AWARDS Easter Seals holds 53rd annual dinner

Two awards were presented at the event.
BOARDMAN -- Easter Seals held its 53rd annual dinner Oct. 6 at Antone's Banquet Centre.
At the event, the Frances Schwebel Solomon Spirit and Life Award was presented to Kathy Amatore. The award is given to an individual with a disability or special need who has demonstrated a commitment to provide a sense of spirit and life to the community. Amatore was temporarily paralyzed in the spring of 1991 and diagnosed with Guilliane-Barre Syndrome.
She came to Easter Seals for physical and occupational therapy and later joined the Hope Club for which she served as treasurer for many years. She has remained a volunteer for Easter Seals for the past 10 years as well as at her church.
Community service
David Handel was recognized at the event with the Anthony Vivo Community Service Award in appreciation for his community service at Easter Seals as well as for other area organizations.
Handel's first contact with Easter Seals was when he took his daughter, Shelley, to the center for services 11 years ago.
He has sponsored, cooked and served dinners at the Rescue Mission and also raises funds for the Rich Autism Center by teaming up with the Poland High School Leadership group and taking donations for parking cars at the Boardman Oktoberfest.
He also has been a major fund-raiser for Cardinal Mooney High School and has served on its board for capital improvement campaigns. He was named Mooney Distinguished Alumni of the Year in 1999.
He has served on the Easter Seals fiscal committee and as a board member.