Community Volunteer Recognition Award 2016

Tom Pivinsky Recognized for Service to Asbury Park

Roy, Brenda, Tom Pivinsky and Tom P at the awards dinner

Asbury Park Rotary selected Tom Pivinsky as its representative to receive the Community Volunteer Recognition Award at the District 7500 event held October 17, 2016 at the Bove Grande in Lakehurst. This award goes to a non-Rotarian who has made a difference in his community.

Tom joined the Environment and Shade Tree Commission (ESTC) in Asbury Park in 2003 and became chair the first night he attended a meeting. Once he became a Master Gardener in 2008, the commission became more independent and began to introduce new projects to the city. Since then, the ESTC has planted nearly 2000 trees in Asbury Park and created gardens throughout.

Tom's primary motivation has been to create a welcoming and interactive relationship between the city, residents and visitors. He works countless hours behind the scenes within city departments and local vendors and nurseries to ensure that everything is in place for the projects that are planned.

Tom's strong leadership is responsible for organizing a dedicated group of 60 to 70 volunteers to accomplish all that is done. The amount of time he spends working alone on the maintenance of the gardens is immeasurable. This is why Rotary recognizes his service to the community.