The Alternative Press

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ – Berkeley Heights came together on Wednesday night at The Primavera Regency in Stirling to honor Hal Daume, Mark Vicendese, Midge Vicendese, Andrew Moran and Mary Ann Walsh as this year’s Berkeley Heights Good Scout Award Winners.

“Hal, Andrew, Midge, Mark and Mary Ann are five remarkable honorees that have given so much to Berkeley Heights," said Grant Van Eck, District Executive of the Boy Scouts of America, Patriots' Path Council. "It was our privilege at the Boy Scouts to recognize them for being such great examples for our youth as they live the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives and serve selflessly.”

Hal Daume, Scouting Commissioner for Berkeley Heights and Past President of the Rotary Club of Berkeley Heights told TheAlternativePress.com, “When I founded this event seven years ago, my intent was to shine the spotlight on so many others who give so much to our community. It's a complete surprise and very humbling when that spotlight is turned around."

Mark and Midge Vicendese, owners of Berkeley Hardware, were also honored.  Mark is past PAL Softball and Basketball Coach as well as Past Berkeley Heights Education Foundation Member while Midge is Past Girl Scout Leader, Past BHCP Board Member and Current Member of CAST.

Andrew Moran, another honoree, is the Union County Director of Public Safety, Vice-President of the Berkeley Heights Police Athletic League and has served in numerous capacities in Berkeley Heights including with the Berkeley Heights PBA Local 144.

Mary Ann Walsh, a realtor at Re/Max Premier, is a member of the Berkeley Heights Board of Education and is a Municipal Alliance Member.  She also is Past Chairperson of the Berkeley Heights Recreation Commission as well as Past Mountain Park and Columbia Schools PTO Vice-President, among other community service.

“I am very grateful to the Boy Scouts of America and our local Patriot's Path for all they do for our children and our town and I truly appreciate this wonderful honor, “ Walsh told TheAlternativePress.com.

She continued, “When I first moved to Berkeley Heights almost 15 years ago, I knew I wanted to get involved and try to give back to my community.  One thing that I learned early on is that you gain much more than you give when you volunteer and this has certainly been the case for me.  Through various experiences with the PTO's, the Berkeley Heights Education Foundation, the Recreation Commission, and most recently with the Board of Education, I have had the privilege of meeting and working with some of the most passionate, dedicated and caring individuals anywhere.” 

Walsh concluded, “It is the people of Berkeley Heights who are always willing to step in and help a neighbor in need, rally together for an important cause, and get their hands dirty to fix what might be broken, that make Berkeley Heights such a special place to live.  I am honored to be a part of this community and I urge everyone to volunteer their time and talents in whatever way they can.”