June 19th was a night to be remembered! Over 185
people attended The Arc of Delaware County's gala event at Farrell Hall located
on SUNY Delhi campus. As music from a
jazz trio led by Michael Suchorsky drifted up and through the room, people mingled
and excitement built in anticipation of the awards to be presented. Local and
national dignitaries attended including Peter Berns, CEO of The Arc’s national
office; Paula Brown, local
Representative for Congressman Chris Gibson; Wayne Marshfield, Hamden Town Supervisor;
Tina Mole’, Bovina Town Supervisor; Thomas Mills, Delaware County Sheriff; and
Paul Metcalf and Mark Pulinski , representatives from Relph Benefit Advisors ,
sponsors of the event.
After a delicious dinner prepared by CADI staff, the Annual
Membership Meeting was held and officers, directors and committee members were
installed in to their respective positions for the upcoming term.
Officers for 2015-2016: Robin Evanitsky, President; Ira McIntosh, Vice President; Sandra Bullis,
Secretary; and Lee Marigliano, Treasurer.
Directors for 2015-2017: Thomas
Banks, Amy Beveridge, Mary Jane Giarrusso-Wilkin, Bonnie Martin, Robert
Rothenberg, Nat Thomas, and James Warren.
They join Sandra Bullis, Lori Cetta, Robin Evanitsky, Ira McIntosh,
Gerda vanLeeuwen, and Ruth Vitale serving the term 2014-2016.
Nominating Committee members for
2015-2016: Lori Cetta, Robert Rothenberg, Nat Thomas, and Gerda van Leeuwen.
Following the Membership meeting, Outstanding Achievement
Awards were presented to six individuals who were nominated by their peers and
staff for being an inspiration to others through their personal perseverance
and growth. Those receiving Outstanding Achievement Awards included: Finnley Hanway, Carousel Children's Services; Rose Racht, Community
Living Skills, Arkville; Nicholas Hrywanak, Community Living Skills, Walton;
Rita Altobello, Residential Services; Robert Eckert, Resource For Industry;
Jennifer Gugliotti, THRIVE. Their accomplishments were recounted by staff and
peers and then “Shining Star” trophies were presented along with certificates
from Congressman Chris Gibson, Senator
John Bonacic, Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney, and Assemblyman
Clifford Crouch.
Four community partners were honored with “Shining Star” plaques
and certificates. Receiving Partner of
the Year Awards for enhancing opportunities for individuals with disabilities were
Delhi Campus Child Care Center and Delta Kappa Gamma, Beta Omicron Chapter. The
Dr. Gerald Burday Professional Excellence Award was presented to Lieutenant Tim
Buckley for demonstrating a commitment to excellence in meeting individual
needs and encouraging growth helping individuals with disabilities achieve
their true potential. Receiving the Father Eugene Willis Good Neighbor Award
for embodying the spirit of being kind and neighborly was the Tri Town Dance
and Social Club.
This annual event serves as a testament and living example
of the impact of The Arc of Delaware County’s positive, person centered
approach to helping people with disabilities live personally fulfilling
lives. Heartfelt goodbyes were passed
between friends and new acquaintances alike as people left with an invigorated spirit
to carry on The Arc’s mission that they are committed to.
To view more photos from this special night visit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/delarc/sets/72157652595732974
