ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, December 21, 1996 TAG: 9612230022
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
Doris Abraham of Christiansburg was named Volunteer of the Year at the the Mental Health Association of Virginia's annual banquet in Richmond last month. Abraham "embodies community volunteerism," said Amy Forsyth-Stephens, executive director of the Mental Health Association of the New River Valley. "She feels deeply her commitment to the mentally ill and gets out and gets active."
Abraham began her volunteer work in the 1970s by becoming involved with a cosmetology program at the Southwestern Virginia Mental Health Institute in Marion. Twice a month for several years, she helped the women residents with their hair and nails, because at that time there were no funds for that kind of care.
A school guidance counselor before her retirement, Abraham has worked with the Mental Health Association for over 20 years. She was the local representative to the Mental Health Association of Virginia since 1976, a job which involved traveling between Christiansburg and Richmond four or five times a year. She also served on the Community Services Board 1978-1984.
Abraham also received the Roswell E. Round Award for outstanding service from the Mental Health Association of the New River Valley on Nov. 14.
Other residents recognized at the annual NRV awards banquet: the Rev. Charles McHose received the Gunnar Teilmann Award for a member of the clergy who demonstrates service to others. Therese Grimes received the Mattie Lou Smusz Award for volunteer activities serving people with mental illness.
Dianne Birch, Harvey Barker, Paul Barnett, Tyrone Hash, Russell Jones, Debora Scheller, and Louise Sinclair received the Distinguished Service Award for their work with the Children of Divorce Seminar sponsored by the Mental Health Association. James Garrison, a psychologist in private practice, was awarded the Mental Health Professional Award, which recognizes work toward the prevention of mental illnesses.
Ken Singletary, an editorial assistant at The Roanoke Times, received the Media Award, which recognizes representatives of the media who have contributed to coverage of mental health issues. Robin Cooper received the Charles H. Johnson Award, which recognizes dedication by a member of the local board of the Mental Health Association.
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Irene Leech of Shawsville was elected president of the Virginia Citizen Consumer Council at its annual meeting in Richmond. Josetta McLaughlin of Radford was re-elected to the board of directors. Retiring after 10 years on the VCCC board of directors was Glen Mitchell of Blacksburg.
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Judy Austin Atkinson of Elliston has been selected Mrs. Montgomery County International 1997 and will represent the county at the Mrs. Virginia International Pageant on May 30, 1997, at the Roanoke Civic Center Auditorium. Atkinson will be appearing in parades and other civic functions throughout the coming year in Montgomery and adjoining counties.
The theme of the pageant is showcasing the family, support of nonprofit organizations, highlighting accomplishments of married women, and giving women the opportunity of competition.
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Outgoing members of the board of directors of Daily Bread, a charitable organization in Radford, are Ron Eswick, Bill Garth, Jerry Higgins and Jim Bennett. The nominees to the board are Kay Lookado, Sara Lee, Bob Swindell, Kathy Tucker, and Bill Vest.
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Radford University Emergency Medical Services recognized three of its members at a Dec. 8 banquet. Dr. David Hill was recognized for his eight years of contributions as coach for the organization. Steve Higgins was selected as Member of the Year. Ken Geffen was voted in and recognized as a life member of the organization.
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The Southside Garden Club recently held a juried flower show at Smithfield Plantation. Blue ribbons for artistic design went to Anne Cannell, Delores Hendricks, Donna Ludwig, Nancy O'Brien and Margaret Stoekle. Cannell received the award in the all fresh plant material category and Stoekle received the Southside Award in the fresh and dried material design category.
Blue ribbons for horticulture went to Joyce Beliveau, Susan Caceci, Anne Cannell, Delores Hendricks, Donna Ludwig, Ruth Morris, Anne Robinson, Darlene Simpson, and June Stubbs. The Award of Merit in Horticulture, the Arboreal Award, and the Horticulture Sweepstakes awards went to Robinson.
Christine Muench received the Education Award for her display entitled "Colonist Use of Preserved Plant Material."
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The advanced tap class from The Dance Place in Christiansburg received a first place trophy at the Dance Makers Workshops held in Richmond in November. Those receiving awards were: Traci Barr, Lyndsey Bland, Kasey Branch, Samantha Cooke, Jenni Crate, Betty Garard, Liann Haley, Beth McHose, Carrie Pifer, and Lacey Quesenberry. Stacy DeHoust teaches the class.
LENGTH: Medium: 92 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: 1. The advanced tap class from The dance Place inby CNBChristiansburg received a first place trophy at the Dance Makers
Workshops held in Richmond in November. (headshots) 2. Abraham. 3.
Atkinson.