Community Comes Out For Fifth Annual Disabilities Awareness Day Event

AVALON — Cape May County Freeholder Kristine Gabor joined members of the community in celebrating Disabilities Awareness Day in Cape May County. The 5th Annual Cape May County Community Disabilities Awareness Day Event took place Nov. 16 at the Avalon Elementary School. This event, designed as a day of information, food, music and fun not only for people with disabilities but for all who are interested in the agencies and organizations that serve the citizens of Cape May County, included a children’s corner, entertainment by the Cape May County String Band and Joanne Regan dancers and a number of free activities and screenings.
The Frank Unkle
Outstanding Service RecognitionAward
In 2013, the disabilities community was saddened at the untimely passing of Frank Unkle, Executive Director of The Arc of Cape May County for 27 years, and a committed advocate for the most vulnerable in our county. In recognition of Frank’s tireless and outstanding service and to challenge our citizens to continue his legacy, the Cape May County Outstanding Service Recognition Award has been renamed in his honor.
The purpose of this award is to acknowledge individuals, organizations and/or businesses for their various contributions to improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities living in Cape May County. The public is encouraged to nominate those who go above and beyond, on any scale, to ensure that individuals with disabilities are included fully in the life of the community.
The countywide call for nominations for this annual award brought an enthusiastic response from the community this year. In the end, the review committee chose an individual and an organization for the 2013 Awards:
2013 AWARD WINNERS
Individual Category: Joseph Giannattasio, Coordinator for the Middle Township Clean Communities Program
In his capacity as Coordinator for this Middle Township program, Joe has supervised several individuals with developmental disabilities, who have become an integral part of the Township’s family of public employees. His caring and competent supervision has been a win-win for the Clean Communities program and for the residents of Middle Township. Vital services are enthusiastically and cheerfully provided to the public, and individuals with disabilities have an opportunity for gainful employment and full participation in their community. Joe’s dedication to supporting the success of these employees has impacted their sense of self not only on the job, but also as important, contributing members of the wider community.
Organization Category: The Blind Center of the Jersey Cape
The Blind Center, founded by Millie Saraduke, provides a welcoming year-round program for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Twice a week a group of dedicated volunteers, under the direction of Millie and the new President, Phil Harris, leads the members through a variety of programs including music, drama, crafts and exercise. In addition, the group welcomes speakers from the community, works on special projects and enjoys occasional field trips. The goal of the Blind Center is to provide support and camaraderie, as well as skills and education, so that blind people can live active lives and strive for independence, self-development and a sense of self-worth. The Blind Center has for 13 years consistently met that goal and filled a vital need in the Cape May County community.
Cape Regional Medical Center’s Parish Nurse Program offered free blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar screenings, the county health department provided free flu shots and the Office of Emergency Management helped individuals sign up on the Special Needs Registry for Emergency Evacuation assistance. Also, Eileen W. Siegeltuch, an attorney at Hinkle, Fingles & Prior, presented an Elder Law seminar during the workshop that focused on ways to finance long-term care, minimize or avoid the financial hardship on a spouse and preserve assets for children.
There were over 60 exhibitors including: 21 Down, Atlantic Cape Family Support Organization, Blind Center of the Jersey Cape, Upper Township Challenger Sports Program, Alzheimer’s Association, American Red Cross, The ARC of Cape May County, Easter Seals of New Jersey, New Jersey Division of Disability Services, NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities, NJ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, NJ Family Care, Avenues to Independent Living, Bayada Pediatrics, Cape Atlantic Continuing Care Alliance, Family Resource Network, Golden Heart Adult Day Care, Jersey Cape Diagnostic, Training and Opportunity Center and Seaview Equine Learning Facility.
The theme of the event was Opening doors and dialogue . . . so that all are welcome in the Cape May County community. For more information, contact Paulann Pierson at the CMC Department of Aging & Disability Services at 609–886-2784.