September 2006

Anne Barlow, Narragansett

Anne Barlow has always put her students first.  As a Family and Consumer Science teacher, she is passionate about educating her students about embracing healthier lifestyles.  Anne is credited with bringing the Kids First program to Jenks Junior. High School eight years ago.  Kids First is a non-profit community based organization in Rhode Island whose mission is to safeguard the nutritional well-being of Rhode Island’s children by offering an array of nutrition education, physical activity and food safety programs. She realized there was a need for her students, most of whom come from low-income families, to learn the benefits of healthy eating and physical activity. Since the start of the Kids First programs in 1998, she and her students have participated in 44 educational programs reaching more than 5,000 students.

Anne has also been a key member of the “Eat Healthy-Get Active” Team, which has been instrumental in bringing Kids First into the Pawtucket school district to pilot a system-wide healthy eating plan.  As a result of their efforts, the school is now a model school, offering less junk food and healthier food choices for students and teachers alike.  Jenks is also the first Food-Safe school in the country to become a pilot school for the CDC-funded project aimed at preventing food borne illnesses in Rhode Island schools.

For her enthusiasm and dedication to her students, Anne Barlow has been named a Community Hero.

August 2006

Leo Turgeon, Woonsocket

Leo Turgeon of Woonsocket brings comfort to so many in their last stages of life as part of the volunteer team at Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island (HHCRI).  After suffering his own personal loss when his wife passed away from cancer, Leo felt compelled to help others in the same situation. 

Leo is known for his personal touch with every patient.  He enjoys getting to know them and finding out what they enjoy – whether it is conversation or a good cup of coffee.  A member of the volunteer quick response team, Leo is called upon at all hours of the day and night to go to a patient’s home.  During the holidays, Turgeon can be found delivering food baskets to needy families.  An extraordinary volunteer, Turgeon was recently recognized for his contribution of more than 500 hours of volunteer service. 

For his commitment to helping others in their time of need, Leo Turgeon has been named a Community Hero.

July 2006

Gladys Hall, North Scituate

For more than thirty years, Gladys Hall has spent nearly every day as a faithful volunteer at McCauley House in Providence, working to feed the hungry and clothe the poor. Gladys has cooked and served thousands of meals to the underprivileged, often leading them in prayer prior to each meal.

June 2006

Edward Bertholic, Burrillville  

For nearly five decades, Chief Edward Bertholic has served as a devoted volunteer firefighter with the Oakland Mapleville Fire Department in Burrillville, coming to the aid of his neighbors when they needed it most.  Chief Bertholic first joined the Oakland Mapleville Fire Department in 1959.  He recently “retired” after 47 years of volunteer service — the last 27 serving as the chief. 

He has witnessed many changes in his years with the department.  What began as a small, two-engine company has grown, with his leadership, to include three engines, two ALS rescues and a host of other special equipment and boats.  In 2003, Chief Bertholic was privileged to oversee the construction of a new firehouse to house the new fleet. 

Colleagues describe Chief Bertholic as a true living legend.  For decades of dedicated service to his community, Chief Edward Bertholic has been named a Community Hero. 

May 2006

Thomas Drumm, Exeter

If it’s Monday evening, you will find Thomas Drumm at the St. Patrick’s Meal Kitchen in Providence. He will be busy doing all the things necessary to provide a warm meal to the hundreds of guests who visit the soup kitchen. For the past ten years, Thomas has devoted his time to serving others at St. Patrick’s. On holidays, Thomas and his family decorate the facility and spend hours cooking up to one hundred turkeys to provide a holiday meal to those most in need.

Thomas, who works full-time for National Grid, is also a Scout leader for his son’s troop and participates in Rebuilding Together (formerly Christmas in April). Friends and neighbors say he is the type of person who lends a helping hand to anyone who may need one. For his selfless dedication to others, Thomas Drumm has been named a Community Hero.

April 2006

Peter Karczmar, Providence

Seven years ago, Dr. Peter Karczmar, a pulmonologist at Coastal Medical in East Providence, decided to establish a non-profit clinic on the south side of Providence for under- and uninsured adults with asthma. Since its inception in 1999, Taming Asthma has helped more than 1,500 primarily Latino patients by providing accessible education and treatment for this disease.

Through his hard work, Peter has made it possible for uninsured adults to get the medical attention they need in order to continue to work and support their families. He conducts fundraisers, works to secure pharmaceutical donations and coordinates an all-volunteer medical staff. A true Community Hero, Dr. Peter Karczmar is making a difference in the lives of so many.

March 2006

Evelyn Tolbert, Cranston

In 1995, Evelyn Tolbert became a foster parent to children of drug-addicted parents. Since then, she’s been a foster mother to six other infants. Having recently adopted two little girls, Evelyn is now a single mother who works full time at Rhode Island Hospital. Amazingly, she still finds time to serve as a foster parent. We are pleased to honor Evelyn as a Community Hero for her generosity and compassion.

February 2006

John Britto, Providence

A day doesn’t go by without John Britto considering how to ensure a healthier, brighter future for the children in his community. As athletic director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence, John coaches youth sports, finds ways to help schools improve education, and assists the police in keeping kids off streets. "If you look up the word ’hero’ in the dictionary, you’ll find a picture of John Britto," says coworker Anthony Leone. For more than 50 years, John has been a friend, coach, mentor, and role model. By dedicating his life to helping young people, John has become a hero to both his students and the community.

January 2006

Colleen Karpovitz, Middletown

Colleen Karpovitz was among the first to help Hurricane Katrina evacuees who were brought to Rhode Island for temporary housing. Using community donations, she found apartments for numerous families who were distressed by the hurricane’s aftermath. All the while, she offered a sympathetic ear and a shoulder to cry on, helping to ease their emotional burdens as well.

A volunteer with the American Red Cross for more than 14 years, Colleen has assisted dozens of disaster victims, including those of the Station Nightclub fire in 2003 and of the Egypt Air crash in 1999. We’re pleased to honor Colleen as a Community Hero for helping so many in their times of need.