Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill Names Chatham Resident As 2022 Hero

CHATHAM, NJ — A Chatham resident was recently named in U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill's award program that recognizes people from NJ-11 who have made a difference this past year.

Ruth Dekker, Chief of Staff at BlinkNow, a Morris County-based nonprofit foundation serving an ever-growing community in Surkhet, Nepal, was named a 2022 hero.

Dekker has been a part of the BlinkNow team for nearly 10 years, and she has helped people via various careers and volunteer roles for 30 years, officials said.

"I launched the 2022 Heroes recognition program to recognize members of our community who have made a difference in NJ-11 over the past year. This was 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 said.

Dekker first began her career working with abused children, both in a residential setting and on a state policy level.

She and her husband Hans Dekker moved to New Jersey with their young family in 2003, and she quickly began working with the School District of the Chathams on issues ranging from school gardens to road safety.

Since then, she has volunteered and worked for organizations such as the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, Girls on the Run, the Chatham Environmental Commission, the Girl Scouts and the Afghan Girls Fund.

Dekker was nominated for the 2022 Heroes recognition program by her co-workers, Katy Munden and Maggie Doyne. "Every day, Ruth gives her whole heart and life to make a better world for vulnerable children and families. Ruth has been helping others for 30 years," Munden and Doyne said.

Sherrill described the number of submissions her office received as an "outpouring," with the following three Chatham residents also receiving a nomination.

Rosemary Schwartz, Retired School Librarian, Chatham Township

Nominated by her son, Richard D Schwartz

"Rosemary has, since 2000, knitted 990 blankets for Project Linus, an initiative that supplies blankets to children in hospitals and shelters. She stands on the verge of having knitted blankets for 1,000 children by early 2023. She began knitting these blankets as a member of her church's ‘Knitters and Stitchers’ group. When the church closed its doors a few years ago, Rosemary kept right on knitting. Rosemary believes that the bright colors that she chooses lift the spirits of the children who receive her blankets. At age 95, this retired school librarian expresses enjoyment in the work, and adds, ‘it keeps me out of trouble.’"

Sally Simonfay, Special Education Teacher, Chatham

Nominated by the parent of one of her students, Cate Hartzell

"In the “Learning Skills” classroom at CHS, Sally is a tireless advocate for her students. She manages to convey genuine interest and enthusiasm when it comes to helping her students find their paths. My son has long felt out of place in the competitive world of CHS because he’s not sure he wants to go to college, and Sally’s non-judgmental approach has given him confidence to explore other choices proudly. Outside of the classroom, Sally volunteers tirelessly in the homeless communities around Newark; she is regularly spotted collecting clothing and shoe donations, distributing hygiene kits, serving meals, and providing help where possible. Sally keeps her superhero cloak well hidden because I can’t fathom how she finds the time to do this amazing work between teaching full time and being a full time wife, plus full-time parent to two teen boys!"

Sam Cooperman, EMT, Chatham

Nominated by his co-workers, Evan Skinner and Brian Colatrella

"In addition to being a paid EMT for Morris County, Sam is a volunteer EMT with the all-volunteer Chatham Emergency Squad. Sam started with us 3 years ago at age 16, a junior at Chatham High School, as a member of our Cadet program. Even before graduation, he moved to probationary status and quickly became a full member when he attained age 18. On Father's Day, 2022, Sam was pulled from his dinner table to respond to a choking incident around the corner. The Squad's duty crew was out on another call. While a scramble crew was organized, Sam was the only EMT on scene. He repeatedly attempted abdominal thrusts to clear the obstruction, but was unsuccessful. The patient lost consciousness. Sam, assisted only by 2 Chatham Borough police officers (who had also been trained in CPR by CES), initiated and led an effective CPR response. His efforts were rewarded with a full clearance of the obstruction and a return to consciousness by the patient. Sam's willingness to run from his home without the back-up of other crew members, his cool headed handling of the situation, and his humble response to the success is indicative of his value to the Squad and the Squad's value to Chatham. He is a hero."

Click to see the full list of heroes from NJ-11 at: https://sherrill.house.gov/2022-nj-11-heroes.