Liberty, the Montgomery County ARC, announced its annual Good Neighbor award to recognize people who make our community a friendlier place to live and work for people with disabilities and Liberty staff. For the second year, the agency also presented a Community Partner award to specifically acknowledge the partnerships Liberty has developed with area businesses. Both awards were presented during the organization’s annual dinner on Thursday, May 7, at Crystal Ristorante in Amsterdam.

The 2009 Good Neighbor Award was presented to Harry Barse, owner of Harry’s Pottery in Canajoharie. Barse was nominated by the individuals in Liberty program and staff at Liberty’s Day Habilitation Program at 66 Church Street in Canajoharie.

In her presentation, 66 Church Street staff member Jeannine Jones said, “Harry goes out of his way to include everyone in the program in visits, community activities, discussions and events. He knows how much certain individuals love animals and he takes it upon himself to bring his dogs to Church Street so everyone can benefit. Harry has developed great friendships with all of the people at 66 Church Street. He truly is part of the family.”

Other individuals and businesses nominated were: Chris Andrzejczyk of St. Casimir’s Church, Amen Soup Kitchen; Burger King, Amsterdam; Owen Divendorf, Fort Plain; Bob Dulysz of White Cottage Gardens, Amsterdam; Tony Leonardi, Gloversville; Maureen Maginelli, Fonda; Bill Nelson of Amsterdam High School; Donna Steward, Amsterdam; the Staff of Wade Tours, Schenectady; Michele Wadsworth, Fonda; and the Staff of Windmill Dinner, Amsterdam.

The recipient of Liberty’s 2009 Community Partner award is Betz, Rossi, Bellinger and Stewart Family Funeral Home and Lenz & Betz Funeral Home. They were nominated for the award by the people at Liberty’s Ridge Road and Carlisle Road, Canajoharie residences and by Michele Rogers, from Medicaid Service Coordination department. In the nomination Marty Hughes, Peter Rose, and Curtis Bingel were specially cited for the caring and respectful manner in which they dealt with individuals, staff, and family members during a difficult time.

“Over the past few years the homes on Carlisle Road and Ridge Road have had to bear the loss of several of our loved ones. Each time we have needed their services they have had such a positive approach and their attention to detail in everything they do has made a real difference. It is so good to have such great supports and to work with people who care as much as they do.” stated Residence Manager Nancy Johnson in her presentation comments. “They take a very difficult time and add kindness, support, love, graciousness, honor, and respect.”

Other community partner nominees were: Meghan Altieri, Stewart’s Sandwich Shoppe, Amsterdam; Dave Nicholas, Amsterdam Memorial Hospital; Vern & Sherry O’Brien of Vern’s Auto Body and Sales, Amsterdam; The Senior Citizen Center, Fort Plain; and Tom Friello of Palmer Pharmacy, Johnstown.

“Good Neighbor and Community Partner Award recipients and nominees come from a variety of backgrounds, but all have in common the ability to go above and beyond to make the people Liberty supports and our staff feel welcomed within the community,” said Liberty’s Chief Executive Officer Frank Capone. “We congratulate this year’s award recipients and sincerely thank them and all the nominees for their efforts.”

In addition to plaques awarded during the Annual Dinner, Liberty will add the names of this year’s two recipients to commemorative plaques displayed in the lobby of Liberty Enterprises.. Posted 061709