TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON, N.J.—Not seven swans a-swimming but rather seven Cardinals a-cheering! Going door to door, a squad of Junior Cardinals cheerleaders, whose program has merged those of the Westwood and Washington Township rec programs, surprised the Washington Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps last week with gifts of Christmas wreaths: one per home and a larger one for the headquarters door.
According to WTVAC Life Member Richard Miras, the crews have continued to ride and provide ambulance service throughout the COVID pandemic.
“It was a very emotionally charged time for our members to be recognized and thanked by the cheerleaders, who traveled as a group to each of our homes to personally deliver the wreaths. Each of us had to make a decision whether we would continue to volunteer at our own risk of becoming infected and it has been a stressful but rewarding time since March,” he said.
He added, “The community response with thanks and lawn signs and waves as the ambulance makes its way through the streets has been great. Many of our fund drive donation envelopes included personal notes of thanks. We are humbled by the response.”
Crew members are Rich Miras, Chris Hahn, Trevor Landau, Joe Conway, Justin Tsai, Captain Bob Rayve, Bob Ehlers, Eugene Greco, Rob Kopp, Larry Davino, Brian Doherty, and Bob Fox, Adi Mohan, Linda Husslein, Chris Kracke, David Tarshik, and Gary Peters.
Desserie Morgan, one of the coordinators of the program, said “I am extremely proud of the girls’ resiliency during a very challenging time this year. I love the energy they showed; they were real spirit leaders through this. They were super positive and I’m very proud of them.”
UPDATE: After we went to press with this story, Morgan circled back with additional information we’re delighted to share: She said that parent volunteers for that squad, Judy Zotollo and Holly Goldman, organized the wreath gifts, and purchased the wreaths from the Washington Township Volunteer Fire Department.
