Lynne Johnson Award Recipients

2020-2021 Lynne Johnson Award recipients: Gladys Castro, Becky Cheresnick, Vincent Desiderio, Denise Fatigate, Roy Gold, Janis Humpage, Carol Johnson, Susan Kirkpatrick, and Kimberly Montalvo.

By Bryan Boggiano

The city commission recognized the Lynne Johnson Award recipients for both 2020 and 2021 on Wednesday, coinciding with National Volunteer Week. The city recognizes recipients for their volunteerism annually, but they did not in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our city has the most exceptional group of volunteers who go above and beyond to voluntarily serve our residents,” said Dale Pazdra, Assistant City Manager of People, Culture and Wellness, in a press release. “Most importantly, these individuals make a difference in the lives of many and are committed to enhancing the city in many ways.

2020 Lynne Johnson Winners

Kimberly Montalvo, “Youth Making a Difference”

Montalvo volunteered with the Coral Springs Police Department’s Summer Youth Program. She was a lead art instructor in summer 2019, where she motivated children and helped them complete art projects.

Vincent Desiderio, “Seniors Making a Difference”

In his eight years as a city volunteer, Desiderio volunteered for Coral Springs Police in their department records unit and their fleet and facilities unit. He also volunteered at a vaccine distribution site.

Denise Fatigate, “Working with Youth in Sports”

Fatigate has been involved in Coral Springs Youth Soccer for the past 18 years. She supports, mentors, and encourages children and works to ensure soccer has a positive effect on the lives of youth players.

Janis Humpage, “Committed to Enhancing City Services”

A 40-year resident and city employee, Humpage is a founding member of the Historical Advisory Committee. She volunteers weekly to preserve city historical information, has helped update the historical database, and has assisted the City Historian.

Susan Kirkpatrick, “Enhancing the Lives of Coral Springs Residents”

Kirkpatrick has been on the Public Art Committee since 2010, where she provides budgetary and decision-making assistance for the Public Art Program. As part of the Bloomberg Advisory Committee, she helped increase awareness of the Healing with Art program at the art museum.

2021 Lynne Johnson Winners

Carol Johnson, “Seniors Making a Difference”

Johnson has been a part of the Keep Coral Springs Beautiful Cleanup, where she helps remove trash and debris around the city. She wants to keep Coral Springs clean for future generations to live in and enjoy.

Becky Cheresnick, “Committed to Enhancing City Services”

Cheresnick was recognized for her work with first responders and during the pandemic. She has been a member of the Coral Springs Fire Department’s Volunteer Clinician Response Team since 2017. During the pandemic, Cheresnick volunteered at vaccine and food distribution sites.

Gladys Castro,” Enhancing the Lives of Coral Springs Residents”

Castro has been a member of the city’s Multicultural Advisory Committee for over 25 years, where she serves as the International Dinner Dance committee chair. She devotes time to making the annual event successful and bringing events to the city.

Roy Gold, “Enhancing and Preserving the Natural Environment in Coral Springs”

Gold, the inaugural winner in this category, has helped coordinate the Waterway Cleanup event. Sponsored by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, volunteers remove debris and garbage from canals and waterways. He also coordinates cleanup and preservation efforts in environmentally sensitive places.

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Author Profile

Bryan Boggiano

Bryan has a degree in journalism from the University of Florida and earned his masters in geosciences from Florida International University, where he focused in atmospheric sciences. His interests include weather, entertainment, and municipal government.