Local Residents Recognized by The Arc/Morris

Morristown, NJ – The beautiful Frelinghuysen Arboretum was the site of The Arc/Morris Chapter’s Annual Meeting and Awards & Volunteer Recognition event last week. Over 130 guests were on hand to recognize outstanding service to people with intellectual and related developmental disabilities.

Morristown resident Bill Byrne, Jr. was recognized with the agency’s Distinguished Service Award. Byrne, who has developmental disability, was honored for his lifetime contribution to the mission of The Arc/Morris. A nationally recognized disability advocate, he spearheaded the name change that transformed the Association for Retarded Citizens into simply The Arc over 25 years ago. More recently, Byrne was presented with Morristown's Key to the City back in January, 2015. An active and involved citizen, he currently serves on the town’s Rent Leveling Committee and can often be seen attending and actively participating in Morristown Council meetings.

The event also honored seven other individuals and organizations for their work in support of the non-profit organization, whose mission is the care, support and advancement of people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Award winners included Bonnie Paulding with the Bill Sackter Citizenship Award, Dr. Kevin Walsh with the Professional of the Year Award and the Dr. Hari Tunuguntla with the Health Care Professional of the Year Award. The Knee Deep Club was recognized with the agency’s Distinguished Community Service Award, while the Lakeland Bus Company received the Best Friend Award. Bob Burt received the Media Excellence Award and Louis Ferraro was given the 2017 Volunteer of the Year Award

Prior to the Awards Ceremony, Gwendolyn Utberg of Randolph, concluded her final term as President of the non-profit organization at its Annual Meeting. Utberg has led the Board of Directors of the $16 million agency, which operates an extensive service system throughout Morris County, since 2014. Katherine Cascioli of Towaco was elected to succeed Utberg beginning July 1. Others assuming new officer positons include Tom Horn of Long Valley, who will serve as First Vice-President, and Irene Hansen of Dover, who will be Second Vice-President. Philip Sheehy of Randolph will assume the responsibility of Treasurer, while Peter Babits of Clifton will continue to serve as Secretary. James Gallagher of Rockaway, Wendy Abrahamson of Pompton Lakes, Kathleen Ingargiola of Montville, and both Kathleen Hyland and Michael Basile of Morris Township were all elected to the Board.

Volunteers and volunteer groups were also acknowledged for their contribution to the agency. They included local councils of both the Knights of Columbus and the Masons, as well as other social and civic organizations. Local foundations and a number of area churches and schools were also acknowledged for their work with the non-profit agency. Individual volunteers were also thanked for the thousands of hours of time contributed to the organization.

The not-for-profit agency has been serving people with special needs and their families for over 60 years. Services include residential and day programs for adults; therapeutic recreation for all ages; and support and respite for families.

For more information please call 973.326.9750 x211 or visit www.arcmorris.org.

Photo Caption:

Distinguished Service - The Arc/Morris Chapter recently honored Bill Byrne, Jr. with their Distinguished Service Award. Byrne, a resident of Morristown, was recognized for his lifetime of service and advocacy for people with Intellectual and other Developmental Disabilities. Outgoing President Wendy Utberg is show presenting Byrne with the award. For more information visit www.arcmorris.org or call 973.326.9750.