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Karen Adams, Assistant to the President, Tilcon New Jersey has been awarded the prestigious Outstanding Community Ambassador Award 2013 by our parent company Oldcastle Materials Group. Karen was nominated for the Award by Hon. Sylvia Petillo, Mayor of Hopatcong, NJ, Karen's home town, for her numerous contributions to community life in the town. Her entry was chosen from among many received from Oldcastle Materials Group businesses around the country. Karen will be presented with her award at a dinner in her honor in Atlanta in February.
Karen is Pastor of Byram Bay Christian Church and an active member and volunteer in the Borough of Hopatcong. "Karen's community is always touched by her ability to organize and mobillize others to participate in the numerous events that she plans for residents" wrote Mayor Petillo when nominating Karen "Pastor Karen has a passion and love for the people she serves, always a smile on her face and makes everyone feel special. Her character reflects the attributes of self-sacrifice and devotion to others. Karen is involved in every aspect of many community events that raise funds and awareness."
Karen's many community events include the following:
Free Thanksgiving Day Dinner - For the last six years, Karen has arranged a free Thanksgiving dinner for up to 120 people. She organizes the volunteers, shops, prepares, cooks, serves and cleans up. She organizes rides for those who need them and delivers food to housebound residents and police officers who are working on the holiday.
Additionally, Karen organizes the weekly Ice Cream in the Park for local children and helps in the planning of and participates in the Annual Ecumenical Service, Hopatcong Days Celebration and Parade, Memorial Day Parades and Services, the Annual Hunger Walk, monthly food distribution, and various activities for children throughout the year.
As well as organizing events, Karen helps local families in need. She has been instrumental in supporting the family of local youngster who was diagnosed with a brian tumor. She accompanies family members to the hospital for surgeries. Her love and strength give the family encouragement through the most difficult days of their lives. The child's mother says of Karen "Karen has done so much for my son and my family. She is a truly amazing woman and I am honored to have her in my life. But more than anything, she has restored our faith in God and that has made all the difference."
Karen has worked for Tilcon New Jersey for ten years. When she and her husband Ken are not busy with their church and volunteer work, they enjoy spending time with their family, including seven grandchildren.