The Middle Smithfield Township 2024 Person of the Year was Betty Ann Ricci, for her work with the 1000 Pink Lights Walk. The finalists were Luz Gonzales and Maria Oquendo.  An independent panel of judges selected the three finalists from all those nominated for Middle Smithfield Township’s annual Person of the Year award. The judges announced the MST Person of the Year at the Volunteer Appreciation Banquet on January 24, 2025.  

The Person of the Year and the two finalists receive $1,500 and $1,000, respectively, toward their cause or a cause of their choice.

Betty Ann Ricci

2024 Person of the Year

Betty Ann is an extremely compassionate person whose untiring commitment to helping others has made a lasting impact on many breast cancer patients as well as so many others along the way.

Betty Ann Ricci was raised in Newark, New Jersey in a Catholic Italian Family. Her values of faith, family and helping others were instilled at a young age. These traits have carried on with her to this day. 

Betty Ann went through several medical challenges through her life, but always knew her faith would get her through. Being diagnosed with cancer twice was very hard on her and her family, especially her last diagnoses, Ovarian Cancer stage 4. After surgery and losing the chance to be a mother and wife, she knew Jesus had a plan for her: She knew she had to GIVE BACK. 

Her sister, working for the Archdiocese of Newark, was preparing a large fundraiser for the CYO Youth Ministry group. Betty Ann decided to join in, and that is when all the pieces to the puzzle connected. She realized she could do this too!

After relocating to Pennsylvania 21 years ago , Betty Ann dedicated herself to community service, becoming an active member of various organizations. She is a proud member of the Bushkill/Smithfield Lions Club, serves on multiple committees at Saw Creek Estates, and volunteers extensively at St. John’s Church. Betty Ann is a Eucharistic Minister, Mental Health Facilitator, Columbiette, Usher/Hospitality, a Senior Club member, St. John’s Small Group, and liaison to Church Women United (women’s group with different religious backgrounds) for St. John’s Church. 

For the past nine years, Betty Ann has poured her heart and soul into making the 1000 Pink Lights Walk for Breast Cancer be known to those in her communities (Monroe & Pike). Betty Ann believes that God has a plan for her to care for others, and she thanks Him every day for the guidance, love, and support of her family and friends. Through her resourcefulness, hard work and dedication she continues to be a beacon of compassion, kindness, and faith to all. 

Luz Gonzalez

Finalist

Born and raised in the South Bronx, Luz’s father was one of the first Puerto Rican police officers in NYC and was assigned to the 40th Precinct. Her mom was a piece-worker at a factory in the Lower East Side.

Luz has been married for almost 50 years to Antonio Gonzalez and together they have raised three children who now have families of their own.

Since she knew she always wanted to be an attorney, she began to work in law firms at the age of 18. But first, there was a family to raise. She returned to school as an undergrad at 40, studied criminal justice and society at John Jay School of Criminal Justice and received a scholarship to study international criminal law and justice at the International Institute of Justice in Austria.

She graduated Summa Cum Laude from John Jay. Notably, while at John Jay, 911 occurred and she was a certified translator at the Armory assisting families through the identification process. Because of her background, she was charged with the responsibility of chain of custody/chain of evidence in the process of protecting the samples of possible DNA evidence of victims from contamination.

She received a full scholarship to study law and finalized the thesis towards a Ph.D. she started at John Jay. Her thesis centered on the impact of incarcerated men and the women and families left behind to handle their various drug enterprises and territories. She graduated from Hofstra with distinction for her thesis as well as a study and concentration in employment law on the cross-culture impact in the workplace.

Because of her experience to lack of access of proper healthcare as an obese woman, she went on to study and received a Masters of Law (Summa Cum Laude) in Health Care Law and Policy.

Some of Luz’s work experience includes: 

- Federal Prosecutor’s Office Brooklyn/Queens: (2003-2015) assigned to the Gang Task Force Unit

- Litigation Practice Coordinator (Private Firm) (2015-2019) overseeing 35 attorneys specializing in litigation as well as overseeing our litigation teams nationally and internationally

- Pro Bono work with Family Court, defense of women under Violence Against Women Act

- Pro Bono work with asylum seekers

- Pro Bono work as Court Appointed Child Advocate appointed by Chief Justice Judith Kaye E.D.N.Y

- Establishment of first children’s library at Family Court in Brooklyn

- Emergency responder at JFK during execution of 2017 Executive Order banning Muslims from legally entering the US. (That Order was later overturned by the US Supreme Court)

Luz retired in 2019 and had started to travel when the pandemic hit. She needed to do something with her energy and decided to certify in yoga and movement when she noticed how her community was having mobility problems, loneliness problems, etc. She remembered how meditation and yoga had helped when she was undergoing chemo. 

But nothing works if you cannot afford to attend. So, she decided to teach for free so that there is nothing stopping access to wellness. 

Luz is notably a 14.5 year ovarian cancer survivor, and it's actually ovarian cancer that she credits with getting her on the path of health.

And since you never take the lawyer away, she is very active with the Innocence Project.

Maria Oquendo

Finalist

Maria Perez (Oquendo) is the youngest of 12 children. She and her family moved to NYC from Puerto Rice when she was only 6 years old. She graduated from Julia Richman High School and attended LaGuardia Community College. She transferred to Drake Business School, where she studied to be an executive secretary.

She worked at Morgan Guaranty Trust Company, a subsidiary of JP Morgan, for several years. 

She married Francis Oquendo, and together they started their family. They have 3 sons: Ricardo, Roberto, and Raphael. In 1990 they moved their young family from the Bronx to the Poconos, and Maria has been a homemaker since then.

