Millburn Community Leader 'Tirelessly And Selflessly Volunteers'

MILLBURN,NJ — Without its community leaders, Millburn / Short Hills, NJ wouldn’t hum along nearly as smoothly as it does. We’d miss their contributions in big and small ways.

Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize these often unsung community leaders and celebrate their contributions.

This submission comes from Mark Bigos, a Millburn / Short Hills reader who nominated Karen Eastman Bigos.

How do you know this community leader?

Spouse

What does this community leader do?

Former officer of Millburn / Short Hills Chamber of Commerce. Former Board member of Millburn / Short Hills Historical Society. Real estate broker in the community for over 35 years

Why do you believe the community leader should be recognized or honored?

Tirelessly and selflessly volunteers on behalf of and initiated wonderful community focused organizations, causes, and even helps recognize individuals whom have themselves dedicated much to the community:

Initiated the Millburn and Short Hills Author recognition after discovering local library unaware there were local authors. Karen researched and put out requests for information via social media and when she was finished collected 150 books written by residents, former Millburn High School students, business owners, and teachers. Solely because of Karen’s efforts and sponsorship, the Millburn Library now had a section dedicated to Millburn/Short Hills authors;
Organizer (and volunteer driver) of Millburn retired teachers’ annual luncheon;
Initiated Hometown Heroes recognizing veterans of all wars with banners in the town. At current count, 92 banners have been ordered and about $4,600 has been raised for the local American Legion. Karen has organized and managed much of this project herself; discovered a retired police chief was a talented painter and Karen organized his first ever art show (at age 90) at the Millburn library; sponsor and volunteer for the Millburn Fourth of July committee and festivities; sponsor and volunteer of the lovely Chamber of Commerce Millburn Winter Walk in Taylor Park; sponsor of Millburn High School Scholarship fund; sponsor of Art in the Garden at Reeves Reed Arboretum in neighboring Summit, NJ. Informally Karen created a social media campaign to help local businesses after a major flood had devastated many local stores; early volunteer for Project Graduation at Millburn High School. Karen’s devotion, energy, and volunteerism is well known throughout the community but she has yet to be formally recognized. This would be a great honor.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the community hero?

Karen has been a lifelong champion of the community starting when she was a student and cheerleader at Millburn High School

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile. Know a community leader who deserves a shout-out? Nominate them here.