15 Retirees Honored at VEA Banquet

Fifteen retiring educators and support staff members were honored for a combined total of 1,231 years of dedicated service Friday at the Vineland Education Association’s annual retirement gala.The event was held at the Buena Vista Country Club.

Photo: Front row, from left, Richard Lindsey, Celeste Maloney, Mary Lundberg, Patty Proccacino, Nikki Gazzara, Celestine Pollock, Linda Scavelli, and Melba Crescenzo. Second row, from left, Helen Mish, Warren Crescenzo, Vivian Uebelacker, Evered Levick Jr., Nancy Masters, Ron Cropper, and Joe Ardito.

Toasting the start of a new phase in their lives, the educators were praised by current and former staff members, and area legislators. Joyce Powell, President of the N.J. Education Association and a former district educator herself, was also in attendance.

The retirees received commendations and heard congratulatory remarks N.J. Senator Nicholas Asselta and Assemblymen Jeff VanDrew and Nelson Albano, who attended the event. Also in the audience was Michael Barruzza, Cumberland County Sheriff.

Chalky Ottinger, Superintendent of Schools, other central office administrators and Board of Education members Frank Giordano, President, Jacqueline Gavigan, Vice President, and colleagues Allen Bernardini and Ron Franceschini, Jr., were among those at the event.

“This is always a special evening for our association,” said Sal Emburgia, VEA President. “Congratulations to all the retirees and thank you –for all the years you have served, for all you have done for the Vineland Education Association and all you have done for the students. Whether you are a teacher, or a member of a school support staff, you have helped the students of our community throughout your career.”

“Heartfelt thanks for your years of dedicated work on behalf of children, your friendship and the support of your colleagues,” said Powell. “I have had the good fortune of working alongside many of you and I want to convey my appreciation for your dedication and commitment to service.”

Dr. Charles Valentine, retired superintendent, continued his streak of appearances at the event, which has now stretched beyond five decades.

Coordinators for the event were Yolanda Gutierrez, Pat Irons and Daisy Mercado. Gutierrez and Louis Russo were co-hosts.