Maria is an avid reader, and enjoys container gardening and has a nice collection of indoor plants. Another passion of hers is genealogy, and she has been able to connect with many family members and has explored her family’s roots, as well as her husband’s family. 

One of the biggest challenges to Maria and her husband has been navigating the ups and downs of raising a child with Autism. During that time not much was known about Autism, and only a handful of kids were even diagnosed. It was not always east, but they made it work. Ricardo has grown into a happy, friendly, and well adjusted young man. 

Maria’s main purpose is to make adults with disabilities feel included in the community. Just before her son with a learning disability graduated high school, she looked to see what programs he could get involved with so he had a place where he could fit in and be active. After finding little available for adults with disabilities she took it upon herself, with the help of another parent, to start a bowling group. The group grew and soon turned into The Incredibowlers, an organization that promotes community, inclusion, strength, and perseverance for disabled adults

Maria’s donating will be going to the Pocono Autism Society.

About the Judges:

An independent panel of judges volunteered to select the finalists:

• Honorable Jamie Levy- Magisterial District Judge 43-4-01
• Wayne Rohner- East Stroudsburg Area School District School Board 
• Dr. Marilyn Brown- 2023 Person of the Year Finalist, National Council of Negro Women
• Andrea Palmieri- Owner, Pocono Kidz Zone
• Father Greg Reichlen- Church of St. John

Alternate Judges: 

• Rebecca Bear- East Stroudsburg Area School District School Board 
• Russel Fisher- 2023 Person of the Year, Valor

The Middle Smithfield Township 2023 Person of the Year was Russell Fisher, for his work with the St. John's Knights of Columbus and Valor. The finalists were Dr. Marilyn Brown and Sue Mahusky.  An independent panel of judges selected the three finalists from all those nominated for Middle Smithfield Township’s annual Person of the Year award. The judges announced the MST Person of the Year at the Volunteer Appreciation Banquet on January 19, 2024.  

The Person of the Year and the two finalists receive $1,500 and $1,000, respectively, toward their cause or a cause of their choice.

Russell Fisher

2023 Person of the Year

Russ Fisher is no stranger to serving the communities in which he has lived, and he has served them well thus far. Raising his family in the Brodheadsville area in the west end of the Poconos, he became heavily involved in raising monies that created recreational areas for the Chestnuthill Township Parks System. Over the course of 11 years, running trails, an all-purpose field, sand volleyball courts, basketball courts, pavilions, and playground areas for children were built. Russ was instrumental in bringing about the installation of the first handicapped-accessible playground to be built in Monroe County in 1998. And, when 911 hit, Russ’s Park Committee joined the cause and added $19,000.00 to the funds being collected for Monroe County families of loved ones killed in NYC.     

Serving his community in times of trouble continued when, within six months of moving here and joining the Church of St. John in 2019, COVID-19 hit and hit hard. As COVID restrictions eased in

late 2021, Russ found himself ready to jump into action to serve his church. He did this by sanitizing the church after every in-person mass, filling in where needed as an Usher, Music Ministry leader, etc. Then, in April of 2022, Fr. Greg asked the Knights of Columbus to reconnect with the Valor Clinical Foundation as the church’s relationship with this Partner in Mission was severed in the wake of the pandemic. Russ contacted Valor and set up the Knights’ first service experience in Stand Down, where volunteers feed the homeless veterans that live in the East Stroudsburg area in Dansbury Park on the second Sunday of every month. 

Russ also takes pride in the fact that he serves St. John’s other Partners in Mission: Safe Monroe, MC Pregnancy Resource Center, Mady’s Angels, and Bushkill Outreach, any way he can. Today, Mr. Fisher and the Knights are actively raising funds for a Food Trailer to serve the homeless in our local communities and beyond. 

Russ owes all of his success to the love and support from his beautiful wife, Kathy, his three loving daughters, his family and friends, his Brothers of the Knights of Columbus, and most especially to Fr. Greg, Analia, and Lorraine of the Church of St. John.  

Dr. Marilyn Brown

Finalist

Mrs. Dr. Marilyn M. Brown has resided in Middle Smithfeild Township for the last 10 years. She is an active member of First Baptist Church of East Stroudsburg. She is the CEO of Mrs. Dr. Marilyn M. Brown LLC, a consultation company that facilitates workshops and promotes spiritual, emotional, and academic education. She is a community activist. While living in Staten Island, New York, she founded Girl Scout Troop #5363; the first GS Troop within Staten Island to have a woman of color as a troop leader. In 2008 she was the first person of color to serve as NYS Delegate at the 51st GS National Convention. Having been raised in a single-parent household, Mrs. Dr. Brown has a deep passion for children as well as single parents.

Mrs. Dr. Marilyn M. Brown graduated with a Regents Diploma from Curtis High School in 1992. She earned her undergraduate degree in Child Psychology from CUNY Medgar Evers College. She is a two-time alum of Touro University where she is now a professor in the Special Education Department. She attended Touro University where she earned two dual Master of Science Degrees in Special Education, Childhood Education, School Building, and School Leadership; all of which she holds certifications for. Mrs. Dr. Marilyn M. Brown earned her Doctorate in Special Education from North Central University with an emphasis on childhood and adolescent trauma and PTSD. She counsels adults and children who have suffered traumas due to sexual, physical, and emotional abuse, as she is a #metoo survivor. 

