TACCD Celebrates 27th Year with Notable Awards

A celebratory luncheon was held by the Tahoe Area Coordinating Council for the Disabled to recognize and honor the 2008 Distinguished Champions of the Disabled.

 Long recognized and respected as advocates for and supporters of the rights of persons with disabilities, facilitators of low-income housing for seniors and disabled persons, and transportation rights and accessibility issues, TACCD sought nominations for recognition of suitable individuals or businesses and met May 19 to present the awards.

 During the presentation ceremony, the advocates, supporters and defenders identified this year were presented with a certificate by chairman David Kelly, secretary John Pillsbury and their nominator, who acknowledged their dedication to ensuring the best possible quality of life for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Heartfelt tributes to each recipient were made during the presentations.

 The following recipients were chosen for this distinctive honor:

-- Area Transit Management (ATM), for working hard to organize and establish the best service possible for our disabled and senior citizens and visitors, and for generously hosting this year's luncheon celebration.

-- Dr. Scott Southard is a man who has continually served the Team Tahoe Special Olympians by providing free annual physicals so the athletes can safely compete in their sport. He is known as the doctor with a heart, a friend and a respectful advocate.

-- Michael Rosenberg, for 20 years of outstanding leadership in helping to expand and protect the best quality of life for persons with disabilities, through personal projects and efforts as well as his work as executive director of Area Board III. Rosenberg was instrumental in assisting with the development of Sky Forest Acres, our newest low-income housing project for disabled persons.

-- Paula Lambdin, director of El Dorado County Department of Human Services, for her respectful, kind and empathetic manner while exemplifying her commitment to the advancement of full inclusion, dignity and quality of life for all members of the community.

-- Kathay Lovell, for being a true advocate for seniors and disabled persons, who always is prepared to step up and support issues for these populations, even when it may not be popular to do so.

-- David Jinkens was honored this year for his contribution in working with TACCD to make possible their third affordable-income housing project (the second for seniors), which just broke ground.

-- STAR Program volunteers Terry Cannon, Mary Magana, Bill Sluka and Siubhan Stevens are four volunteers who have taken a special interest in YANA (You Are Not Alone) and CAPE (Citizen Advocates for the Protection of Elders). They are four STARs who assist persons with disabilities and the elderly in coping with everyday challenges, and who do it very well.

-- Heather Fite, for her unwavering support of so many individuals with disabilities in so many areas, going above and beyond her job description as a vocational rehabilitation counselor at every opportunity, and offering a lifetime example for others to strive to emulate.

-- Substitute Personnel & Business Services, for their continued dedication to helping people with disabilities become an integral part of the community through their Supported Employment Program and through Independent Living Skills instruction and support.

-- Ernie Claudio, for being an exceptional person who is willing to assist and support consumers in need, individually and through the court system in his role as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate).

-- Rob Albin, for "his help with People First and for taking time to just sit at a table to talk to me about things in my life."

-- The Honorable Suzanne Kingsbury has proven herself to be a strong, no-nonsense, yet compassionate judge. Judge Kingsbury has labored diligently far beyond her job description to level the playing field in a variety of ways for persons with disabilities. Her continued dedication to the Mental Health Court exemplifies her commitment to getting things done and supporting the progress, evidenced by the success of the program.

-- A certificate was presented to John Pillsbury, a busy and dedicated family man and a vocational rehabilitation counselor who works from the South Shore to Truckee to make sure that all disabled persons are given the best possibility for successful employment. Pillsbury makes extra time to be fully involved in the efforts of TACCD, especially advocating for appropriate college courses at Lake Tahoe Community College for persons with all levels of disability.

 The ceremonies were concluded with the announcement of TACCD's first-ever Community Humanitarian Award, which read: "With sincere appreciation for your profound love for and dedication to supporting all members of our community, no matter their need, Tahoe Area Coordinating Council for the Disabled is humbly honored to present its First Community Humanitarian Award to Paul and Judy Bruso this 26th day of May 2008. TACCD commends the dedication and devotion of these tireless benefactors and holds up their wonderful example for all people to see, admire and strive to emulate.

"It is your giving spirit that truly exemplifies the word 'community' in its highest and best meaning."

 The Brusos, owners of Ernie's Coffee Shop, are widely known for their many years of service and support of innumerable causes, teams, groups and people in our community.

TACCD Chairman David Kelly announced that the TACCD-sponsored disabled housing is nearing completion and should be ready for occupancy in late June. He further announced that work on the new low- to moderate-income housing for seniors at Pioneer Trail and Herbert, which broke ground Tuesday, is scheduled for completion in spring 2009.

Please send donations to enable their continued good work to TACCD, 2572 Lake Tahoe Blvd., Suite, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150.