2009 Good News Dinner
Two groups and nine individuals were named recipients of the 2009 Good News Awards given by Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce (GOACC). The awards honor those who enrich the community by their work and activities and were presented at the annual Good News Award Ceremony May 14, at the Old Library Restaurant, 116 South Union Street, in Olean.
Mel Duggan, Community Award
Ann Skrobacz, Youth Award
Mark Saglimben Little Hoops Program, Youth Award
Amy Sherburne, Culture Award
Cattaraugus County Arts Council, Culture Award
Gary Abraham, Environment Award
Pam Neary, Education Award
Sr. Regina Aman, Religious Award
Madge Ash, Senior Award
Cattaraugus County Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, Wellness Award
Jill Delaney, Wellness Award
Ann Skrobacz, Youth Award
Mark Saglimben Little Hoops Program, Youth Award
Amy Sherburne, Culture Award
Cattaraugus County Arts Council, Culture Award
Gary Abraham, Environment Award
Pam Neary, Education Award
Sr. Regina Aman, Religious Award
Madge Ash, Senior Award
Cattaraugus County Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, Wellness Award
Jill Delaney, Wellness Award
The Youth Award will go to Ann Skrobacz, an Olean High School student, and to the Mark Saglimben. Ann will be recognized for her outstanding service to our community as a youth. Mark will be recognized for his outstanding service to our ‘youth’ community.
The Education Award will be presented to Pam Neary. Through Mrs. Neary’s efforts, the Reading First program a t Ivers J. Norton Elementary has made remarkable gains to the number of students served, the status/higher level on students participating, and by the streamline effort of the program to the aides and teachers involved.
Cattaraugus County Council on Alcoholism & Substance Abuse, Inc. will receive the Wellness Award. The staff of the Council are dedicated to the Mission of the Council which is “The Cattaraugus County Council will effect change for a health community that embraces the acceptance of recovery, related to substance abuse and associated disorders by serving as the leading community resource, helping those affected by chemical or behavioral dependencies.
Jill Delaney will be recognized for her contributions to our “Community” Wellness. Jill is a driving force behind the Wellness Consortium/My Community Wellness committee whose mission is partnering with the community to develop H.E.A.L.T.H. - Helping Everyone Attain Lasting Total Health. The group formed in 2004 and now consists of 23 members. The Wellness Consortium’s first group effort was staging a successful health fair at last year’s Olean Home Show.
Marge Ash will be recognized with the Senior Award for her many years of volunteering with HomeCare & Hospice, Olean Senior Center, and many other organizations.
Gary Abraham, Esq. will be recognized with the Environment Award. Gary has worked tirelessly on many issues, often pro bono, to ensure that all of us in the area can live with a clean, safe and enriching environment.
Sr. Regina Aman will be recognized with the Religious Award for her devoted service to the Ecumenical and faith sharing community. Sr. Aman volunteers with Hospice Home Care, the Greater Olean Catholic Community home bound and elderly, and at the Olean General Hospital.
Amy Sherburne will receive the Culture Award for her work on spearheading the Woodland in the City Squirrels Art Project. Woodland in the City is a public art display designed to celebrate the arts in Olean, showcase the creativity of an area artists, exemplify our natural surroundings, encourage commerce/tourism and beautify the landscape of Olean.
Cattaraugus County Arts Council (CCAC) will receive the Culture Award for their enrichment and support of the quality of life in Cattaraugus County by making artistic and cultural opportunities accessible to our citizens through classes, workshops and other services surrounding the artistic side of life.
Mel Duggan will be recognized for his contributions to our “Community” with the Community Award. Mel's commitment to the community is reflected in his contributions to building a better life for people in this community.