Mrs. Dr. Brown made history in 2021 when she was elected as 1rst Vice President of the Greater Pocono Section of National Council of Negro Women while also having been elected as 1rst Vice President of the East Pocono Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She is a chartering member of the East Stroudsburg University NCNW Section. Mrs. Dr. Brown also serves as the Co-Chair to the Eastern Region Conflict Resolution Committee of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, as well as a member of the NCNW National Health Equity Committee. Mrs. Dr. Brown has been appointed and employed with the New York City Public School System for the last nineteen years.

For the past three years she has chaired the Monroe County Read Across Ameirca event, an event that promotes reading and high order thinking for the youth in Monroe and Pikes Counties (She would like you to know the next Read Across America will be heldo on Saturday, March 30 at the Hughes Library.). Mrs. Dr. Brown is a member of the board of directors of the Broadheadsville Watershed Association, a member of the Middle Smithfeild Township Parks and Recreation Committee, a member of the League of Women Voters, and serves on the Country Club of the Poconos HOA Social Committee and Hospitality Committee. She believes when you call a place your H.O.M.E., you are under obligation to use your God-given talents to serve that community. 

She is happily in love and in like to her husband and forever dance partner, David S. Brown for the past thirteen years. Most importantly, she asks if you remember anything about her is that she would not be where she is today without God and an education. Her motto is “the pain is never in vain.” 

Sue Mahusky

Finalist

Sue Mahusky was born in Frankfurt Germany in 1958 came to the US with her parents in 1959. Her US Army father was stationed in California, Kansas, and Georgia and finally in New York. Sue was raised with her younger brother and sister. She developed a strong work ethic helping her father in the family restaurant in Newburgh, New York.

After graduation Sue began her 30-year career as a home health nurse where she cared for the elderly in their homes. This took place while her three children were in school, during her 26-year marriage. Sue remarried in 2006 and her new husband and her daughter, moved from Ulster County to Sullivan County, New York. Then in 2011 Sue and her husband relocated to Hershey, Pennsylvania.  In 2020 Sue was in a car accident that ended her career, so she decided to move to the Poconos in 2022, to be closer to her family.  Upon settling down in the Poconos, she started helping her daughter raise a three-and-a-half-year-old granddaughter. In late 2022, she met a volunteer from Angel's and Dragonflies. 

Angels and Dragonflies started to assist families that were raising kids due to the addictions. That touched close to home since Sue lost a son due to addiction and she wanted to do something in honor of his memory.  It was after she decided to do volunteer work at Angel's and Dragonflies where she met Sherry Scott, founder of the children's charity. Her strengths are securing donations and coordinating receipts of materials called for area families and their children and planning events. In December 2023, Sue was voted in as executor director. 

From helping the elderly to helping families in need, Sue would say that her passion for helping others, is her calling. Her other interest include bowling at Sky lanes, attending functions at the Moose Lodge, cooking and gardening. Sue and her husband also have a Home remodeling business, where she does secretarial work. She also takes pride in caring for her children and four grandchildren.

About the Judges:

An independent panel of judges volunteered to select the finalists:

• Dr. Precie Schroyer - Associate Dean, NCC
• Patrice Dume - Economic Development & Entrepreneurship, ESU
• Debbie Kulick - 2022 Person of the Year Finalist
• Father Gregory Reichlen - Church of St. John
• Louis Santiago - 2019 Person of the Year Finalist

Alternate Judges:

• Francis Oquendo - 2018 Person of the Year Finalist
• Debra Raneri - Director of Community Partnerships, NCC
• Thomas Gansel - 2017 Person of the Year Finalist

The Middle Smithfield Township 2022 Person of the Year was Wayne Bolt, for his work with the East Stroudsburg University Foundation, the Middle Smithfield Township Planning Commission, Seasoned Veterans, YMCA and United Way. The finalists were David Brown and Debbie Kulick.  An independent panel of judges selected the three finalists from all those nominated for Middle Smithfield Township’s annual Person of the Year award. The judges announced the MST Person of the Year at the Volunteer Appreciation Banquet on January 20, 2023.  

As the Person of the Year, Wayne Bolt received $1,500 towards his cause. Finalists David Brown and Debbie Kulick received $1,000 towards their causes.

A formal check and plaque presentation was held on Thursday, February 23rd at 7 pm during the Preview of 2023 Presentation at the Middle Smithfield Township Building.

Wayne Bolt

2022 Person of the Year

Wayne Bolt was born in Brooklyn, NY in the mid-40s. In 1963 Wayne joined the USAF, and during his time there he went from Texas to New Hampshire, then from New Hampshire to the Philippines, and then to Japan, Germany, Guam, North Africa, France, and Spain.

In 1967 he received an honorable  discharge, and then worked as a shoe salesman, mailman and in 1969 became a New York city policeman until retirement in 1989 as a major crime Detective. Wayne moved to the Poconos in 1987 and helped manage the Hillside Inn, a minority owned resort.

Wayne was a member of The Rotary Club of the Smithfields, board of directors of Monroe County YMCA, board of directors of the United Way of Monroe County, board of directors of PEEC, Middle Smithfield Township Supervisor, tip staff for Monroe County courts, president of Crime Stoppers of Monroe County, one of the Founders of ESU Prince Hall Educational Scholarship Golf Tournament, assistant general manager of Fernwood Resort and helped start the Julianna V. Bolt Art Contest at ESU, former MST Golf Committee Member and currently sits on the Middle Smithfield Township Planning Commission. 

