The Catskill Chronicle

Story & photos by Carol Montana

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (November 25, 2013) – In a poignant and moving ceremony at the Sullivan County Government Center on Thursday, November  21, Al and Maria Frangipane accepted the 2013 SYDA Community Service Award in front of a standing-room-only crowd.

Awarded each year to a Sullivan County citizen or citizens, the Community Service Award was established in 1986 as a way of honoring those who give back to their community by volunteering. Back then, the candidates were nominated and selected by a committee of Sullivan County civic leaders. A decade later, the SYDA Foundation decided to add previous award recipients to the selection committee.

Paul Ciliberto, morning host, NY Market Manager and General Manager of radio station Thunder 102, was last year’s award recipient. Explaining the selection process, he said, “… Basically it’s someone who does for the community … Rather than a checklist, it’s really a few paragraphs that you write about the people who you feel are deserving of being considered. in the case of Al and Maria, look at how much they do for the community just on a day-to-day basis. It’s great to see they’re the ones being honored. …”

Making the presentation, Asa Siegel, (photo right) a SYDA volunteer for over 15 years, gave some background on the award. “This award is given to recognize and honor local citizens whose community service has been remarkable and truly outstanding,” he said.

“Community service is one of the strong bonds that holds a community together and it is always worthy of acknowledging. … Community Service Award recipients have made a tremendous contribution to the community of SC and continue to inspire others to follow in their footsteps.”

In introducing Al & Maria Frangipane, Siegel said he was inspired by both of them and thanked them for their hard work, generosity, and tireless dedication.

“The Catskill Chronicle” did a profile of Al and Maria back in March of this year detailing their many volunteer efforts. The couple gives of their time in so many ways including volunteering for: the Lions Club for which they test school children’s eyes for early signs of Amblyopia (lazy eye), the American Red Cross where they assist with disaster services such as establishing a shelter after natural disasters, and being a strong presence at the WVOS-WSUL Heart-a-thon and the Thunder 102 Radiothons for St. Jude, Haiti Relief, and Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans, to name just a few.

After Siegel’s introduction,  both Maria and Al spoke to the audience with thanks, and gave a brief history of their community involvement, acknowledging the people in the audience who had helped them accomplish so much.

In addition to the plaque, the award includes a check for $5000. Additionally, the couple received citations and certificates from the Sullivan County Legislature, Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther and Congressman Chris Gibson.

A long and sustained standing ovation ended the program for the 2013 SYDA Community Service Award recipients.

To see more photos or to purchase prints from the 2013 SYDA Community Service Award ceremony, visit The Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.