|
27th Annual
2009 Distinguished Citizen Awards
of The Arc of Massachusetts
April 6, 2009
11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
At the State House in Boston
David Brown, WCVB-TV, emcee
|
|
Celebrate and Advocate
The Distinguished Citizens Awards Day always presents a great opportunity to walk the building and ask your legislators to support services for people with disabilities and their families. If you’re able, please come prepared to visit your elected officials’ State House offices after the ceremony.
|
The Distinguished Citizen Awards were created to recognize some of the many individuals and organizations in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that make an enormous difference in the lives of those we serve: people of all ages with cognitive and developmental disabilities and their families. Click here for pictures.
Over the years, some recipients of the Distinguished Citizen Awards have been professionals working in the field who have greatly exceeded the requirements of their jobs by creating new opportunities in education, employment, housing and recreation or by providing exceptional care. Others have been volunteers – including many with no direct personal connection to people with disabilities – who have stepped forward to make their communities better places in which all can share fully as citizens of the Commonwealth. Still others have been self-advocates, who have not only experienced remarkable personal growth but have chosen to encourage others to follow their example. We have presented awards to attorneys, legislators, staff members at government agencies, human service providers, teachers, librarians, religious and civic organizations, bankers, artists, and many others.
Distinguished Citizens are women and men -- and teenagers -- from all parts of Massachusetts. What they have in common is not just their belief that individuals can make a difference but their willingness to follow the principle of Gandhi: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”
|
2009 Distinguished Citizen Award Recipients
Alan Chevitz
Personal achievement
Nominated by: Dafna Krouk-Gordon, TILL, Inc.
Michael DiMarino (Michael Becker Award)
Personal achievement, leadership and outstanding volunteer activity
Nominated by: Rebecca Barry, The Arc of Northern Bristol County
DoubleTree Guest Suites, Waltham
Commitment to supporting the mission of The Arc
Nominated by: Roz Rubin, Greater Waltham Arc
Anna Mary Glennon
Personal achievement
Nominated by: Dianne Glennon
Mark Harris, IBM
Outstanding volunteer efforts and community partnership
Nominated by: Mieke Monen, Minute Man Arc
Vanda Marie Khadem, Autism Higher Education Foundation
Dedication to expanding opportunities for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Nominated by: Lisa Marie Noke-Kearney
Bob and Beverly Lemieux
Extraordinary commitment to service as volunteers
Nominated by: Terry William Kennedy, ARC Community Services
Alice Mulligan
Exceptional dedication to educating students with disabilities
Nominated by: Karyn Dion, Area Director, DMR
Johanne Pino, Massachusetts Advocates for Children
Outstanding dedication to expanding educational opportunities for children with disabilities
Nominated by: Bonnie Thompson
Ed Porter, United Arc of Franklin and Hampshire Counties
Dedication to advocacy and building services on behalf of individuals with disabilities
Nominated by: Leslie Kinney, Linda Porter and Sue Jones
Doug Townsend, TILL
Creativity in fostering self-awareness and confidence in individuals with disabilities
Nominated by: John Stevens, TILL, Inc.
Mark Thompson, CEO, Boston Private Bank & Trust
Leadership in fostering business community support of The Arc
Nominated by: Gerry McCarthy, North Shore Arc |