Congressman Maurice Hinchey with Guest of Honor Bonnie Brill, a Red Cross volunteer who assisted at Ground Zero after 911 and helped set up shelters in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene last summer.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Local Volunteers Honored at
First Annual Ulster Volunteers Day
Commemorates 911 National Day of Service
and celebrates local volunteerism
High Falls, NY – Despite a last-minute postponement due to tornado watches from the National Weather Service, more than a hundred people gathered at the Epworth Retreat Center in High Falls on Sunday, September 9 to celebrate the spirit of volunteerism which is such an important part of our communities in Ulster County.
The event commemorated September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, and we were honored and humbled to have both survivors and volunteers from 9/11 in attendance.
“This event was inspired by Sam Magarelli and the Woodstock Volunteers Day Committee, who for 8 years have held an annual Town Picnic to honor their volunteers,” explained UlsterCorps Director Beth McLendon. “As a county-wide resource dedicated to fostering a culture of volunteerism, collaboration and service, UlsterCorps thought this a wonderful way to say thank you to all of the people who give of their time throughout the year.”
Sandra Nencetti, Executive Director, Dianova USA added, “As director of an international network dedicated to building strong communities, I am proud to live in an area that flourishes in large part due to the tireless efforts of our volunteers. They are true community builders, and it is an honor to celebrate them. The impact of what they do transcends county lines and country borders, and Dianova was thrilled to be a supporter of this event.
Catherine Canzian, Director of RSVP at SUNY Ulster, said: “It was a privilege to be a partner in the County-Wide Recognition. It was and is really all about the community volunteers.”
Sam Magarelli of the Woodstock Volunteers Day Committee, was among the Guests of Honor at this event.
“The event was a great day with spectacular weather along with musicians, helpers, restaurants, supporters, friends, Congressman Maurice Hinchey,” said Magarelli. “The date of this First Annual Ulster Volunteers Day was chosen to respect America’s National Day of Service and it was a splendid idea.”
Steve Casa, another Guest of Honor and dedicated community volunteer who helped organize last summer’s Flood Aid project, said, “I know that I feel the need to give of myself for the greater good and these actions not only enhance the lives of others but they also enhance mine.”
Congressman Maurice Hinchey honored UlsterCorps with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for its work fostering the culture of volunteerism in communities throughout Ulster County.
Assemblymember Kevin Cahill, who was unable to attend the event when the weather forced a one-day postponement, also has honored Sam Magarelli with an award for his many years of service.
UlsterCorps, Dianova and RSVP are looking forward to next year’s event, the second annual Ulster Volunteers Day.
UlsterCorps is a countywide resource dedicated to fostering a culture of volunteerism, collaboration and service. Through its website, ulstercorps.org, and regional engagement, it centralizes information about ongoing volunteer efforts and opportunities for service.
Contact: Beth McLendon, Co-Founder & Director, UlsterCorps beth@ulstercorps.org
Dianova USA is a member of an international NGO developing educational initiatives and delivering programs with the objective of promoting personal self-reliance and social progress. www.dianova.us
Contact: Sandra Nencetti, Executive Director, Dianova USA snencetti@dianova.us
RSVP of Ulster County coordinates senior volunteers interested in working in the areas of economic development, education, environment, health, human services, and safety.
Contact: Catherine Canzian, Director, RSVP canzianc@sunyulster.edu http://people.sunyulster.edu/RSVP/
