May 10, 2005

Junior League honors volunteers who go the extra mile

Three Campbell women among the honorees

By Justin Petersen
Staff Writer

Campbell educational facilities housed three of the most influential and dedicated volunteers in Santa Clara County last year, according to the Junior League of San Jose (JLSJ).

Almaden teens Ben (center) and Alex (rt.) Greer were reportedly the youngest volunteers recognized with Crystal Bowl Awards at the Volunteer Recognition Luncheon. They spearheaded a project which outfitted more than 250 underprivileged students new backpacks filled with school supplies. Younger brother Zach (lt.) led efforts to physically pack the bags.

Michelle Beroza, Andrea Norby and Meredith Rudolf Weis, D.C. were honored with certificates of appreciation at the Junior League’s 36th Annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon (VRL) at the San Jose Convention Center April 22.

As expressed in its mission statement, the Junior League of San Jose is a non-profit organization of women committed to improving the community through voluntarism.

The event honored 115 individuals in all.

The Junior League offers training programs designed to enhance volunteer capabilities. Members take part in classroom instructional sessions and participate at actual events.

Volunteers must serve seven years before they gain classification as ‘sustaining members.’ In the meantime, training continues.

“With the Volunteer Recognition Luncheon we recognize those who volunteer full time, but never expect to be recognized,” said JLSJ President Leah Schnoor.

Members of the Junior League may not accept nominations. Slots are filled by the wishes of local non-profits and educational facilities.

This year the event began with more than 1,600 nomination forms distributed to such organizations. Of those, 115 were returned—encompassing the volunteers honored—and acknowledged at the Volunteer Recognition Luncheon.

An independent panel of judges determined 16 candidates, deserving of “Crystal Bowl Awards.”

Crystal Bowl recipients included 14 and 15-year-olds Ben and Alex Greer, alongside Eric Itani, Dr. A Richard Adrouny, Paul Calmis, Jessie Mae Eason, Indu Garga and Jeffrey Kaufman. Mark Liao, Diane Sandvig, Jon Stuart Smeltzer, Bob Swarbick, Susan Thomas, Alice Trigg, Vivian Younger and Billie Zwolinski rounded out the podium.

The 2005 VRL theme ‘success,’ was personified by ‘Grandma’ Eason, who was highlighted winning the “Volunteerism at It’s Best” award for her work at Catholic Charities’ Foster Grandparent Program. The 88-year-old is known for her vibrant energy. She walks two miles to work every day. She accepted the award graciously, “Children have enriched my life—it is a joy to wake up every morning and work with these kids,” she said.

“It makes you feel special to be around all of the people in that room,” said Maria Olson, who co-chaired the event with Stephanie Bielanski-Fehr. “We got to spend some time with Grandma Jessee Mae when we shot her video piece. She’s no-nonsense, but also very warm.”

Campbell Honorees
Michelle Beroza—Kathleen Gibbs of Rolling Hills Middle School nominated Michelle Beroza, noting Beroza’s steadfastness and availability to accomplish ‘large jobs.’ Beroza is responsible for the school newsletter, running copies for teachers and frequently works on special curriculum days.

“Michelle is a friendly, dedicated mother and mom volunteer,” said Gibbs. “She is conscientious, and she is also a working mom. Yet, she still makes time for us in her day.”

Beroza has served at Rolling Hills throughout the past six years occupying the chair of many committees.

“Michelle is so dedicated that sometimes she will take teacher materials home and work on them in evenings.”

Andrea Norby—Village School Principal Katie Middlebrook nominated Andrea Norby following a year where the fledgling parent-participation program bulged to 115 students. The school, founded 10 years ago as an experimental project, focuses on hands-on experience and giving children the opportunity to learn from particular talents offered by parents.

The K-5 Village School houses one musician and one artist on-site, and also implements the occupations of participating parents into learning curriculum.

“Andrea actually got me over here,” said Campbell School District veteran Middlebrook. “We joke that it’s all her fault. But Andrea is really willing to do almost anything. She sets up new systems at school, and served as lunch lady. She also interacts with kids having a difficult time socially. During lunch they can go in and play board games with her, and she teaches them rules and manners.”

Norby is also renowned for having spearheaded an economics center on campus, where kids go to learn about stocks, bonds and the housing market.

Meredith Rudolf Weis, D.C.—Kara Iwashashi and Trish Newfarmer of Commonwealth Club Silicon Valley nominated chiropractor Meredith Rudolf Weis for her contributions to the educational facility’s overall objectives in operating as a non-profit, non-partisan educational organization. The Commonwealth Club relies on the support of its membership, the Business Council and foundation grants to continue its role in fostering open public discussion in the San Francisco Bay Area and throughout the nation via radio, Internet and television.

To find out more about the Junior League of San Jose visit www.jlsj.org.