Eight volunteers were honored at Saturday ceremony
If you saw a group of people gathered in Highland Falls’ Memorial Park on Saturday morning, you may have wondered what was going on. It was a gathering of some of the region’s many volunteers, being honored for their selfless service.
It was the 17th annual “People Who Make a Difference” awards, co-sponsored by The Center of Highland Falls and Hudson Valley Women’s Association and Friends. The Center’s Ann Molina hosted the event.
Molina thanked all who attended the event, noting this particular ceremony was a year late — and held outside for the first time ever — due to COVID.
“It’s been a year of waiting to get these recipients together,” she said. “But it was worth the wait. We thank all of the honorees today for ‘doing something’ in their own way that makes a difference in the lives of others.”
The recipients were:
Navy Federal Credit Union was honoredas the Business of the Year. Nikki Renda presented the award to Branch Manager Elena Dionisio and her coworkers Jessica Carpanini and Clark Batungbakal. Renda praised the bank for not only its high business standards, but its community engagement, participating in local events such as Trunk or Treat and a popular summer reading program.
Hannah Pitt, with the ‘Rising Star” award presented to her by Recreation Director Aaron Falk. Pitt worked for Falk as a Summer Recreation Counselor for several years, and has taught cheerleading clinics for the town for several years. He thanked the 2019 college graduate for the “energy and friendship” she has brought to the youth of the community in recent years.
Emily Green, presented with her award by Highland Falls Mayor Joe D’Onofrio. The mayor praised Green for her many years of participation in local community groups like Scouts, but also thanked her for her more recent commitment to the Highland Falls Fire Department and Town of Highlands Ambulance Corps. Green, who will graduate from O’Neill High School this year, also received a “Rising Star” award.
American Legion Post 633 Commander John Flynn was unable to be at the ceremony due to his O’Neill High School coaching duties, but his brother, Pat Flynn, accepted on his behalf, and spoke about his brother’s lifelong dedication to volunteering. He spoke about his efforts to make Highland Falls a better place for its children. Flynn, an Army veteran, was also praised for single-handedly keeping the local American Legion Hall open.
Supervisor Bob Livsey was presented his award by his son, Merv Livsey. The two men expressed equal praise for one another’s dedication to the community in both elected public service and volunteering. Livsey is a veteran of the US Army, owns and operates Richie’s Little Place in Fort Montgomery, and has served as town supervisor for 16 years over three decades.
Deputy Mayor Brian Aylward was presented his award by former Village Trustee Charlie Murphy-Dodson. She called Aylward an ‘angel’ in the community, citing his dedication to The Center, as well as to local children. A retired educator, Aylward has worked with parents and students in navigating special education services in the local school district.
Rev. Julius Collins, a former Highland Falls resident and now Ellenville resident and “proud” pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church there, was joined by his wife Vernice at the podium. Collins, who encouraged all at the event to do what they can for their community, is a former Ulster County Legislator and current president of the Ellenville Regional Hospital and on the Ellenville Central School District’s Board of Education. Molina noted the couple “started their greatness here in Highland Falls” after he retired from the US Army in 1988.
Astrid Johnson, retired principal of Eldorado School in the East Ramapo Central School District, was presented with her award by Alfrae Johnson Ragins, who praised the educator for all she’s done, but encouraged her to keep on doing it. Johnson, a resident of Monroe, is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho sorority, and a very proud grandmother of one.
Church of the Holy Innocents’ Rev. Judy Ferguson opened the event with prayer. “Dear God, we ask you to be with us today as we honor wonderful people who have made a significant difference in other people’s lives, and in our town and our greater area, especially in this time of COVID. Shower your blessings on those who serve and help others.”
Pastor Marty Tyce, president of the West Point-Highland Falls Rotary Club, so very familiar with community service, closed the event with a benediction.
