Congratulations Dan!

For January 2010, the Character Council of Hamburg, Inc. recognizes an individual for exemplifying the character trait of Punctuality.  By our definition, Punctuality is showing esteem for others by doing the right thing at the right time.  The Character Council is proud to present this month’s award to Dan Meyer. 

In her nomination letter, Hattie states: “”As a proud and long-time resident of Hamburg, I have noticed throughout the years of knowing Dan Meyer that his love for his own community is only second to his respect for people.  “Doing the right thing at the right time for the benefit of others” is more than an action for Dan, it seems to be his way of life that stems from his big heart. 

I have often seen him at various events throughout the Hamburg community and he is always right there when there is a need for his talents.  Dan seems to be so willing to lend a hand whenever called upon.  I remember when running the “Reflections” program, sponsored by the National PTA organization, I was in need of judges for the submissions.  Dan was eager to help out.  He also recommended others that I could call on to be judges. 

By serving on committees with Dan I have noticed he is not a man who strolls in minutes after a meeting begins.  In fact, Dan often arrives a bit early in order to speak and listen to others ahead of time and then when someone is speaking during a meeting, Dan is sure to be giving his undivided attention.  His focus on others at the right time surely exemplifies esteem for others. 

Dan is an astounding advocate for the Town and Village of Hamburg.  He serves on various committees from Frontier Central School District’s Key Communicators, to being the Chairman of the Media Committee for the Character Council of Hamburg, and many others.  In addition, as the Editor of The SUN, Dan is very aware of how important punctuality is for meeting crucial deadlines for a newspaper business.  Dan recognizes the importance of punctuality within the scope of his job; he embodies punctuality in his day-to-day personal life; and values punctuality while dealing respectfully within the community.  Hamburg benefits greatly from Dan Meyer’s unvarying punctuality!”

Nominated by: D. Hattie Strnad

Congratulations Jack!

For March 2010, the Character Council of Hamburg, Inc. recognizes an individual for exemplifying the character quality of Tolerance.  By our definition, tolerance is realizing that everyone is at varying levels of character development.  One person who personifies this definition is Jack Brockenshire. 

“When thinking about the character quality of tolerance, thoughts of my son, Bryan, come to mind.  At thirteen Bryan is heading into the teenage years with excitement!  As a child diagnosed with Pervasive Development Disorder, tolerance is a word he does not fully understand.  He just wants to be part of the crowd and a friend to all.  All too often, many people that Bryan encounters tend treat him with disrespect or just try to take advantage of him.

As with every child, adults are very important in Bryan’s life.  Adults will help to mold him into the man he is to become.  In our world today, good role models are hard to come by, especially when it comes to character development.  Our family, however, has been very lucky to meet such a wonderful person in Jack Brockenshire, or Jack Brock, the familiar name most people know him by.  Jack not only treats everyone with equal respect, but also teaches others to act the same. 

Jack works for the Town of Hamburg Recreation Department and began a gym program for kids with special needs.  These are kids who have been diagnosed with Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome and Pervasive Development Disorder, who face tremendous challenges growing up, but being able to play sports is something they all love and are eager to do.  Jack and his staff teach the kids with relentless patience and love, kindness, and understanding. 

Jack has been willing to learn much about Autism Spectrum Disorders by listening to parents, attending seminars and lectures on his own time, and by carefully and attentively learning from the children.  His tireless energy and smile puts the kids at ease, because they know they have a genuine friend in Jack.  Jack not only teaches the children about sports, but also teaches them manners and respect for others.  Jack treats each child as an individual, showing them how to have tolerance for each other, tolerance for other adults, and tolerance for the world they live in.  Jack makes the world a kinder, gentler place for our children.  His mentorship of tolerance will surely shine brightly in the lives of the many he touches through his compassionate work.”

Nominated by: ~ Lina and Bryan Carson

Congratulations, Patricia!

For March 2009, the Character Council of Hamburg recognizes an individual for exemplifying the character trait of Sincerity.  By definition, Sincerity is eagerness to do what is right with transparent motives.  One person who personifies this definition is Patricia Chlebowski.  Over the years Pat has served her community in many capacities.  In my opinion, it is in her role as Youth Minister at Saints Peter and Paul Parish that Pat has best demonstrated the character trait of Sincerity.  

“For almost ten years, Pat, as Youth Minister, has steadfastly and lovingly guided teens along the often-rocky road of adolescence.  Under her guidance, the youth enjoy many social activities in a safe environment, and learn the importance of giving back to their community.  

The very vibrant and active Youth Group participate in a wide variety of service and volunteer opportunities such as serving at monthly Friends of Night People dinners, handling countless tasks at the Response to Love Center, helping with WNED TV fund drives, and even lending a hand at Breakfast With Santa - all under Pat's guidance.  Through her example, Pat teaches the youth the importance of helping others without thought of personal gain.

