Tracy Cuje Named Fair Haven’s Volunteer of the Year

Creating programs for local kids, supporting recreation programs and always giving a helping hand are some of the qualities of the 2011 Fair Haven Volunteer of the Year.

Local mom of 4, Tracy Cuje, was named the Fair Haven Volunteer of the Year. There were over half-a-dozen nominations for this very special title. Mayor Michael Halfacre read a proclamation recognizing Cuje at the on September 12.

The proclamation said that the award was to be given in order to “recognize community members for their commitment to service.”

The proclamation read recognizes Cuje for her dedication to Fair Haven’s youth sports programs, the booster club and concession stand. She also received acknowledgement in the proclamation for volunteering to distribute borough calendars every year with her children.

“She’s great!,” said Charlie Hoffman, director of Parks and Recreation in Fair Haven. He added that she is always there to give a helping hand. “If I say I need a hose, a screw driver and a hammer, in 2 seconds she has them there.”

Cuje is also responsible for planning the very successful Teen Canteen nights for Fair Haven students. These events happen on 3 Friday nights during the school year for 6th, 7th and 8th grade students.

The “canteen” takes place at the in the gym and classrooms. Each room is set up with a different theme including physical sports, music, food, games, etc. For a $5 entrance fee, students hang out for the evening, are given tickets to participate in events and win prizes.

The proclamation read at the council meeting recognized the success of Cuje’s program: “Teen Canteen has a excellent reputation and draws an enormous turn out to all of the events, giving the parents of Fair Haven peace of mind knowing their children are safe because of Mrs. Cuje’s diligence.”

According to Hoffman, Cuje started another Fair Haven tradition in addition to Teen Canteen. Using the left over money from the Teen Canteens, she threw a party for the 8th graders with a water slide, food and games on a school day when only the future had off.

Cuje’s great sense of community, dedication to the youth of Fair Haven and willingness to help whenever she can is what made her 2011’s proclaimed Volunteer of the Year.