Tribute to Andrea Balsamo - September 2007
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Tribute to Andrea Balsamo
Testimonial on Andrea Balsamo
By John Turenne
August 27, 2007
It all started at a golf tournament. No, I wasn’t playing – I was cooking! Andrea had approached me to see if I would be interested in volunteering in assisting the Wallingford – Meriden Branch of the American Red Cross conduct the concessions at the annual Ben Hogan Golf Tournament. She must have felt that my background as a chef and food manager couldn’t hurt in this massive undertaking and that although I enjoy eating hamburgers as much as the next person, there was no way that I could possibly eat all the profits.
I joined the Advisory Board of the branch shortly thereafter and have enjoyed the relationship with a passionate and dedicated group of volunteers and staff ever since. The one constant adhesive through all the years has been Andrea. As the Branch Manager, one would expect her to conduct a well organized, profitable and successful community oriented organization – and that she has done. However, it’s the peripheral commitments and small stories, the things that most people don’t know about Andrea, that inspire the rest of us.
Things like night after night, turning into morning after morning of providing food to the guests and volunteers at the annual Trail of Terror fundraiser; or sorting, packaging, stacking and coordinating back-aching food drives so that those who need a bit can get it; and Cookies! – hundreds and hundreds of giant chocolate chip cookies that are now a tradition of the Daffodil Festival.
If there were a photo of someone in the dictionary for the terms, tireless, humble, perfectionist and committed, it would be Andrea. She alone has taught me that ‘community before self’ is not a sacrifice, but ultimately a life giving honor.
John Turenne
Chair – Advisory Board
Wallingford – Meriden Branch
American Red Cross
Thoughts about Andrea
I have volunteered at the Wallingford-Meriden Branch of the American Red Cross for over 20 years and I continue to be impressed by the performance of Andrea Balsamo as Branch Manager. When I think of her I automatically think of the letter C. She has the Capacity to undertake and successfully complete monumental tasks. There is no job too big for her to handle. She has the energy and drive to work, work, and work until the job is successfully completed. She has the Competence to problem solve, marshal the resources necessary and to effectively lead staff and volunteers. She is Compassionate about the mission of the Red Cross since it is so closely aligned with her distinctive Caring personality.
She is, undoubtedly, the most hard-working, thoughtful person that I know.
Andrea
The most exceptional manager I’ve ever met and works harder than any manager I ever met.
Most thoughtful of her employees.
Volunteers for anything needed.
Exceptional trait and wonderful person.
Andrea is the most caring, generous, thoughtful director I have ever met or worked with.
She is always there to do anything and everything that has to be done plus more.
Her day does not stop at normal times, she continues as late or as early as she is needed to perform extra volunteer duties for the good of the Red Cross or others in need.
Andrea cares for her clients, employees and volunteers as family.
Even on a not-so-good day, always has that beautiful smile greeting you.
Not only a director, employer, she is a friend and mentor to all.
Sometimes situations exist which appear insoluble. Such is the case when the Red Cross of Wallingford/Meriden was in financial difficulty with no solutions apparent. Then a ray of light appeared in the person of Andrea Balsamo who was appointed to the position of director of this troubled chapter.
Andrea immediately showed a positive attitude, a gentle but assertive personality, and an ability to motivate and encourage others to reach established goals.
She has sharpened the various services such as: response to disasters; providing food and medical transportation, and provide training for various safety and health needs.
All in all Andrea has helped establish a healthy and safe community.
Attributes:
Tireless Worker
100% behind all Red Cross efforts
Puts in long hours when required
Has a positive attitude
Excels in Budget Management
Stays on top of expenditures
Food Managerial Skills
She is friendly and courteous with Red Cross Clients.
She has thorough knowledge of all Red Cross duties and functions.
She is appreciative of volunteer’s efforts
She has good communication skills.
These are just some of the positive statements that come to mind.
