Ability Awareness Awards

Established in 1989, The Resource Center’s Ability Awareness Awards recognize those who have demonstrated exemplary effort in improving the lives of people with disabling conditions. In addition, the awards honor people with disabilities who have made tremendous strides in their own lives as they strive to meet their goals.

The Awards Celebration also highlights the special partnership that exists among people with disabilities, their families and friends; The Resource Center, Filling the Gap and other organizations in Chautauqua County that provide critical services and supports to thousands of people with disabilities and their families; and the rest of the community in Making a Difference in People’s Lives.

Advocate of the Year

(Recognizing those who champion the rights of people with disabilities or who support people with disabilities to achieve greater independence and community integration; or honoring a person with a disability who has done an exceptional job of advocating for themselves and others.)

• Lynn Johnson - 2023
• Andrew Heggarty - 2021
• Jennifer DeWolf - 2020
• Don Caruso - 2019
• Mary Hayes - 2018
• Patrick Smeraldo - 2017
• Sharon Buesink - 2016
• Beth Jermain - 2015
• Beth Ray - 2014
• Josh Pietro - 2013
• Dennis Webster - 2012
• April Rosier - 2011
• Marcos Figueroa - 2010
• Bruce Jackson - 2009
• Helen Kern - 2008
• Carol Peterson - 2007
• Leslie Fickling - 2006
• Robin Kestler - 2005
• Carole Johnson - 2004
• Ann Hollenbach - 2003
• Gary Neubauer - 2002
• Paul Hoefler - 2001
• Jeremi Collins - 2000
• Kevin Juul - 1999
• Kathy Dolan-Ocoboc - 1998
• Mary Muench - 1997
• Nancy Callahan - 1996
• Elizabeth Shoemaker - 1995
• Clyde W. Card - 1994
• Marie Carrubba, Esq. - 1993
• Debra Smith - 1992
• Helen Kern - 1991
• James Sheldon Jr. – 1990 

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 Allied Industries Customer of the Year

(Recognizing a business partner that has provided work to Allied Industries, TRC’s manufacturing division, creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities.)

• Whirley Industries - 2015
• Truck-Lite - 2014
• Whirley Industries - 2013
• Dahlstrom Roll Form - 2012
• Zurn Industries - 2011
• United States Marine Corps – 2010
• Jamestown Container Corp. - 2009
• U.S. Air Force - 2008
• Eagle Industries - 2007
• Carriage House Companies - 2006
• U.S. Army Soldier Systems Command - 2005
• Clarke Box-It- 2004
• Cliffstar Corporation - 2003
• MATCO - 2002
• Perkins Restaurant (Lakewood) - 1998
• Falconer Central School District - 1997
• Graphic Visions - 1996
• ALLTEL New York - 1995
• U.S. Dept. of the Army Aviation and Troop Support Command - 1994
• Dunkirk Radiator Corp. - 1993
• Jamestown Bronze Works – 1992

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 Business/Employer of the Year

(Recognizing an employer that has improved the availability, accessibility and quality of integrated, community-based employment for people with disabilities.)

• Mazza Chautauqua Cellars / Five & 20 Spirits & Brewing - 2023
• Tanglewood Manor - 2021
• Can Kings - 2020
• Servpro - 2019
• Truck-Lite - 2017
• Southern Tier Meadows - 2016
• Southern Tier Brewing Company - 2015
• Wegmans - 2014
• Premier Lakewood Inc. - 2013
• The Red Lobster (Lakewood) - 2012
• Bob Evans Restaurant (Jamestown) - 2011
• Stratus Building Solutions - 2010
• Weber Knapp - 2009
• Artone Manufacturing - 2008
• Petri Baking Company - 2007
• Applebees (Dunkirk/Fredonia and Lakewood) - 2006
• Fredonia State FSA- 2005
• Bush Industries - 2004
• Truck-Lite - 2003
• Rink Management - 2002
• Honest John’s Restaurant - 2001
• Red Lobster - 2000
• Crescent Manufacturing - 1999
• Bush Industries - 1998
• Tops Friendly Market (Dunkirk) - 1997
• Country Fair - 1996
• Dunkirk Ice Cream Co. - 1995
• Belknap Business Forms - 1994
• Dr. Andrew Malinowski - 1993
• The Ironstone Restaurant - 1991
• Ralston Purina - 1990
• Cummins Inc. – 1989

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 Community Partnership Award

(Recognizing an individual, service group or business that provides unique opportunities and experiences for persons with disabilities.)

