On June 14th The Arc of Delaware County recognized those who have inspired others through personal perseverance and individual growth and an individual who embodies the spirit of being a good neighbor. This Annual Membership Meeting and Achievement Awards Ceremony was attended by members, staff, special guests, Officers and Directors to celebrate these successes and to elect new Officers and Board Members for the upcoming term.
Officers and Directors were sworn in to office by Wayne Marshfield, Hamden Town Supervisor, who has been a long time Member and supporter of The Arc of Delaware County. Officers for the 2013-2014 terms are: President, Robin Evanitsky; Vice President, Ira McIntosh; Secretary, Sandra Bullis; Treasurer, Lee Marigliano. Directors for the 2013-2015 terms include: Thomas Banks, Mary Jane Giarrusso-Wilkin, Bonnie Martin, Robert Rothenberg, Nat Thomas, and James Warren. They join Lori Cetta, Gerda van Leeuwen, and Ruth Vitale, whose two year director terms expire in 2014.
Award winners received “Shining Star” trophies from Delarc and were honored with congratulatory speeches from Assemblywoman Claudia Tenny and Assemblyman Clifford Crouch’s Chief of Staff, Kathleen Moore. Certificates of Recognition were provided from both Assemblywoman Tenny and Assemblyman Crouch as well as from Senator John Bonacic.
Award winners included Carousel Children’s Services’ (CCS) McKenzie Barnes who received her Outstanding Achievement Award for exceptional progress in developmental and social skills during the 2 years she has been attending the CCS program.
The Outstanding Achievement award winners of the adult programs were chosen by a group of their peers based on personal qualities and accomplishments they observed.
The Outstanding Achievement Award winners in the adult programs include: Community Living Skills, Arkville- Gary Kain; Community Living Skills, Walton- James Jenks; Residential Services-Doris Knowles; Resources For Industry- Jean Borget; THRIVE- Warren Stelter.
Another award included the Father Eugene Willis Good Neighbor Award which celebrates people who embody the spirit of being kind and neighborly and supports the involvement of people with disabilities in their community. The recipient of this year’s award was Dave Bailey of Hamden, NY. Dave is the owner, operator of Hamden Auto Services and has shared his love of auto repair and restoration with two gentlemen, Francis and Warren, with whom he has developed genuine friendships. He has gone beyond being simply a teacher of auto repair, encouraging Francis and Warren to meet new people, explore their communities, and develop their personal interests. He shares a passion for snowmobiling with Warren and has invited him on several outings including competing together in racing events. When Warren participated in the tractor pull at the Delaware County Fair last year Dave attended to cheer Warren on.
And Dave never forgets birthdays and other important events. Francis Schulz shared, “He helps me work on cars and has taught me lots of things. He made me like a part of the garage team. On my birthday (Dave) came to RFI and had lunch with me. When I am with him I get to meet new people and be a part of the community. I consider Dave a good friend.”
To learn how you can become a part of The Arc of Delaware County as a volunteer or employee, visit our website at: www.delarc.org. To view photos of the “2013 Membership Meeting and Awards Dinner”, click to view more photos of this event http://www.flickr.com/photos/delarc/ .
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