At a ceremony held at Munson in Utica, State Senator Joseph Griffo presented the New York State Senate Commendation Awards to several residents from the 53rd Senate District. The awards are among the highest honors given by the Senate to individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities and the state.
The honorees included John DePerno, a 101-year-old World War II veteran and business owner; Willie Talmadge, a civil rights advocate; Hawa Peters, founder of Utica Royalties, which supports underserved youth; Vincent Scalise, military veteran and executive director of the Utica Center for Development; James Simpson, retired New York State Trooper; Ron Moshier, sports journalist; the late Michael Bosak, historic preservationist and architect; Carl Trainor, businessman and volunteer for the Boonville-Oneida County Fair; Joleen Ferris, journalist with WKTV; Monica Bravo, teacher at Thomas R. Proctor High School; Paul Buckley, City of Utica Film Commissioner; Jennifer Boulanger, writer and educator supporting women and LGBTQ communities; Elizabeth Boise, supporter of military families; Mark Donovan, president of Boilermaker Road Race; Greg and Jill Robinson, owners of Unadilla MX facility in New Berlin; Joseph and Tricia Rutkowski, business owners and philanthropists; Terri DiNitto, farmer and agriculture advocate.
Anthony Graziano from Canastota was also recognized. At 103 years old, he is a World War II veteran known for his work in boxing and the restaurant industry but could not attend the event.
Each recipient received a personalized plaque and commendation coin during the ceremony.
“These honorees are certainly worthy of recognition,” Sen. Griffo said. “They have demonstrated a remarkable commitment to helping others and have worked selflessly to improve the wellbeing of area residents, children, families, schools and communities. Each has truly made a difference and should be applauded and commended for their efforts.”
