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For Immediate Release |
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Monday, October 20, 2003
Jefferson Award Recipient to Address Sykes Award Ceremony
Dr. John H. Glassey, the 2003 national recipient of the Jefferson Award for volunteerism and community service, will be the guest speaker at the 15th annual Donald J. Sykes ceremony on Friday, October 31 at 11:30 AM at the United Methodist Church of Absecon, 100 Pitney Road. The ceremony will honor 11 Atlantic County residents with disabilities who have made outstanding contributions to their communities.
"John Glassey and the individuals being honored are powerful examples of those who make the most of their abilities and use their talents to make a difference," commented Dennis Levinson, Atlantic County Executive. "I am proud of their accomplishments and applaud their efforts."
This year's honorees are: Alex Anderson of Margate, William Berghaier of Somers Point, Jimmy Connelly of Egg Harbor City, John Eckbold of Egg Harbor Township, Arnold Griffin of Atlantic City, Tracy Musarra of Somers Point, Dr. Tom Pericles of Egg Harbor Township, Annette Pichel of Egg Harbor Township, Robert Sims of Atlantic City, Joseph E. Williams of Pleasantville and Soundra E. Usry Hollingsworth of Atlantic City.
Dr. Glassey is a West Atlantic City resident who has dedicated his life to improving the lives of the disabled. Glassey began his career as a summer counselor at the Betty Bacharach Home for Crippled Children and earned his doctorate in rehabilitation administration and physical therapy. He was also involved in writing legislation for the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Glassey befriended Donald Sykes, for whom the Sykes Award is named, at the Children's Seashore House in Atlantic City where Sykes was a student. When Sykes died, Glassey started the Donny Fund to help support families whose children are affected by catastrophic illnesses. Most recently, Glassey and Atlantic County employee Barry Hackett designed a "Field of Dreams" baseball field in Absecon for use by mobility-challenged players.
The county established the annual awards ceremony in 1989 to recognize individuals who help dispel the myths that typically surround individuals with disabilities. It was later named in memory of Sykes, a longtime community leader and former chairman of the county's Disabled Citizen Advisory Board. A ceremony is held each October during Disability Awareness Month.
For more information, please contact Kathleen Quish, Atlantic County Office for the Disabled, at 645-7700, ext. 4519. The public is welcome to attend the ceremony but reservations are required as seating is limited.
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