Richards, S.W.I.M., Inc. Honored at Fourth Annual Disabilities Awareness Day

AVALON – The fourth year of Cape May County’s Community Disabilities Awareness Day was the biggest yet on Nov. 10 at Community Hall here. With 51 exhibitors of goods and services, there was something to offer to anyone with a disability or who knew someone with a disability.
The free event was hosted by Cape May County Department of Aging and Disability Services.
Many of the exhibitors were state or county agencies that cater to the needs of those with a variety of needs.
The Dramis Detachment Marine Corps League again opened the event with color guard and flag ceremony.
At 11, Donna Groome, department director, welcomed the public to the event, then introduced award recipients.
They included Carolyn Richards, an individual, who has done work to aid the hearing impaired, received the 2012 Outstanding Service Recognition Award. Presenting the award was Freeholder Kristin Gabor. She was selected through a nomination process. Many names had been submitted for the singular honor.
Jean Kammer, Linda Johnson and Joe Jackson joined to accept the 2012 Outstanding Service Recognition Award on behalf of the Cape May County S.W.I.M, Inc. Gabor also presented that award.
The county honors were followed by a Congressional Recognition, presented by County Clerk Rita Fulginiti on behalf of U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo to Richards and the S.W.I.M. Inc. group. She said that her husband had great benefit from the S.W.I.M. program over the years.
Paulann Pierson, county disabilities coordinator, was given a freeholder resolution attesting to her tireless efforts on behalf of those with disabilities by Gabor.
Assemblyman Nelson Albano (D-1st) conveyed greetings on behalf of the First Legislative District delegation. He said Sen. Jeff Van Drew was scheduled to attend, and would arrive within the hour.
Cape May County String Band, an annual part of the festivities, brought many to their feet to strut, dance or sing along. Uniformed strutters mingled among the crowd joining hands and making merry.
Theme of the event was “Opening Doors and Dialogue…so all are welcome in Cape May County.”
Members of the Parish Nurse program held a mini-health fair, and the county Health Department administered flu shots to those in need of one.
Members of the Joanne Reagan Studio Dancers performed on stage.