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Community Corner

YWCA Bucks County 2011 Salute to Women Who Make a Difference

Volunteers were honored for their community service efforts by the organization during a banquet at Spring Mill Manor.

The YWCA Bucks County honored Shirley Hjertman, of Warminster, and 14 other women at Spring Mill Manor on Thursday night, all of whom have made a difference to their communities through hours of volunteer work and community service.

The banquet, which took place in Ivyland at about 7 p.m., saluted Hjertman for her involvement with the Helping Hands and Person to Person programs at the Ann’s Choice-Erickson Living retirement community in Warminster.

For more than seven years, Hjertman has been working to ensure that more than 2,000 residents at Ann’s Choice receive help, services and attention.

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As a former special education teacher with a master’s degree in therapeutic physical education and rehabilitation, Hjertman’s leadership in building support for the two programs is integral.

“It’s been very rewarding” Hjertman said, “If someone needs help, I’m available and happy to do it.”

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Hjertman said her favorite part of the work she does through Helping Hands is the friends that she makes along the way.

Hjertman and the other nominees received a certificate of recognition and a small “thank-you” gift.

The ceremony was fully catered by and featured a silent auction, raffle, and a performance by the Men of Harmony singers.

Bucks County Commissioner Charles Martin was present at the ceremony to accompany Margie McKevitt, who was also being honored. McKevitt serves as the assistant to the Bucks County Planning Commission Executive Director.

Also honored at the event were Laurie Dugan of Lower Southampton Township and Fran Orlando and Dennise Veasley of Northampton Township.

“You don’t mind working really, really hard for something when it’s something that you believe in so strongly” Orlando said concerning her work with local communities.

17-year-old, senior, Brea Martin, was also recognized Thursday night, for the second time by YWCA. Martin was chosen as the YWCA Teen Volunteer of the Year last month. Martin was the youngest nominee to be honored at the event at Spring Mill Manor.

Kelly Gerrity, director of marketing at in Bensalem, was recognized for her efforts through Parx Casino to conduct a wide range of community and charitable events, including Living Beyond Breast Cancer and The Susan G. Koman Race for the Cure.

Parx Casino was said to be “A Chorus Level sponsor of tonight’s festivities” said Kathleen Whyte. Whyte, a former television host and media spokesperson for Hallmark Cards, emceed the event.

YWCA Bucks County is a nonprofit organization serving local children, women, and families. Started in 1954, YWCA offers programs and services to support the less fortunate.

Other Nominees were:

  • Cara Broadbelt – Bensalem (Honored by GE Water & Process Technologies)
  • Debbie Jankowski – Middletown Township (Honored by St. Mary Medical Center)
  • Judy Loftus – Bensalem Township (Honored by Rotary Club of Bensalem)
  • Abby Powell – Lower Makefield Township (Honored by Lower Bucks County Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans)
  • Michele Rice – Newtown Township (Honored by Plant A Seed Foundation)
  • Carol Romano – Lower Makefield Township (Honored by Friends of the Food Center at Morrisville Presbyterian Church)
  • Carla Stinnette – New Britain Township (Honored by Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Bucks County Chapter)
  • Constance L. White – Upper Makefield Township (Honored by Bucks County Chapter of The Links, Incorporated)
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