• 2023 NAVE HERO'S SURVEY

  • Nave's Heros is part of Nave Law Firms, Nave Cares initiative. This initiative allows community members to nominate local heroes. Each month we select a winner, giving this deserving community member a $100 gift.

    Your vote will help us determine the 2022 overall Nave's Hero, where the winner will take home the grand prize of $1,000.

    Directions are simple, read each story, and at the end of the story, rate 1-5 how the story inspires you.

    We appreciate you.

    Thank You

     
    Sean Kelsey
    Chief Executive Officer
    Nave Law Firm
    skelsey@naveteam.com

  • Jeff Wright

    In addition to owning his own landscaping company and caring for his aging parents, Jeff Wright is an EMT and a volunteer firefighter with the Brewerton Fire Department. In August, when two jet skis dangerously malfunctioned on Oneida Lake, Jeff was on the emergency crew that responded to the call. Along with other members of the Brewerton Fire Department, Jeff helped rescue two people from drowning in the forceful current – a brave and noble act that earned him recognition as a hero.

    Working full-time and caring for family is challenging and fulfilling, yet Jeff goes above and beyond by serving his community and answering the call when someone is in danger. Thank you for all that you do, Jeff!

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  • Patrick Donegan

    You've heard of a Jack of All Trades, but have you ever met a Jack of All Sports? Patrick Donegan of Camillus is the ultimate sports fan, taking in Mets baseball and Syracuse basketball games, as well as putting around the golf course. For many years, Patrick has used his athletic expertise to coach the youth of CNY, not only in baseball and basketball but football and softball as well.

    His dedication to teaching local kids to hit home runs, slam dunks, and touchdowns has made a Nave's Hero. 

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  • James Perrotta

    As the Safety Director of the largest school district in Suffolk County, New York, James Perrotta was called to arms when the coronavirus pandemic hit its darkest days. James led a diverse community of more than 25,000 through treacherous waters by providing meals to families, laptops to children so they could continue their studies, and COVID tests to everyone to keep the risks at bay as the virus raged on.

    When other authority figures in the county struggled, James was there to buoy them back up, providing encouragement and support through emergencies big and small. James spent professional and personal time each day, ensuring everyone around him was safe, sane, and provided for. 

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  • Cassandra Malone

    Introducing our May Nave Hero, Cassandra Malone. Cassie works in the Emergency Room at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse. The past couple of years have been especially rough on those in the healthcare field, but that hasn't changed the level of service Cassie delivers to those who walk through the ER doors. In a world where she barely has time to eat or take a break during her shift, she pushes through her and continues to save lives and ensure that you receive the best possible care. Her capacity to go above and beyond in the name of caregiving is why she's a Nave Hero. 

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  • Lindsay Kratzer

    Introducing Lindsay Kratzer. Lindsay started her care management business, Reflections Management & Care, in the middle of COVID when she saw families struggle with care in the home because they lost the ability to see their loved ones. During a stressful time for everyone, Lindsay came to the rescue of her community. She is also actively involved with Empower Parkinson’s and currently partners with local businesses serving the community on various topics, mostly fall prevention. She’s co-chair of the CNY Aging Life Care Association and is on the Education Committee for the New York Aging Life Care Association, where she can further educate families and the community on important topics. 

    Every year she raises money and matches donations to help with non-profit businesses that give back to the community. Most recently, she raised money and collaborated with local businesses to get meals to home care workers during the height of COVID. Her ability to go above and beyond for her community during such a trying time for everyone is why she's this a Nave's Neighbor. 

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  • Anthony Peach

    Anthony Peach is currently the oldest living veteran in Baldwinsville, NY. He was in World War II and The Korean War. After coming home from the war in 1948, he married the love of his life, and they spent 71 wonderful years together raising 4 beautiful children. Three years ago, on his 95th birthday, he was presented with a proclamation from Bob Antonacci, former NY Senator. Nave Law Firm thanks you for your service, Anthony.

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  • Rebecca Riley

    Rebecca has the kindest heart. Following her company page, Peace, Love & Cupcakes, you probably know what we’re talking about. She uses her bakery and social media platform to promote love, acceptance, and kindness truly. Despite several roadblocks put in her path, she holds her head high and overcomes them. She's transparent about her struggles as a small business owner and mom of 4, yet always rises to the occasion to help others. She started baking in 2011 as a hobby and grew it into a business that she and her husband, Chris, run together, all alone.

    She participates in rallies for social justice, donates her baked goods to causes, and is kind…even when no one is looking. She doesn't have a malicious bone in her body and wears her heart on her sleeve. She truly is an amazing citizen of our community and embodies what it means to give back to your community. 

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  • Ashley Gilbert

    Ashley is an individual who has spent most of her life helping others. She is a licensed clinical social worker by day and passionate and creative by night. She’s a woman who has used her creativity and positivity to give back to her community, especially those battling cancer, all while raising a family and having a successful career.

    Ashley is an Ovarian Cancer survivor whose strength has inspired many who have come to know her. She received the news of her diagnosis at the beginning of the pandemic, which meant she had to undergo several surgeries during an already stressful and scary time. She endured difficult days during chemotherapy but showed her loved ones, especially her two young sons, what a strong and fearless woman she truly is. Whether it’s her family, friends, patients, or other women warriors, she is always there to support and remind others how courageous they are.

    Ashley regularly participates in community events, including benefits and fundraisers for those battling cancer. She continues to work with Girl Scouts, teaching young girls invaluable skills to empower themselves. She donates her time and homemade items and gives of herself endlessly.

    After losing her hair, Ashley was inspired to create her small business - Warrior Gear, which was her way to “pay it forward”. With every purchase in her shop, she donates a chemo cap she handmakes to local cancer centers and those who reach out to her. She has impacted the lives of hundreds of cancer patients, including children, who rave about the comfort and quality of her products. Even if you don’t know Ashley personally, the difference she makes is evident just by reading her Etsy shop (WarriorGearShop) reviews from customers worldwide. She’s created thousands of homemade items in just the two years she’s been in business and continues to give back to her community selflessly.

    Like Rocky said, "...it ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done!" Join us in congratulating her on winning this month’s Nave Hero 👏

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  • Charles Hallinan

    Meet Charles, after losing his wife to a brain tumor, he lost everything. At 79 he found himself without a home and without a purpose. He began volunteering at Holy Family Church, and through the Church found a bigger purpose. Every Friday you can find him saying the Rosary to the congregation and during mass, you’ll hear him belting it out in the choir. He’s even a member of the Knights of Columbus. During the week he volunteers his time to the Erie Canal in Camillus and helps with their community events. He is part of a book club. And even in his “spare time”, he takes seniors to their doctors’ appointments, where without him, they wouldn’t have a way to get to them. He truly believes in keeping busy and giving back to his community

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