The Watermark at 3030 Park announced that four of its residents were recently recognized for their volunteer efforts in the greater Bridgeport community as part of the retirement community’s first-ever Volunteer Recognition Luncheon.
Both U.S. Rep. Jim Himes and Bridgeport City Council President Tom McCarthy delivered remarks at the luncheon ceremony. Honorees were presented with special certificates for their many years of community service.
Also on hand to show their support for the volunteers were representatives from the Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition, Fairfield County Community Foundation, United Way Coastal Fairfield County, and the Bridgeport Jewish Community Center.
The four honorees included Janice Park, founder of the Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition (BCAC) and former board member of the Fairfield County Community Foundation; Sonya Turitz Schopick, one of the founders of the Greater Bridgeport Symphony Orchestra, the Greater Bridgeport Symphony Youth Orchestra and a former President of the Symphony Guild; Henry Katz, former head of the United Community Services of Eastern Fairfield County (now the United Way) and former President of the Bridgeport Jewish Community Center; and Marilyn Diamondstone, who provided drug rehabilitation counseling for Vietnam veterans at Beth Israel Hospital in New York.
“These individuals are excellent examples of what the people of Bridgeport stand for — community, service, and selflessness,” McCarthy said. “I am honored to present each of them with a token of gratitude for all the years of service they have contributed to our community.”
“The United States is one of the most giving and charitable countries in the world,” Himes said. “There is a real feeling of family across our great nation, and there is no better example of that than with The Watermark volunteers.”
Additionally, more than 40 other residents of The Watermark were also recognized for their volunteerism, which includes work with local churches, hospitals and schools.
“Many of the residents we honored today also volunteer within The Watermark at 3030 Park,” said Christopher Romick, executive director. “Whether it is serving on the Resident Association Council, or working on the community newsletter, these folks have continued to carry their volunteer spirit with them, and are now helping all of our residents and associates thrive.”