Valley Council for Health & Human Services
(203) 735-9331
Council Presents Annual Awards
Mary Schmecker, Derby Neck Library & Women's Health Honored
 Derby Neck Library Agency of the Year |
 Mary Schmecker Lewis Savitsky Award |
 Women's Health Access Special Award |
The Valley Council for Health & Human Services presented its 2003 awards honoring agencies and individuals for outstanding service to the community at its annual conference on November 20, 2003.
The
Lewis Savitsky Staff Excellence Award
was
presented to Mary Schmecker
for her lifetime achievement as an employee of Boys and Girls Club
for going above and beyond her daily job duties to positively impact
the quality of life in the lower Naugatuck Valley. The award is
named in honor of Lewis Savitsky, a long time employee of Valley
United Way who was active not only with Valley United Way, but also
with multiple groups in the community.
Nominated by Executive Director Jack Ribas, Mary has been the Ceramics instructor at the Boys & Girls Club for more than 30 years.
Sue Reilly (3rd form left) who presented the awards is pictured
with Shirley Erickson, Mary Phelan and Bernie Williamson of the
library as Judy Augusta accepts the awasrd.
The
Agency of the Year Award
recognizes a nonprofit agency whose employees and volunteers
exemplify excellence in the community and whose programs and
services made a significant and lasting contribution to the
health and well being of the residents of the Lower Naugatuck
Valley.
The 2003 -Agency of the Year
award was presented to Head Librarian
Judy Augusta representing the
Derby Neck Library
as members of her staff and board of directors looked on.
The Derby Neck Library is a privately funded regional library serving residents of the Naugatuck River Valley and beyond. As a popular materials library that also provides learning experiences for preschoolers and homework support for students, the library has long pride itself on its tradition of warm welcome and service. Following its renovation, the Derby Neck Library has become a wonderful resource to the health and human service community in a variety of ways, The library's multi-purpose room has been used for committee meetings, presentations to the public and press, graduation for Leadership Greater Valley and so much more. This builds on its history as a regional library.
A Special Recognition Award was also presented to The Valley Women's Health Initiative and Dr. Stephanie Wain / Kate Cosgrove. The nomination was received by Richard Knoll who commented, "Their work on the Valley Women's Health Initiative has raised the level of awareness of breast cancer in the region significantly. It has also provided a focal point for information and support. The Initiative has also been instrumental in providing recognition to women in the region who have unselfishly contributed and given of their time to make the region a better place."
Click here to see all previous winners.
