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It's Time To Celebrate the Possibilities Once Again

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Our Inaugural Celebration of Possibilities Awards Dinner created quite a buzz last year.

For several months, we received compliments on what a great time everyone had and how pleased they were with the quality of the event in just its first year.

This year, we’re hoping to build on that success as we prepare for the 2nd Annual Celebration of Possibilities later this month.

And one of the things that will make this night special, just as it did last year, is the quality of our award winners.

For example, we’re honoring three very special ladies with the Hartung Family Pioneer Award.

Marvene Blume has served on our board, taught our children and served as principal of Forest Rose School. She even drove around the county picking up students for school before we had formal transportation.

When Jean Miller-Kennedy had her first child with special needs, she changed careers. She also served as both teacher and principal during her career.

Finally, June Hoy immersed herself in learning more about her son’s disability at a time when even the medical community didn’t know much about autism. She fought for his rights and helped get legislation passed that paved the way for the services we provide to more than 850 Fairfield County residents and their families today.

We’re looking at this group of ladies as an informal Hall of Fame Class of 2010 for their work as  pioneers.

They were each drawn into either working with people with disabilities or advocating for them because of their own family involvement.

But their advocacy has more far-reaching implications than just fighting for their own children’s rights and educational needs. What they did in the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s has led to the fine work that not only our staff performs every day, but the work that is done all over the state, the country and the world.

All three are very humble, and maybe a little uncomfortable accepting the accolades they’re receiving because of this award.

But without them, and without the work of countless others, services to people with disabilities might not be what they are today.

And for that, we are grateful.