Since 1931, the Haddonfield Civic Association has recognized individuals or organizations that have made a lasting, positive impact on the town in a volunteer capacity. Each year, the association presents the Alfred E. Driscoll Award honoring the late Gov. Driscoll, a distinguished citizen of Haddonfield. The award acknowledges an uncommon effort made on behalf of the community, with the intention that those who receive it will inspire others, and that it will encourage broader participation in civic activities in Haddonfield.
This year, Mark Reifsnyder was chosen as the 2016 recipient of the award. He will be presented the award at the association’s Annual Meeting and Town Dinner on Thursday, April 28 at Tavistock Country Club.
“The Board of Governors is very impressed with (Reifsnyder’s) extensive contributions to Haddonfield. Mark is a perfect example of the ‘uncommon’ volunteer the Driscoll Award seeks to honor,” said Dennis Tully, the association’s president.
“Shocked, was my first reaction (upon hearing I got the award). If you take a look at the past recipients, it is a little intimidating. There are some wonderful people and organizations I know who have been recognized. I’m not out there to be recognized, but it is quite an honor … especially in the Haddonfield community, where so many people are active in town, it really is quite an honor,” Reifsnyder said.
A Haddonfield resident of more than 23 years, Reifsnyder moved to town as his wife, JoAnn, grew up in the borough. They have three children — Carolyn, Paige and Peter. Reifsnyder has actively volunteered for numerous youth, civic and religious organizations for more than 20 years.
Over the years, he has devoted his time to borough committees, events and organizations in many capacities, including: Haddonfield youth sports, coaching t-ball, soccer and softball teams; Haddonfield United Methodist Church, as a member of its finance committee, administration council, trustees, co-treasurer and usher; and Boy Scout Pack 65, in various roles since 1999, most notably Cub Scout master, charter representative and merit badge college organizer.
“(Reifsnyder) has been highly involved in various services and community outreach in church, and Scouts he’s been involved in forever; he even got me involved. He still continues to give back to kids, as a really steady, strong and great influence,” Lisa Quanci, the association’s education chair, said.
“I enjoy it. It’s a great way to get to know the young men in the area,” Reifsnyder said. “My favorite thing is getting to know the young people, the boys and girls, and their families and siblings, and watching them and being a part of their journey to become adults.”
Reifsnyder feels people don’t realize as they grow up how much goes into each activity and organization that you are a part of. When he learned about how much effort goes into them, Reifsnyder decided he wanted to give back.
“I view it as my chance to give back to the society and community for helping me along the way … Also a lot of my direction is working with youth, and I’m a firm believer the youth are our future. You need to work with them, help them and guide them,” Reifsnyder said.
Reifsnyder hopes those who hear about the Driscoll Award are inspired by what it represents and will try to get involved with volunteerism.
“I’m hoping it gets more people involved and putting in some time volunteering. It is rewarding, for me, personally. You know you’re doing good,” Reifsnyder said.
The entire community is invited to attend the Annual Meeting & Town Dinner April 28. In addition to honoring Reifsnyder, the Civic Association will also recognize the Bradshaw Essay Contest winners and the Kaufmann Award Performing Arts recipient. The co-ed acappella group from Haddonfield Memorial High School will also perform.
The recipients of the Bradshaw Essay Contest are Henri McGuigan and Fiona Connor, and the recipient of the Kaufmann Award is Gillian Palmer. All high school award recipients will receive a $500 scholarship.
Ticket and time details are soon to come. For more information, visit www.haddonfieldcivic.com.
