2017 Hearts of Hayward
Hayward holds its annual Hayward Volunteer Recognition and Awards Dinner to honor outstanding volunteers who contribute their time and energy to benefit local human services, non-profits and other programs in Hayward. The names form an honor roll of Hayward’s outstanding residents and most selfless volunteers, who help sustain a vibrant community and inspire others to contribute to a dynamic future for Hayward. Below is a list of the 2017 Hearts of Hayward Honorees.
Janell has been a volunteer driver with SOS Meals on Wheels for over 6 years. She has contributed many hours and 4,500 miles at her own expense delivering meals to homebound Hayward seniors. She takes the time to get know the seniors on her routes, learning their life stories and providing support beyond just meals. Janell helps keep seniors safely where they want to be - in their own homes.
The Sun Gallery is very grateful to David for all the valuable time he has spent encouraging his students and their families at the Free Art Saturday Family Classes at the gallery, helping Hayward children realize their creative potential. He has been a constant source of support for everyone that has come into his path. As an educator for Hayward Unified for the past 12 years, David says that including art in his students’ lives can be truly magical.
Patriza was born in Turin Italy and lives in Muriaglio Italy. However, she actively volunteers with the Hayward-based Peter Satengna Foundation, helping local students of all ages succeed. Patrizia’s brings a worldview of education and its importance in accepting and bringing together different cultures. She also works on education efforts in Italy and brings students to the US to build their skills and awareness. Accepting on behalf of Patrizia is Shannon Succoto.
Deanna has been a volunteer for the Hayward Police Department for 18 years, volunteering approximately 6,000 hours. She started out volunteering at the resource center at Southland Mall and is currently a Block Captain for her neighborhood and serves as a board member for the Hayward Neighborhood Alert. Deanna spends her Tuesdays helping in the Criminal Investigations Bureau and is highly respected by HPD. They are grateful to see her hard work and dedication recognized by the community.
Lisa volunteered as a Housing Resource Specialist for Eden Information and Referral. One of her assigned duties was calling landlords on a daily basis to keep the agency’s Affordable Housing database current. She also answered phone calls and assisted clients. Although she has left eden for a full-time, paid job, Eden I & R truly enjoyed Lisa’s hard work and dedication. Through her volunteer work, Lisa discovered that one of her true passions is to help others within her community.
Tery has volunteered with the Hayward Area Historical Society for the past 7 years accumulating in more than 1,000 hours of service. She is not only a Docent of the McConaghy House, but also helps out with specialty programs with specialty programs and events to help raise funds for restoration of the property. She also puts in countless hours organizing, cataloging, and cleaning artifacts. Tery is such an invaluable volunteer that she was also recognized as the Society’s Volunteer of the Year in 2014.
A Charter Member of the Mt. Eden High School Alumni Association & Educational Foundation, JoAnn has been an important part of the organization’s leadership since its inception. She currently serves as Vice President and has helped host the school’s first all-class reunion, raising money for a scholarship supporting student participation in Leadership Hayward. JoAnn has also played a significant role in solidifying the foundation’s collaboration with local arts organizations.
George is a graduate of Mt. Eden High School and the St. Rose Hospital Foundation FACES for the Future Program. George has provided health education presentations to local middle schools, and assisted with community and Foundation events. He has a lifetime goal of becoming a physician and has completed internship rotations with multiple departments at St. Rose Hospital. George was chosen as one of twelve students in the nation to attend the Global Health Youth Summit in D.C.
This mother and son duo were born in Puebla, Mexico. They immigrated to the US in 1977 and settled in Hayward. Ricardo attended Tennyson High and is working towards a certificate as a landscape architect to further his work in the family landscaping business. Rosa and Ricardo have been faithful attendees of the KHCG cleanups for the last three years and are representative of the dedication and heart of volunteerism that makes Hayward special.
Anais has been a leading volunteer in The Kids’ Breakfast Club for five years. She has volunteered at Burbank Elementary School, cooking breakfast and teaching fellow classmates how to cook and serve breakfast to kids and their families. Anais has built a strong trusting relationship with parents. She has never missed a day to volunteer and always arrives early and leaves last. In so doing, she has certainly set a high standard for all TKBC volunteers.
