Jennifer Komansky Receives Volunteer of the Year Award from STAR, Inc., Lighting the Way

Jennifer Komansky of Westport was recognized for her volunteer service at the 59th Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony for STAR, Inc., Lighting the Way. More than 150 supporters gathered at the event at STAR, Inc….Lighting the Way’s main offices on Monday, October 24, 2011. The meeting featured the Connecticut Commissioner for the Department of Developmental Services, Terry Macy, Ph.D. as well as a performance by Rubberband, a group of musicians with developmental disabilities and STAR staff members, who perform at various venues in the area.

Ms. Komansky received the Joe Mercede Volunteer of the Year Award for her work in the STAR offices and also her help with special events and Theater of the STARS.

Connecticut DDS Commissioner Macy spoke to all those who were in attendance. He said, "I have worked for years with (STAR's) staff and board leadership and value the work this vital agency does to support persons with intellectual disabilities and their families. Like so many, I have learned so much over the years from one of your members, Bob Perske. His lifelong commitment to person-centered values has had a profound impact on my beliefs." Macy continued, "I offer to you (the STAR community) an invitation to create new partnerships with DDS. As I pledged to the Governor on the day of my appointment, 'this administration will put first and foremost the people we support and their families in everything we do and how we do it.'  I refer to this as our focus on putting people and families first. I offer transparency in our agency operations about the direction where our services are headed."

STAR's President Ken (Obie) Harrington-Howes called the meeting to order.  STAR's Executive Director, Katie Banzhaf, led the awards portion of the evening:

• The Perii Skolnick Humanitarian Award was presented to Senator Bob Duff for his tremendous work on behalf of individuals with developmental disabilities, including important work on legislation making it a felony for anyone to falsely represent him or herself as a "board certified behavior analyst" or other special services professional. Also, Duff's work in helping STAR to locate their newest group home (opened this past year) and for his continued commitment to the community and special services programs within it was recognized.

• The Corporate Volunteer Award was presented to Tom Morante of GE Capital for the company's tremendous support and special volunteer projects for STAR, including numerous volunteer activities designed to improve the quality of life for STAR clients: a bus trip outing to a baseball game, a company-sponsored game day and picnic for clients, the sponsorship of STAR clients to attend an evening concert at Black Bear in SoNo, and four corporate volunteer projects that included upgrades and improvements to group homes and living facilities for individuals with developmental disabilities.
• The Employer of the Year Award was presented to New Canaan Community YMCA for their work with STAR client Gary Dionne, who has enjoyed a productive relationship with his employers and has tremendously improved in his skill development on the job.
• The Jo Mercede Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Jennifer Komansky for her volunteer work in the STAR offices and also her help with special events and Theater of the STARS.
• The Youth Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Joe McFadden for his work on a school project at Middlebrook School in Wilton, where he raised awareness and funds for STAR.
• The Anne O'Callaghan Parent or Guardian of the Year Award was presented to Bob and Gail Gonya for their continued support of residential staff at Ryan House, one of STAR’s residential facilities.
• The Jeannette Shivers Award, which recognizes the outstanding efforts of a STAR participant, was presented to Bertil Hahr.
• In addition, Heroes Awards were presented to STAR staff members Bill Casale, Nyree Young, Jenefier Dunn and Kacia West for their tremendous commitment and work during storms and inclement weather conditions over the past year.

STAR, Inc., Lighting the Way is a not–for-profit organization serving infants, children and adults with developmental disabilities, as well as providing support services to their families.  We create opportunities for individuals to live full lives with independence, freedom of choice and personal growth by providing support, services and advocacy. We inform and encourage the community to recognize and appreciate the value of all individuals.

For information about STAR or volunteering for STAR, please contact Megan Johnson at 203-846-9581 x339 or mjohnson@starinconline.com.