Janet and Jerry Zimmerman chosen as Pine Island Citizens of the Year

PINE ISLAND — For their dedication to the community, Janet and Jerry Zimmerman will be honored as the 2018 Pine Island Citizens of the Year.
The awards will be presented at the Pine Island Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Social, which will be held this year on Sunday, Oct. 28, at 12:30 p.m. at the Landmark Inn, 526 Route 94 in Warwick.
Here’s how the chamber described their contributions to the community in the press release detailing the award:
“Janet and Jerry have relentlessly served the Pine Island community in many ways, often unnoticed and without hesitation. Always a welcoming neighbor and very involved throughout the town, they are often the friendly faces greeting guests at many of our Chamber’s events. Their work behind the scenes of the Black Dirt Feast and PumpkinFest has been instrumental to the success of both events. Together, Janet and Jerry are the first volunteers to arrive and work an event for the betterment of Pine Island, and they almost always are the last to leave.
“Both Janet and Jerry are retired school teachers, Janet from Elementary Education and Jerry from High School. Jerry originally taught English, but later learned and taught computer science. He was often sought after as a technology assistant to teach NY City municipal clerks and secretaries how to operate computer systems. Since their move to the Pine Island Community nearly twelve years ago, Jerry has publicized the Pine Island Chamber through E-newsletters, press releases, the posting of special events, and overseeing website updates. Janet also serves as the Chamber’s Vice President and Membership Chairperson. It’s very evident that both Janet and Jerry believe in community service and giving back.”
Distinguished Service Award In addition, Fran Gallardo, a lifetime Pine Island resident and retired school social worker for BOCES, will be awarded the Pine Island Chamber of Commerce’s 2018 Distinguished Service Award.
For many years, she has been volunteering with children and events in the area such as PumpkinFest and the summer enrichment program for migrant children. She possesses many talents of which she teaches and displays to children as a coordinator of activities such as face painting, artful crafts and sewing. She is always helpful and willing to serve her community.
Youth Achievement AwardsThe Pine Island Chamber of Commerce will also recognize two high school students with 2018 Youth Achievement Awards. Both are Pine Island residents who have shown exemplary service to their community, and commitment to their school.
Ava Ghobadian has been volunteering at Pine Island events, serves as Class President along with time spent in High School Senate, Homecoming Committee and Varsity Tennis. Ava is fascinated by microbiology, and has undertaken a research project looking at soil micro bacteria and it’s benefits to the environment and to farmer’s crop yields.
Daniel Rodriguez is also committed to Pine Island as a volunteer at the annual Black Dirt Feast and as a camp counsellor at Pine Island Summer Recreation. He is a student athlete currently on the Warwick Valley Varsity Football Team.
The installation of the newly elected Board of Directors and Officers of the Chamber will also take place at the Chamber’s Annual Social. Tickets for the event are $30 and can be reserved by calling the Secretary at 845-258-2078 or via email chamber@pineislandny.com.