It’s the time of year when winners of the prestigious Nobel Prizes are announced, prior to a formal awards ceremony in early December. These annual international awards are bestowed by Scandinavian committees in recognition of outstanding cultural and scientific advances. Each Nobel Prize is regarded as the most prestigious award in its field.
In Cape May County this year, the Office of Disability Services is introducing a new award program that recognizes outstanding effort on behalf of individuals with disabilities. The hope is that this Outstanding Service Recognition Award, honoring those who work toward making our community truly inclusive, may over time be regarded as the most prestigious local award in its field.
This new community award has come to life through the efforts of an outstanding Ocean City High School senior, Carolyn Hoke, who has made it the centerpiece of her Senior Girl Scout project toward the prestigious Gold Award. No surprise, I guess, that Carolyn, who is considering a career in Occupational Therapy, would focus on a disabilities-related initiative for her special project.
But I couldn’t be more grateful for, and impressed by, her enthusiasm and dedication to launching this special recognition award. Carolyn brings honor to her family, to her high school and to scouting with this ambitious undertaking.
The purpose of the Outstanding Service Recognition 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 aim is to identify and recognize those who go above and beyond, by any standards, for individuals with disabilities. The winner or winners of this Award will be honored at the Cape May County Community Disabilities Awareness Day event being held on Sat., Nov. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Community Center in Avalon.
The Cape May County Office of Disability Services is now accepting nominations for this 2011 award. If there is someone you would like to nominate, you can contact Carolyn Hoke (609-602-8941 or c.michelle.hoke@gmail.com) or Paulann Pierson (609-465-4117 or paulann@capeworkshop.com) to obtain a nomination form. Better yet, if you are online, go to www.cmcodsevent.com and click on the Submit a Nomination tab to either download the form or to submit a nomination right online. The deadline for entries is October 30.
While you’re at that site that Carolyn and her friend, Max Matthews, are responsible for, browse the additional information they’ve included on this year’s Community Disabilities Awareness Day. It is a free event which features 50 plus exhibitors from state and local organizations, agencies and businesses that have information of particular interest to persons with disabilities, their families, friends and caregivers.
Fare Free transportation is available if reserved by Nov. 4, and food and entertainment are provided. A mini-Health Fair is also offered by the Parish Nurse Program from Cape Regional Medical Center.
This year’s event will also, with your help, honor the recipient of the first Outstanding Service Recognition Award. Help us shine the spotlight on those whose special efforts enrich the lives of those with disabilities in our community. Nominations will be accepted through October 30.
DID YOU KNOW?
• State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselors provide helpful information for seniors on choosing and enrolling in a Medicare plan and a Prescription Drug Plan. SHIP counselors will be at the Cape May County Department of Aging on Tuesdays and Thursdays through December. This free service is beneficial for both current and future Medicare beneficiaries. To schedule an appoint with your local SHIP counselor, call 609-886-8138
• The Atlantic/Cape May County Hard of Hearing Support Group will meet at the Ocean City Library (1735 Simpson Avenue) on Wed., Oct. 26 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. For additional information, contact: sjhardofhearing@gmail.com
• On Fri., Nov. 4, the Cape May Stage in Cape May will offer an ASL Sign interpreted performance of “Red,” a play by John Logan. Sturdy Bank sponsors this ASL interpreted performance
Pierson is the Coordinator of the Cape May County Office of Disability Services
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