Towaco Woman to Head 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.

Katherine Cascioli of Towaco was elected President of the organization, succeeding Wendy Utberg, who had served since 2014. Cascioli, a teacher in the Parsippany School District, will begin her term on July 1st and has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2011. Others assuming new officer positions 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.

The event honored eight 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. Bill Byrne, Jr. was given The Arc/Morris Chapter’s highest honor for lifetime achievement, the Distinguished Service Award.

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. The $16 million agency provides 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 or visit www.arcmorris.org.

Photo Caption:

Outstanding Service - The Arc/Morris Chapter recently honored Dr. Hari Tunuguntla with their Health Care Professional of the Year Award. The physician was recognized for his outstanding care and treatment of people with Intellectual and other Developmental Disabilities. Newly elected President Katherine Cascioli of Towaco (right), is shown with Dr. Tunuguntla and his wife. For more information visit www.arcmorris.org or call 973.326.9750.