Education Foundation of Garwood Announces Annual Appreciation Dinner

The Education Foundation of Garwood (EFG), a non-profit volunteer organization that seeks to partner with the schools and the community in the pursuit of educational excellence, has set Thursday, April 26, 2012 as its next fundraising event.

The Annual Appreciation Dinner, which will be held at the Westwood in Garwood, recognizes the accomplishments of the “Garwood Educator of the Year,” as well as the “Garwood People Making a Difference” award. The “Making a Difference” award is given annually to honor a person or persons from Garwood who have represented the borough in a positive way. 

The EFG will honor the recipient of the Garwood Educator of the Year, Heather Linken, who teaches kindergarten in Lincoln School. She is a former graduate of the Garwood Public Schools. During her tenure with the Garwood Schools, Linken has also taught first grade and basic skills. Additionally, she has coached the girls’ softball team, directed the 8th grade play and hosts the Annual PTA Variety Show.

This year’s “People Making a Difference Award” will be given to John Conlin and Angelo Alimonte, both lifelong, devoted residents of Garwood.

Conlin served on the Union County Regional School Board for 35 years until 1987. During his tenure, he served as vice president of the board and on several committees. In his time on the board, the Regional District expanded from one building to four. He spent his career as an educator, first as a teacher, eventually becoming principal of Kumpf Middle School in Clark, from where he eventually retired.

Angelo Alimonte was employed at Arthur L. Johnson Regional High School where he served as a custodian and bus driver. Alimonte also served an unexpired term as a councilman. He has volunteered in many capacities for the Garwood Little League, including field maintenance. He has been an active, longtime member of the Lions Club. Conlin and Alimonte are frequent and vocal members at many community meetings where they continue their civic duty.

EFG will use the proceeds from the appreciation dinner to fund grant programs benefiting Garwood’s public schools and provide Garwood students with scholarships and awards.

Tickets for the evening – which includes a buffet dinner, beer, wine and music – are $45 per person and are available for purchase from the EFG trustees or by calling 908-789-0331 ext. 1450. Those interested may also send contributions or direct inquiries to the EFG, c/o Lincoln School, 400 Second Avenue, Garwood, NJ, 07027.