Chatham '2021 Heroes' Picked By Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill

CHATHAM, NJ — A new program that recognizes people from NJ-11 who have made a difference this past year, includes several Chatham residents.

U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill said she created the program as “an opportunity to remind our everyday heroes - teachers, healthcare providers, first responders, family members, volunteers or others who have impacted another person's life in a positive way— that our community is incredibly grateful for all of their work.”

Sherrill described the number of submissions her office received as an “outpouring,” with the following Chatham residents and what was submitted by those who nominated them, below:

Jun Quon, Engineering Manager, Chatham

Nominated by her friend, Irene Treloar

“Jun has stood out as a hometown leader during the pandemic. I first heard her name when she personally sewed 500 masks for the Chatham Library's 1000 Masks Challenge for frontline workers in March 2020. Shortly thereafter, the AAPI community was rocked by the mass shooting at 3, Asian-owned businesses in Atlanta. While many of us were struggling to figure out how to respond, Jun quickly organized a #StopAsianHate Rally on Chatham's Main Street, galvanizing residents to participate in grassroots activism for the very first time, and building solidarity in our community. In conjunction, Jun personally paid for 500 "Stop Asian Hate" lawn signs and gathered volunteers to distribute them throughout the community. My sign is still displayed on my lawn to this day. Further, she worked with the Chatham school district and families to raise money for a donation of books to the school libraries written about AAPI characters and themes and helped the Borough Council organize its first Diversity Celebration event in June 2021. Jun has a full-time job at a large global company, two small children (4th grade and 1st grade), and is an active member of our local non-profit, the Chatham Education Foundation. She is a dedicated member of our community and deserves to be recognized for all she does.”

Liz Bernich, Founder of F.L.A.G. Of Chatham and Madison, Chatham

Nominated by her friend, Chatham Councilwoman Carolyn Dempsey

“Liz started F.L.A.G. Of Chatham and Madison (Front Line Appreciation Group) which has served tens of thousands of meals to frontline workers throughout the pandemic. This not only fed our overworked healthcare workers, emergency services and essential workers, but it lifted their spirits, and provided much needed business, through the generosity of the community, for the suffering local restaurants and eateries. It was a win-win-win for everyone!!”

Meghan Tavormina, Owner/Director of the New Jersey Association for the Education of Young Children, Chatham

Nominated by her co-worker, Cathy Moran

“On behalf of the New Jersey Association for the Education of Young Children (NJAEYC), it is with great pleasure that I nominate Ms. Meghan Tavormina, M.A. for consideration for the 2021 Heroes program. I have known Meghan for over three years as a member of the New Jersey Association for the Education of Young Children (NJAEYC). Currently, Meghan sits on the Board of NJAEYC where she serves as the President. Meghan has worked tirelessly to ensure that NJAEYC be recognized by state legislators, state leaders, advocacy groups and other statewide associates as a strong partner and voice for the early childhood community Thanks to all of Meghan’s hard work, we are very proud to say that NJAEYC is now being recognized as a vital force and champion for the early childhood community in NJ. Meghan is an active participant on the NIEER Infant Toddler Center Advisory Committee, Child Care Advisory Board, Pritzger Leadership Team, and is a co-chair of the Think Babies Child Care Committee and serves on several focus groups around early childhood education. Additionally, Meghan works with our national affiliate, National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), to advocate for federal change in the early childhood community. She has also worked with partners and funders to bring advocacy tools to NJ’s early childhood professionals. Meghan is passionate about advocating for young children and takes opportunities to testify and speak with elected officials around important issues and specifically focuses on workforce compensation for early childhood professionals. Meghan’s work as President of NJAEYC is volunteer, dedicated to ensuring the mission of NJAEYC is met in all capacities. Professionally, Meghan created and opened a high-quality early childhood program located in District 11. Through her leadership and guidance, Meghan strives to create a nurturing and caring environment for the children. She recruited a quality team to provide care for young children. Meghan and her staff work with the parents to ensure that the children’s needs are met throughout the day. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Meghan opened her doors and provided a safe and healthy environment for the children and her staff. She was able to balance the changes required as a licensed childcare center while ensuring the health, safety and well-being of her children and her staff. The parents were provided comfort and reassurance that their children were safe and received quality care throughout their day during this unprecedented time. I cannot express within the limits of this short description all of the attributes that Meghan Tavormina possesses to qualify her nomination for 2021 Heroes program. Rest assured that the list would be too exhaustive. Her skills, knowledge, and dedication to NJ’s children, families and early childhood community make her the 2021 Hero Recognition Award nominee.

Rev. Jeff Markay, Pastoral Leader of Chatham United Methodist Church, Chatham

Nominated by his friend, Chatham Councilman Leonard Resto

“As soon as Covid hit and there was food insecurity in Chatham, Rev. Markay reached out to me and fellow Council Member Carolyn Dempsey to establish a weekly Food Distribution. This takes place at the rear of the Chatham United Methodist Church each Wednesday afternoon from 3:30 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. We are in our 83rd week of operation and serve up to 60 families per week. We rely solely on donations of money from residents to order fresh produce, milk, eggs and butter. In addition, we accept canned and bottled goods, plus toiletries for our 24/7 pantry. Rev. Markay has gone "above and beyond".

Click to see the full list of heroes from NJ-11 at: www.sherrill.house.gov/2021-nj-11-heroes.

Questions or comments about this story? Have a local news tip? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.