A willingness to see a sick child, no matter the time or place. A jar of homemade soup or plate of cookies, or rhubarb crisp just when you need it when you are feeling down, they are there. “Just a few random actions that I have experienced or witnessed… a handwritten note of recognition, condolence, concern, support or encouragement, how many of you have received one of those from them? A lot of hands go up in this room. They practice the little things, knowing that the little things are really the big things. At a time of great division and respectable discourse is strained, they believe in the things that can bring us together – kindness, compassion, gratefulness. “But their most important trait that we admire is their faith in humanity. “We can read about the many boards that Don and Glenda have served on: Ryan’s Wish Foundation Board, the Gouverneur Foundation Board, Kairos Prison Ministries, Board for the Upper New York State United Methodist Church, Board for Golisano’s Children’s Hospital, camping ministry boards, various committees for Gouverneur and Canton-Potsdam hospitals. When they travel to foreign countries, they are there respectfully as equals – equals in humanity. It is not unusual to see a buggy on Rowley Street as the Amish have come to respect Don… in large part because Don respects each and every one of them and their cultural traditions. They have done it all, serving people not only in the congregation but reaching those outside the walls as well.ĭon has been there for probably thousands of children and their families. “Don and Glenda became very active in the community, especially with the First United Methodist Church of Gouverneur (in various capacities). See, Don and Glenda, you really haven’t changed at all… But all we have to do is look at Betsy, Don, his wife Devin, their three children, Katie, and Joe to recognize the passage of time. We’ll have to get together and do that again and see if how it has changed. I remember when you first got here we played volleyball. “Don and Glenda moved to our community 34 years ago. Accordingly they are probably a bit uncomfortable with this recognition, but our minister Pastor Beth Quick says that it is a good thing to venture outside of our comfort zones every now and then, so Don and Glenda enjoy the discomfort this evening. Shine so that through you other can see Him.” When we think of all their good works, that quote really rings true to their service. Lewis that I think pretty much epitomizes Glenda and Don. “When I was thinking about what to say tonight, I remembered a quote from C.S. Donald Schuessler and Glenda Visser Schuessler for the many contributions that they have made to our community,” Scozzafava said. “It is an honor for me to be here tonight to recognize and say thank you to Dr. We are certainly here today to do just that.” “It is important for our community to get together to share and to honor people that make great contributions to the community. VFW Post Commander Fisher then introduced Guest Speaker Dede Scozzafava, who first extended gratitude to the Gouverneur VFW Post 6338 for their efforts in organizing the Good Citizenship Award Dinner each year. Michael Webster, Department of New York V&MSP Chairman, then gave the long list of past recipients of the Good Citizenship Award starting with Ernest Hunkins who received the first honor in 1948. Lawrence County District Attorney Gary Pasqua (who left after the social honor). Post Commander Fisher at the conclusion of the meal introduced the guests in attendance, including Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall, Town of Gouverneur Deputy Supervisor Eldon Conklin, Town of Gouverneur Councilman Curran Wade, Bonnie Fikes of Senator Patty Ritchie’s office, and St. The Gouverneur VFW Post Kitchen Committee then served family style a scrumptious meal of baked ham, scalloped potatoes, cole slaw, green beans and mushrooms, applesauce, rolls and butter, and a decorated cake for dessert. The manner in which this table is decorated is full of special symbols to help all remember brothers and sisters in arms. The tradition of setting a separate table in honor of prisoners of war and missing comrades has been in place since the end of the Vietnam War. Gouverneur VFW Post Quartermaster Robert Sargent then drew attention to the small, round table that is always set but never occupied - the prisoners of war/missing in action (POW/MIA) table. The pledge of allegiance was led by Richard Fisher. all were welcomed by Post Commander Fisher and Post Chaplain Gerald Barker gave the invocation. The Silas Wainwright Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6338 was thronged by the Gouverneur community as the Gouverneur VFW Post Commander Richard Fisher presented Donald Schuessler Jr., M.D., of Gouverneur with the 69th Annual Good Citizenship Award on Saturday, October 13, 2018.
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