Meredith Lee, Program Director, Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award

Claudia Wheeler, Honoree, Founder, the SALT Foundation, www.SaltFoundationInc.org
https://russberriemakingadifferenceaward.org/honorees/claudia-wheeler/

Rylee Howerton, Honoree, High School Student, Founded the “Choose Wise Words” campaign
https://russberriemakingadifferenceaward.org/honorees/rylee-howerton/

Pamela Johnson, Anti-Violence Coalition Hudson County
https://russberriemakingadifferenceaward.org/honorees/pamela-johnson/

RUSS BERRIE MAKING A DIFFERENCE AWARD ANNOUNCES HONOREES FOR THE 27TH ANNUAL CEREMONY
11 NEW JERSEY COMMUNITY CHANGEMAKERS RECOGNIZED FOR EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE TO OTHERS

Each person knows an individual who gives back to the community by creating positive change. The Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award has been recognizing those changemakers for 27 years — unsung heroes from around New Jersey who demonstrate their passion and unstoppable commitment to serve the most vulnerable.

Established by the late Russell Berrie, funded by the Russell Berrie Foundation, and hosted and managed by Ramapo College of New Jersey, the awards honor New Jersey residents whose outstanding community service and heroic acts have made a substantial impact on the lives of others.

Eleven outstanding changemakers will be honored at the 27th Anniversary Award Ceremony on Friday, May 5, 2023, 11:30am at Ramapo College of New Jersey.

With 419 honorees since the inception of the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award in 1997, more than $4 million in cash awards have been presented to recognize the personal sacrifices and commitments these individuals have made to serve others. Their work is improving people’s lives and making communities stronger. The nominees include community leaders, affinity groups, ethnic and religious organizations, nonprofit leaders, volunteers, among many others in such areas as community service, volunteerism, social justice, community life, environmental issues, and a range of advocacy topics.

“I could not be more inspired by this year’s Making a Difference Award honorees for their efforts ranging from preventing violence to distributing tons of food and supplies weekly to people in need,” said Scott Berrie, vice president of the Russell Berrie Foundation and son of Russ Berrie. “They have incredible dedication to tackling problems, bringing needed solutions that improve people’s lives and strengthen communities throughout New Jersey. It’s an honor to advance and celebrate their efforts.”

This year, awards totaling $160,000 will be presented to 11 honorees.

The 2023 Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award honorees are:

Tia Ryans of Newark founded F.O.R.T.E. House NJ (Forcing Out Recidivism Through Education). Tia was incarcerated for a decade following a traumatic childhood. Determined to change her life, she began taking classes and enrolled in Rutgers following release, graduating in 2019. While at Rutgers, she recognized a need for tools and support for justice impacted students transitioning through postsecondary education and founded F.O.R.T.E. House in Newark. Tia has become a leading advocate for criminal reform and restorative justice in New Jersey. In 2022, she was appointed by Gov. Phil Murphy as a Trustee of the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility, the first formerly incarcerated person in that position. Tia will receive the top award of $50,000.

Melissa Walker of Montclair created JAZZ HOUSE KIDS. A professional jazz vocalist, Melissa created JAZZ HOUSE KIDS in 2002 to use jazz, America’s original musical art form, to ignite creativity and enhance students’ academy and social-emotional skills. Afterschool and summer programs provide a supportive creative community for students from diverse backgrounds from 10 New Jersey counties. In school programs reach those in under-resourced schools in Newark and Paterson. Melissa will receive a $25,000 award.

Pamela Johnson of Jersey City founded the Anti-Violence Coalition of Hudson County. After surviving a shooting more 20 years ago, Pamela Johnson was compelled to take action to help other victims of violence. In 2014, she launched a grassroots anti-violence movement in Jersey City, which led the creation of the Anti-Violence Coalition of Hudson County that provides trauma counseling and support for victims and families while also working on violence prevention and de-escalation in communities. Pamela will receive a $25,000 award.

Awards of $7,500 will be presented to:

Christian Kane of Toms River spearheaded RJW Barnabas Health Field of Dreams. A car accident left Christian’s son, Gavin, with traumatic brain injuries and unable to walk or speak. After struggling to access recreational spaces with his son, Christian decided to build a comprehensive recreational facility where children of all abilities and their caretakers would feel at home. Christian spearheaded a multi-year campaign to raise funds and build the RWJ Barnabas Health Field of Dreams in Toms River which opened in 2022.

Rylee Howerton of Vineland launched the “Choose Wise Words” campaign. Diagnosed on the autism spectrum as a child, Rylee overheard other children describe her using an offensive word. That experience resulted in her launching the “Choose Wise Words” campaign which led to a book and speaking opportunities to thousands of people about kindness and inclusivity. Now a high school student, she uses sports and pageants as a platform to share her message.

