Three Monmouth County residents were among five New Jersey community leaders recognized earlier this month as part of Bank of America's Neighborhood Excellence Initiative, a philanthropic program that benefits community-based organizations around the country. Each award winner received $5,000 to donate to a nonprofit group. They were Anna Sweany of Middletown; Howard P. Aronson, also of Middletown; and Sister Carol Ann Henry of Neptune.

Robert Doherty, state president for Bank of America New Jersey, said candidates for the award came from all around the state, but the three Monmouth activists had "really compelling stories."

"From our perspective, they're grass-roots-level folks who are looking to give back to the community and improve the health of their community," Doherty said. "It's one of the best parts of my year, when we go through this, and we can reward and recognize people who are doing so much to give back."

According to a prepared statement from Bank of America, Sweany will use the award to support the Providence Medical Clinic in Neptune, a free clinic she founded in 1998.

Aronson, a member of the Association for Improving Middletown and the Monmouth Conservation Foundation, will support CPC Behavioral Healthcare, a Monmouth County mental health education and service provider where he served on the Agency's board of trustees.

Henry will pass on the award to Mercy Center in Asbury Park, where she serves as executive director. The center provides education, emergency and family services, and food to people in need in Asbury Park.

Howard Aronson's Volunteer History

Commencing in 1969, Mr. Aronson has worked to provide greater opportunity for friends and neighbors to enjoy healthy, fulfilled lives. He is a charter member of the Association for Improving Middletown, NJ, and served as its president for three years. Mr. Aronson championed funding for public schools; he helped form and was a member of the Task Force for Better Schools. He has devoted time to teaching through the Literacy Volunteers of America and was a board member of the Monmouth Civic Ballet. Serving on the Board of the Monmouth Conservation Foundation since 1986, and current chair of the acquisition committee, he works with fellow Monmouth County residents to preserve forest and farmland. Mr. Aronson served tirelessly for thirty years as a member of the Board of Trustees for CPC Behavioral Healthcare. First elected in 1977, he was president from 1981 until 1988. He is currently a board member and audit committee chairman with the Two River Theater Company, in Red Bank, NJ.

Howard P. Aronson takes great joy in his responsibilities as friend, neighbor and citizen. His contributions mark him as a hero, most notably: his service to his fellows in need of assistance to recover their mental health; his work to conserve open space; and his work to bring the magic of live performance to thousands of people. Under his leadership, CPC expanded its ability to serve people with mental and emotional health issues. CPC now has the capacity to offer help to over 6,500 county residents each year. He helped lead the Monmouth Conservation Foundation to permanently preserve over 6,000 acres of forest and farmland, protecting our environment and gifting generations to come with the opportunity to enjoy open space. Finally, his work with the Two River Theater Company was pivotal in making it possible for the theater to be born so that friends and neighbors can enjoy quality performing arts right in their own community. Today, it exemplifies the best in regional theater.

Awards for Community Involvement:

• New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants, Distinguished Public Service Award, 1994
  In recognition of his outstanding leadership abilities and his commitment to community, charitable and civic activities.
• Helen Herrmann Community Service Award, 1997
  Presented to a citizen of Monmouth County who best exemplifies dedicated, selfless service to improve his/her community.