In founding the Eden Area Interfaith Council, Julie built on her commitment to nurturing interfaith understanding and to working against religious discrimination. Currently the chair of the Communication Committee, Julie served as the Council’s first President and led its first interfaith peace march and other initial efforts.Munir was also instrumental in the formation of the Council, managing its online presence and other publicity. Munir moderated the first “Know Your Muslim Neighbor” panel at the Castro Valley Library and currently serves as treasurer for the Council.
Since first volunteering at the Hayward Library’s Adult Literacy Program in 2009, Robert has combined his teaching and technical talents to help many learners master and improve their reading, writing and conversational abilities. He has assisted the English as a Second Language program with conversation circles and classroom work, where he is known as someone who takes the time to listen and finds a way to help if he can.
Dale joined Cal RTA in 2003 after retiring from 35 year career in teaching. He has been Division 59’s Communications Chairman since 2005. Dale also writes articles about members and contributes word games for the Divisions newsletter. Dale originated “Feats of Strength” which is a series of athletic contests for men and women over 50. Dale is an exceptional volunteer serving his fellow teachers and community.
Since 2007, Izonia has dedicated her time in Spectrum’s Senior Nutrition Program. She has a long history of serving her community and feels that volunteering is especially important because it teaches people to develop compassion, be selfless, and to give without expecting something in return. She always provides a welcoming and safe environment for members of the community to enjoy a meal.
Redgy and Dolores have participated in numerous community projects through the Kiwanis club. Redgy was a Past President and Club Secretary. His wife Dolores has volunteered for many different events as a cook. including for Hayward Clean-up days, H.A.R.D’s Grandparents Day Breakfast and the Sunday morning breakfast for the Hayward Relay for Life. This dynamic couple are known as the Kiwanians that always say Yes to Volunteering!
As Past-President of Ruby’s Place’s Board, Cecily is a tireless advocate for survivors of domestic violence. She has given years of her time and talent to Ruby’s Place, including assisting with the rebranding efforts and extensive repairs. She has even recruited her whole family to help! Cecily was also a volunteer panelist in the 2014 Hayward Honors Women Even and received a Human Rights Award in 2010.
Colleen spends hundreds of hours yearly so that our students in Hayward and surrounding cities have the opportunity to play organized sports and can succeed in high school. Colleen organizes the Moreau Crab Feed registration and helps wherever and whenever she is needed, including getting backpacks for kids, helping children see their incarcerated mothers, and providing meals for hungry students.
Madeline is an amazing volunteer, who does not let anything interfere with making a difference at the Family Emergency Shelter Coalition on a weekly biases. She always arrives with a positive attitude, ready to assist in way she can. She is organized, diligent, and mindful of her work. FESCO staff consistently state that Madeline is a joy to work with. The deeply appreciate her commitment, positivity and grace in completing whatever tasks come her way each week.
Donna loves kittens and has cared for many as a foster mom for the Hayward Animal Shelter. Donna is also a strong advocate for spay and neuter programs. She has spent many hours reaching out to Hayward neighborhoods teaching families to deal with the cats in their area. Donna was recognized in . Through Donna’s hard work and assistance, many Hayward neighborhoods have benefited, both humans and feline residents alike.
Stanley is a developing leader who has volunteered for CRIL over the past year. He has dedicated his time to building an engaged voting bloc, registering people with disabilities to vote. He also coordinated a volunteer phone bank and educated voters with on key issues. He trained youth through CRIL’S Get-Out-The-Vote campaign, which resulted in over 3000 voter contacts. He continues to volunteer with Disability Action Network Youth, assisting with community outreach, and developing the skills of others.
Elgin is a member of the Executive Committee of the Hayward South Alameda County NAACP. As a 20 year veteran of the District Attorney’s Office, Elgin shares his legal expertise with the NAACP, reviewing cases and providing expertise. Elgin routinely speaks to at risk Youth and has been credited with reducing gang violence through his outreach efforts. Elgin has encourages our youth and provides multiple opportunities for them to succeed. He supports our youth and our community in a positive manner.
Iyesha has been treasurer of the Youth Orchestra of Southern Alameda County for four years. In spite of her busy schedule, she is very responsive to any questions, keeps the books for YOSAC, prepares reports, and assists with grant applications. When not keeping the orchestra in balance, she works for Rotometals and H&R Block as well as caring for her family. YOSAC thanks Iyesha and encourages her to take time for a cup of hot tea and a good book.
