Five locals were recognized at a recent Hillsborough Township Committee meeting as part of a Somerset County-sponsored awards program.
At the Nov. 12 meeting, municipal officials recognized Hillsborough groups and residents by honoring them this year through the “Spirit of Somerset Awards” program, presented by the Somerset County Business Partnership.
The program is aimed to bring together representatives from the business, education and arts communities in a celebration of Somerset County’s many achievements.
Previous awards have been awarded to various recipients since the program started back in 1998. Some of which have included the Affinity Federal Credit Union; Brook Arts Center; Business Partnership of Somerset County; Fulton Bank; Johnson & Johnson Companies; Raritan Valley Community College; Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital-Somerset; Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission; Somerset County Vocational & Technical Schools; Somerset Patriots Baseball Club; TD Bank; and Team Capital Bank.
At the meeting, Hillsborough Township Mayor Frank DelCore expressed his content for the locals honored this year on behalf of the township.
“Every time we have awards ceremonies somewhere in the county, there is always this kind of representation from Hillsborough, to give you an idea of some of the volunteers and amazing people we have in town,” DelCore said. “Hillsborough Township extends its sincere congratulations to all the recipients for having been awarded the various ‘Spirit Awards,’ which is an honor for both themselves and for Hillsborough Township.”
Upon the presentation of proclamations presented to this year’s recipients, DelCore also thanked the recipients for their “community involvement and volunteer efforts.”
“It’s wonderful that Somerset County recognizes you, but we all know the work you guys do in Hillsborough, and we are very pleased that you were recognized,” DelCore added.
The following individuals and groups from Hillsborough recognized by the county:
- The Rotary Club of Hillsborough Township, which was awarded the Spirit of Somerset Award for Civic Improvement
- Hillsborough resident John Lombardi, a comedian and magician, who was awarded the Spirit of Somerset Award for Cultural & Heritage
- Susan Eckstein, Principal of Hillsborough Elementary School, who was awarded the Spirit of Somerset Award for Education
- Hillsborough resident Allyson Toth, the manager of Somerset County Senior Wellness Center at Quail Brook, who was awarded the Spirit of Somerset Award for Senior Services.
- Hillsborough Township Administrator Anthony Ferrera, who was awarded the Spirit of Somerset Award for Volunteerism for his work with the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) of Somerset County and serving as the NJ OAR President and Board of Director.
“We extend our sincere congratulations to all those who have been awarded the various ‘Spirit of Somerset Awards.’ It is an honor for both themselves and the community,” DelCore said in a released statement.