PRESS RELEASE / PHOTO OPP

TODAY’S DATE: CONTACT:
June 27, 2006 Cheryl L. Coppola
Development Director
(315) 789-6828
ccoppola@happinesshouse.org

Happiness House Announces John P. Clary Award Recipients

Happiness House - Finger Lakes Cerebral Palsy Association held its bi-annual John P. Clary Award ceremony on June 27, 2006 at 3 PM at 35 North Street in Canandaigua.
The Happiness House Adult Structured Day Program recognizes the hard work and perseverance necessary to overcome a serious Traumatic Brain Injury. John Clary was one of those special people. John was a young man that had been diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor. Yet, he exhibited an incredible sense of humor and energy for life. John’s willingness to get up each day and make the most of his opportunities was inspirational to everyone who met him.

The award is given to the consumer that consistently displays the characteristics that made John such a special person. These characteristics include; demonstrating a good work ethic, having good attendance, possessing a sense of humor, being caring and friendly toward others, and being outgoing. The award is given twice a year in memory of John and in recognition of our consumers’ hard work.

The nominees for the John Clary Award were: David Reed, Casey Clark, Herb Heisel, Ernie Dennis, Tod Beach, Jamie Leather, Jim Daly, Eric Weitzel, Steve Reardon, Linda Jelsma, Tom Crawford, and Tim Hosford. The John Clary Award recipient is Johnny West.
In addition to the John Clary Award, the Continued Success Award Recipients were: Frank McClelland, Ellie Rice, Sylivia Bailey, Carol Jaycox, and Carl Beach.

For additional information regarding this event, please contact Terrie Meyn, Director of the Adult Services Program at 585-394-9510.

Happiness House- Finger Lakes Cerebral Palsy Association is a private nonprofit health and human service agency that has been serving communities in the Finger Lakes region in Upstate New York since 1969. Today with sites in Geneva, Canandaigua, and Waterloo, Happiness House offers an array of educational program, recreational and family support services for children and adults with and without disabilities who reside in Ontario, Seneca, Wayne, and Yates counties. On average Happiness House serves 700 individuals and their families each year.