Left to Right: Gerard Gasparino, Ed Napolitano, ARI Volunteer of the Year, Matthew Reyher, Allan Sussman
ARI of Connecticut, Inc. (Always Reaching for Independence) held its 58th Annual Meeting on Monday June 28, 2010 at the Knights of Columbus in Stamford, CT. Over 120 people were in attendance for the event. Included in the attendees were staff, board members, clients, and other community leaders. Special guests included State Representative Carlo Leone, State Senator Andrew McDonald, and Terry Edelstein, President of Connecticut Community Providers Association. Both Senator McDonald and Terry Edelstein delivered speeches stressing the importance of non-profit work and thanked the employees and board of ARI for their dedicated work.
Retiring Chairperson Allan Sussman and President & CEO Matthew Reyher both spoke about the great work being done at ARI and noted the accomplishments of the past year. Of the accomplishments noted include the start of a four phase renovation of the Richmond Hill facility that will add handicap accessibility throughout the building and upgrade bathrooms.
Chairperson Allan Sussman was thanked by Matthew Reyher for his nine years of service to ARI and the gavel was passed over to newly elected chairperson Christopher Foxall. Allan Sussman was presented with citations from Mayor Pavia, Lieutenant Governor Fedele, and Attorney General Blumenthal.
The new slate of officers and incoming board members were announced and voted on by the current board. Joining Christopher Foxall, newly elected Chairperson, as board officers are Kamalesh Banerjee, Chairperson elect, Gail Malloy, Vice Chairperson, Scott Wich, Treasurer, and John Downing, Secretary. Three new board members were unanimously elected. They include Jane Arestia, Gerald Bosak, Jr., and James Valente.
ARI awarded its annual volunteer of the year award to Ed Napolitano, Vice President-Tax at Thomson Reuters for his dedication to ARI. Mr. Napolitano supports clients and staff at many ARI activities including Thomson Reuters sponsored bowling parties and an annual holiday lunch.
Chairperson Allan Sussman, Matthew Reyher, ARI Board Member Neftali Soto present Hector Torres with ARI Rookie of the Year Award
ARI awarded two other community awards. The first recognized Stamford lawyer Jane Freeman at Cacace, Tusch, & Santagata as the Community Advocate of the Year for her legal assistance. The second recognized Jodi Gutierrez at High Ridge Park as the Corporate Partner of the Year for her dedication to the clients of ARI by initiating a recycling program.
ARI then awarded their staff awards. The following employees were honored:
5 years of service—John Gorcynski
5 years of service—Simone Desvarenes
5 years of service—Bryant Roberts
5 years of service—Vickie Manuel
5 years of service—Judith Alphonse
5 years of service—Robin White-Dimmock
5 years of service—Arleana Adams
5 years of service—Gerard Gasparino
5 years of service—Gloria Jackson
5 years of service—Valerie Enis
5 years of service—Jolene Kalinowski
10 years of service—Yvette Banks
10 years of service—Joy Henry
10 years of service—Carlette Brisseaux
15 years of service—Elizabeth King
15 years of service—Theresa Brown
30 years of service—Gloria Clark
Rookie of the Year—Hector Torres
Heart of the Agency—Max Brisseaux
Always Reaching for Independence—Laura Floyd
ARI Team Award—Sunrise Ridgefield Cottage
Gloria Clark was specially honored with citations from Mayor Michael Pavia & Lieutenant Governor Michael Fedele for celebrating her 30 years of service to the ARI Finance Department.
ARI of Connecticut provides jobs, homes, and services to over 150 adults with disabilities and is located in Stamford, CT. ARI operates 5 group homes and provides residential supports to over 30 adults living in apartment settings. The mission is “Enriching the lives of people with disabilities and their families by enabling them to achieve their fullest potential at home, at work and in the community.”
ARI would like to thank each and every individual in attendance along with those that were unable to attend for all they have done for the agency in the past year. For a copy of the 2010 Annual Report contact Gerard J. Gasparino, Manager of Development & Recreation at (203) 324-9258 ext. 3023 or visit www.arict.org.