Claudia Wheeler of East Brunswick launched SALT Foundation. A U.S. Navy veteran and elementary school teacher, Claudia launched the SALT Foundation to provide food and supplies to those in need. This volunteer effort rescues four tons of food weekly and distributes to food pantries, shelters, organizations and churches.

Carol Dvoor of Flemington created the Safe Harbor Child Access Center. A domestic violence survivor, Carol created the Safe Harbor Child Access Center, a trauma informed, inclusive, child-friendly and supportive space to host supervised visitations and social engagement opportunities for families experiencing separate and divorce in Hunterdon, Warren and Somerset Counties.

Zaniya Lewis of Edgewater Park started YesSheCanCampaign. Zaniya started YesSheCanCampaign to equip young people who are overcoming adversity with the tools and resources to succeed in college and in their careers. Her advocacy to end scholarship displacement led to legislation that prohibits the practice at New Jersey’s public colleges and university.

Jose German-Gomez of Montclair launched Northeast Earth Coalition. After retiring from his accounting and finance career, Jose turned his energies to educating and supporting local environmental and sustainability initiatives. He launched the Northeast Earth Coalition to encourage local sustainability in North Jersey communities, holding workshops and training more than 750 volunteers who manage projects and community gardens across North Jersey.

Robt Martin Seda-Schreiber of Princeton Junction founded the Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice. Robt was a middle school teacher for 25 years and has been at the forefront of social justice advocacy for decades. He founded the Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice in Princeton which offers innovative support programs and a dedicated safe space for young LGBTQIA+ people that is staffed with trained volunteers.

Norma Bowe of Highlan

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Paul at Great Lawn/Central Park announce hopes for Peace Day 9/21/19, What is Peace to Pola?

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Thank you again to all those who attended our Reception for Bob Dylan’s “The Drawn Blank Series” last week!

We are pleased to announce that the Reception was a success, with over one hundred and fifty people who joined us to see our wonderful collection of original paintings, original works on paper, and limited edition prints by Bob Dylan.

For those of you unable to attend last week, please know that our exhibition is up from now until May 30th. 

Our gallery is open to the public Monday- Saturday, from 10am-6pm, with the exception of Memorial Day Weekend during which we will be closed on Saturday. If none of the above work, please let us know and we can arrange a private appointment.

We invite you to come and view the exhibition, and remember to tell your friends!

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6:00 P.M.

TUESDAY, MARCH 11

BROOKLYN BOROUGH HALL ROTUNDA

209 JORALEMON STREET

DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN

Tomorrow at 6:00 PM, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams will help announce the 15th Annual Central Brooklyn Jazz Festival, New York City’s longest continuously running grassroots festival dedicated to jazz.  More than 500 artists, both internationally acclaimed stars and local favorites, will perform in over 50 events at entertainment venues, cultural, educational and faith based institutions during Jazz Appreciation Month, celebrated across the country in April.

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“The Patient Odyssey survey results mirror what I and many of my colleagues are already seeing in our practices – that patients can struggle for many years to identify the cause of their symptoms and to arrive at an appropriate disease management plan”

“This initiative has provided important insights regarding management of RLS/WED, including the fact that patients continue to struggle with identifying treatments that adequately control their symptoms in the long term,” said Georgianna Bell, executive director of the Willis-Ekbom Disease Foundation. “Most RLS/WED patients have the disease for life, so understanding how to navigate disease management considerations in partnership with loved ones and physicians is important. The results of this survey will allow us to develop new resources to facilitate improved outcomes for patients, as well as serve as an important educational tool that helps the greater public understand the serious burden of this disease.”

Participants of the survey included 1,709 RLS/WED patients who are members of the WED Foundation and consisted of 1,194 women and 515 men. The results of the survey showed:

• Almost three in four (73%) of patients reported that they experience symptoms daily
• When asked about their current medication, only 6% of patients believed that their RLS/WED symptoms are completely controlled by their current medication(s)
• Sixty-eight percent of patients said they “strongly agreed” that there is a need for greater physician knowledge and understanding of RLS/WED
• Forty-two percent of patients “agreed” that their healthcare provider does not understand their disease
• Ninety-three percent of patients “agreed” that they wished more effective medications were available to treat RLS/WED

“The Patient Odyssey survey results mirror what I and many of my colleagues are already seeing in our practices – that patients can struggle for many years to identify the cause of their symptoms and to arrive at an appropriate disease management plan,” said Dr. Philip Becker, President, Sleep Medicine Associates of Texas and longtime member of the Medical Advisory Board of the WED Foundation. “This initiative reinforces the need to continue to educate the RLS/WED community and the physicians who treat them. Those with RLS/WED deserve knowledgeable physicians who understand the disease. A proper diagnosis and sustained treatment of RLS/WED can offer benefit to those who suffer through restless days and restless nights.”

