Lisa Kerssen was born in Jersey City and raised in Lyndhurst, where she enjoyed scouting and community theater. Once she graduated high school, she studied cosmetology in Rutherford, but went to work in banking and then for Bell Atlantic. It was there she had her first experience with volunteering. The Make a Wish Foundation was one of Lisa’s passions. She helped deliver donated toys to areas hospitals. Sometimes it was bikes she knew some of the children would never ride. “It was heart wrenching, but also, very fulfilling.” Lisa married Eric and they moved to West Milford 14 years ago. Shortly after her first son was born, she became involved with the West Milford Chamber of Commerce. She served as secretary and is now a member of the board of directors. As a chamber member, fund raising became a big part of her life. She helps raise money to support scholarships for students who enter business education. “The hope is that these well qualified business owners will thrive in West Milford” Lisa explains. “It’s a great way to benefit the community.” Her husband Eric joined the Rotary Club and, as a family, the Kerssen’s sponsored The Gift of Life Program three years ago. Sofiya Paseka was from the Ukraine and came to the United States for life saving heart surgery. They offered their home and hospitality to Sofiya and her mother. The surgery was a success and all the trips back and forth to Montefiour Hospital in the Bronx paid off. The Kerssen’s still keep in touch with their very healthy friend in the Ukraine. “There was a lot of sacrifice for those three months, but we were happy things worked out so well.” Lisa has been a scout den leader for both her boys for six years. Up until this past February, she ran two dens, totaling 15 boys. Through the years she has put in countless hours of council meetings, outings, pack meetings, camping trips and preparing the boys to be productive young men in the community. Lisa is now working at Van Dyk as an activities assistant and helps keep the seniors busy. When she’s not a class mom, or volunteering at her lake community, she also runs her own business, Charming Me, Charming You, which specializes in costume jewelry, fashion accessories and handbags. She offered this easy and fun idea from her kitchen, “This recipe is great for children, no cooking and delicious! My children love it and yours will, too...” Ice Cream Sandwich Delight 8 - 9 Ice Cream Sandwiches 1 - Jar Wet Nuts 1 - Bottle Caramel Syrup 1 - Container of Cool Whip 1 - Bottle of Hard Shell Chocolate Sauce Open and spread the Ice Cream Sandwiches in a large Pyrex pan. Layer wet nut, carmel syrup (or any other topping you would like). Spread cool whip over top. Spread Hard shell over the top. Place in freezer to firm it up for about 10 minutes. It taste great and it can be made right before serving to you guest. They’ll think you made your very own ice cream cake.