Dispute Resolution Center honors Kiedaisch and D'Ambrosio

GOSHEN-The Dispute Resolution Center has announced the recipients of its top honors, which include two community leaders. Dr. John D’Ambrosio, president of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce, will receive the center’s Community Leadership Award at its annual recognition dinner on Thursday, Nov. 3, at the Ramada Inn in Newburgh. He will be keynote speaker at the dinner. Orange County Family Court Judge Debra Kiedaisch will receive the Orange County Peacemaker Award. She was nominated by an 11-year-old former foster child who said “Judge Debbie” saw his troubles and gave him hope. Kiedaisch was recently appointed Acting Supreme Court Justice for the Integrated Domestic Violence Court. The center will also honor Sheila Gabay of Putnam County, LaMae Little of Sullivan County, and The Reverend Richard Rockwood of Ulster County with Peacemaker awards. The recipients are recognized for their efforts to promote the peaceful resolution of conflict in their personal or professional life in such a way that their contributions have been clearly recognized throughout their community. The mission of the Dispute Resolution Center, serving Orange, Putnam, Sullivan, and Ulster counties, is to promote the peaceful resolution of conflict by providing services, education, training, and consultation. Established in 1982 as the Orange County Mediation Project, the Dispute Resolution Center expanded across the Hudson River in 1986 to assume oversight of the Putnam County program. The agency has also participated in the broader Alternative Dispute Resolution community. For information and reservations for the awards dinner, call 294-8082 ext. 22.