At a recent meeting of seniors in North Wildwood, I was brought up to speed on the latest absurdity of our contemporary pop culture. What was the world coming to? Had I heard that Kim Kardashian had been honored as Woman of the Year? It seems that the British edition of GQ magazine has bestowed this honor in recognition of her extraordinary accomplishments: giving birth to her first child, marrying her rapper boyfriend and making the transition from reality TV star to media sensation… Seriously?!
“Never say never,” but I think I can promise never again to reference Ms. K in this column. Her recent award was just too tempting an opportunity to draw attention (by contrast) to our annual Outstanding Service Award, which honors real people whose real accomplishments enrich the quality of life in our Cape May community.
The Frank Unkle Outstanding Service Award is a People’s Choice acknowledgement of these local accomplishments. It has been named for Frank Unkle who, before his untimely death in 2013, tirelessly served people with disabilities in our county as Executive Director of The Arc of Cape May for 27 years. The purpose of this award is to acknowledge Cape May County individuals, organizations and/or businesses for their particular contributions to improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities living in our county. The general public is invited to identify and nominate those who go above and beyond for individuals with disabilities.
In 2011, the Upper Township Challenger Sports Program, a co-ed adapted team sports program for children ages five through 20 with physical and/or developmental disabilities, was the big winner. Its founders, Daryl and Jen DiTroia, were congratulated by their supporters throughout the community and received special recognition from the Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders, U.S. Representative Frank LoBiondo, U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg and State Senator Jeff Van Drew.
In 2012, awards were given to an individual as well as an organization. Carolyn Richards was recognized for her extraordinary tenacity, organizational skills and professionalism in creating a new South Jersey hearing loss support group at Cape Regional Medical Center. Carolyn, who is herself deaf, was lauded as an untiring advocate for anyone trying to understand or live with adult deafness. The organization honored was the Cape May County S.W.I.M. Inc. Program, founded by Jean Kammer to provide a safe and supportive environment for adults with impaired mobility to participate in aquatic exercise and to enjoy a social gathering of caring and respect.
The 2013 award for an individual went to Joseph Giannattasio, coordinator for the Middle Township Clean Communities Program. Joe was recognized for contributing to the success of several employees with developmental disabilities on his team. The organization honored in 2013 was the Blind Center of the Jersey Cape, founded by Millie Saraduke in 2000. The Blind Center provides support and camaraderie, as well as skills and education, so that visually impaired and blind people can live active lives and strive for independence, self-development and a sense of self-worth.
The Cape May County Department of Aging and Disability Services is now accepting nominations for the 2014 Award. To nominate a deserving candidate, you may request a Nomination Form from Paulann Pierson (886-2784; ppierson@co.cape-may.nj.us) or go to the CMC Department of Aging and Disability Services home page on the county website (www.co.cape-may.nj.us) for a link to the Nomination Form. Completed forms may be mailed to Paulann Pierson, Cape May County Department of Aging and Disability Services, 4005 Route 9 South, Rio Grande, N.J. 08242 or emailed to ppierson@co.cape-may.nj.us. Deadline for submitting nominations is Oct. 24.
The winner or winners of this year’s award will be honored at the 6th Annual Cape May County Community Disabilities Awareness Day event being held on Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Avalon Elementary School. Cast your ballot for those in our county who give of their time and talents for individuals with disabilities. Come to Avalon on Nov. 15 to see if your candidate is honored on that day.
DID YOU KNOW?
• The Blind Center of the Jersey Cape is looking for volunteers. This organization has been serving the needs of visually impaired and blind residents of Cape May County for 14 years. Meetings are held every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the First Methodist Church of Avalon. If you can volunteer on either a Tuesday or Thursday or both days, please call Millie Saraduke at 624-0931.
• The Upper Township Challenger Sports program has announced the start of its 2014 Fall Soccer season. This is a co-ed recreation program that enables children ages five through 20 with physical and/or developmental disabilities to enjoy the benefits of team sport participation. It includes skill-building activities designed to fit the individual player’s ability and an adapted game. Each player is paired with a volunteer “buddy” who shadows the player and offers encouragement and support when needed. Games are played on Sundays at 1 p.m., starting on Sept. 21. Sign-up deadline is Sept. 15. To register and for more information go to www.utchallengersports.com.
• Computers for the Blind is providing refurbished desktop computers with screen reader and screen magnification software to SSI recipients for only $20. To qualify, a person who is legally blind must present a copy of their disability determination award letter from the Social Security Administration indicating that he/she is an SSI recipient due to blindness. *Please note that this grant is only available to SI recipients. To request a computer, contact Computers for the Blind at 214-340-6328 or info@computersfortheblind.net.
Pierson writes from the Cape May County Department of Aging and Disability Services.
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
