Mark Covich, the coordinator of community recreation services for the Seneca Cayuga ARC, was recently honored with one of two community service awards presented by Options for Independence.

The award recognizes an individual or organization that has created positive change for people with disabilities in their community.

Covich was recognized for his efforts to enhance services at Camp Columbus, Seneca Cayuga ARC#'s summer camp on Owasco Lake for children and adults with disabilities. He has been instrumental in projects that have improved access for people, from making pathways and buildings more accessible to the installation of a wheelchair lift from the upper bank to the beach. The lift enabled people in wheelchairs access to the waterfront this summer, which they never had been able to do before.

The other winner was William Ryan, the president of Cayuga Lake National Bank of Aurora, for his commitment and that of his bank to not only support organizations like Options financially, but to also take the greater step in making his facilities accessible.