Family Counseling Center Holds Annual Meeting

The Family Counseling Center held its annual meeting on June 26 and elected officers and directors for 2000-2001. Officers include Nancy Hass, chair; James Gaston, vice chair; Edward Kelleher, secretary; Glenn Nanavaty, treasurer; and Lisa Buccino, assistant treasurer.

Elected to serve a two-year term were: Lisa Buccino, Kim Connolly, Connie Huntington, Gretchen O’Shea, Jennifer Shannon, Mary Tomasiewicz, Rory Chapdelaine, and Joseph Humeston.

Elected to service a one-year term: James Gason, Elise Trock, Ed Kelleher, Glenn Nanavaty, Nancy Haas, Elaine McClure, Tom  , Laura Santarpia, and Bruce Walczak.

As part of the center’s annual meeting a panel discussion was presented on “Aging and the Effects of the Family.” The panelists were: Diana Rackey, a nurse practitioner with Community Health Associates in Newtown; Ray Zalasky, a social worker in the Protective Services Unit at the Department of Social Services; and Dr Morton Silberstein, a psychiatrist and chairman of The Homesteads at Newtown. Ms Rackey discussed the aspects of dealing with a family member who is elderly and the importance of coordinating care with providers. Mr Zalasky discussed the topic of Alzheimer’s and the importance of the environment in working with older adults.

Holiday Festival Co-chairs Mary Tomasiewicz and Kim Connolly were recognized for their outstanding work for the 14th year of the Holiday Festival. The festival had wonderful weather for the second year in a row with a large turnout and raised a considerable amount of  money for the center and its programs.

The 9th Annual Family Pizza Night Co-chairs Elise Trock, Laura Santarpia, and Lisa Buccino were also recognized for organizing and planning the event, whose major emphasis is recognizing the importance of the family meal.

The “HD” Award was presented to Stephanie Gaston for the significant role she has played over the past few years in assuring the success of the center’s fundraising. She has been a strong supporter of the annual Holiday Festival for several years as chair of the Gala, the House Tour, and as 1998 co-chair. In addition, as chairman of the year’s Newtown Tournament, Mrs Gaston gave the center the opportunity to raise funds through operation of food booths. Her tireless efforts as an advocate and volunteer have assisted the Center in carrying out the mission of helping families, children, and individuals access mental health services.

The HD Award recognizes outstanding volunteer contributions on behalf of the Family Counseling Center, Inc. It was named in honor of H.D. Bassett, board member and dedicated volunteer, whose countless hours contributed to the success of the Center.

Outgoing board members John Martocci and Michael Krukowski were recognized for their contributions and have served on the board of directors for six years in a variety of leadership roles.