With her kind, honest, and nonjudgmental manner, Pat has earned the trust and admiration of countless teens that have come to view her as friend, advisor and counselor.  With her unparalleled enthusiasm and seemingly unfailing energy in working with the youth of Hamburg, Pat has unquestionably brought the definition of Sincerity to life.  In her eagerness to do what is right, many continue to benefit from her commitment”. 

Nominated by: Paula Simon, Parishioner, Sts. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church

Congratulations Kelli!

For October 2009, the Character Council of Hamburg, Inc. recognizes an individual for exemplifying the character trait of Patience.  By our definition, Patience is accepting a difficult situation without giving a deadline to remove it.  One person who personifies this definition is Kelli Bohen.

“In September 2007, Ms. Bohen began her position with the Hamburg Central School District assigned as the personal aid for our daughter Mary Grace as she began kindergarten at Sts. Peter and Paul School.  Mary Grace has the diagnosis of Down Syndrome.  When she began kindergarten her speech and cognitive level were that of a 2½ year-old.  

Additionally, Ms. Bohen was a public school district employee assigned full time at our private school. Needless to say, Ms. Bohen had her work cut out for her.  

There are so many examples to share that show Kelli’s ability to endure waiting or delay without becoming annoyed or upset and her ability to persevere calmly when faced with difficulties.  Mary Grace has a way of testing Kelli’s patience in a variety of ways and often throughout the day! Whether it is getting Mary Grace to write her name, walk down the stairs safely, or buy the school lunch, Kelli has utilized multiple strategies that positively impact Mary Grace’s academic and social progress. And what worked yesterday doesn’t necessarily work today!  

Mary Grace spent two years in kindergarten, and even now that she is in first grade there are so many of her goals still unachieved. Kelli continues to work with Mary Grace on these goals despite the 2 years of lessons, repetition and regression.   Ms. Bohen has been a constant source of support for Mary Grace, as well as for the classroom teachers and therapists that work with Mary Grace.

While we are sure Kelli’s day is filled with frustrations and challenges, she is always happy throughout the school day.  She remains positive about the small little signs of progress or achievements that Mary Grace makes.  She is always encouraging our daughter, while inspiring the other students in the classroom too. 

Ms. Bohen has been able to work well with all of the other adults involved in Mary Grace’s educational program.  She has navigated through the rules and regulations of two different school systems, not to mention the various personalities of the staff, and all while gracefully handling the multiple mood swings of Mary Grace.  The collaboration between Sts. Peter and Paul School and the Hamburg Central School District has grown and progressed to the benefit of our daughter and many other students in these two years.  We really feel Kelli Bohen is one of the key players that has positively impacted this successful partnership.

We are so grateful to Kelli Bohen for so patiently being there for our daughter everyday, and for working to make this new special educational program a success at Mary Grace’s school”.

Nominated by: Tom & Bridget Wood and Family, Sts. Peter and Paul School Family  

For many years since the Brill family’s move from Pittsburg to Buffalo, Barb Brill has subtly, and not so subtly, changed the lives of countless friends, family members, neighbors, and one of her most cherished commitments, Girl Scouts.

In her town of Bellevue, Pennsylvania Barb was one to throw massive block parties, which not only brought together her tight knit neighbors, but the friends and family of her neighbors too, uniting the entire community. Instances like these were well known to the citizens of Bellevue as Barb constantly took the initiative to bring people of all ages together.

Barb also worked tirelessly to provide the children of the Forest Avenue United Methodist Church with a stellar religious education program that was enjoyable and effective. Barb took the initiative to raise her own four children with the strong values, morals, and education provided by the United Methodist Church, while also mentoring a classroom full of children every Sunday during the summer because she knew how important sharing, respect, and kindness were to a developing mind.

When Barb left Bellevue to start a new life in Hamburg, she threw herself into community life taking up a new interest, Girl Scouts. Over the next nineteen years, what started with one troop grew into several troops and as Girl Scout neighborhoods merged, Barb led the leaders of what was formerly the Hamburg and Boston Service Units to become the Creekside Service Unit.  Her determination certainly showed initiative in action!

Through her commitment to the Girl Scouts organization Barb’s desire to do more for others allowed many young girls to receive the full benefit that Girl Scouting has to offer. Not a day goes by that Barb is not putting every other person before herself. Her commitment, love, and altruistic actions are more passionate and powerful than anything I have experienced in another person in my twenty-one years.

Barb has demonstrated initiative by taking on the leadership role so that others may succeed and live fruitfully through their lives. Barb’s commitment to a life of service, selfless dedication to others, and love of life, gives her the energy, strength and attitude to fulfill the needs of her family, friends, neighbors, community, and the Girl Scout organization. She is inspiring and appreciated by so many.

I am proud to say that Barb has been my Girl Scout leader, mentor, and friend from the time I entered Girl Scouting as a Daisy Scout through the completion of my Gold Award. For me, giving back to Barb because of what she has given to me is not only important, but an honor, as she has made such a significant impact on my life.”

Nominated by: Julie Sellers