JESSIE FERRERAS

Physician, Valley Medical Group, Waldwick, NJ

Dr. Jessie Ferreras, the eldest of six, was born in Laguna province, southeast of Manila on the Philippine island of Luzon. "He worked very hard, and inspired a lot of people in his family to be doctors and nurses and go into other technical fields," his son Nico said. A proud graduate of the nation's oldest medical school, at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Dr. Ferreras stayed active in alumni affairs. "He never forgot where he came from," said Nico. He was "the backbone" of the office, said Dr. David Strassberg, chair of primary care services for Valley Medical Group, describing Ferreras as "an excellent physician and a trusted friend."

ARTIST: TAMMY NOVAK FLOWERS “I love creating art.As a photographer, I loved capturing beauty with my lens. Now, as an artist, I love expressing the beauty I see with color and texture. I mostly use graphite, charcoal or oil paints, but enjoy using a variety of mediums and processes. Exploring new ways of creating art provides endless inspiration for me.”