Cranbury to honor young volunteers

[news]

Cranbury to honor young volunteers
By Maria Prato-Gaines

Posted: Friday, October 12, 2007 11:39 AM EDT

CRANBURY — The Township Committee is considering a resolution that would help it recognize youth volunteers in the community.

Township Attorney Trishka Waterbury is expected to draft a resolution that would give the Township Committee authority to grant informal awards to youth volunteers upon their nominations. The Township Committee is expected to discuss and vote on the resolution Oct. 22.

On Monday, Ms. Waterbury asked the committee to think about the items that could possibly be awarded to nominees, such as plaques, medals, cash awards or other mementos.

”Anything under $250 is safe,” Ms. Waterbury said, concerning cash awards.

However, one committee member is not so fond of attaching a monetary award to volunteerism.

”How do you put a price on community service?” Committeewoman Pari Stave said. “I think acknowledgement is the most important reward you can give.”
If the resolution passes, the Township Committee could issue awards after receiving nominations from a township department.

The proposal was inspired by the work of two college freshmen and Cranbury natives.

Adam Lawrence and Matt Chester spent countless Friday nights and Saturday mornings helping with the Cranbury Hoops program throughout their high school years.

The two coached in a youth basketball program designed to give children instruction on the game and its techniques, said Beth Veghte, chairwoman of the Board of Recreation. The program has
been run from November through March, from 2003 through 2007.
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http://www.packetonline.com/articles/2007/10/12/cranbury_press/news/doc470f957937f17653663668.prt