Video: Morristown’s Bethel A.M.E. Church honors Berit Ollestad

Berit Ollestad, third from left, receives the Mary Ann Cobb award at Bethel A.M.E. Church. From left, Teresa Williams, Pastor Sidney Williams Jr., Berit, Morristown First Lady Mary Dougherty, a member of the Bethel board, and Mayor Tim Dougherty. Photo by Kevin Coughlinr.
Berit Ollestad, third from left, receives the Mary Ann Cobb award at Bethel A.M.E. Church. From left, Teresa Williams, Pastor Sidney Williams Jr., Berit, Morristown First Lady Mary Dougherty, a member of the Bethel board, and Mayor Tim Dougherty. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
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She has organized humanitarian missions to the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. And relief drives for Alabama tornado victims. More recently, she has taken up Hurricane Sandy Shore relief as a personal cause.

Of course, we’re talking about Berit Ollestad.

When she’s not saving the world, she contributes articles and photos to MorristownGreen.com.

On Sunday, Morristown’s Bethel A.M.E. Church recognized Berit with its Mary Ann Cobb Award to thank her for helping with the church flood cleanup after Tropical Storm Irene.

Berit Ollestad, third from left, receives the Mary Ann Cobb award at Bethel A.M.E. Church. From left, Teresa Williams, Pastor Sidney Williams Jr., Berit, Morristown First Lady Mary Dougherty, a member of the Bethel board, and Mayor Tim Dougherty. Photo by Kevin Coughlinr.
Berit Ollestad, third from left, receives the Mary Ann Cobb award at Bethel A.M.E. Church. From left, Teresa Williams, Pastor Sidney Williams Jr., Berit, Morristown First Lady Mary Dougherty, a member of the Bethel board, and Mayor Tim Dougherty. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

The presentation was made by the prior winner, Morristown First Lady Mary Dougherty, with Mayor Tim Dougherty by her side.

“When Seaside Heights says, ‘Don’t forget us,’ she makes sure it’s not forgotten,” Mary said, referring to the hurricane-battered Shore community.

“I’d like to share today with Mary, collectively, and say how grateful I am to have her as a friend,” said Berit, noting that Mary Dougherty’s award ceremony in 2011 was canceled by a storm.

The award is named for the wife of a 19th century Morristown mayor. Mary Ann Cobb was instrumental in giving African Americans their first church building in Morris County, in 1870, Bethel AME Pastor Sidney Williams Jr. said.

Congratulations, Berit! Keep up the great work.

The Mary Ann Cobb Award for 2012 goes to Berit Ollestad.
The Mary Ann Cobb Award for 2012 goes to Berit Ollestad.

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