Alternatives recently held its 33rd Annual Thank You Reception. Over 600 people attended the reception which honors the achievements of individuals and organizations who have played significant roles as staff members, individuals served or partners of Alternatives during the past year. This year, 27 awards were given out in 11 categories such as Outstanding Achievement, Leadership, and Teamwork. Longevity awards were also given out during the evening.

In his opening remarks, Volunteer Board Chair Robert Paulsen listed some of Alternatives’ many accomplishments. "This past year has been a year of high achievement in spite of the difficult financial times we face," said Mr. Paulsen. He then went on to highlight a few achievements. "We expended our Mental Health Residential services and increased the number of people served from 259 to 796. We also expanded our Developmental Disability Services by three new North County programs."

The Unibank "Community Building Award" was given to Apple Tree Arts of Grafton. This prestigious award is given to an external organization, business, employer, neighbor, or volunteer who may or may not have been involved with Alternatives but has used their talents and resources to strengthen our communities through their civic and creative engagement in Central Massachusetts. Apple Tree Arts was recognized for its arts education programs through the Blackstone Valley.

Presenting the award was Christopher D. Foley, Director of Retail Banking for Unibank.

"Through their community school for the arts," said Mr. Foley, "Apple Tree Arts serves people of all ages by providing music and theater arts programs. Apple Tree is committed to cultural enrichment that meets the needs and interests of many different audiences."

Accepting the award for Apple Tree Arts was Jan Barlow, Education Director. "Apple Tree Arts is honored to receive this award," said Ms Barlow. "It is reassuring to have our hard work validated by such a prestigious award."

Congratulations to Michael Seibold
for 30 years of dedicated service!

2009 Awardees

Outstanding Achievement
DMH:
Genoveva Ayala
Danielle Nute
Rene LeBlanc
Tina Maskousky
DDS:
Becki Jean Larson
Jeanne Tradd
Joseph A. Keefe
Kelly A. Beatty

Community Bridging Award
DDS: Douglas Middle School & Senior Enrichment Program – "The Spirit of America"
DMH: Quinsigamond Village Community Center & Alternatives Young Adults Art and Culture Program

Rookie of the Year
DMH: William C. Darling
DDS: Ryan E. Craig
Rookie from the expansion - Deborah A. Dixson

Community Beacon Award
Laurie L. Guidry, Psy. D.
Hunakai Studio for Fine Arts

Teamwork Award
DDS: Elmwood Terrace
SNES Norfolk – Landscaping Team ("The Crew")

UniBank "Community Building" Award
Apple Tree Arts

Valley Friendship Tour Top Internal Teams
1. Green Monsters
2. Property Services
3. Valley Trotters

Valley Friendship Tour Top External Teams
1. Sole Riders
2. Gerry’s Gang
3. GRK & B

Valley Friendship Tour Top Fundraisers
1. Kevin Hunt
2. Helen Scott
3. Elizabeth Moyer

5 years of Dedicated Service
Mary A. Ferreira
Ana P. Ferreira
Katura J. Gailah
Denise C. Bain
William G. Kwapo
Joseph J. Johnson
Darley M. Artey
Dawne A. Cross
Lacee E. Delorey
Kwame Boahen
Ronald R. Balkcom
Gilberta Fortin
Natalia A. Cascio
Roseanna H. Lamontagne
Jessica A. Morin
Benoit A. Amangoua
Jaime L. Belliveau
John R. Gaudet
Donald C. Ouellette
Lisa A. Lockney
Robert C. Criasia

Extra Mile Award
Karen Palmieri

10 years of Dedicated Service
Jay W. Taintor
Irene M. Boucher
Philip A. Ingersoll-Mahoney
Denise E. Francis
Peggy A. Stewart
Linda M. Beaulieu
Steven L. Scherer
Rekha N. Klee
Michele M. Byrnes
Timothy A. Landry
Christine M. Regan
Janelle A. Hebert
Michael A. Lalime
Elizabeth A. Tucker
Katherine K. Gould
Tina L. Maskousky
June A. Mandosa
Lawrence S. Geor

Memorial Acknowledgements
Robert Hoff Bishop House
Cindy Watson MHSL 1
Starlene Goodrich West Boylston
Vernon Blakely Shared Living
Donald Wells Deerfield Road
Richard Spidle Worcester SL
Thomas Swanson SEP

15 years of Dedicated Service
Stephenie E. Abate
Luann K. Gardner
Richard A. Leone
Robin S. Chapdelaine

Leadership Award
DMH: Christine M. Regan
Claudio Peralta
DDS: Gail Hisoire
Russell P. Durham

20 Years of Commitment and Inspiration
Melissa A. Bennett
Fran M. Jonis

30 Years of Dedicated Service
Michael F. Seibold

Volunteer of the Year
Isaiah "Butch" Fisher

Outstanding Board Service
Peg George