Harvey H. Bray
She was an amazing inspiration as I started my nonprofit path with the Red Cross. I learned so much under her guidance, wisdom, and profound dedication. Even though I no longer live in Connecticut I keep in touch with the goings on of the Branch and am continually encouraged by her spirit and the very goodness she personifies and has throughout her life.
Sincerely, Amy-Christine Vinson
Andrea Balsamo ~
1 Corinthians 13:13:
"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love"
From her tremendous dedication in blood services, fundraising, and community service her FAITH is exemplified daily.
She is the epitome of grace with always a smile on her face. Her presence at the Wallingford American Red Cross inspires HOPE at the difference she truly makes in the community.
Her compassionate heart full of LOVE ensures no one is ever turned away. Orchestrating ceaseless planning & coordinating volunteers with efforts and actions that is not always on display. Andrea has a wonderful combination of compassion, intelligence, strength, and stubbornness. She has been a great role model for me, and I am lucky to have her as a boss. Thanks for everything you do.
With Appreciation, Anna
Andrea Balsamo,
This is a lady that is there to serve up snacks and a cheerful smile to each and every volunteer at the trail of terror every October in Wallingford. Not to mention listening to the complaints of the victims “customers” that patronizes the Wallingford haunt. She is the final word on what the volunteers can get away with. If you are a volunteer that gets into the nuts and bolts of building the trail you know what I’m talking about. Wayne manages the trail but we all know who wears the pants in this outfit.
She is the one that controls the lost and found and with her group, works very hard on getting everything back to its rightful owner “and trust me there is A LOT lost there with all the victims falling down and running for their lives”. She is there at 2:00 AM when the very last Victim leaves the haunt. With all the Volunteers looking worn and torn from a cold damp night she puts her focus towards us to be sure every last one of us has a bite to eat and a warm drink to thaw us out a little before heading home for the night.
Got a cut, bump, or just a scratch? She is there with band-aid in hand. Need something to drink? She is there. Need a little something eat to hold you over? Yup, you guessed it. I’ve got to tell you the trail Of Terror is a great place to Volunteer, And I for one look forward to seeing the Red Cross car show up every night because I know there is a friendly caring person in it!
At The trail party every year I “like everyone else” look forward to finding out how much we are able to put into the Wallingford Red Cross coffers. And when Wayne gives her the BIG funny looking check I see true tears of joy from her come to the surface on this person. I’ve never seen anyone so sincere as Andrea Balsamo.
In closing, I’d like to say, Andrea, You are a saint and a bright spot in our fine town, and it’s always a pleasure to see and chat with you. Thanks for being you!
Sincerely
The neighbors
Dan McKercher
Maryanne Naylor
Andrea has a heart of gold and she is truly dedicated to our organization. She deserves to be recognized for going above and beyond every day to carry out the programs offered by the Wallingford-Meriden Branch-American Red Cross.
Stacey LucibelloDirector, Health Services Education and Occupational TrainingAmerican Red Cross - South Central CT Chapter
Andrea enters a room and immediately you’ll sense that here’s a woman with a cause. Knowing her just a short while, I’ve learned early on that she is someone who is totally committed to the American Red Cross and serving the residents of South Central Connecticut. She has a winning personality and an infectious smile that commands your attention. Andrea is a good leader, a great role model and emulates what the true spirit of giving is all about.
Congratulations Andrea!
Glenn P. Foster
"I have had the opportunity to know and work with Andrea at the South Central Connecticut Chapter for the past five years. Once you get to know Andrea, you quickly learn that she is one of those rare individuals that are 100% community focused. For over 20 years, she has immersed herself in serving and answering the needs of our Branch community. She takes great pride in spreading the American Red Cross mission in the close knit communities of Wallingford, Meriden and Cheshire and consistently works to make the programs that we offer our communities stronger. I know her positive impact will continue to be felt long after she decides move on to retirement."
