35th Ability Awareness Awards to be presented November 7

The achievements of people with disabilities and the efforts of those who support them will be showcased when The Resource Center holds its 35^th Ability Awareness Awards Celebration on Thursday, November 7.

The luncheon will be held at Shorewood Country Club, 4958 West Lake Road in Dunkirk, from noon to 1:30.

The awards recognize people with disabilities who have made significant accomplishments, as well as area residents and businesses that have improved the lives of people with disabilities. This year’s award recipients are:

• Advocate of the Year – Michael Ostrye
• Business/Employer of the Year – Original Crunch Roll Factory
• Community Partnership Award – Laurie Reynolds
• Bruce Walford Community Service Award – Andrew Goodell
• Health Provider of the Year – Tammy Fardink
• Carl Cappa Humanitarian of the Year – Lake Shore Savings
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Dennis Webster
• Edwin Roth Mental Health Award – Jeff Axelson
• Outstanding Achievement Award – David C.
• Personal Success Award – Ashley Martin
• Elmer Muench Volunteer of the Year – Heather C. Brown

In addition, Keith Gowan will receive an award for being honored by New York State Industries for the Disabled, Inc. NYSID selected Gowan for recognition through its annual William B. Joslin Outstanding Performance Award Program.

Members of The Resource Center, people with disabilities, TRC staff and volunteers, and the general public are invited to attend the Ability Awareness Awards Celebration. The event is being sponsored by TRC, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union and NYSID.

The cost to attend the luncheon is $30. Reservations are due by October 26. For more information or to pay for your reservation by check, phone 716-661-1477 or e-mail vicky.bardo@resourcecenter.org.

Those wishing to make a donation in honor of one of the award recipients may do so at The Resource Center’s web site or by mailing a check to The Resource Center, 200 Dunham Avenue, Jamestown, NY, 14701.Donations will be directed to The Resource Center’s TRC Excellence Awards Fund at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.