David S. Brown

Finalist

David S. Brown was born in 1950, and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y. In 1961 he attended PS 57 The Whitelaw Reid School. During his first year of Middle School, he was one of over one-sixty-three students selected to desegregate Arthur Somers Junior High School located in Flatbush, Brooklyn. In 1964 David S. Brown attended Thomas Jefferson High School. There he participated in the very first and coveted College Discovery Program (CD). CD, or SEEK, is a program that provides comprehensive academic, financial, and social support to assist capable students who otherwise might not be able to attend college due to their educational and financial circumstances.

Upon completion the program offered guaranteed admission into any New York City University. 

In 1968 David S. Brown graduated with his Regents Diploma, formally now known as an Academic 

Diploma, from Thomas Jefferson High School. Afterwards he attended both New York City Community College and Richmond Community College, both known as City Tech and College of Staten Island. While attending college he went to work for the New York City Board of Education (NYC DOE). He then returned to his alma mater, Thomas Jefferson High School, as an Educational Associate (Paraprofessional). He was among the first five people within NYC hired for this newly created position. David S. Brown worked with students in the College Discovery Program from 1971-1981. In 1981 David S. Brown entered the corporate world of credit and finance and remained there until his retirement in 2012.  

He made the Poconos his home in 2013. David S. Brown is an active member of First Baptist

Church of East Stroudsburg. There he serves as Chairman of the Elder Board and head Usher. Until now, David S. Brown spent his time anonymously serving the Pocono community. He cooks, delivers, and serves meals to various people in need. He is the unofficial “access-a-ride” to families in the community: taking them shopping and to doctors’ appointments. He even assists people in ascertaining their GED. When he does have free time, you will find him bowling at Skylanes Bowling Center, or on the greens of CCP Municipal Golf Course.

David S. Brown is the father of four beautiful children, Grandfather to five impressive children,

and Uncle to three wonderful children. For whom he is actively engaged in all their lives. He was married to the first Mrs. Brown for 27 years before The Good Lord called her Home. God blessed him with a firecracker, Mrs. Dr. Marilyn M. Brown, whom he has been married to for twelve honeymoon years. If you remember anything about David S. Brown he is a God-fearing family man.

Debbie Kulick

Finalist

Debbie Kulick is a graduate of East Stroudsburg High School and East Stroudsburg University where she has a BS in Elementary Education and minors in Communications, History and Biology. She served multiple terms as an alumni board member. She has a masters degree in Organizational Management with an emphasis on Non-Profits and Government from the University of Phoenix.

Debbie is an American Heart Association instructor and a PA Department of Health EMS instructor. 

Debbie served as a Middle Smithfield Township Supervisor for 2 terms, where she served as Chair and EMC. She is serving her second term as an East Stroudsburg Area School District School Board Director. She also served as Chair of the Policy Committee, Member Education Committee and various negotiation committees.   

Debbie is also a small business owner in MST. She has operated Eastern Monroe Leasing & Training, Inc. from 1992- present.           

Debbie is currently President, Crew Chief, Board Member, Training Officer, HIPAA Compliance, Safety Committee, presenter/programs for Bushkill Emergency Corps. She is also current President and former Vice President of Monroe County Ambulance Association, Founding member of Satellite club, previous Chair, various Rotary projects/programs for Rotary Club of the Stroudsburgs, Board member and Resource Development Committee member for Pocono Mountains United Way, President and charter member for Columbiettes of St. John's Church, Pastoral Council Chair for St. John's Church, Secretary and past President/Vice President for Friends of the Delaware River National Recreation Area, Eastern County representative for Monroe Public Library Board, Secretary/Vice President for Halls and Walls Foundation of East Stroudsburg School District, and volunteer columnist for Pocono Record. 

About the Judges:

An independent panel of judges volunteered to select the finalists:

• Dr. Precie Schroyer- Associate Dean, NCC
• Denise M. Seigart- Dean, College of Health Sciences, ESU
• Francis Oquendo- 2018 Person of the Year Finalist
• Debra Raneri- Director of Community Partnerships, NCC
• David Paskiet- 2018 Person of the Year 

Alternate Judges:

• Al Compoly Jr.- 2016 Person of the Year Finalist 
• Thomas Gansel- 2017 Person of the Year Finalist

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Middle Smithfield Township's Person of the Year was not awarded and no events were held for 2020 or 2021.  In January 2022, the Township held a Volunteer Appreciation Banquet, at which two long-time residents - Bob Huffman and Ray White - were honored.  The Person of the Year Award was revived for 2022 and the banquet was held again for the first time in January 2023.

Bob Huffman

Bob Huffman is not only a life-long resident, but is also one of the township's most dedicated and involved community members. Bob came to Middle Smithfield Township as a Historical Commission member upon its inception in 2013.

Ray White

Ray became a member of the Middle Smithfield Township Golf Committee upon its creation in 2010 until his passing in 2020. He was also an avid supporter of Mady's Angels and the Marshalls Creek Fire Co.

Middle Smithfield Township's finalists for the 2019 Person of the Year Award were Dennis and Ronnie O’Leary, Louis Santiago and George Vagelakos. An independent panel of judges selected the finalists from all those nominated for Middle Smithfield Township’s annual Person of the Year award. The judges announced the winner at the Person of the Year and Volunteer Appreciation Banquet on January 24, 2020. The Person of the Year received $1,500 towards their cause and the finalists received $1,000 towards their cause.

George J Vagelakos

2019 Person of the Year

George was born in Brooklyn, NY where he attended St. Brigid’s Elementary School in Brooklyn. He attended Christ the King High School in Middle Village NY where I graduated from in 1970.

George completed one year at Baruch College in Manhattan and one year at Queens College in Queens, NY.

