WNY Chapter Alzheimer's Association welcomes new board members, recognizes outstanding volunteers

The Alzheimer's Association, Western New York Chapter, is welcoming five new members to its board of directors when it conducts its annual meeting Nov. 20 at Pettibones Grille, 275 Washington St., Buffalo. The board provides expert guidance on financial matters, development, education, public policy, public relations and advocacy.

Joining the board as of Dec. 1:

• David Cascio, executive director of First Choice Health
• Colin Costello, CPA with Freed Maxick
• Jeff Nixon, youth services director, Buffalo Employment and Training Services; Buffalo Bills Alumni Association
• Josh Rogers, CPA at Computer Task Group
• John Di Sciullo, WBBZ-TV

Outstanding volunteers and supporters, and those who've made strides in improving the quality of life for those with dementia, will be honored during the awards presentation portion of the meeting.

The 2014 award recipients are:

•Jerry Bianchi, Clarence Center - The Spirit of Hope Award. This honor is given to the person or persons who exhibit a positive attitude and approach to life while living with dementia.

•WDCX Radio - Community Awareness Award. This is given to the person or organization that has done outstanding work to increase public awareness of the needs of person with dementia and their caregivers

•Karen Mitchell, Williamsville - Community Service Award. This honor calls attention to a person or organization that has provided outstanding support to the Alzheimer's community and the local chapter

•Carla Marsh, Niagara Falls - Helen R. Wright Volunteer of the Year Award. This is given to the person who has made a significant contribution toward the Alzheimer's Association mission or care for persons with dementia and their caregivers

•Dr. Deborah Waldrop, Buffalo - William P. Gillick Quality of Life Award. This honor is given to a person or organization whose work has made extraordinary advances toward improving the quality of life for persons with dementia

The evening gets underway with light refreshments at 6:30 p.m.