Beloved Educator Honored for 50 Years of Service in Phillipsburg

Betty Hammerstone receives Community Heart Award for lifelong dedication to literacy and community policing.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Betty Hammerstone, a former librarian and educator who spent over 50 years serving the Alpha and Phillipsburg communities, was surprised with the Community Heart Award in recognition of her lasting impact as a literacy advocate and early champion of community policing efforts in local schools.

Why it matters

Hammerstone's decades-long commitment to fostering trust and positive relationships between children and law enforcement, as well as her tireless work to promote literacy and make books accessible to all, have had a profound and lasting impact on the Phillipsburg area. Her story highlights the power of dedicated community members to shape the character and values of a local community.

The details

Hammerstone, who worked at Alpha School for 34 years and continued serving the broader community as a librarian and literacy advocate, was honored with the Community Heart Award during a surprise celebration at the W.H. Walters Free Public Library in Alpha. The event was coordinated by members of the Phillipsburg Police Department, including Chief Anthony Goodell and several officers who were former students of Hammerstone's. The celebration highlighted Hammerstone's work in inviting police officers into classrooms to read with students, helping to build trust and positive relationships between children and law enforcement long before such partnerships became commonplace.

  • Hammerstone spent over 50 years in education and library service.
  • She worked at Alpha School for 34 years.
  • Hammerstone continued serving the broader Alpha and Phillipsburg communities as a librarian and literacy advocate after leaving Alpha School.
  • The surprise celebration honoring Hammerstone took place on Friday, February 14, 2026.

The players

Betty Hammerstone

A beloved former librarian and lifelong educator who spent over 50 years serving the Alpha and Phillipsburg communities as an educator, librarian, and literacy advocate.

Anthony Goodell

The Phillipsburg Police Chief who spoke at the celebration, highlighting Hammerstone's lasting impact and her role as an early champion of community policing efforts in local schools.

Nicholas Marino

A Phillipsburg police officer who was a former student of Hammerstone's and attended the celebration.

Sandor 'Alex' Gal

A Phillipsburg police lieutenant who was also a former student of Hammerstone's and attended the celebration.

Holly Thomas

The librarian at the W.H. Walters Free Public Library, where the surprise celebration for Hammerstone took place.

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What they’re saying

“I bet you there's hundreds of stories just in this room tonight. For a lifetime of love, compassion, and selfless service that has reached generations and changed countless lives. You are the heart of our community.”

— Anthony Goodell, Phillipsburg Police Chief (TAPinto.net)

“She was the foundation for that. This community — Alpha and Phillipsburg — is a better place because of her.”

— Anthony Goodell, Phillipsburg Police Chief (TAPinto.net)

“I am beyond words. My heart is happy. My heart is smiling. It's because of each and every one of you.”

— Betty Hammerstone (TAPinto.net)

What’s next

A portable book-sharing box, affectionately named the 'Hammerstone House,' will be placed around Alpha to provide free books to children and families year-round for generations to come.

The takeaway

Betty Hammerstone's lifelong dedication to literacy, education, and community policing has left an indelible mark on the Phillipsburg area, inspiring generations of students and residents. Her story serves as a testament to the power of passionate individuals to shape the character and values of a local community.