TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON—Nearly 200 community members, business leaders, and officials gathered Oct. 21 at Seasons Catering as the Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 51st Annual Citizens of the Year Gala, recognizing Jennifer Keilly Errity of Woodcliff Lake and Peter Raymond Wells of Park Ridge.
Citizen of the Year awards have been given by the Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce every year since Harold Effron was first honored in 1974.
Effron exemplified the spirit of giving back without expecting anything in return — most notably as an honorary member of the Park Ridge Volunteer Fire Department.
Both were presented with the Chamber’s highest civic honor and Joint Legislative Resolutions from the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly, sponsored by Sen. Holly Schepisi and Assemblymen Robert Auth and Joseph Azzariti Jr. The proclamations, signed by Senate President Nicholas Scutari and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, commend the honorees for “extraordinary professional accomplishments and exemplary volunteer service.”
We first reported the names of the recipients in coverage Sept. 21.
Mentorship and compassion
Errity, District Community Internship Facilitator for the Pascack Valley Regional High School District, connects students with real-world learning opportunities that promote leadership and service. She is co-founder and president of Spoil Me Pink, which supports breast cancer survivors, and serves on the board of Josephine’s Garden at Hackensack University Medical Center.
She also leads the PV Network, linking students with local organizations and charitable causes. “I was so humbled and honored to receive this coveted award alongside Peter Wells, a true pillar of our community,” she said. “The most special moment came after the event when one of my guests told me she’d been inspired to start her own charity in honor of her father and asked for my help. That truly made the evening unforgettable.”
A life of service
Wells, a Rhode Island School of Design graduate, has overseen more than 4,500 commercial projects through his family’s architectural firm, serving the region for over half a century. A Rotarian for more than 40 years, his civic service extends to local Chambers of Commerce, the Jaycees, Girl Scouts, hospital foundations, and the Bergen County Community Blood Center.
“Receiving such an award is really something special,” Wells said. “It was more than something for one — it was for all those that are a part of one’s life. I felt like I was saying thank you on behalf of everyone in our community who tries to make a difference.
“I encourage us all to find common ground, and to live with joy and faith, in honesty, humility, and service to others. Success is only when it is for us all.”
A night of recognition
Introducing the honorees were Nicole Marian, a close friend of Errity, and Phil Wells, Peter’s son. Presentations included commendations from the Bergen County Board of Commissioners, County Executive James Tedesco III, and plaques from Chamber President Tony Pallogudis.
Proceeds from the gala benefit the Skip Kelley Memorial Scholarship Fund, which provides 10 annual scholarships across seven area high schools, as well as charities chosen by the honorees.
Founded in the mid-1970s, the Chamber supports local businesses and civic engagement across Montvale, Woodcliff Lake, Park Ridge, River Vale, Old Tappan, Hillsdale, Washington Township, Westwood, Emerson, and Oradell.
Current officers are Tony Pallogudis, president; Anthony Rizzo, vice president; Kenneth Baron, treasurer; Greg Giardino, secretary; and Ralph Crespo, technology director.
For more information, visit pascackchamber.org.