In 1972 he joined Local #3 IBEW and retired in 2015, after 44 years as an Electrician-General Foreman. He worked on many phases of new construction, renovation and repairs in him time as a Foreman, but has fond memories of his work at the original Twin Towers, 3 Power Houses, the new Yankee Stadium, 16 years at Columbia University’s Butler Library and 4 years at Fordham University.

He also proudly served in the Army Reserve for 7 years.

George met his wife Maureen in 1969 and got married in 1973. They have 2 children, Nicholas and Melissa.

Nicholas graduated from Vanderbilt University and Melissa is a graduate of Suffolk Community College. 

Nick works currently works and lives in Cheyenne, Wyoming and will be married in October of this year. Melissa lives and works in Smithtown, NY in the banking industry. George is proud of both his children not only for what they have accomplished in life but for the future accomplishments he knows they will achieve. They have grown into kind, compassionate caring people and this fills him with pride.

George is a member of St. John’s Parish in Middle Smithfield and has been a member of the Knights of Columbus for 18 years. He is a past Grand Knight and currently holds the position of District Deputy serving Catholic gentlemen in 5 parishes: St. John’s, St. Matthew’s, St. Luke’s, Our Lady Queen of Peace and Our Lady of Victory. George is honored to serve the over 700 Knights in these parishes.

After retirement, he was lucky enough to start volunteering at Monroe County Meals on Wheels and RSVP (Retired Senior & Volunteer Program) Minor Home Repair Program as these programs not only help seniors and disabled, they have given George a profound sense of gratitude that he is able to help in some small way.

George feels blessed to live in Middle Smithfield and be able to use these volunteer opportunities to serve the community.

He wishes to thank the Supervisors for their untiring efforts to make Middle Smithfield a place that takes care of those in need and makes it a great place to live and raise families.

Louis Santiago

Finalist

Louis Santiago has volunteered for the Boys Scouts of America over 15 years.  He also volunteers DJ Services for the Annul Haunted Lehman Trail events for the Community since it started, and also he’s involved with Valor House fundraising.  Mr. Santiago is currently the Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 87, an outdoor program designed to develop character, citizenship, leadership, and fitness for youth ages 11 through 17, which helps in the development for Scouts to be well-rounded young adults.  As a Scoutmaster, he offers guidance to every youth member and adult in the Troop under qualified trained leadership, safe conditions, and the policies of the Boy Scouts of America.  He conducts interviews with every single Scout once they complete all of the requirements to move up in Rank.  It’s his job to determine if the Scout is ready to Rank up and to go in front of a Review Board for approval.  Responsibilities are delegated through him to other adults that all have a part in Troop operations.  Under his direction the Troop has been involved with serving the community in ways such as the Scouting for Food Program for Bushkill Outreach, marching in Parades, accepting the International Peace Light at our Scout House, Veteran flag replacement, various Eagle projects done in our area, such as at Echo Lake Park (adjacent to the new construction of the new Library and Community Center being built.)  Scoutmaster Santiago along with Committee members, advises Scouts on many Eagle projects such as, a fire pit for St. Johns Church, an outdoor wedding chapel for a local Judge, refurbishment of a local VFW storage shed, exercise stations at Echo Lake Park, community flag poles, and a Veterans Memorial station in the front of Echo Lake Park.  The entrance to the MST dog park across the way has been enhanced with a Troop 87 Eagle project under Mr. Santiago as Scoutmaster.  

Scoutmaster Santiago serves as a Merit Badge Counselor for activities such as Cyberchip, which teaches the Scout about Cyber safety, the proper use of cell phones and technology.  Mr. Santiago is also involved in volunteering every winter for the Annual Klondike Derby for Boy Scouts of Minsi Trail Council, and volunteers at shelter building, which is an important outdoor survival skill.  During the summer, Scoutmaster Santiago volunteers to go to Boy Scout summer camp to guide and be a mentor and encourage the Scouts to complete their merit badges and succeed in their duties.

Mr. Santiago selflessly gives up many hours to help promote the Scouts to be better citizens of the community.  Even though he already raised his two youngest sons in the Scout program from First grade through High School, and then on to helping them to attain the highest rank of Eagle Scout.  

Scoutmaster Santiago enjoys every minute along with the other 2.4 million youth participants and nearly one million adult volunteers and he is always looking to make improvements to make the program even better.  

Dennis & Ronnie O’Leary

Finalists

Dennis Was in the US Army 3rd Infantry Division from 1959-1960. He and Ronnie then got married on May 19, 1962. They built their home in Saw Creek in 1987 and moved there full time in 2012.

They have 4 children: Kevin, Theresa, Dennis and Michael. They also have 10 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

They were both active in the Hollis Bellaire Queens Village Bellerose (HBQVB) Little League which included 800-900 boys and girls. They were also involved in Pop Warner football. 

Dennis ran baseball and field maintenance operations at HBQVB and Ronnie ran the refreshment stand. They were both named “Man & Woman of the Year,” in 2004.

They have also volunteered on their community board, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Our Lady of Lourdes Outreach and High School CCD Programs and other fundraisers for various organizations. 

They began volunteering for Monroe County Meals on Wheels in 2014.