The survey was conducted by the WED Foundation and made possible through a corporate sponsorship from XenoPort, Inc. It was distributed to members of the WED Foundation and their spouses/partners via mail and was available online throughout the month of October.

About Restless Legs Syndrome/Willis-Ekbom Disease

RLS/WED affects people of all ages, genders and races. People who have the disease have to move their legs or arms to relieve uncomfortable, sometimes painful sensations. These sensations tend to get worse when the person is at rest, like when sitting or lying down, watching television or taking a long car ride. Because symptoms usually intensify in the evening, they often interfere with the ability to sleep..

While the causes of RLS/WED are not completely understood, several genes have been identified with an increased risk of RLS/WED. Other factors thought to contribute to the disease include iron metabolism and, possibly, abnormalities in the neurotransmitters dopamine and glutamate.

While there is not yet a cure for RLS/WED, treatment is available.

About the WED Foundation

The WED Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of men, women and children who live with Willis-Ekbom disease. Founded in 1992 as the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation, the organization’s goals are to increase awareness, improve treatments, and through research, find a cure. The WED Foundation serves healthcare providers, researchers, over 4,000 members, and millions of individuals in the United States and Canada. The WED Foundation has awarded $1.4 million to fund medical research on RLS/WED causes and treatments. For more information, please visit http://www.Willis-Ekbom.org.

About XenoPort

XenoPort, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing a portfolio of internally discovered product candidates for the potential treatment of neurological disorders.

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The extended weekend celebrates the wonderful chefs who have made the Upper West Side their home, bringing with them a great diversity of flavors. Event sponsors include Whole Foods Market, New York Post, Southern Wine and Spirits, Columbus Square, First Republic Bank, Manhattan Beer (Captain Lawrence, Blue Moon, Palm), Rosa Mexicano, Savored, Palm Bay, 67 Wine, MVP, Brusco Group, Cascal, Connoisseur, In + Where Magazine New York, Manhattan Magazine, The West Side Spirit, Argo, Best Cheese, DNAinfo.com, Glenwood, The Culture Center and the Long Island Wine Council.

The exciting event roster will include:

Vegetables at Dovetail:

Wednesday, May 16^th  2012

6:30 Cocktails; 7pm Dinner $195 per person

Dovetail Restaurant, 103 W 77^th  Street just west of Columbus Ave

Chefs John Fraser, Missy Robbins, Bill Telepan, Ed Brown, and Christina Tosi create a five-course fine dining all-vegetarian dinner in continuation of John Fraser’s “Meatless Mondays” at Dovetail. Net proceeds will help support the Greenhouse Classroom project at the I.S. 44 School.

Comfort Classics:

Friday, May 18^th, 2012

7:00pm-10:00pm $95 per person

Under the Grand Tent on Columbus Avenue between W 76^th and W 77^th Street. Hosted by Travel Channel’s duo Adam Richman and Andrew Zimmern, this high-energy evening will feature over 35 chefs showcasing unique bites inspired by old favorites with cocktails, wine and spirits by Southern Food and Wine.

Best of the West:

Saturday, May 19^th, 2012

VIP, $200 per person beginning at 6:00pm

General Admission $125 per person from 7:00pm-9:30pm

Under the Grand Tent on Columbus Avenue between W 76^th  and W 77^th  Street.Celebrating the Upper West

Side’s most extraordinary chefs and restaurants, while honoring gourmet great Gael Greene -the Best of the West is a culinary lover’s dream. With more than 40 of New York’s most popular chefs, wine and spirits, and live music; this is an event not to miss. A portion of the proceeds benefit Citymeals-on-Wheels. Be sure to order VIP tickets if you’d like to mingle with some of the culinary stars.

Tickets for the Fifth Annual 2012 Whole Foods Market’s New Taste of the Upper West Side go on sale February 20^th. Please visit  www.newtasteuws.com. For more information, call 212-721-5048.

About the Columbus Avenue BID: The Columbus Avenue Business Improvement District, is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, representing merchants and property owners along Columbus Avenue from West 67^th Street to West 82^nd Street. Formed in 1999 in a landmark district, its membership includes a diverse range of retailers, restaurateurs and commercial and mixed-use property owners, comprising all of the commercial establishments. In addition, the Columbus Avenue BID’s district includes the American Museum of Natural

History, Theodore Roosevelt Park, The New-York Historical Society and the Rose Center for Earth and Space.

Press Contacts:

Robin Insley Associates

212-849-8256

 robin@robininsleyassociates.com

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