Red Cross to honor Orange County citizens

Lawrence and Carolyn Meinwald, Chris Farlekas, Charles G. Seliga and 105th Airlift Wing Stewart Air National Guard Base Goshen — The American Red Cross in Greater New York will honor members of the Orange County community at the 2006 Citizens of Distinction Awards Reception, on Thursday, May 18, at the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame at 240 Main St. in Goshen. The Orange County Citizen of Distinction Awards honor distinguished members of the community, who, through personal and professional achievement have contributed significantly to the community’s well being and who, through the highest level of community service, have enhanced the quality of life in Orange County. This year’s honorees include: • Chris Farlekas, columnist for the Times Herald-Record and fundraiser for Red Cross disaster relief efforts, including the 2004 tsunami, 2005 Orange County floods and Hurricane Katrina. • Larry (posthumously) and Carolyn Meinwald, Goshen Corporation, recognized for restoration of Goshen’s historic district and support of Red Cross services. • 105th Airlift Wing, Stewart Air National Guard Base, a C-5A strategic airlift unit within the Air National Guard, accepted by Wing Commander Brig. General Dana Demand, representing the many men and women who have assisted in support of our country’s major disaster relief efforts. • Charles G. Seliga, president and chief operating officer of Stewart International Airport, representing the many airport professionals who have provided important logistical support during critical times of disaster relief in our nation’s history. The awards reception is a major local Red Cross fundraiser for the year. Proceeds will help support life-saving programs and services in Orange County. Last year, the local Red Cross provided more than $138,000 in direct assistance to 90 Orange County families that had been displaced from their homes by fires, floods and hazardous living conditions. The office also provided CPR and first aid training, as well as free community safety education programs and emergency preparedness information to more than 9,400 county residents. Individual tickets are $125. Sponsorships include: Platinum at $5.000, with seating for 8, platinum signage, and a framed certificate of appreciation; Gold at $2500, with seating for 6, gold signage, and a framed certificate of appreciation; Champagne & Wine Bar at $1,500, with signage at the champagne and wine bar; Silver at $1,000, with seating for 4, silver signage, and a framed certificate of appreciation; and Bronze at $500, with seating for 2, bronze signage, and a framed certificate of appreciation. Donor Circles include: Benefactor at $350 to $499, Patron at $200 to $349, Sustainer at $125 to $199, and Community for under $125. For ticket and sponsorship information, call the Red Cross at 294-9785. Donations may be mailed to: American Red Cross, Orange County Area Office, 55 Main Street, Goshen, N.Y. 10924.