About the Judges:

An independent panel of judges volunteered to select the finalists:

• Laura Law, 2014 Person of the Year, Mady’s Angels
• Thomas Gansel, 2017 Person of the Year Finalist, Reformed Church of Bushkill Community Dinner
• Frances Boshell, Asst. Director of Student Life & Leadership Development, NCC- Monroe Campus
• Gary Smith, Gary in the Morning, Pocono 96.7
• Marlyn Kissner, Executive VP, Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Northern Tier
• David Paskiet, Alternate Judge, 2018 Person of the Year, Phoenix Martial Arts
• Al Compoly Jr, Alternate Judge, 2016 Person of the Year Finalist, Operation Chillout 

Middle Smithfield Township's finalists for the 2018 Person of the Year Award were Francis Oquendo, David Paskiet and Thomas Watson. An independent panel of judges selected finalists from all those nominated for Middle Smithfield Township’s annual Person of the Year award. The judges announced the Person of the Year at the Volunteer Appreciation Banquet on January 18, 2019. 

The Person of the Year received $1,500 towards their cause and the two finalists received $1,000. 

David Paskiet

2018 Person of the Year

David was nominated for his work with Phoenix Martial Arts Society- which is the only 501(c)3 martial arts program in the area. David has been practicing martial arts for over 45 years and has spent the last 10 years passing on his knowledge, primarily to children. He started Paskiet Martial Arts in 2009, and sought to create a community based program accessible to all student regardless of income or ability. After 8 years, with a team of dedicated board members, he formed Phoenix Martial Arts Society. There is no fee to participate, only requested donations to keep the program running and he has not received any financial compensation.

David has made an impact specifically by training kids with special needs, who have found a home in his program. He has challenged them to do the best they can, accepted them for who they are, quirks, limitations, special needs and all. He has also offered classes to students with parents serving in the military overseas or children who have lost a parent and who need a little extra guidance.

In addition to Phoenix Martial Arts, as a Navy veteran, he has served with the Monroe County Honor Guard.

Francis Oquendo

Finalist

Francis Oquendo was nominated for the work he does with Boy Scouts of America Troop 87 and St. John’s Church. He serves as a committee member of Troop 87 and is a mentor coach for scouts looking to become an Eagle Scout as well as overseeing their Eagle Scout projects until their completion. He also serves as a Merit Badge counselor for multiple activities in the Pocono District. He organizes the annual Camporee, which involves canoeing on the Delaware River and an overnight camping weekend. He also puts together overnight trips, historical hikes, and assists with the Pocono District Klondike Derby in Jonas, PA in January. He also serves as the Troop Chaplain and trains scouts district wide to be Troop Chaplain aides.

He also participates in the receiving and the passing of the Annual International Peace Light, which is transported from the original lamp from the eternal flame located in Bethlehem, Israel to JFK Airport in NYC. He is also responsible for bringing the peace light to MST.

Lastly, he in the president of the St. John’s Pastoral Council, Eucharistic Minister, and sometimes altar server. He teaches CCD to youth in preparation for Confirmation and organizes the monthly Scout Sundays in order to give scouts the ability to complete “Service to God,” requirements. He has also organized scout visits to other denominations in order to expand their experiences and views.

Thomas Watson

Finalist

Born in Patterson, NJ, Thomas moved to PA in 1986. He has a daughter who has been serving in the Army for the past 27 years and has been deployed twice. Thomas worked at FedEx, where he retired from in 2013. 

He is a member of Mountain Stream Baptist Church where he serves as a Deacon. He also volunteers for Garden-of-Giving, Meals on Wheels, MST 1000 Feet of Street Adopt-a-Road program. He also goes with a group from church to visit the Meadows at Stroud Nursing Home to visit the Alzheimer's patients to talk with and sing songs and have devotions. 

In his free time he enjoys gardening and building 1/35th scale World War II Military models.

About the Judges

An independent panel of judges volunteered to select the finalists:

• Miquel Barbosa, Chief of Staff, East Stroudsburg University
• Valerie Case, V.P. of Operations & Development, Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce
• Jan Korb, 2017 Person of the Year, Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry
• Gary Smith, Gary in the Morning, Pocono 96.7
• Brianna Strunk, Eyewitness News Reporter, PA Homepage
• Laura Law, Alternate Judge, 2014 Person of the Year, Mady’s Angels
• Vinny Bianchi, Alternate Judge, 93.5 SBG

Middle Smithfield Township's finalists for the 2017 Person of the Year Award were Thomas Gansel, Diane Jiorle, and Jan Korb. An independent panel of judges selected the finalists from all those nominated for Middle Smithfield Township’s annual Person of the Year award. The judges announced the Person of the Year at the Volunteer Appreciation Banquet on November 17, 2017.

The Person of the Year received $2,000 toward their cause and the two finalists received $750. 

Jan Korb

2017 Person of the Year

Jan Korb was nominated for his work at the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry.  The food pantry has provided approximately 10,000 meals a year for the last 5 years. Jan not only gives his own money towards the food pantry, but also used his own money to purchase a truck to help transport food. 

Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry is a food pantry located at 332 McCole Road in Middle Smithfield Township. The pantry provides food items and some clothing to people in need, with no residency restrictions. They are open the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month from 1-6 pm.

Thomas Gansel

Finalist

Thomas lived in New Jersey for most of his life with his dad, mom and brother. Thomas also has extended family in Texas and Virginia.

He was made aware of service from the Red Cross, Salvation Army and Catholic Charities when their house was flooded in 1999 by Hurricane Floyd. They were there right away to help them when they lost everything.  

He spent most of his school years in parochial school. He went to a private Catholic High School called Immaculata in Somerville, NJ where he graduated in 2010. His love for community service started there. Throughout his high school years he volunteered at spaghetti dinners with an organization called SHIP and he food shopped for the elderly.  He got involved with the Rotary Club of Dunellen-Green Brook, NJ, through his mother, who was very involved with the club and she even served as president one year. 

