A packed room was filled with much more than warm memories and good wishes last Saturday, as Nutley resident Margaret "Peggy" Rummel, 90, accepted the Department of Public Affairs Women’s Advocacy Award from Nutley Commissioner Steven Rogers.
This year, besides the moving words and tears of joy at a lifetime of good deeds offered by this humble, dedicated Nutley woman, who called her service a journey well worth traveling, there was another incredible presence: a bridge linking multi-generations.
Rummel was not merely a symbol of a senior who did good deeds during her life, but instead, also a vivid inspiration to the youngest attendee, only 13 years old.
“I feel like I can live my life and make sure doing good deeds is part of who I am, just like Mrs. Rummel,” noted tween Alexa. “I want to help others too, just like her.”
This is the second year the Women’s Advocacy Award has been awarded to a Nutley woman, and last year’s recipient Sally Anne Goodson was on hand to honor the township’s newest honoree.
An annual event in Nutley, created by Commissioner Rogers in 2014, the award celebrates women who have changed the world somehow for the better, both locally and in more far-reaching ways. The event is also a springboard for the Nutley Young Women's Initiative, also in its second year, which focuses on health and other issues for women.
Rummel was chosen for her positive work in numerous fields, and for the impact she has had throughout a colorful, active life helping others. As part of the criteria for the award, this humble woman also served as a mentor and role model for younger women,
dedicating years of her life to community service.
“Margaret “Peggy” Rummel has a long and distinguished history of serving our community and nation,” noted Commissioner Rogers.
Her accomplishments throughout her life as she wore many hats shared a common thread: helping others.
“She was a Girl Scout leader for 10 years; served on Nutley Family Service Bureau Board for seven years, and since 1947 she has been a member of the AMVETS Women's Auxiliary and was the National President of the AMVETS Ladies Axillary from 1981-1982,” said Commissioner Rogers. “Mrs. Rummel has also been committed to Special Young Adults for the past 34 years.”
2014 Women’s Advocacy Awardee Goodson presented the award to Rummel, who was obviously moved by the honor.
Rummel said she was deeply grateful for the award, and that it was “a day I will remember for a long time.”
The award, she said, “represents an incredible journey over the past 70 plus years. I have had opportunities to do things, go places, and meet and work with some very dedicated volunteers.”
Her adventures in service included taking a trip to the Montreal World’s Fair in 1969 with the Girl Scouts, and camping with the scouts on their way home through the White Mountains; serving on the Family Service board and most of all, becoming deeply involved with AMVETS and the Special Young Adults (SYA).
Rummel said she joined the AMVETS team “because I met a very special young man from Nutley, named Nelson, who was stationed in England prior to D-Day. “it was through the Auxiliary that I met volunteers who were dedicated to serving the veterans and our community.”
Nelson, it turns out, became her beloved husband.
“One of the programs which the Auxiliary started and is still going 34 years later is a monthly luncheon with the SYA,” Rummel said. “This is a simple yet effective program - one that has stood the test of time. Working with the staff of the SYA has been a unique experience and we have become friends with both the staff and the clients. It is my favorite activity.”
Members of the SYA said they were deeply appreciave of all Rummel had done over the years.
Nutley SYA director Ann Rotonda offered a bouquet of flowers, a teary wide smile and a special thanks to Rummel.
“She contacted me in 1980, and asked if they could help SYA in any way,” noted Rotonda. “We met for a luncheon then, at AMVETS Post 30, and we’ve been having these monthly lunches ever since.”
Pausing for a moment, Rotonda added, “And she still brings the food!”
