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Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Atlantic County Honors Joe Brown for Volunteer Service to Improve the Lives of Residents with Disabilities
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For the past 30 years Joe Brown has helped to enhance the quality of life for Atlantic County residents, particularly those with disabilities, through his quiet determination and unselfish dedication.
On June 21, Atlantic County will hold a reception to honor the Galloway resident, who himself is disabled as a result of an accident in Germany during his service in the Air Force, for his long term service and his selection as a 2007 recipient of the Governor’s Volunteer of the Year Award. Brown was one of 12 citizens from across the state to receive the honor. The reception will be held at 3:00 PM at the John D. Young Memorial Lions Center for the Blind, 100 Crestview Avenue, Absecon.
"Joe Brown is the ultimate volunteer and advocate for individuals with disabilities," stated County Executive Dennis Levinson. "Joe has been instrumental in improving the accessibility of our parks, government buildings, voting sites and transportation infrastructure. Through his efforts, New Jersey is one of two states in the country to require open frame beds in the construction of new hotel rooms. He has left his mark on so many projects and helped so many people, yet never with a thought for his own personal gain."
Brown was a founding member of the Atlantic County Disabled Advisory Board in 1977 and continues to serve today. Over the years he has added to his plate by serving as a board member for the Donny Fund and the Great Atlantic Bluefish Tournament as well as the South Jersey Field of Dreams.
Brown was nominted for the Governor’s Volunteer of the Year Award by Kathleen Quish, Director of the Atlantic County Office of Disability. In her nomination letter Quish stated that Joe Brown has been "a leader on the road to accessibility before and after the passage of the American with Disabilities Act in 1990." She went on to say, "His expertise, collaborative spirit and instruction to others without disabilities have made countless people understand the very basic right of equal access and make changes to afford freedom and full community participation."
The public is invited to attend the June 21 reception that will feature remarks by County Executive Levinson; Freeholder Sue Schilling; Michael Sciullo, Chairman of the Atlantic County Disabled Citizens Advisory Board; Dr. John Glassey, Board Member of the Donny Fund and the Field of Dreams; and Marlene Perkins, Associate Director, United Spinal Association. Light refreshments will be served.
Please call Kathleen Quish at (609) 645-7700, ext. 4519 to make a reservation or for more information.
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