TEANECK, N.J.—Judie Gargano of Westwood and Mary Sudano of the Township of Washington are among more than 40 Fifth District Hometown Heroes Awards recipients this year.
U.S. Rep Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) honored the recipients Dec. 16 at Holy Name Medical Center. All told, the “class” of local first responders, veterans, students, search and rescuers, life-saving bystanders, volunteers, teachers, community leaders, and residents have made outstanding contributions to the North Jersey community, Gottheimer said.
He honored Gargano in part for volunteering as a recreation cheer instructor for over 35 years, leading young girls with team spirit as well as hometown spirit.
She also is a 35-year active member of the Westwood Women’s Club and works at the Westwood Library, aiding children and seniors and helping the entire community.
“Judie treats everyone with kindness and patience and always goes the extra mile to help someone with whatever they need,” Gottheimer said.
Sudano manages Valley Hospital’s Same Day Surgery (SDS) Unit and Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU).
In praising her, Gottheimer informed his audience that Sudano oversees the care of nearly 20,000 outpatients a year, most of whom are local residents who are recuperating after surgery before returning home that same day.
“Mary has been a nurse with the unit for 31 years and has also run a local donation collection for more than 16 years for troops serving overseas,” Gottheimer said.
He added that, in 2003, nurses serving in the first American field hospital established in Iraq received holiday care packages from their colleagues at Valley.
“This effort, and others like it, can be traced back to Mary, who coordinated the first shipment and who has continued every year since,” Gottheimer said.
He said overall, “Today’s Hometown Heroes are what make North Jersey so special. I’m so proud to highlight the contributions made by those joining us today.”
He added, “From volunteering, to mentoring children, to protecting our communities and families, to helping the less fortunate and being exemplary citizens, these individuals come from all walks of life but embody an idea that is particularly special.”
Gottheimer said, “We should focus more on what unites us as opposed to what divides us. More time focusing on service to our country—whether it’s mentoring children at a local non-profit, getting our backs as a first responder, helping to lead your church, synagogue, or mosque—we are always strongest and united when we celebrate all of our differences.
He said that although the award recipients come from all walks of life, all share an idea that is particularly special:
“They embody our Jersey Values and make our community such a special place to live, work, and raise a family.”
He urged them to “Please keep being a shining example for our North Jersey community. We need it now more than ever.”
Video of the ceremony: facebook.com/RepJoshG/videos/522784965248287.