• Gebbie Foundation- 2023
• United Way of Northern Chautauqua County - 2021
• YMCA Camp Onyahsa - 2020
• Fluvanna Free Library - 2019
• Raymour and Flanigan - 2018
• Forestville High School Band/Mr. Geblein, Director - 2017
• Fastenal (Dunkirk) - 2016
• Saint Susan Center - 2015
• Village of Silver Creek - 2014
• Landers Men’s Clothing Store - 2013
• DeMarco Sisters School of Dance - 2012
• American Legion Ira Lou Spring Post 149 - 2011
• Greystone Nature Preserve - 2010
• Bair Music (Gary Bair and Jamie Braley) - 2009
• Chautauqua Suites/Food is Good Corp. - 2008
• Roberta Edwards - 2007
• Nicole Garland - 2006
• John & Diane Evan - 2005
• Lincoln Elementary School - 2004
• Pack 177 Cub Scouts - 2003
• Summer Wind - 2002
• Centaur Stride - 2001
• Jamestown Police Department - 2000
• The Resource Center’s Cherry Valley staff & volunteers - 1999
• Boorady Adult Learning Center - 1998
• Centaur Stride - 1997
• United Cerebral Palsy of WNY - 1996
• Compeer Chautauqua - 1995
• Jamestown Audubon Society - 1994
• Chautauqua County Legal Services - 1993
• Rotary Club of Jamestown - 1992
• John & Diane Evan/Evans Skateland - 1991

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 Bruce Walford Community Service Award

(Honoring a person who is committed to the community, is selfless, and has the initiative and the integrity to forge forward and makes things happen, with the enthusiasm and exuberance that inspires others. This award was created in memory of Bruce Walford, a former Manager of The Resource Center’s Dunkirk Manufacturing Center, who had the ability to get things done.)

• John Felton - 2023
• Patrick Smeraldo - 2021
• Wendy Wilcox - 2020
• Shelly Pratt - 2019
• Amanda Martinelli and Christopher Decker - 2018
• Evelyn Wright-Kegelmyer - 2017
• Rhonda Scott - 2016
• Victoria Trass Bardo - 2015
• Diane Cornell - 2014
• Brian Samuelson - 2013
• Carol Lorenc - 2012
• Greg Krauza and Mark Olson - 2011
• Claire Tomassini - 2010
• Nancy Ann Battaglia - 2009
• Wayne & Elaine Hotelling - 2008

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 Carl Cappa Humanitarian Award

(Honoring a person or entity that has provided financial support to improve the lives of people with disabilities.  This award is named in memory of Carl Cappa, a generous benefactor of people with disabilities.)

• Dory Matwijkow - 2021
• United Refining - 2014
• Jamestown Rotary Club - 2011
• William Brothers - 2010
• Margaret Look - 2009
• Kwik Fill/Red Apple - 2008
• DFT Communications & The Maytum Family - 2006
• Barb Adkins- 2004
• Mari Ceci Henning - 2003
• Deanna Rice - 2002
• Kevin Hulings - 2001
• Marie Carrubba, Esq - 2000
• Pastor Paul Sears - 1999
• Carl Cappa – 1998
• Susan Breznak Honeychurch and Dr. Craig Blum - 1997
• Lionel & Mary Wescott - 1996
• Dunkirk Moose Lodge #89 - 1995
• Lind Funeral Home - 1994
• William & Marian Parker - 1993
• Kathy Falk- 1992
• Kathryn Crossley - 1991
• Mary Ceci Henning - 1990
• Chautauqua County Special Olympics - 1989

