Wednesday, May 16, 2001
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Wednesday, May 16, 2001 |
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Volunteers honored by United Way By CAROLYN
CARY
The United Way in Fayette County honored caring adults and young people who make Fayette County a better place to live and work by having an awards luncheon. It was the 10th annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon and was at the Fayette County Public Library. Mike Jablonski, advisory board chairman, and Jack Krakeel, volunteerism committee chairman, conducted the awards announcements, staying with the theme of the luncheon, "Volunteers Light the Way." Table decorations with miniature lighthouses were set throughout. The speaker was Emory Taylor, a previous Fayette County chairman. "My greatest memories," he said, "are from being in Fayette County. There is a future here that beams very bright for its citizens. The people who are receiving the 'Angel' awards reflect the heart and soul of America. "Just think what it would be like without them," he said. Krakeel announced the three finalists in the Angel Awards for the youth nominees: Ashley Baena, Fayette County High School, nominated by Fayette Senior Services; Jessica Morris, nominated by Camp Ivey for diabetic children; and A. Loren Stephens, McIntosh High School, nominated by Peachtree City United Methodist Church. Stephens received the top award for tutoring a Central American immigrant in math to help him obtain his GED. The task was somewhat more difficult in that English was a second language to him, but she encouraged and stuck with him to the end. The Frances Reeves Award went to adult nominee Jim O'Hara, who was nominated by the American Cancer Society. Working with men concerned or newly diagnosed with prostate cancer, O'Hara gives more than 30 hours of time each week to help patients from Fayette, Clayton and surrounding counties. He implemented and facilitates the Man to Man visitation and support group. He also is an Action Network Advocate, encouraging legislators to pass laws that affect quality of life for cancer patients.
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