Jane Wasyliw
Former Executive Director
South Central Connecticut Chapter
American Red Cross
For the time that I have worked with Andrea, I have watched her roll with whatever seems to happen. With grace, dignity and a sense of humor, she manages to juggle whatever glitches or unexpected situations that arise. For instance, she never misses a beat when someone doesn’t show up for a Blood Drive and the spot has to be filled at the last minute. Her dedication and commitment to the Red Cross, especially here in the Wallingford/Meriden office goes beyond just the responsibilities of her position.
From Judy
Having had the opportunity to work for Andrea these last 10 years, I consider myself to be blessed. Not only is she a terrific boss (a word she detests,) she is a wonderful human being. Kind, compassionate and encouraging is just a few of the many positive words I could use to describe her. If I had to use one word alone to explain who Andrea is I would say precious. For that is what she has become to me.
MJ
Mary Jayne Somers
American Red Cross
As a Red Cross volunteer at the Wallingford/Meriden Branch of the South Central Connecticut Chapter, I have had the unique pleasure of working with Andrea Balsamo for the past six years. Andrea has led this office with an exceptional mixture of skill, humor and friendliness, always guiding the staff and volunteers in performing the extensive responsibilities that Red Cross requires. Whether she is organizing a fundraising event, preparing refreshments for blood donors, interacting with staff and volunteers, overseeing food pantry and medical transportation services, supervising health and safety classes, selling cookies at Meriden's Daffodil Festival, spending three nights each week every October at Wallingford's unique Trail of Terror (generally staying well past midnight), or performing a host of other activities, she invariably does it with expertise and good humor. Indeed, Andrea is the main reason that I have become so involved with the Red Cross.
Peter Burch
I worked for the lovely Ms. Balsamo ten years ago, one of the best bosses I ever had. Tell her I will never forgive her for that, "We only have about 9-10 fires a year." We had that many fires in the first 8 months I was there. She'll know who I am :-)
Chris Piantek
Continuing Education
Tunxis Community College
97% of the ARC Staff is made up of volunteers. That said, the lines between paid staff and volunteers are often blurred. Both volunteers and paid staff are alike in that they have a passion for the causes they support and a belief that by working together, we can have an impact to better the lives of others. The paid staff working for the ARC (and other organizations like it), have dedicated their careers to this ideal.
In recent years, fundraising has become an increasing goal for the ARC to help supplement its budget to provide services vital to our towns. In a world of merging organizations and outsourced jobs, we are lucky to have our very own local branch of the ARC located in the town of Wallingford, which also serves the towns of Meriden and Cheshire. This would not be possible without local support through donations made to the office (directly and indirectly through organizations such as the United Way) and by people who support and volunteer for our local fundraising events.
Managing this small office of four hardworking individuals and countless volunteers is Andrea Balsamo. Andrea is the definition of a model Red Cross Employee/ Volunteer. She is dedicated, caring, and selfless. She leads by example and volunteers as much of her time as she works, if not more. Andrea is passionate in her faith in God and in others. I am blessed that I not only have the opportunity to work with and learn from Andrea, but that I can also call her my friend.
-Cynthia Pomerleau
M. W. Advisory Board
My name's Tim Walton and I would like to say to Andrea "Thanks for all your hard work and for putting up with me all these years."
Well, without Andrea I wouldn't have been in the trail without her help. It was about almost 9 years ago when I first met Andrea after going through the trail for the very first time. Certainly very sweet, Andrea is like a second mother to me in a way. Very cool, down to earth, Andrea is a very dear friend to all of us, and someone I'm quite blessed to know.
Michael Wilson
Wow, it has been an absolute pleasure working with Andrea for the last 13 years. It all started with a simple phone call, a face to face meeting and since then our relationship has evolved into a special friendship. Andrea is one of those people that God put on this Earth to make people smile and give people a sense of hope and peace. She is one of those people who always look out for others rather than herself. The Red Cross and the town of Wallingford will miss her dearly after she retires. The "Boo Crew" won’t miss her because we won’t let her retire from the Trail of Terror. :D .... We love you Andrea!!!!
Wayne & Christy
To all of those who shared and we did not list your names – we apologize as they were not written on your tributes but I’m sure Andrea knows and appreciates your words.