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Lifetime Achievement Award

• Lyman Buck III - 2019
• William & Donna Haenggi - 2018
• Gregory Peterson, Esq. - 2017
• Nancy Ingram - 2015
• Michael & Laura Felice - 2011
• Dr. Harry Glatz - 2010
• The Resource Center Past and Present Board Presidents - 2009
• Jack Allette and Henry & Jean Wesley - 2008
• Pat Carroll - 2007
• Margaret Look - 2006
• Eunice Hedges - 2004
• Delores Mayer, Jean Smith and Fran Schroder - 2002
• Carl Cappa - 2001
• Henry Wesley - 2000
• Helen Bryner - 1999
• Wayne Hotelling - 1998
• James DePonceau - 1997
• Mary Andrews - 1996
• James Mangano - 1993

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 Edwin Roth Mental Health Award

(Honoring a consumer, consumer advocate, agency, professional, or individual who has contributed toward efforts that help improve the lives of individuals with mental health illness, substance abuse or co-occurring disorders.  This award is named in memory of Edwin Roth for his dedication to supporting people in Western New York living with mental health challenges.)

• Michael Trusso - 2023
• Barbara Billings, LMHC - 2021
• Ashlee Terry - 2020
• Laurie Fenton, PNP - 2019
• Paul Hurley - 2018
• Ke-Khee Greenough - 2016
• Rick Huber - 2015
• Jeri Sprague - 2014
• Thaddeus Lund - 2013
• Edward Christensen - 2012
• Raquel Spears - 2011
• Kristy Lauer - 2010
• Virginia Matteson - 2009
• Gail Coyle - 2008
• Chandra Woolson and Jennifer O’Boyle - 2007
• Nancy Ann Battaglia Danielson - 2006
• Chandra Woolson - 2005
• Stacey Morley - 2004
• Cindy Neu - 2003
• Allene Piazza - 2002

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 Outstanding Achievement Award

(Honoring a person with a disability who has made significant progress in achieving a goal or developing their skills.)

• Joshua Hart - 2023
• Virginia Lehman - 2021
• Brianna Wicks - 2020
• Dione Ransom - 2019
• Mallory Wojcinski - 2018
• Joshua Hughes - 2017
• Tyler Shaw - 2016
• Bruce Hazelton - 2015
• Nathan Stearns - 2014
• Courtney Spencer - 2013
• Kyle Keller – 2012
• Stephanie Binkiwitz - 2011
• Tristan Wassman - 2010
• Lillian Johnson - 2009
• Shelby Melquist - 2008
• Steven Kopta - 2007
• Sandy Clark - 2006
• Scott James - 2005
• Phyllis Lamb - 2004
• Tina Geyer - 2003
• Melita Lyon - 2002
• Ron Dormer - 2001
• Elba Torres and Donna Rathbun - 2000
• Patrick Gaura - 1999
• Mary Czysz - 1998
• Thomas Williams - 1997
• Richard Wyckoff - 1996

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 Outstanding Health Provider

(Honoring a health care provider organization or professional that enhances the lives of persons with disabilities by providing quality health services.)

• Roseanna Hatfield, LCSW - 2023
• Krista Petry, FNP - 2021
• Nancy Hunt - 2020
• William Bowler, PT - 2019
• UPMC Chautauqua Phlebotomist Lab Team - 2018
• Adnan Munir, MD - 2017
• Willow Taft - 2016
• Megan Tomassini, DPT - 2015
• Susan Short - 2014
• Dr. James Campion - 2013
• Ronda Russell - 2012
• Jodi Sigmund - 2011
• John Vona DDS - 2010
• Marcia Wells - 2009
• Jennifer A. Volk - 2008
• Anne R. Shear, DDS - 2007
• Amy Pease - 2006
• Saquib Ibrahim, MD - 2005
• Cherie Ohls - 2004

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NYSID Outstanding Performer

(New York State Industries for the Disabled assists agencies like The Resource Center in obtaining government contracts that employ people with disabilities. Each year, NYSID recognizes workers across the State who have done an outstanding job. These are the people from TRC who have received a NYSID award.)

