Great Heroes top fund-raiser for Herkimer-based Red Cross
Wed, Mar 24, 2004

KARI INGERSOLL
Observer-Dispatch

HERKIMER -- When a Christmas Day snowstorm pounded the area in 2002, the Mohawk Valley Ambulance Corps, or MOVAC, went above and beyond the call of duty.

With the Thruway shut down, many travelers were stranded with nowhere to turn. MOVAC opened their doors and gave wary travelers a place to stay.

For this reason and many others, MOVAC and six other recipients will be honored at the Mohawk Valley Chapter of the Red Cross's seventh annual Great Heroes Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Thursday at Casey's in the Best Western in Little Falls.

While flipping through last year's TIME magazine dedicating its "Man of the Year" honor to the military troops serving our nation, the chapter was inspired. With its annual breakfast already in the works, the chapter decided to change things up a bit by recognizing some "everyday heroes" in the area, Kari Procopio, public relations coordinator said.

The organization usually recognizes one individual or group making a difference in the lives of local residents, she said.

"We knew there were others in the community who make a lasting impact who aren't always recognized," Procopio said.

MOVAC, a volunteer service team, responds to emergency calls within German Flatts, Mohawk and Herkimer, volunteer Eric Brinski said. It is also secondary service for surrounding communities.

With about 30 volunteers, crews are on call day and night, Brinski said. In addition to the everyday duties of an emergency response crew, MOVAC has also conducted clinics at Herkimer County Community College and offers stand-by assistance at local sporting events.

Similar to the TIME feature, the Red Cross also is honoring the American soldier and their families. The Patriotic Service and Support Award will be presented to military heroes who give themselves in the name of freedom and democracy, Procopio said.

In addition to the ambulance corps and military, the organization will honor Gordon and Sharon Turner, owners of Baby Boomer's Cookery and Lounge for their community involvement and support to the Herkimer area.

Ray Lenarcic will be awarded the Civic Award for his work with the Herkimer County Hunger Coalition and special programs dedicated to helping the children of the community.

A Firefighter's Award will be given in memory of Charles "Chuck" Ortlieb for his dedication to the community and his service endeavors. His wife, Marie, will be accepting the award on his behalf. Ortlieb was an active member of the Dolgeville Fire Department for more than 42 years.

Sam Jess will be recognized for his role in protecting and strengthening the community through his many years as Herkimer County sheriff. Jess was instrumental in the development of the Herkimer County 911 Center, Procopio said.

The Walt Czuryla Disaster Award will be awarded to the Herkimer Polish Community Home and the Michael S. Pliseck VFW Post 4915 of Herkimer, for their generous contributions to the creation of a local disaster fund in 2002. Since its creation, the fund has assisted the Red Cross in responding to and meeting the needs of 30 families and more than 100 individuals.

The breakfast is the top fund-raiser for the organization, Procopio said. All proceeds from the event will go to support local services provided by the chapter.

"This is our way to say thank you to those who give so much of themselves on a daily basis who might not get recognized," Procopio said.