MICHAEL ACKER Mayor Kennedy O’Brien (l) reads a proclamation in honor of Stella Misiewicz, who stands in front of Borough Councilman Dennis Grobelny at the Jan. 1 Sayreville Borough Council meeting. SAYREVILLE – Borough officials recently honored a lifelong resident for her service to the community.
Stella Misiewicz, of Dolan Street, has served for 35 years on the Recreation Advisory Board, and counting, but has given much more than that to the town.
Stella’s son, Dr. John Misiewicz, a chiropractor and chairman of the borough’s Planning Board, told the Suburban of his mother’s volunteer efforts over the years.
“She has been a tireless worker for the church and the community of Sayreville,” Misiewicz said, noting her roles on local boards, and serving as a Democratic committeewoman for a year and a vice municipal chairman for a year in the town’s second district.
StellaMisiewicz said her children were the inspiration for her to get active with the recreation board.
“Being with my kids, with Johnny and Tommy, I’ve been in there since they were kids … since they were going to school. I really give my heart and soul in there,” she said.
Stella remains active with the board and also performs community service with members of her church, who go to the Detroit area to do work for the poor. She is also on the borough’s Shade Tree Commission and the Sayreville Day Committee.
Stella said she has become more active with recreation and other community service activities since her son, Dr. Thomas Misiewicz, passed away six years ago.
“Ever since then, I got more involved,” Stella said.
Stella also said her experience as a teacher for 15 years led her to volunteer for the recreation board.
“I loved the little ones,” Stella said. “They were 3 [years old] and up. I was a teacher, and that inspired me more to help the little ones. They were so good; they used to call me nanny all the time.”
Volunteering with the recreation department and the Recreation Advisory Board is more than just about service.
“They are just like my family, they are so good to me,” Stella said.
Stella attended St. Stanislaus Kostka School, where she met the man who would later become her husband, John J. Misiewicz.
“We were schoolyard sweethearts,” Stella said.
Stella, who served as president of the PTA at St. Stanislaus Kostka School, was honored by the parish in October as “Rosarian of the Year.”
“She’s worked on numerous projects,” said her son, John. “I can remember my grandmother and her ran the kitchen at the carnivals at St. Stan’s for years. There is a long history of community involvement. I call her the Energizer Bunny, because she has more energy than I do.”