New members join board of South Amboy Branch Y

SOUTH AMBOY — Five community leaders have joined the South Amboy Branch Y Board of Managers, helping to create an expanded, more diversified board.

The new branch board members include Paul Christopher Kulakis, internship with Carmen F. Spezzi and Maliszewski Funeral Homes; Dr. Yaw Ofori-Behome, Adom Family Medicine in SouthAmboy; Dr. John S. Misiewicz, Sayreville Chiropractic Practice; Rebecca Wallentine, owner of Green Earth By Beck in Sayreville; and Casey Woods, legal specialist with the state Division of Developmental Disabilities.

“Our existing branch board has a goal of increasing the board with 20 community leaders from different business areas to enhance our capabilities in serving the communities of South Amboy, Sayreville, Morgan and Parlin,” said Lucinda Florio, president-elect of the Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge & South Amboy YMCA. “The branch board has done a great job in recruiting five impressive branch board members this year, each with various leadership capabilities, experiences and demonstrated commitment to serving their communities.”

Branch board members who joined in 2011, the first year of operations of the South Amboy Branch Y, include Janine Akey, Pamela Brown, Zusette Dato, Mary Lou DeBlis, Lucinda Florio, Anthony Gonsalves, Susan Gross, Kathy Kudelka, Dan McCrone, Linda Mazzella, Nancy Pavich and Barbara Tobin.

“We are deeply grateful for their insights, counsel and commitment to the Y,” said Sherrill Rudy, executive branch director for the South Amboy Branch Y. “These volunteers worked tirelessly and effectively to navigate the South Amboy Branch Y through the challenges of a startup organization in the first 12 months. Their skills and knowledge help strengthen our organization and make us better.”

The South Amboy Branch Y reaches more than 4,700 members through programs including child care, after-school programs, camps, health and fitness, and family and senior activities. The 17 members of the Board of Managers serve voluntarily.