Tribute to Andrea Balsamo
Testimonial on Andrea Balsamo
By John Turenne
August 27, 2007
It all started at a golf tournament. No, I wasn’t playing – I was cooking! Andrea had approached me to see if I would be interested in volunteering in assisting the Wallingford – Meriden Branch of the American Red Cross conduct the concessions at the annual Ben Hogan Golf Tournament. She must have felt that my background as a chef and food manager couldn’t hurt in this massive undertaking and that although I enjoy eating hamburgers as much as the next person, there was no way that I could possibly eat all the profits.
I joined the Advisory Board of the branch shortly thereafter and have enjoyed the relationship with a passionate and dedicated group of volunteers and staff ever since. The one constant adhesive through all the years has been Andrea. As the Branch Manager, one would expect her to conduct a well organized, profitable and successful community oriented organization – and that she has done. However, it’s the peripheral commitments and small stories, the things that most people don’t know about Andrea, that inspire the rest of us.
Things like night after night, turning into morning after morning of providing food to the guests and volunteers at the annual Trail of Terror fundraiser; or sorting, packaging, stacking and coordinating back-aching food drives so that those who need a bit can get it; and Cookies! – hundreds and hundreds of giant chocolate chip cookies that are now a tradition of the Daffodil Festival.
If there were a photo of someone in the dictionary for the terms, tireless, humble, perfectionist and committed, it would be Andrea. She alone has taught me that ‘community before self’ is not a sacrifice, but ultimately a life giving honor.
John Turenne
Chair – Advisory Board
Wallingford – Meriden Branch
American Red Cross
Thoughts about Andrea
I have volunteered at the Wallingford-Meriden Branch of the American Red Cross for over 20 years and I continue to be impressed by the performance of Andrea Balsamo as Branch Manager. When I think of her I automatically think of the letter C. She has the Capacity to undertake and successfully complete monumental tasks. There is no job too big for her to handle. She has the energy and drive to work, work, and work until the job is successfully completed. She has the Competence to problem solve, marshal the resources necessary and to effectively lead staff and volunteers. She is Compassionate about the mission of the Red Cross since it is so closely aligned with her distinctive Caring personality.
She is, undoubtedly, the most hard-working, thoughtful person that I know.
Andrea
The most exceptional manager I’ve ever met and works harder than any manager I ever met.
Most thoughtful of her employees.
Volunteers for anything needed.
Exceptional trait and wonderful person.
Andrea is the most caring, generous, thoughtful director I have ever met or worked with.
She is always there to do anything and everything that has to be done plus more.
Her day does not stop at normal times, she continues as late or as early as she is needed to perform extra volunteer duties for the good of the Red Cross or others in need.
Andrea cares for her clients, employees and volunteers as family.
Even on a not-so-good day, always has that beautiful smile greeting you.
Not only a director, employer, she is a friend and mentor to all.
Sometimes situations exist which appear insoluble. Such is the case when the Red Cross of Wallingford/Meriden was in financial difficulty with no solutions apparent. Then a ray of light appeared in the person of Andrea Balsamo who was appointed to the position of director of this troubled chapter.
Andrea immediately showed a positive attitude, a gentle but assertive personality, and an ability to motivate and encourage others to reach established goals.
She has sharpened the various services such as: response to disasters; providing food and medical transportation, and provide training for various safety and health needs.
All in all Andrea has helped establish a healthy and safe community.
Attributes:
Tireless Worker
100% behind all Red Cross efforts
Puts in long hours when required
Has a positive attitude
Excels in Budget Management
Stays on top of expenditures
Food Managerial Skills
She is friendly and courteous with Red Cross Clients.
She has thorough knowledge of all Red Cross duties and functions.
She is appreciative of volunteer’s efforts
She has good communication skills.
These are just some of the positive statements that come to mind.
Harvey H. Bray
She was an amazing inspiration as I started my nonprofit path with the Red Cross. I learned so much under her guidance, wisdom, and profound dedication. Even though I no longer live in Connecticut I keep in touch with the goings on of the Branch and am continually encouraged by her spirit and the very goodness she personifies and has throughout her life.
