Township officials and special guests gathered June 9 at Community Day to present the first annual Joe Barker Volunteer Star Award, named in honor of the late township recreation director.
Jared Miller, a Robbinsville resident, received the award for founding the Black Friday Fun Run, which for seven years has raised money for Special Olympics New Jersey. Miller founded the run as a middle school student and has donated over $40,000 to SONJ.
Accepting on Miller’s behalf were his parents, Shelley and Howie Miller.
Family, friends and colleagues of Barker’s, including his wife Jane Luciano Barker, were among those to present the award to the Millers.
Barker, who served as recreation director for nearly seven years, died Feb. 11 after a lengthy battle with colon cancer. He was a mainstay at the township’s athletic facilities and recreational events, including Community Day.
