Family Counseling Center Honors Volunteers

Howard Bowles is the recipient of the Family Counseling Center’s 2005 HD Award for volunteer service. The award presentation was made at the agency’s annual meeting on Monday, June 27, at the Cyrenius Booth Library.

In his remarks, outgoing chair of the board of directors, Joe Humeston cited Mr Bowles longtime service to the center.

“When things need fixing at the center — anything from a broken door to hanging a picture — we call on Howard Bowles,” Mr Humeston said. “In the spring, its lawn and yard work, and taking care of the plants. Over the years Howard has devoted thousands of hours to making sure that things work around our building. And he’s done everything with a smile and a good word — usually about his beloved UConn women’s basketball team. Howard began volunteering when the center was at 10 Glen Road and helped with the initial licensure.”

Named after former board member H.D. Bassett, the award recognizes the impact of a volunteer’s commitments to the center and other community organizations.

The board also recognized the work of volunteers Leslie B. Troy and Laura Miller Kurtz as co-chairs of the 2004 Family Counseling Center’s Holiday Festival. Board member Barbara Pisacreta was cited for her work in organizing The Friends of the Family Recognition Dinner held each spring to honor individuals for their longtime contributions to the community and the center.

The 2005 Staff Appreciation Award went to therapist Rebecca Cohen, the program coordinator and clinician for the ICAPS Program — Intensive In-Home Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Services.

In making the presentation, Joe Humeston said, “Rebecca works with children who for one reason or another traditional clinical programs don’t apply. The children and their families love her. They see in Rebecca a person who is dedicated to helping them heal no matter how serious the crisis. Her colleagues at other agencies have recognized her as an outstanding provider and leader.”

Mr Humeston also recognized attorney Edward Kelleher for his six years of service to the board.

“Ed Kelleher has been on the board since 1999 and has been a valuable member bringing a lawyer’s sensibility to our deliberations, resolutions, and actions,” Mr Humeston said. “Ed has served on numerous committees of the board during his tenure and we are grateful for his spirit of collegiality and generosity, and we will miss the man who looked so good in a top hat as Town Crier for the Holiday Festival.”

In official business, the board of directors elected Bruce Walczak to serve as chair replacing Mr Humeston whose two-year term is up. Mr Humeston will continue to serve on the board. Tim Cunningham moves into the vice chairman role, with Dave Rowley as treasurer, Ron Pekrul, assistant treasurer, and Stella Dance as secretary. The board also approved a by-law change establishing the staff positions of president and executive clinical director.

In closing the 2005 annual meeting the board presented Mr Humeston with a gift for his leadership on the board for the past two years. Mr Humeston thanked the members and the staff saying that he was appreciative of the sprit of professionalism, service, and collegiality he had experience during his tenure as president.

The Family Counseling Center is a licensed nonprofit agency dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve their highest potential. It provides counseling, support groups, education, and referral services throughout the greater Danbury and Southbury area regardless of ability to pay.