Paul was made in Hayward and has contributed to all aspects of Hayward Rotary since joining the club in 1996, including mentoring club presidents and assisting with club events. As Club President and later as Foundation President, Paul has been steadfast in his commitment to improving the quality of life in the Hayward community. Paul created the Just in Case project to provide new smoke detectors and batteries in collaboration with Hayward Fire and Case Industries.
Rich joined Scholarships, Inc in 2010 and immediately took on the Treasurer position. With little experience, he tackled the job and soon had organized spreadsheets and reports and was filling out government paperwork. Rich remained in this position for five years and helped transition in the next TWO Treasurers! He is still an active member of our group and participates in all functions.
Marshall’s continual engagement with the Hayward community, especially regarding the education of our youth and young adults, goes above and beyond the call of duty. His myriad volunteer commitments underscore his passion for student success. Dr. Mitzman has served as a mentor for Striving Black Brothers, business students, and Circle K Club members. He also is a member of the planning committee for this event and involved in many other community efforts.
Carl is a dedicated volunteer with the Hayward Shoreline Advocates assisting with the programming and presentations for their meetings. His work with the group is an integral part of keeping it vibrant. Carl has a long-term commitment to educate the public at large about the Hayward Shoreline. He walks the trail every day, rain or shine, and has provided information and even emergency assistance to fellow visitors.
Despite her high-level job as Manager of Fremont Bank’s Hayward Branch, Carrie manages also to contribute her time and talents to help her community in a variety of ways, including serving as Secretary for the Board of the Hayward Education Foundation. She has also helped students directly by going into the classroom and as a volunteer at SAVE. Carrie is determined to enhance education for Hayward students.
Vivian was chosen as a “Heart of Hayward” for her volunteer efforts throughout our city. Last year, Vivian was appointed to the Hayward Youth Commission and did an amazing job, not only on the commission, but also on this year’s Community Taskforce where she co-chaired the Accessibility Sub-Committee. Through Volunteer Hayward, she has worked on multiple projects including Adopt-a-Family program and citywide clean ups.
Jim has been a South Hayward Parish volunteer for over 25 years, distributing food to people in need and providing program support. Jim has been volunteering for most of his adult life including cooking for FESCO and a few Italian and Catholic organizations. Jim always smiles and takes the opportunity to crack a joke. He is the type of volunteer everyone wants. And, if you want a good recipe for an Italian dish, then Jim is your man.
Salonje has been a volunteer with Reality Mentor, Inc. since November 2016. She helps with many administrative tasks including filing, copying,updating social media outlets, etc. Salimah facilitates and organizes annual ‘stop the violence’ and ‘increase the peace events’. Her mission is to find a way to end gun violence, inequality and injustices, to make the world a better place for future generations.
Gerry and Winnie Thompson are active volunteers and artists in Hayward. Before their current service as Co-Presidents for the Hayward Arts Council, they curated three different galleries, assisted with fundraising, and other improvements. Gerry engineered the first Open Juried Show at the John O’Lague Galleria in City Hall last year. Beyond her work at the Council, Winnie is active in ART, Inc, Literacy Plus, and serves as President of the local branch of the American Pen Women. Winnie also received the John Pappas Award in 2004.
As a volunteer, Simon supports the Hayward Salvation Army’s media and communications function, serving as photographer for many events and assisting with fundraising efforts. He also serves on the Tri-Cities Corps Advisory Council and is organizing a visit by The Salvation Army Western Territorial Staff Band to the Bay Area for January 2018. Simon lends a hand wherever it is needed.
Currently Co-President of the Eden Area League of Women Voters, Aihua is particularly proud of the accomplishments of the League and has been working to strengthen the local chapter. She is bilingual and has published articles on voting issues in the Chinese newspaper, World Journal. Aihua works tirelessly to educate the community on all vital issues, especially reaching out to minorities and women.
Lynne is a born volunteer. She has been one of the mainstays of the Friends book sales, sorting and selling each month. Lynne was in the first graduating class of Hayward’s California State University. She also volunteers with the Keep Hayward Clean and Green Task Force and Soroptimist International. She is also a teacher, working with a broad spectrum of students from Tennyson High to foreign service intelligence agents.
Vicente has been involved with the South Hayward Neighborhood Collaborative since 2010. He was instrumental to the development of the South Hayward Stroll community fair and consistently steps up to support planning efforts. He shares resources, provides technical and logistical support to the Collaborative. Vicente’s many talents have been invaluable to the Collaborative and its efforts to empower Hayward residents.