Sincerely, Amy-Christine Vinson
Andrea Balsamo ~
1 Corinthians 13:13:
"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love"
From her tremendous dedication in blood services, fundraising, and community service her FAITH is exemplified daily.
She is the epitome of grace with always a smile on her face. Her presence at the Wallingford American Red Cross inspires HOPE at the difference she truly makes in the community.
Her compassionate heart full of LOVE ensures no one is ever turned away. Orchestrating ceaseless planning & coordinating volunteers with efforts and actions that is not always on display. Andrea has a wonderful combination of compassion, intelligence, strength, and stubbornness. She has been a great role model for me, and I am lucky to have her as a boss. Thanks for everything you do.
With Appreciation, Anna
Andrea Balsamo,
This is a lady that is there to serve up snacks and a cheerful smile to each and every volunteer at the trail of terror every October in Wallingford. Not to mention listening to the complaints of the victims “customers” that patronizes the Wallingford haunt. She is the final word on what the volunteers can get away with. If you are a volunteer that gets into the nuts and bolts of building the trail you know what I’m talking about. Wayne manages the trail but we all know who wears the pants in this outfit.
She is the one that controls the lost and found and with her group, works very hard on getting everything back to its rightful owner “and trust me there is A LOT lost there with all the victims falling down and running for their lives”. She is there at 2:00 AM when the very last Victim leaves the haunt. With all the Volunteers looking worn and torn from a cold damp night she puts her focus towards us to be sure every last one of us has a bite to eat and a warm drink to thaw us out a little before heading home for the night.
Got a cut, bump, or just a scratch? She is there with band-aid in hand. Need something to drink? She is there. Need a little something eat to hold you over? Yup, you guessed it. I’ve got to tell you the trail Of Terror is a great place to Volunteer, And I for one look forward to seeing the Red Cross car show up every night because I know there is a friendly caring person in it!
At The trail party every year I “like everyone else” look forward to finding out how much we are able to put into the Wallingford Red Cross coffers. And when Wayne gives her the BIG funny looking check I see true tears of joy from her come to the surface on this person. I’ve never seen anyone so sincere as Andrea Balsamo.
In closing, I’d like to say, Andrea, You are a saint and a bright spot in our fine town, and it’s always a pleasure to see and chat with you. Thanks for being you!
Sincerely
The neighbors
Dan McKercher
Maryanne Naylor
Andrea has a heart of gold and she is truly dedicated to our organization. She deserves to be recognized for going above and beyond every day to carry out the programs offered by the Wallingford-Meriden Branch-American Red Cross.
Stacey LucibelloDirector, Health Services Education and Occupational TrainingAmerican Red Cross - South Central CT Chapter
Andrea enters a room and immediately you’ll sense that here’s a woman with a cause. Knowing her just a short while, I’ve learned early on that she is someone who is totally committed to the American Red Cross and serving the residents of South Central Connecticut. She has a winning personality and an infectious smile that commands your attention. Andrea is a good leader, a great role model and emulates what the true spirit of giving is all about.
Congratulations Andrea!
Glenn P. Foster
"I have had the opportunity to know and work with Andrea at the South Central Connecticut Chapter for the past five years. Once you get to know Andrea, you quickly learn that she is one of those rare individuals that are 100% community focused. For over 20 years, she has immersed herself in serving and answering the needs of our Branch community. She takes great pride in spreading the American Red Cross mission in the close knit communities of Wallingford, Meriden and Cheshire and consistently works to make the programs that we offer our communities stronger. I know her positive impact will continue to be felt long after she decides move on to retirement."
Jane Wasyliw
Former Executive Director
South Central Connecticut Chapter
American Red Cross
For the time that I have worked with Andrea, I have watched her roll with whatever seems to happen. With grace, dignity and a sense of humor, she manages to juggle whatever glitches or unexpected situations that arise. For instance, she never misses a beat when someone doesn’t show up for a Blood Drive and the spot has to be filled at the last minute. Her dedication and commitment to the Red Cross, especially here in the Wallingford/Meriden office goes beyond just the responsibilities of her position.
