UPPER TOWNSHIP — Volunteers with a Thrivent Action Team in conjunction with the Upper Township Business Association added some charm to the community May 25 by cleaning out and planting flowers in planters around the township.
The planters are located at Beesley’s Point Park, Route 9 and Roosevelt Boulevard, Route 9 near Acme in Seavile, on Route 50 in Tuckahoe and at Township Hall and near Levari’s on Tuckahoe Road.
An Upper Township resident since 1992, financial adviser Glen Stewart organized the effort through his employer, Thrivent.
“I provide personalized financial guidance to people at all stages of life. At Thrivent, we view money not as a goal, but as a tool — one that can afford you a life rich in meaning and gratitude. We believe humanity thrives when individuals make the most of all they’ve been given. I’m here to help you do just that,” he said.
Stewart, who retired in 2022 after 25 years as supervisor of technology for Upper Township School District, started part time with Thrivent in 2020.
“Before my time with Thrivent, I served in public education for more than 20 years, but I’ve also been a broadcast radio DJ, and I even toured the country performing Shakespeare,” he said.
He and his wife of more than 30 years, Suze DiPietro-Stewart, have two sons.
Stewart said Thrivent is a not-for-profit, Christian wealth management firm that strives to benefit the communities in which offices are located.
Thrivent Action Teams are a hands-on way to give back to the community.
“I was privileged to help members of St. John Lutheran Church gather over 750 food items to feed hungry folks in Ocean City as part of Thrivent’s ‘Feed the Northeast’ program,” he said.
Every year, every member gets two Thrivent Action Kits to facilitate community service projects. Each one comes with T-shirts, thank you cards and a $250 Visa card.
“Instead of a bank manager with a big check, they give money to team members to do good in their community,” Stewart said.
Stewart has been involved with the Green Team and the UTBA, through which the project was organized. He said the money was used to defray the cost of flowers and that three members of the community joined him in planting in 12 planters.
– By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff
– Photo by Glen Stewart, picturing him with Chelsea Delaney, daughter July Delaney and Sandra Adamson beautifying flower planters May 25 at Beesley’s Point Park.