Four New Rochelle leaders were recognized Thursday for their dedication to the community and improving the lives of those in it.
The New Rochelle Council of Community Services (NRCCS), which was also marking its 75th anniversary, honored an educator, a businesswoman, a reverend, and a real estate manager at its annual get together at the waterfront Davenport Council.
Eugenia Miller, a retired elementary teacher who now teaches at the College of New Rochelle, was recognized for her years spent as a New Rochelle educator. Though originally from Ohio, Miller moved to New Rochelle at a young age and fell in love with reading. Her enthusiasm for it spread throughout her career, much of it spent at the Daniel Webster Magnet School. She said the single most important thing a parent can do for their children is to get them to read.
It doesnt matter what you read your children. You can read them the phonebook, she laughed. And you should be seen reading, too.
Alida Yoguez was commended for her 30 years of dedication to helping those in need in New Rochelle. When she moved to the city three decades ago, she left the liquor store business she opened with her husband to start a grassroots volunteer group for New Rochelles neediest residents.
Today, many of you will agree with me, doing what you like is freedom, Yoguez said. Liking what you do is happiness.
Bethesda Baptist Church, the oldest church in New Rochelle and one of its three main African-American religious institutions, was billed as a vitally important asset to the city. Its reverend, Paul Weaver, accepted the councils award.
Weavers church has provided a food pantry, held clothing drives and donated money to seniors who couldnt afford their prescriptions, among countless other altruistic acts recognized at Thursdays event.
Bethesda is one of those churches that has hardly ever turned anyone away, said Weaver. Im proud to be a New Rochellean. Im proud to be a part of this onward movement that says I will help someone along the way.
Roberta Fox was awarded for her career managing senior citizen homes. Fox was introduced by Phillis Maucieri, Executive Director for the Office for the Aging, who said Fox does more than just her job.
She does it because its a calling, Maucieri said.
Fox, who manages hundreds of senior citizen units, often has to deal with life-threatening emergencies that extend far beyond simply signing and renting an apartment.
City Historian, Barbara Davis emceed Thursdays event as the co-President of NRCCS.
Today, there can be nothing more valuable than an organization that provides opportunities for conversation, dialogue, for one-on-one relations that help build a stronger community in the long-run, Davis said.
Click here to follow Daily Voice and receive free news updates.
