By Rob Potter
BLOOMINGBURG — September 26, 2000 — Four caring and dedicated people were honored at the Recovery Center’s annual awards dinner dance Friday night at the Eagle’s Nest in Bloomingburg.
A total of 225 people attended the gala event, which celebrated the 23rd anniversary of the Council on Alcoholism & Drug Abuse of Sullivan County, Inc. and the 15th anniversary of the Recovery Center, honored Thomas Blednick, Dr. Mamie Howard Golladay, Michael Stubits and Susan Tomson.
Blednick, Golladay and Ronnie Uss, who is the Executive Director of the Recovery Center, also received special Congressional Certificates of Appreciation from U.S. Congressman Ben Gilman.
Blednick, the principal at the Youngsville Alternative School, was presented the Recovery Center’s Speical Youth Advocate Award.
Before handing the award to Blednick, Uss praised Blednick’s work with and dedication to the staff and students at the Youngsville School. She noted Blednick works with staff and students “in a caring, committed way.”
Uss added that when she first informed Blednick that he would receive the youth advocate accolade, he thought the school’s staff members were more deserving. And in accepting the award, Blednick thanked and recognized all of the people, both in the Youngsville School and at parent organization Sullivan County BOCES, who strive to make the students the best they can be.
“At the end of the day, our kids are served,” Blednick said. “The school works because of the people at Youngsville School. They are the reason for this award.”
Blednick and Uss then presented a special award to Annette Culver, one of the staff members of the Youngsville School.
Golladay, who is the president of Sullivan County Community College, received the center’s Outstanding Citizen Award.
“Dr. Golladay is helping to turn Sullivan County Community College into a real jewel for Sullivan County,” Uss said. “She has great leadership ability and has done a wonderful job of putting the college on the map.”
“Thank you for this wonderful honor,” said Golladay, who thanked her colleagues at SCCC and her husband, Dr. Dennis Golladay, President of Cayuga Community College in central New York.
Stubits, a Liberty native, was recognized as the Recovery Center’s 2000 Employee of the Year. Since 1992, Stubits has served as the center’s Director of Dietary Services.
Uss praised Stubits for his work ethic, wonderful disposition and community service work. Among that community work is helping the Monticello Methodist Church prepare and serve dozens of hot meals for people each Thanksgiving.
Stubits thanked his family and fellow employees after Uss handed him the award plaque.
“The people I work with are so very dedicated,” Stubits commented. “They are caring, selfless people that for one person to receive this award is truly an honor. And for that I am grateful.”
Tomson was presented with the Lifetime Contribution Award. Uss spoke of Tomson’s 30 years working in the field of alcoholism treatment and how she has helped many people. In the 1970s, Tomson began teaching non-credit courses at Orange County Community College and SCCC that explained the basics of alcoholism and its treatment.
“Sue Tomson was truly one of the great gift givers,” Uss said. “She brought new life to people who generations ago would have been regarded by some as hopeless.”
Following a standing ovation, Tomson stepped to the podium.
“I want to thank my family and all of my friends at the Recovery Center who have been wonderful to me,” she said. “When I look back on my years in this field, it’s so nice to see all of the wonderful services now available. It’s just awe-inspiring.