Galloway Man to be Honored With Sykes Award

A Galloway Township resident who volunteers for a number of nonprofit organizations will be one of five honorees at the 24th annual Donald J. Sykes Awards ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 16 at the Mays Landing Golf and Country Club, 1855 Cates Road, Atlantic County announced Tuesday morning.

Joe Brown was nominated by friends and South Jersey Field of Dreams, one of the many nonprofit organizations he volunteers for, according to the county. He is also a board member for the Donny Fund, the Great Atlantic Bluefish Tournament and the Atlantic County Disabled Citizens Advisory Board, according to county officials.

The ceremony is part of the county’s recognition of DisABILITY Awareness Month. It recognizes individuals who were nominated by area organizations, family or friends in recognition of their approach to life and personal accomplishments, and for enriching the lives of others, according to county officials.

The ceremony is presented as a cooperative effort of the Atlantic County Division of Intergenerational Services and the Atlantic County Disabled Citizens Advisory Board, according to county officials.

Established by the county in 1989, the ceremony was later named in memory of Donald J. Sykes, a longtime community advocate and former chairman of the county's Disabled Citizens Advisory Board, according to the county.

This year's other honorees include:

Gladys Carney, Absecon – nominated by the Executive Director of Contact Cape Atlantic, Inc.
Gladys Carney is a telephone reassurance volunteer at Contact Cape-Atlantic Inc. and uses a magnifying machine to help her provide reassurance calls to 44 clients who have disabilities or are elderly and in need of daily contact.

Jackie Henkel, Pleasantville - nominated by the Arc of Atlantic County

Jackie Henkel inspired the formation of the Arc of Atlantic County's Special Olympics Track and Field Team and won gold in the 25 and 100 meter wheelchair races. She is also very active in the NJ Statewide Self-Advocacy Network and is treasurer of the Wonder Workers Self Advocacy Club.

Anthony Lanzilotti, Brigantine - nominated by Atlantic Cape Community College's Office of Disability Support Services

Anthony Lanzilotti is enrolled in ACCC's Criminal Justice courses and is close to completing his Associate's degree. Anthony has overcome many classroom and technology issues with diligence and determination. He plans on continuing his education to obtain a bachelor's degree and work in the field of law.

Kathy Rawa, Egg Harbor City - nominated by friends and fellow members of the Southern NJ Chapter of The National Federation of the Blind

Kathy Rawa is current president of the local National Federation of the Blind and was instrumental in the formation of this new South Jersey chapter. She is also actively involved in other community activities such as volunteering at Bacharach Institute for Rehabilitation.

For more information about the Donald J. Sykes Awards ceremony, contact 609-645-7700 ext 4519. For information on services, contact the Atlantic County Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) at 609-645-5965.