Post by admin on Oct 14, 2009 4:44:03 GMT -5
newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2009/1014/front_page/047.html
Freehold fair will match up volunteers & organizations
BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer
FREEHOLD - A small town needs volunteers to help it run. Bringing people together, especially in a small town, helps to establish a sense of community and connection.
To that end, Brian Sullivan, who chairs the Freehold Borough Community Information Committee, and committee member Kevin Asadi announced that the first Freehold Volunteer Fair will take place on Oct. 18 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Monmouth County Hall of Records parking lot in the center of Downtown Freehold. There is no charge to attend the event.
A rain date is scheduled for Oct. 24 from noon to 5 p.m.
Residents who visit the Freehold Volunteer Fair will have a chance to meet and chat with members of Freehold Borough's committees and commissions, civic groups and other not-for-profit groups dedicated to improving the quality of life and fun in Freehold Borough, according to Sullivan.
"Volunteering is an activity that promotes psychological health and well-being and Freehold Borough has numerous committees and groups that do specific things," Sullivan said.
Sullivan said Borough Councilman Jaye Sims came up with the idea. The Community Information Committee is hosting the event.
"I wanted to encourage more residents to start volunteering and get involved with some of our committees and commissions," Sims said. "Even if we have three people who sign up to volunteer (for a local board or group), I will consider this event to have been a success."
Sims began his community service by offering to help the Recreation Commission and by joining the fire department. He said giving back to the community is something he learned from his mother, who always told him, "never forget where you come from and give back as much as you can to your community."
Sullivan said, "Residents can use their professional skills, hobbies and other interests and will likely find the perfect match. Volunteering only takes a few hours a month and it increases the ability to make new lifelong friends."
Among the groups that are expected to participate on Oct. 18 are the Freehold Borough Planning/Zoning Board, Recreation Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Neighborhood Pride Committee, Freehold Borough Spooktacular, Freehold Beautiful, Freehold Borough Educational Foundation, Court Street School Education Community Center, Freehold First Aid and Emergency Squad and the Freehold Fire Department.
"Increasing volunteerism helps to build a community," Sullivan said. "We want to pull people together and get more people involved in what this town has to offer."
Asadi said a town the size of Freehold Borough runs on the generosity of its residents, along with their time and their money.
"A lot of people in town want to volunteer but are not aware of the opportunities available," he said. "Our goal is to match up committees and groups who need volunteers with those residents who want to volunteer. We want to be able to take advantage of the various talents and skills our residents have. We are looking to create a fun atmosphere and attract passers-by to come and check us out."
Representatives of nonprofits, committees and civic groups who want more information about being part of the event may contact Brian Sullivan at 732-567-2884 or Kevin Asadi at 732-322-8598.
Freehold fair will match up volunteers & organizations
BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer
FREEHOLD - A small town needs volunteers to help it run. Bringing people together, especially in a small town, helps to establish a sense of community and connection.
To that end, Brian Sullivan, who chairs the Freehold Borough Community Information Committee, and committee member Kevin Asadi announced that the first Freehold Volunteer Fair will take place on Oct. 18 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Monmouth County Hall of Records parking lot in the center of Downtown Freehold. There is no charge to attend the event.
A rain date is scheduled for Oct. 24 from noon to 5 p.m.
Residents who visit the Freehold Volunteer Fair will have a chance to meet and chat with members of Freehold Borough's committees and commissions, civic groups and other not-for-profit groups dedicated to improving the quality of life and fun in Freehold Borough, according to Sullivan.
"Volunteering is an activity that promotes psychological health and well-being and Freehold Borough has numerous committees and groups that do specific things," Sullivan said.
Sullivan said Borough Councilman Jaye Sims came up with the idea. The Community Information Committee is hosting the event.
"I wanted to encourage more residents to start volunteering and get involved with some of our committees and commissions," Sims said. "Even if we have three people who sign up to volunteer (for a local board or group), I will consider this event to have been a success."
Sims began his community service by offering to help the Recreation Commission and by joining the fire department. He said giving back to the community is something he learned from his mother, who always told him, "never forget where you come from and give back as much as you can to your community."
Sullivan said, "Residents can use their professional skills, hobbies and other interests and will likely find the perfect match. Volunteering only takes a few hours a month and it increases the ability to make new lifelong friends."
Among the groups that are expected to participate on Oct. 18 are the Freehold Borough Planning/Zoning Board, Recreation Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Neighborhood Pride Committee, Freehold Borough Spooktacular, Freehold Beautiful, Freehold Borough Educational Foundation, Court Street School Education Community Center, Freehold First Aid and Emergency Squad and the Freehold Fire Department.
"Increasing volunteerism helps to build a community," Sullivan said. "We want to pull people together and get more people involved in what this town has to offer."
Asadi said a town the size of Freehold Borough runs on the generosity of its residents, along with their time and their money.
"A lot of people in town want to volunteer but are not aware of the opportunities available," he said. "Our goal is to match up committees and groups who need volunteers with those residents who want to volunteer. We want to be able to take advantage of the various talents and skills our residents have. We are looking to create a fun atmosphere and attract passers-by to come and check us out."
Representatives of nonprofits, committees and civic groups who want more information about being part of the event may contact Brian Sullivan at 732-567-2884 or Kevin Asadi at 732-322-8598.