This year's Volunteer Recognition Reception, sponsored by Mahopac National Bank and Tom Lewis State Farm was held at the Poughkeepsie United Methodist Church to recognize and thank the generous efforts of Dutchess Outreach volunteers. Pastor Gretchen Reed gave the invocation. Everyone enjoyed the entertainment that was provided by the Girl Scouts heart of the Hudson Al’Kebulan Drumming Circle and Dancers.

The event recognized several outstanding volunteers including:

• Mary Dynes received the Mary Keeley Award. Mary is a Dutchess Outreach Board member and Chairperson of the Volunteer Committee. Mary is always there to lend a helping hand, especially with the Post Office Food Drive and the Annual Coat Drive and Giveaways. Mary’s support makes a huge difference – she is always willing to help.
• Adam Samson was recognized with the Outstanding Youth Award for helping at the Lunch Box, organizing a Cereal Drive for the Food Pantry and collecting for Penny Power contributions.
• Special recognition was given to Annie Lou Disbrow, Beth Mostransky, Pastor Ann Sauerhoff, Gail Snyder, and Ann Wise for continued service to our Lunch Box Program and the Marist Rugby team for their support of the Annual Coat Drive/Giveaway.
• Jaleeza Hill and Melanie Navarro were recognized as the Youngest Volunteers for helping with the Coat Giveaway at the Family Partnership Center.
• Retiring Board member Nancy Aronzon was also recognized.

Community Service Awards were presented to the following: Dutchess County Association of Realtors, Dutchess County Real Estate Brokers, God’s Way Ministry, Hudson Valley Farm Fresh, Huntington Ale House, Oriental Kitchen, Pearl Vision, Pleasant Valley Presbyterian Church, W.W. Smith School, and the Women’s Council of Realtors

Life Saver Awards were presented to the following volunteers:

• Abilities First – Debbie Karra, Yolanda Lowe and Janice Shell (staff).for their help delivering GIFTS meals
• Ed Blodgett for his help with client services
• Sean Burne, Ee Cho, Rena Kauahikana, Anthony and Pam Rodelli for their work in the Lunch Box
• Melany Jordan for her help with the Coat Giveaway and work in the Children’s Clothes Closet
• JoAnn Kolkmann and Rommel (Mel) Pampolina for their help in the Dutchess Outreach office

Extra Mile Awards were presented to the following volunteers:

• Ann Christmas, Bea Northway, Barbara Tryon, Bill White and Pat White for their work preparing and serving the food at the Volunteer Recognition reception
• Karl Dallas for his help with the Coat Giveaway and with food deliveries.
• Linda Hankamp for her help in the Lunch Box and the Food Pantry
• Paul Horowitz for his help in the Dutchess Outreach office
• Trish Keene for her creating and implementing a fund raising project.
• Debra Long and family, Debra St. Onge, and Teddy Van Dyke for their help in the Lunch Box

A special thanks to Dudley Knapp and St. Francis Hospital Printing Department for printing our programs.

Thank you to all our volunteers. We could not accomplish our programs without your continued support. dd