Wood Honored as 2003 Good Scout
Article courtesy Today's Sunbeam
Sunday, May 11, 2003
By BILL GALLO JR., Staff Writer
PENNSVILLE TWP. -- When the committee responsible for selecting the Good Scout honoree for 2003 gathered, Geneva Wood was suggested as a deserving recipient of the award.
When Wood's name was mentioned, one committee member said, everyone agreed there didn't need to be any more discussion. She was the perfect choice.
Last Thursday night, Wood was honored for her dedicated and unselfish service to her community at the annual Good Scout Award Dinner at J.G. Cook's Riverview Inn.
"It's overwhelming," Wood said. "I feel there are others more deserving."
But everyone who spoke about Wood agreed she is the perfect example of a "Good Scout." From the caring way which she executes her job as Salem County Surrogate to her work in the community, especially her church, and her dedication to her family, Wood shows why she is the perfect choice for the award.
Wood was born, raised and still lives in Lower Alloways Creek Township. She is the daughter of William and Hattie Bradway.
In May 1967 she married her husband, Alfred, and they have two sons and three grandchildren.
Wood started her career working for Salem County in 1961 and is now in her 18th year as county surrogate. She was the first female elected official in the county.
She is a member of the Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey and the Elderly/Disabled Committee of United Way. She has been associated with the Salem Assembly of God Church and serves as a deaconess and Sunday School teacher.
While honoring a community member, the Good Scout Dinner is also an important fundraiser which helps continue the programs of the Old Colony District of the Boy Scouts of America Southern New Jersey District.
Mannington Mills Chairman of the Board Keith Campbell presented Wood with the Good Scout Award.
Wood also received recognition from federal, state and county officials.
Freeholder Lee Ware, one of four freeholders to laud Wood, said "Everybody loves you, on both sides of the political aisle."
"She (Wood) is not only a Good Scout, but a good person."
In appreciation of their kind words, many received a warm hug from Wood.
Dave Parry, Scout Southern New Jersey Council executive, reviewed a few of the highlights from Scouting in the local council in the past year.
He said 15,000 young people had taken part in Scouting activities, 1,000 of them from Salem County. Three thousand Scouts had spent time at the council's Camp Roosevelt in Alloway Township.
In all, during 2002 Scouts had completed more than 77,000 hours of community service.
Looking ahead, Parry said Scouts would be celebrating the 75th anniversary of Camp Roosevelt.
Thanking all of those who had honored her, Wood again said her faith in God is a key part of her life.
"I am truly a blessed woman," Wood said.