Monroe Township honors volunteers: veterans leader, community garden and Special Sports coordinator

Monroe Township recognized several longtime volunteers during its Dec. 18 meeting, honoring individuals and groups for service to veterans, community food support and inclusive recreation.

Mayor Steven Delina presented a volunteer appreciation award to Charles "Charlie" Koppelman for more than two decades of work bringing local veterans groups together and organizing well‑attended Veterans Day and Memorial Day ceremonies. Koppelman, who the mayor noted recently turned 90, accepted the plaque and thanked the mayor and council.

The mayor also recognized the Friends of the Monroe Township Community Garden, noting the garden’s 10th anniversary, its greenhouse and plots, and its charitable donations. Officials said the garden donates more than 2,500 pounds of fresh vegetables each growing season to local food pantries, sells thousands of plantings and bottles honey for private‑label sales, and provides community programming with scouts and local organizations. Representatives named in the presentation included Len Baskin, Gary Bussman, Jacqueline Coleman, John Jarecki, Joel Greenberg and others; Joel Greenberg told the council the garden has been ‘‘very privileged’’ to work with township departments to build the program.

Susan Reiser received a volunteer appreciation award for 19 years organizing Monroe Special Sports, including Buddy Ball, track, basketball, bowling and social programs for children and adults with disabilities. Reiser described Buddy Ball as an inclusion program that began with a few families and volunteers and grew into multi‑sport programming with volunteers, certified coaches and longtime community support.

What’s next: Council paused briefly for photos and indicated that volunteers and their families were invited to stay for the rest of the meeting. The awards were presented as part of the evening’s ceremonial business and required no formal council action.