During this period, he learned and embraced the motto, “Service Above Self.” He attended many meetings, helped with many fundraisers and attended four Rotary District 7510 Conferences where he met many Rotarians  and was exposed to the needs of people not just from New Jersey and the United States, but from all over the world. 

He moved to Pennsylvania in 2010, two years after his father died. He started school at Marywood University in the fall of 2010 and got involved with Campus Ministry right away. He helped with many projects that helped younger kids such as Fall Fest and Kidstuff. He helped at the St Francis of Assisi Soup Kitchen and helped with cleaning out homes that were flooded by hurricanes. He walked dogs with the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter. The biggest project that he did in Marywood was his service trip to Biloxi, Mississippi, in 2013, where he went with a team and we helped paint and put down flooring for new homes they were still rebuilding from Katrina.

Fast forwarding to 2017, he started to get involved with the Monroe County Young Democrats and joined their Civic Action Committee to which he was later appointed Chair. One of the projects he researched was the Bushkill Reformed Church’s Community Dinner on Thursdays  from 5-7pm. When he first arrived, the other volunteers made me feel very welcomed he knew he wanted to keep doing this on a weekly basis. He did whatever they need him to do and they are a great group of volunteers. He never realized the amount of people who need a hot meal in Middle Smithfield and other neighboring townships. One of the things he is trying to accomplish is leading by example so that others, mainly young people, will do the same. Hopefully the future will hold more ways for him to serve.

Diane Jiorle

Finalist

Diane Jiorle was born and raised in Monroe County, and her family has lived here for several generations. Her and her husband, Dan, have been married for 34 years and have four wonderful sons; Tyler, Ethan, and twins, Luke and Levi.

Tyler and his wife Shelly just had twin sons, Carter and Conall on November 6th, and Shelly brought a grandson into their family named Taylor. 

Diane says that being a mom and now a grandmother is her biggest blessing.

She has felt so grateful to be a part of The Angel’s Closet for the last 15 years or so. She enjoys helping people and really loves talking to the moms, grandmothers or guardians who call for help. She originally started helping at The Angel’s Closet to get her “baby fix” because her sons were no longer little and she missed those days. 

Being a part of this became so much more for her; God gave her the gifts of hospitality and service and she is so glad to be able to use them for The Angel’s Closet. 

About the Judges

An independent panel of judges volunteered to select the finalists:

• Bob Phillips, Judges Committee Chair, Former CEO Pocono Mountain Chamber of Commerce
• Al Compoly Jr., 2016 Person of the Year Finalist, Operation Chillout
• Tim O’Donnell, 2015 Person of the Year Finalist, Kiwanis Club of the Poconos
• George Roberts, Owner, George Roberts Productions
• Gary Smith, Gary in the Morning, Pocono 96.7
• Marcia G. Welsh, President, East Stroudsburg University 
• Connie Roberts, Alternate Judge, George Roberts Productions

Middle Smithfield Township's finalists for the 2016 Person of the Year Award were Al Compoly Jr., Kate Newman and Andy Zaso. An independent panel of judges selected the finalists from all those nominated for Middle Smithfield Township’s annual Person of the Year award. The judges announced the Person of the Year at the Volunteer Appreciation Banquet on November 18, 2016.

The Person of the Year received $2,000 toward their cause and the two finalists received $750.

Kate Newman

2016 Person of the Year

Kate Newman lives in Bushkill with her husband Pete and daughter Emily and enjoys having her son Matt and his wife Ashley nearby.  

Following a strong call of God on her life to serve, she has spent the last 17 years as a volunteer at the Bushkill Outreach community food pantry.  

Recently retiring from the work at the Outreach, she has plans to travel to Budalangi, Kenya in 2017 to live and work at a small orphanage and school, with initial efforts focusing on clean water.

Al Compoly Jr.

Finalist

After graduating Freehold Regional High School in Freehold NJ in 1968, Al enlisted in the United States Air Force. After basic training at Lackland Air Force base in San-Antonio Texas, Al proceeded to Chanute Air Force base in Champaign County, Illinois where he trained to be an aircraft Environmental systems repairman. Al had several assignments in the Air force working on fighter jets at Craig AFB in Selma Alabama, Korat Royal Thai AFB in Thailand during the Vietnam War, Holoman AFB in Alamogordo New Mexico, and a two and a half year tour at Zweibrucken AFB in Zweibrucken Germany.

After separating from the Service in 1975, Al went to Brookdale Community College and obtained an Associates in Arts degree and then went onto Trenton State College where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Art Therapy. 

After completing college, Al was hired at Marlboro State Psychiatric Hospital, a 900 bed facility, where he conducted Art Therapy sessions for the residents of the hospital. By the time the Hospital closed in 1998, Al had worked his way up to the Director of Rehabilitation which encompassed 10 separate departments. 

After the Hospital closed, Al was transferred to the Greenbrook Developmental Center in Greenbrook NJ as the Supervisor of Recreation. After about a year, Al continued to work for the State of NJ by becoming the first person hired for a new facility and program for sexually violent predators in Kearny NJ. Al initially wrote the policies and procedures for this new facility in conjunction with the Department of Corrections who was providing the security. 

After about two years at Kearny and later at Woodbridge NJ where the sexually Violent program expanded, Al obtained his final position with the State of New Jersey, and the was as Chief Executive Officer for the Woodbridge Child Diagnostic and Treatment Center in Woodbridge NJ. The facility was operated by the Division of Youth and Family Services and provided emergency treatment and housing for troubled youth. 

After about a year and a half, Al retired from the State of New Jersey and moved to the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania.

Andy Zazo

Finalist

Andy Zaso is a retired teacher from Brooklyn Technical H.S. and from his Printing Business on Canal Street in Manhattan.

