THE BUGLE JUNE 6, 2013
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O’Keefe honored with independent living award The Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living held its 23rd annual meeting on May 15. Robert O’Keefe was presented with the Ed Roberts Excellence in Independent Living Award. O’Keefe was assisted by the Center in moving out of a nursing home into his own apartment. “Every day in a nursing home means that part of you is wasting away. I now have a life,” he commented. Jean Lamb-Blackmon was recognized as Volunteer of the Year. She teaches computer skills and facilitates the Women’s Group at the Center. The board of directors was introduced and includes: Robert Smith, President; Val Rand, Vice
President; Donald Cordano, Treasurer;JimAlbritton,Secretary; Elaine Sommer, Member at Large; John Stanton, Past President. Directors include: Paul Lagomarcino, Nancy Pohlman, Denise Winfrey, Rhonda Price, Diane Zigrossi, Aleem Junaidi, Anthony Cornoyer, Jac Buchanan, Stephanie White, David Cumbo, Linda Thompson, and Russell Anderson. A United Way agency, the Center for Independent Living annually serves over 2,100 people with disabilities of all types and of all ages. The center is located at 2415 W. Jefferson St. (at Barney Drive) in Joliet and can be reached at 815-729-0162; 815-729-2085,TTY.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Robert O’Keefe was presented with the Ed Roberts Excellence in Independent Living Award at the Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living’s annual meeting May 15.