From Judy
Having had the opportunity to work for Andrea these last 10 years, I consider myself to be blessed. Not only is she a terrific boss (a word she detests,) she is a wonderful human being. Kind, compassionate and encouraging is just a few of the many positive words I could use to describe her. If I had to use one word alone to explain who Andrea is I would say precious. For that is what she has become to me.
MJ
Mary Jayne Somers
American Red Cross
As a Red Cross volunteer at the Wallingford/Meriden Branch of the South Central Connecticut Chapter, I have had the unique pleasure of working with Andrea Balsamo for the past six years. Andrea has led this office with an exceptional mixture of skill, humor and friendliness, always guiding the staff and volunteers in performing the extensive responsibilities that Red Cross requires. Whether she is organizing a fundraising event, preparing refreshments for blood donors, interacting with staff and volunteers, overseeing food pantry and medical transportation services, supervising health and safety classes, selling cookies at Meriden's Daffodil Festival, spending three nights each week every October at Wallingford's unique Trail of Terror (generally staying well past midnight), or performing a host of other activities, she invariably does it with expertise and good humor. Indeed, Andrea is the main reason that I have become so involved with the Red Cross.
Peter Burch
I worked for the lovely Ms. Balsamo ten years ago, one of the best bosses I ever had. Tell her I will never forgive her for that, "We only have about 9-10 fires a year." We had that many fires in the first 8 months I was there. She'll know who I am :-)
Chris Piantek
Continuing Education
Tunxis Community College
97% of the ARC Staff is made up of volunteers. That said, the lines between paid staff and volunteers are often blurred. Both volunteers and paid staff are alike in that they have a passion for the causes they support and a belief that by working together, we can have an impact to better the lives of others. The paid staff working for the ARC (and other organizations like it), have dedicated their careers to this ideal.
In recent years, fundraising has become an increasing goal for the ARC to help supplement its budget to provide services vital to our towns. In a world of merging organizations and outsourced jobs, we are lucky to have our very own local branch of the ARC located in the town of Wallingford, which also serves the towns of Meriden and Cheshire. This would not be possible without local support through donations made to the office (directly and indirectly through organizations such as the United Way) and by people who support and volunteer for our local fundraising events.
Managing this small office of four hardworking individuals and countless volunteers is Andrea Balsamo. Andrea is the definition of a model Red Cross Employee/ Volunteer. She is dedicated, caring, and selfless. She leads by example and volunteers as much of her time as she works, if not more. Andrea is passionate in her faith in God and in others. I am blessed that I not only have the opportunity to work with and learn from Andrea, but that I can also call her my friend.
-Cynthia Pomerleau
M. W. Advisory Board
My name's Tim Walton and I would like to say to Andrea "Thanks for all your hard work and for putting up with me all these years."
Well, without Andrea I wouldn't have been in the trail without her help. It was about almost 9 years ago when I first met Andrea after going through the trail for the very first time. Certainly very sweet, Andrea is like a second mother to me in a way. Very cool, down to earth, Andrea is a very dear friend to all of us, and someone I'm quite blessed to know.
Michael Wilson
Wow, it has been an absolute pleasure working with Andrea for the last 13 years. It all started with a simple phone call, a face to face meeting and since then our relationship has evolved into a special friendship. Andrea is one of those people that God put on this Earth to make people smile and give people a sense of hope and peace. She is one of those people who always look out for others rather than herself. The Red Cross and the town of Wallingford will miss her dearly after she retires. The "Boo Crew" won’t miss her because we won’t let her retire from the Trail of Terror. :D .... We love you Andrea!!!!
Wayne & Christy
To all of those who shared and we did not list your names – we apologize as they were not written on your tributes but I’m sure Andrea knows and appreciates your words.
posted by The People's Press at
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