Youth and Family Services honors exemplary citizens By Lori Berkey, Contributing Writer 03/17/2006

Shrewsbury - More than 240 people filed into the function room at Indian Meadows Country Club in Westborough March 11 for Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services' (SYFS) annual gala. Besides serving as a fund-raiser for the nonprofit community-based social service and counseling agency, the evening was a celebration honoring exemplary citizens. Shrewsbury resident Janet Trippi was presented with the Harry S. Cutting award for her long-term devotion to the community through volunteer service akin to that of the award's namesake. Eight outstanding youth were also honored for their community service contributions.
   SYFS Executive Director Jeff Chin was pleased with the evening's outcome.
"We're very excited, obviously," he said, "that so many people from the community were able to come out and join us in acknowledging Janet and certainly our youth award winners. It's really heartening to see so many people be in support of the idea of community services … It was a big event to put together and we're really excited it was a successful one."
   Individuals representing various community groups - including Trippi's cohorts from the Shrewsbury League of Women Voters, the Shrewsbury Garden Club, and Against Domestic Violence in Shrewsbury Education Project - stood up at the microphone and gave testimony to Trippi's years of tireless community service. Scores in the audience nodded, as though the testimony was not news to them. It was obvious Trippi was already well revered. Upon acceptance of her award, she was given a standing ovation. And yet, even in her moment being honored, Trippi took the opportunity to advocate for SYFS.
   She ended her acceptance comments with a plea for continued agency support.
   "I am so delighted to see all of you here tonight to support a wonderful agency, the Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services, who deserve a great deal of support. They use every dollar wisely. Please continue," she said.
   The eight youth who were honored included six Shrewsbury High School students: Isabel Broer, Samantha Chadwick, Heather Dalke, John Easson, Dan Hogan and Michelle Leroux. The other two awarded were Matthew Brennan of Saint John's High School and Stephanie Stadig of Holy Name High School.
   Heather was pleased to be among the award recipients. She didn't let her own glory overshadow what her peers were being recognized for.
   "I was in great company," she said. "There are so many good kids up there."
   Heather's community contributions include volunteer service to residents of the independent living facility, Southgate at Shrewsbury, and being a volunteer speech and debate coach for middle school students.
   Heather said being recognized is an honor. But even before she was chosen for the award, she had already reaped rewards from her actions.
   "When I do my service, I'm not really thinking about getting an award, I'm really thinking about the people I help, and that's what I enjoy. Getting the award is an aside," she said.
   Heather's parents, Becky and Dave Dalke, attended the gala and expressed their pride. Her grandmother, Ginny Gamble, came down from Maine for the occasion and was equally pleased.
   "I'm so thrilled," Gamble said. "And she certainly has deserved it. She's self-motivated."
   Linda Chadwick, Samantha's mother, was another proud parent in the audience.
   "It's thrilling. It's wonderful to see her growing up, maturing, and making her own choices," Linda said. "I'm a volunteer myself, and it's wonderful to see that she's volunteering for the community too. It means a lot to me now and I think it will to her too, now and in the future."
   Samantha felt good about being chosen. She said it was a wonderful feeling to be nominated by people she respects and cares about.
   "It was a great honor," she said. "It's nice to be thanked. You do the work without expecting to be thanked but at the same time it's nice to have the recognition."
   The event included music by Shrewsbury High School's jazz band, raffles, and live and silent auctions. Funds raised from the gala will support the agency's programming. Services provided by SYFS include individual, couples, family and home-based counseling; case management; and advocacy. Additionally, the agency offers a violence intervention and prevention program, community outreach, workshops, structured after-school programming, a fuel assistance program, and other services.
   For more information about SYFS call (508) 845-6932 or visit www.shrewsburyyfs.org.