2008 Good News Awards
“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 John Sayegh, Chief Operating Officer of Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Sayegh added, “These fine people are your neighbors and your friends and they represent all that is good about this community in which we live and work. Those extraordinary individual contribute to the well-being of this area and give us all a reason to feel proud and be a part of this community.”
The Chamber of Commerce will recognize recipients in the following categories: Youth, Education, Wellness, Senior, Religious, Culture, and Community. The Youth Award will go to Christine Bartimole, an Olean High School student, and to the Olean High School Students Activity Council. Christine and the OHS SAC will be recognized for their outstanding service to our community.
The Education Award will be presented to Project Lead The Way. Project Lead the Way is a college-credit bearing program through the NYS Department of Education, the Rochester Institute of Technology in partnership with the Olean City School District. It is designed to give high school students a background in engineering, earn college credits, and be exposed to the numerous jobs available in the engineering field.
Southern Tier Child Advocacy Center will receive the Wellness Award. STCAC, a department of the Southern Tier Health Care System, provides a coordinated, multi-disciplinary approach to child victims of sexual and physical abuse. They provide a safe, child-friendly environment for interviews, medical examinations and support to child victims and their non-offending family members.
Elizabeth “Liz” Williams will be recognized with the Senior Award for her many years of volunteering with Genesis House, Archbishop Walsh High School, and St. Mary of the Angels Parish.
The Bethany Lutheran Church Congregation will be recognized with the Religious Award for their devoted service to the Ecumenical and faith sharing community. The Bethany Lutheran Church adopted and supported the Olean Food Pantry.
Betsy Cashing will receive the Culture Award for her involvement with the Southern Tier Symphony, Olean Theatre Workshop, Olean City School District music departments. Her behind the scenes assistance with fundraising, grant writing, and other challenging tasks has helped grow the cultural scene of this area.
Joseph “Joe” DeCerbo will be recognized for his contributions to our “Community”. Joe has provided strong and valued leadership to many organizations: Olean High School Sports Boosters, Olean City School District Foundation, the Bradner Stadium Renovation Project, I.A.A.B.O., Olean City Youth Bureau, Olean Midget Football League, and many more youth and sports related groups. Joe is a true ambassador for the City of Olean.