• Victor Karas III - 2022
• Maggie Rivera - 2021
• Mary Davis - 2020
• Andy Dyckes - 2019
• Andrew Speer - 2018
• Phil Murvine - 2017
• Gregory Slagle - 2016
• Taneseah Johnson - 2015
• Jeffrey Schuster - 2014
• Keith Gowan - 2013
• Jeremy Swarthout - 2012
• Janice Hanley - 2010
• Andy Dyckes - 2009
• Mary Shelton - 2008
• Ron Privitera - 2007
• Roy Homokay - 2006
• Mary Uber - 2005

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Personal Success Award

(Honoring a person with a disability who has met their goals of personal achievement in the area of community integration and/or employment.)

• Justin Moreland - 2023
• Nichole Davis - 2021
• Courtney Poitras - 2020
• Jesterfer Johnson - 2019
• Brenda Martinez- 2018
• David Shaw - 2017
• Chris Riel - 2016
• Jennifer Meyers - 2015
• Daryl Smith - 2014
• Chris Cobready - 2013
• Zachary Berlund - 2012
• Nick Kilpatrick and Vada Stone - 2011
• Chris Davis - 2010
• Josephine Klee - 2009
• Nick Kilpatrick - 2008
• Alan Nichols - 2007
• Anthony Trussalo - 2006
• Rose Carpenter - 2005
• Roberto Alverez- 2004
• Jennifer Yost - 2003
• Peggy Higley - 2002
• Lillian Johnson - 2001
• Courtney Spence - 2000
• Bobbie Porter - 1999
• Gary Melquist - 1998
• Ann Hollenbach and Shanda Baldwin - 1997
• Christopher Backus - 1996
• Louis “Joe” Calanni - 1995
• Theodore Taber - 1994
• Ronald Houghton - 1993
• Carol Kelsey - 1992
• Vicki Cordosi - 1991
• Randy Olmstead - 1990
• Claudia Kelley - 1989

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Special Event Volunteer

(Honoring those who have done an exceptional job in volunteering their time toward the major fund-raising events conducted by The Resource Center and Filling the Gap.)

• Marcos Figueroa - 2018
• William VanDyke - 2015
• Suzette Smith - 2014
• Ron Hasson - 2013
• Marcus Maloney – 2012

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Elmer Muench Volunteer of the Year

(Honoring a person whose donation of time, talents, and/or expertise has improved the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. This would include supporting special events or serving on advisory and Board committees.  This award is named in memory of Elmer Muench, a longtime volunteer at The Resource Center.)

• Jeremy Rugg - 2023
• Craig Colburn - 2021
• Peter Carlo - 2020
• Sunny Side Up band - 2019
• Alan & Sharon Richards - 2018
• Tom Rhodes - 2017
• Sandra Clark - 2016
• Kevin Juul - 2015
• Kevin Anderson - 2014
• Michelle Wood - 2013
• Karen Silzle - 2012
• Bruce Main - 2011
• Parent Support Dance Group (Mike & Laura Felice, Don & Joan Yost, Joann Titus) - 2010
• Evelyn Wright-Kegelmyer - 2009
• Jane Young - 2008
• Don Traynor - 2007
• Kathy Field - 2006
• Olga Millan - 2005
• Dr. Harry Glatz- 2004
• William & Donna Haenggi - 2003
• William VanDyke & Basketball Officials - 2002
• Kristy and Michael Smith – 2001
• Robert Peters - 2000
• Duke & Carole Johnson - 1999
• Jennifer Liuzzo - 1998
• Donald & Janet Wormuth - 1997
• Pat Moniot - 1996
• Sarah Milliman - 1995
• Leslie Schmitt - 1994
• Joseph P. Trusso - 1993
• Lorraine LeFort - 1992
• Mary Lindsey - 1991
• Charlene Martin - 1990
• Eunice Hedges - 1989

 * NOTE: Not all categories have a recipient every year.