| NORTHEAST AREA RALLY
AWARDS/SCHOLARSHIP REPORT and EMBLEMS April 12, 2008 Geneva, NY A new scholarship was added to the Awards Program for 2008. This was the inaugural year for the Member�s Scholarship and the Northeast Area was again represented by 2 very deserving applicants. There was only $1,000 available (partially underwritten by J. M. Marketing) to distribute to the winners this year - $200 for 1 winner in each area. However, there were only 5 applications submitted nationwide. Therefore, the NASCOE Executive Board decided that each of the applicants would be awarded $200 regardless of area (as long as they met all the eligibility requirements). So it is my privilege to announce that Callista Little from Pennsylvania and Dawn Pindell from Connecticut were recognized with this first ever member�s scholarship. Even though it was a less than stellar year, number-wise, for Distinguished Service Awards in the Northeast Area, I did receive 3 especially deserving nominations in two of the categories. I also received 1 nomination for Service to NASCOE that was not eligible at this time. The nominees were: � Darlene Reams, Oakland, Maryland nominated for Service to FSA Agriculture (submitted by Patsy Wiles) � Dawn Pindell, Canterbury, Connecticut nominated for Service to Community (submitted by Patricia Smith) � Doris Ostrowski, Tolland, Connecticut nominated for Service to FSA Agriculture (submitted by Marsha Jette) Area judges are Lorri Dandignac (NY), Ross Eddy (CT), Kelly Sunday (PA), Phyllis Torrey (VT), and Sandy Truslow (ME). Their task was to judge each of the three nominations except for Ross who excused himself because of his working relationship with Dawn and Doris. Their choices for the 2008 NORTHEAST AREA DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS: Community Service: Dawn Pindell, CT Service to FSA Agriculture: Doris Ostrowski, CT These nominations are now in the hands of the National Awards chair and the Area Execs for their judging. Here in the Northeast we know that we have the winners and we�re cheering for Doris and Dawn. It was also another good year for the Scholarship Program in the Northeast Area. Six exceptional applications were submitted for judging by: I Erika Davis, daughter of CED Jean and Brian Davis from Great Valley, New York I Claire DellaRocco, daughter of CED Tom and Margaret DellaRocco from Berne, New York I Allen Fagan, son of PT Anita & Timothy Fagan from Bliss, New York I Kevin Holck, son of CED David & Nancy Holck from Argyle, New York I Katlyn Read, daughter of PT Linda & Charles Read from Mechanicsville, Maryland I Alexander Truslow, son of CED Sandra & Christopher Truslow from Standish, Maine Area judges are Wayne McKeever (WV), Linda Soucy (ME), Dave Stratton (PA), and Tina Whiteman (NY). Tina was excused from judging these this year since 4 of the 6 applications were from New York. Even though I�m sure that she would have been impartial, it was decided that the other 3 judges could do the job adequately. Their task was to determine the winner of the $1,500 from all these deserving young people. In a very close judging, their choice was Claire Della Rocco from New York. Claire�s application has been forwarded to the NASCOE Awards Chair for judging for the additional $2,500 National scholarship. As in the past, there will be a Scholarship auction at the National Convention in August. Each state is being asked to donate at least 1 item for this now annual event. Information will be forthcoming about what needs to accompany each item. Should you need to ship your item(s) to Omaha; a shipping address will be available later. These are just reminders on the other options available through the Awards Committee. All awardees for recognition under the Awards Committee for DSA�s, PI, and Sick Leave awards shall be �members of an affiliated association who are in good standing, serve under a permanent appointment, or voluntarily retire during the current year are eligible.� � Professional Improvement Awards are for members who take advantage of educational opportunities outside our usual job requirements but have a relationship to it. There is a minimum requirement of 20 hours of instruction and they can be submitted anytime throughout the year to your state�s awards chairperson who in turn submits them to the area. � Sick Leave Awards provide recognition for accumulated sick leave. States can obtain certificates for 1000, 1500, 2000, and 2500 hours. For 3000 or more, a plaque can be obtained through the area chairperson. There are also 2 other areas of recognition under the Awards Program. The EXTRA MILE AWARD is for any member or their child(ren) who has gone the extra mile for their community, church, school, or their state, area, or national association. These can be made any time during the year by any member and there is no competition for this award. The FIRST TIMERS AWARD is strictly for members attending their �First� National Convention. Participation packets are given out at the convention and cash awards are presented at the banquet during the convention. As you know, the NASCOE Emblems are now only available online. The new web site is www.nascoeemblemsonline.com. From time to time, there are sales to reduce inventory and specials � just check it out! Right now there are lots of NEW items for 2008. There are also OUTREACH ITEMS and GIFT CERTIFICATES available. Each area will also be responsible for manning the Emblems Sales Table at the National Convention for a certain time period and I will be asking for volunteers later from those attending, retirees included. Thanks to John Lohr for allowing me to continue as the Awards Chairperson. I will continue to publicize the programs and ask that each state make it a goal to have increased participation for next year. I again want to express my thanks to Dave, Kelly, Linda, Lorri, Phyllis, Ross, Sandy, Tina, and Wayne for making the judging process an easy one. Since I am planning on retiring in January 2009, this will most likely be my last year attending the Northeast Area Rally. I�ve enjoyed all the friendships I�ve garnered over the years and thoroughly enjoyed visiting all the states for these meetings. Just remember, we, as an Area, may be small in numbers but WE ARE A LARGE VOICE IN NASCOE. Keep the tradition going for me and for yourself! Patti McDowell Life is Short, Break the Rules, Forgive Quickly, Kiss Slowly, Love Truly, Laugh Uncontrollably, And, NEVER REGRET ANYTHING THAT MADE YOU SMILE! Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we�re here we might as well dance�.. |