Volunteering started with printing a monthly newspaper with articles and photos of what the youth of Ozone Park, Queens could get involved in. Eventually, he became head of CYO (Catholic Youth Organization) and PAL (Police Athletic League) helping underprivileged children and youth. His four sons were also active in Baseball, Football, Swimming and Scouts. Andy shopped and cooked for community breakfasts, dinners, picnics, etc. that everyone was invited to.

When Andy and his family moved to the Poconos, it was already a part of their life to volunteer at St. John’s Church, the Senior Clubs, Mady’s Angels, the Italian Mutual Benefit Association and the Veteran’s Affairs. 

The money he receives will be donated to Mady’s Angels because of the incredible work they do in the community and their spirit of generosity to all.

About the Judges

An independent panel of judges volunteered to select the finalists:

• Father Gregory A. Reichlen, St. John’s Church
• Laura Law, 2014 Person of the Year winner
• Michelle Cacko, 2015 Person of the Year Finalist
• Geoffrey Roche, Director of Public and Government Affairs at Pocono Medical Center
• Brianna Strunk, Eyewitness News Reporter 

Middle Smithfield Township's 2015 Person of the Year Award finalists were Michelle Cacko, Tim O’Donnell and Chauly Younger. An independent panel of judges selected the finalists from those nominated for Middle Smithfield Township’s second Person of the Year award. The judges announced who they selected as MST Person of the Year at a New Year's Eve celebration at the Whispering Pines Banquet Hall on December 31, 2015. 

The Person of the Year received $2,000 toward their cause and the finalists received $750.

Chauly Younger

2015 Person of the Year

Chauly Younger is a passionate gardener that brought her skills and enthusiasm to the newly created Middle Smithfield Township Community Garden on Coolbaugh Road.  Embracing and promoting the "Grow a Row" program for the needy, Chauly inspired a community effort that led this year to the donation of more than 150 pounds of fresh vegetables to friends, neighbors and to the amazing folk at Bushkill Outreach.  You'll always see her in the garden, in her tie-dyed attire, doing her own carpentry (building raised beds and trellises), giving away free seeds to gardening newcomers and offering up gardening tips as needed... and on those few occasions when she's not in the garden, she's on Facebook continuing to inspire a world of budding gardeners.  Chauly came to this country as a refugee from Viet Nam in 1980 and has chosen to give back to this wonderful country by acting to help the needy.

Michelle Cacko

Finalist

Michelle Cacko was nominated for her continuous work with the East Stroudsburg Youth Association. She does the shopping for the concession stands, as well as set up and clean up for games. She also worked with the parade committee to make it so the children can march in the parades for the past 2 years. On top of her work for ESYA she also organizes the Christmas in July toy run for the Independent Bikers of Pennsylvania, which benefits a children’s group home in Orefield, Pa.

Timothy O'Donnell

Finalist

Timothy O’Donnell works as the public relations director of the Kiwanis Club of the Poconos- Daybreak. He has created a program to all children to learn about the environment by bringing together Middle Smithfield Elementary, the National Park Service and East Stroudsburg University. An accredited course will be provided for ESU students who are enrolled in courses offered by the Science and Environemt Department. He is also working with the NPS and elementary teachers to teach students more about the environment.

Middle Smithfield Township's finalists for the 2014 Person of the Year Award were Laura Law, Lisa Baldwin, and Melvyn Coon. An independent panel of judges selected the finalists from all those nominated for Middle Smithfield Township’s annual Person of the Year award. The judges announced the Person of the Year at an awards banquet on December 31, 2014 at the Whispering Pines Banquet Hall.

The Person of the Year received $2,500 toward their cause and the two finalists received $500.

Laura Law

2014 Person of the Year

Laura Law is the president and co-founder of Mady’s Angels. Mady’s Angels was established by both Laura and Malcolm Law to honor and memorialize Madyson Brendyl Law, an exceptional daughter, sister, friend and student. Under her leadership, Mady’s Angels has given back over $80,000 to the community. These contributions go towards providing scholarships to local students, support local charities, and local families with financial needs. Described as selfless, compassionate, and sincere, Laura has turned her work with Mady’s Angels into a full time job, a commitment which she is not compensated for.    

Lisa Baldwin

Finalist

Lisa Baldwin is a teacher of English at Lehman Intermediate School, a volunteer with Joey’s Eagles, and a deacon and band member at the Bushkill Reformed Church. For her service in the community, Lisa is an active volunteer with Joey’s Eagles—a non-profit organization that provides support for families with children and young adults facing cancer or other serious chronic illnesses.  She fundraises for, organizes and facilitates events for the organization. In addition to her work with Joey’s eagles, she has also organized numerous community and international missionary projects to assist others in need: After Hurricane Sandy, Lisa helped organize clean-up and repair efforts in affected areas, and in 2013 a mission trip to the Dominican republic to assist families in need and build a church.

Melvyn Coon

Finalist

Since Melvyn moved up to East Stroudsburg in the 1960’s, he has generously devoted his time to serve the community. Melvyn volunteers at the Resica Falls Scout Reservation (a 4200+ acre nature preserve that serves as a campground for scouts). As a volunteer, Melvyn does everything from keeping the grounds, building latrines, to assembling and servicing the cots. He and his wife Margie even planted a garden on the grounds of the Reservation so that the scouts would have the opportunity to take part in gardening fresh vegetables.  Those who have come to know and love Melvyn describe him as a humble man, whose influence in the lives of others is astounding, without any thought of reward or accolade.