HIT: To Nicki Hai, who is starting a local chapter of a national support group for families with children who suffer from celiac disease, a condition which leads to an intolerance to gluten, which is found in wheat, malt, rye and other grains.
Hai's daughter Jessica has this affliction, and her dedication to help other families that deal with celiac disease is wonderful.
And, we can't forget Natalie Scavone, a Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES New Visions Teacher Education program instructor, who is participating in the Tour de Cure bicycle marathon to raise funds to cure diabetes.
Scavone's mother and brother have fought this disease, so she knows first-hand how tough it can be. Her devotion to this cause is heartwarming.
MISS: To the pending departure of Joyce Williams as executive director of Unity House, an agency committed to helping people overcome mental health problems and chemical dependencies.
Williams joined the staff of Unity House in 1989 and became executive director in 1997. Her resignation means she will remain in Auburn until April 2009 to ease the transition with a new director, expected to be in place in early 2009.
Unity House board president Karen Merritt called Williams “the ultimate human services agency executive director.” Clearly, she will be difficult to replace.
HIT: To the local schools that are sending teams to the world finals of the Odyssey of the Mind competition that starts Sunday at the University of Maryland. Skaneateles is sending teams from its middle and elementary schools and Weedsport is sending a high school squad.
Odyssey of the Mind is an international scholastic problem-solving competition that uses creative skits developed by the students.
We wish the local teams the best of luck this weekend and hope that, no matter what the outcome, they enjoy the experience.
And, we can't forget Natalie Scavone, a Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES New Visions Teacher Education program instructor, who is participating in the Tour de Cure bicycle marathon to raise funds to cure diabetes.
Scavone's mother and brother have fought this disease, so she knows first-hand how tough it can be. Her devotion to this cause is heartwarming.
MISS: To the pending departure of Joyce Williams as executive director of Unity House, an agency committed to helping people overcome mental health problems and chemical dependencies.
Williams joined the staff of Unity House in 1989 and became executive director in 1997. Her resignation means she will remain in Auburn until April 2009 to ease the transition with a new director, expected to be in place in early 2009.
Unity House board president Karen Merritt called Williams “the ultimate human services agency executive director.” Clearly, she will be difficult to replace.
HIT: To the local schools that are sending teams to the world finals of the Odyssey of the Mind competition that starts Sunday at the University of Maryland. Skaneateles is sending teams from its middle and elementary schools and Weedsport is sending a high school squad.
Odyssey of the Mind is an international scholastic problem-solving competition that uses creative skits developed by the students.
We wish the local teams the best of luck this weekend and hope that, no matter what the outcome, they enjoy the experience.
