat was honored for many charitable contributions, including organizing a group of students who knit hats to donate to cancer patients. She learned to knit last summer while at camp, and she decided to turn it into something more than just a hobby. Bhat, who is only 15 years old, organized over 50 fellow schoolmates from the Baldwin School as well as Alison Ginn, a mother of one of the students. Ginn who is a member of the Liberty Bell Knitting Guild, helped teach the group how to knit. After gaining approval from the Baldwin School, where she is currently a sophomore, Bhat along with the group started making hats whenever time allowed. Their efforts resulted in 75 hats being donated to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia as well as Chernobyl, Ukraine, where a nuclear plant accident occurred 1986. In addition, she has also raised money for her school’s 9-11 fund and collected clothes for Norristown fire victims. Bhat has no intentions of slowing down, as she plans to make hats for premature babies next.

November 14- David Nieves
Nieves, a juvenile detective of the Bensalem Township Police Department, was honored for his work in the Bensalem community. He devotes many hours to helping the people of his community find jobs, move to new residences or any other work that helps the people of Bensalem form better lives. Nieves helps with the Little League in the Township and aids with the Police Summer Basketball league. He is identified throughout the area for his dedication to kids and kid-centered activities. In addition, Nieves teaches the Drug Awareness and Resistance Education Program (D.A.R.E.) to the fifth grade students of Belmont Hills Elementary School. He spends many hours in the classroom so that each student knows who he is and is informed about safety rules while teaching them to make good choices for a healthy lifestyle. Nieves strives to be a positive influence in the lives of these children and convinces them there is no time for drugs, smoking, and/or alcohol.

November 8- Dan Maialetti
Maialetti was being honored for his work at Shriners Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, a pediatric orthopaedics facility. He works as a Certified Recreational Therapist in the Child Life Department, where he coordinates exercise and adapted sports programs for children with disabilities. Maialetti is an originator of the IMPACT (Individualized Muscular Program and Cardiovascular Training) program, which utilizes free weights, machines and exercise bikes as well as incorporating adapted sports. He is currently working on organizing a program for sled hockey, which is an adapted form of ice hockey. Maialetti’s goal is to organize a Shriners Hospital Team in Philadelphia. His efforts have helped children at Shriners Hospital gain confidence by enabling them to participate in sporting events despite disabilities.

November 6- Rahim K. Ali
Ali was honored not just for his efforts in creating a free summer basketball league for his community, but also for overcoming the obstacles and hardships that got in his way while creating the league. After convincing the head of the Cherashore Recreation Center to let him run the summer league from July to September, Ali purchased shirts, snacks, and trophies for all those involved. He personally recruited 16 coaches, and two referees per game so that the 172 kids from the 10th and Chew neighborhood could play in a structured league. Aside from donating an immeasurable amount of time and effort, almost every cent used for the league came from his paychecks. Ali’s home was burglarized three times over the summer, which forced Ali and his mother out of their home and into alternative housing. However, the 26-year-old did not stop working for his community during these hard times and because of this, the summer basketball league was a huge success. Ali was nominated by his sister, Jenavia Thompson-Weaver, who is just one of the many people touched by his efforts.

November 1- Gilbert Kinsey Jr.
Kinsey was honored for his work at the George Washington Carver Community Center where he is the Program Director of Youth Services and Abstinence Education. He organizes and facilitates programming for the Center’s youth, who range in age from nine-to-16 years of age. Kinsey meets with boys and girls individually to discuss the pressures they are facing and teaches a wide range of interpersonal skills to combat those pressures. In addition, he acts as a liaison concerning project A.C.E. (Abstinence Can Empower), a project funded through the Governor’s initiative that works with children starting at the age of nine to build peer education. He is also a project leader for Peaceful Posse, a mentoring/counseling group. Kinsey began as a volunteer in 1998 and was hired in 1999 by Antoinette Hughes, the area’s State Representative.

October 30- Alexandra Scott
Scott has been raising money the past two years for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia by selling lemonade to fight neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of childhood cancer. Alex, the daughter of Liz and Jay Scott, has been undergoing treatment for the disease since infancy. In 2000, she set up her first lemonade stand outside her home in Hartford, Conn., where her family lived at the time and where she was undergoing treatments. The then three-year-old raised $2,000 that first year for the Connecticut Children's Medical Center. Her family moved to Pennsylvania in 2001, and in her first effort in her new home, she raised $600. This past summer, Alex raised money for not only research efforts at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, but for Toireasa’s Dream, in memory of five-year-old Toireasa Barry, who died in May 2002 of neuroblastoma. Sixers General Manager Billy King stopped by Alex’s stand this past summer to make a $500 donation from Sixers Charities to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. All told, Alex has raised more than $15,000.
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