Award Recipients 1986 to 2023

2023 Barbi Neumann-Marty

Barbi Neumann-Marty is a Sullivan County native who has spent many years as a mentor and advocate for young people and is passionate about providing support and guidance to help them navigate the challenges of growing into adulthood. She is currently the Senior Unit Director of the Town of Wallkill Boys and Girls Club, which serves north Orange and Sullivan counties, and is a community provider for the Liberty, New York branch of the Children’s Home of Wyoming. Barbi is an active volunteer for the Liberty Rotary Club, often organizing efforts to help neighbors in need. She is also a board member at Catskill Animal Rescue, which takes care of unwanted, abused, and neglected animals.

2022 Dr. Don Simpkin

Dr. Don Simkin has led many community engagement and public health initiatives over several decades. He served on the Sullivan County Health Advisory Council and has held leadership roles in the Sullivan County Chapter of the Red Cross, American Friends of Dental Volunteers International, the Liberty Rotary Club, and the Lazare and Charlotte Kaplan Foundation.

2021 Denise Frangipane

Denise is a community organizer in the areas of environmental protection, local historical preservation, beautification and community development. She served on the research and development team that created Bethel Woods Center for the Performing Arts and the Museum at Bethel Woods and is executive director of Sullivan Renaissance.

2020 Gary Silver

Gary Silver took on a leadership role during the COVID-19 crisis in overseeing and coordinating a win-win project that connected local food businesses with volunteers to provide healthy meals for essential workers and families in need. He has worked with the Liberty Rotary Club and Operation Endeavor to help provide disaster relief in the U.S. and abroad.

2019 Jack and Doris Costello

Jack and Doris Costello have been leaders in beautification of Jeffersonville, NY, teaching young people about the value of community service through growing and planting flowers and trees. They raised funds for beautification, and lend assistance to those, young and old, addicted to drugs or alcohol.

2018 Greg Goldstein

A civic leader and businessman; provides leadership and fundraising support for many organizations, including the SullivanArc Foundation, benefiting adults with intellectual and physical disabilities; the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sullivan and Orange Counties, St. Jude’s Hospital for Children, and Begin Again Transition Services (BATS) which provides homeless veterans with housing and access to social services.

2017 Les Kristt

A Sullivan County community leader for decades; organizes events and raises funds for Monticello Rotary Club programs, Catskill Regional Medical Center, Sullivan County Veteran’s Association and the Boys and Girls of Sullivan and Orange Counties.

2016 Daniel Berkowicz

Founder and Executive Director for 35 years of New Hope Community; continues to offer service with the Loch Sheldrake Fire Department and Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties.

2015 Gary Siegel

Volunteered for local, national and international charitable organizations, and was a music educator in Sullivan County for over 30 years

2014 Barbara Durbak

As an advocate for young people, Mrs. Durbak organizes and supervises youth programs that provide positive behavioral alternatives to substance abuse and bullying.

2013 Maria and Alfonso Frangipane

Volunteer and raise funds for many local charitable organizations, such as the Red Cross, Lions Club, and Catskill Regional Medical Center.

2012 Paul Ciliberto

Through his radio broadcasts and public appearances, Paul Ciliberto raises community awareness and financial support for a wide array of local charitable organizations, many of which benefit children and families.

2011 Shelly Field

Chairman and ten year Board member of Sullivan County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), working with Family Court to provide solutions for neglected or abused children.

2010 Donna and Phil Vallone

Sponsored many community organizations, most notably “Alive at 25,” a driver safety program for young people

2009 The Hon. Anthony Kane and Nancy Kane

Honored for a wide spectrum of contributions especially in the areas of judiciary, hospice care, the arts, education, fire fighting, and music

2008 Janet Newberg

Established support systems for Alzheimer’s patients and their families and advocate for environmental concerns in Sullivan County

2007 Bill Sipos

Founded Community Unity and committed to improving the quality of life for Sullivan County families, especially for children in need

2006 Dr. Katherine Seibert

Founded the oncology program at the Catskill Regional Medical Center, offering dedicated and innovative care to cancer patients in Sullivan County

2005 Liz Keller

Founded Glen Wild Animal Rescue, providing shelter and adoption for injured and neglected animals, especially dogs and cats

2004 Gladys Walker

Executive Director of CACHE (Community Action Commission to Help the Economy), which provides emergency assistance to families in distress

2003 The Hon. Mark Meddaugh

Sullivan County Family Court judge; founded the local chapter of Communities That Care Coalition, a group that engages with young people to reduce crime and antisocial behavior

2002 Pat Vasquez

Served as Executive Director of the local CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) program

2001 Edwin M. Field

Supported literacy programs, the libraries, mediation, and complementary medicine in Sullivan County

2000 Elizabeth L. Berman

Founded and served as the guiding force for the Center for Discovery, a leading resident facility for young people with disabilities

1999 Joyce Salimeno

Headed the Catskill Regional Medical Center’s Workforce Development Board, teaching career skills to young and old alike

1998 The Hon. Lawrence H. Cooke

Served as chief judge for New York State and worked with the Boy Scouts, mediation, and volunteer fire fighting

1997 Selma Field

Established the local CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) chapter, providing trained advocates to help local courts find solutions for neglected and abused children

1996 Tom Hubers

Founded Tom’s Kitchen in Monticello, serving meals daily to the homeless and needy

1995 Nel Miros

Created the Look Good, Feel Better program, which helps patients overcome the cosmetic side effects of cancer treatment

1994 Rabbi Lester Polonsky

Worked for religious harmony and for the benefit of the homeless in Sullivan County

1993 Jess Abel

Served as historian for the Village of Jeffersonville, a volunteer firefighter, and an active member of many civic associations

1992 William and Dr. Katherine McCaffrey

Supported the mentally disabled in Sullivan County for more than a quarter of a century, especially as active board members of the Friends and Advocates for Mental Health

1991 Dr. Joseph Lauterstein

Served as chief of cardiology at the Catskill Regional Medical Center, planning and administering the unit that is the major source of local cardiac care

1990 Gloria Krause and Elaine Giguere

Created the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance, expanding local appreciation of the arts

1989 Allan Dampman

Supported local education as the longtime dean of Sullivan County Community College

1988 Terry Hulse

Worked with young people in Sullivan County, particularly with the Catholic Youth Organization

1987 Mary Ellen Campbell

Created the first Hospice care for the terminally ill in Sullivan County

1986 Sister Kevin John Shields

Worked with children with special needs, offering young people in Sullivan County positive alternatives to substance abuse