'Good News' Award Winners Announced

OLEAN -- Two groups and seven individuals have been named recipients of the 2010 Good News Awards given by Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce (GOACC). The awards honor those who enrich the community by their work and activities and will be presented at the annual Good News Award Ceremony scheduled for Thursday, May 20, at the Premier Banquet Center, 2000 Constitution Avenue, in Olean.

“The Good News Ceremony that the GOACC organizes annually allows the community to recognize individuals and organizations for their contributions in building a strong, dynamic and prosperous neighborhood,” said Meme Krahe Yanetsko, Chief Operating Officer of Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce. Mrs. Yanetsko added, “These fine people are your neighbors, your friends, and they represent all that is good about this community in which we live and work. These extraordinary individuals contribute to the well-being of this area and give us all a reason to feel proud to be a part of this community.”

The Chamber of Commerce will recognize recipients in the following categories: Youth, Wellness, Senior, Religious, Culture, and Community. The Youth Awards will go to Kaitlin Harvey, an Olean High School student, and to Hinsdale Central School student Tim Crino. They both will be recognized for their outstanding service to our community as youth.

No One Way Teen Support Group will receive the Wellness Award. Sponsored by the Mental Health Association of Cattaraugus County, No One Way is a support group for transition age youth who are having challenges navigating any part of their lives while they adjust to adulthood. Andrew McIntyre, now 18, had a dream to help kids like him be more socially successful, feel accepted and part of something bigger.

Peter Marcus will be recognized for his contributions to our “Community” Wellness. Mr. Marcus serves the elderly, health impaired and sight impaired by volunteering at Interfaith Caregivers and HomeCare and Hospice. Betty Pappas will be recognized with the Senior Award for her many years working in the education field throughout the area and for volunteering with many organizations.

Sr. Patricia Perry will be recognized with the Religious Award for her devoted service to the Ecumenical and faith sharing community. She gives unselfishly of her time and financial resources to those who desperately need help and love. Sr. Pat lives her faith in humility; tirelessly and with humor. The Bridge at St. Bonaventure Church will receive the Religious Award. The spirit of St. Francis, noted for helping the poor, is truly alive at The Bridge, a thrift shop, located on the grounds of St. Bonaventure Parish. It is the centerpiece of the parish outreach program and was so named as to “bridge” the gap between those in our community who need help and those that can provide that help.

Doug Bushnell will receive the Culture Award. Though many may be familiar with Doug as the “Morning Man” on WHDL for 35 years, perhaps he is best known as “Mr. Music” in the Olean area. For many years, he has passed on his musical expertise as a piano teacher, vocal director, musical director, and stage director for many productions presented by Archbishop Walsh High School and the Olean Community Theater. Through the Theatre Workshop, he has worked with youth classes to help generations of young musicians and performers reach their potential and realize their dreams as they participated in various musical reviews.

Gary Rougeau will be recognized for his contributions to our “Community” with the Community Award. Gary's commitment to the community is reflected in his contributions to building a better life for people in this community.

Tickets for the event are $26.00 and will include Prosciutto & Mozzarella Stuffed Boneless Chicken Breasts with Orange Beurre Blanc Sauce. An informal reception will start at 6:00 PM, with the dinner slated for 6:45 PM. Patron dinner tickets for $40 and corporate tables of eight for $300 are also available to reserve. Patrons and Corporates receive a listing in the dinner program. Please call Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce at 372-4433 or email tourism@oleanny.com for reservations by May 14th or more information on the dinner.

e-mail from Meme Yanetsko

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