Senator Morahan Receives Prestigious 'Green Shovel Award'

Senator Thomas P. Morahan was recently selected by The Center for Discovery to be the recipient of their coveted GREEN SHOVEL AWARD. Approximately 600 peopleattended the award presentation at the organization's annual Harvest Festival,on Sunday, October 15, 2006 at the Milligan Hill Equine Assisted Therapy Center in Harris, New York.

Patrick H. Dollard, CEO at The Center for Discovery said: "As Chairman of the New York State Senate’s Mental Health and Development Disabilities Committee, Senator Morahan has made a significant contribution to improving the lives of disabled individuals, but as the grandfather of a disabled child he has quietly touched and made a difference in too many lives to count, giving parents and grandparents hope that the disabled can live full, productive and happy lives."

Past Green Shovel Award winners haveincluded, Governor George Pataki; U.S. Congressman Maurice Hinchey; Alan Gerry - Entrepreneur and creator of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts; Dr. Temple Grandin – Autistic woman and gifted animal scientist and Robyn Guenther, renowned New York Architect specializing in sustainable, "Green" design and construction practices, among many others.

Each year, at their Annual Harvest Festival, The Center for Discovery presents its GREEN SHOVEL AWARD to an individual who has distinguished himself/herself with a commitment to supporting and improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. In addition, it recognizes individuals who are committed to sound environmental health practices and sustainability.

The Center for Discovery is a private, non-profit agency located in Sullivan County, NY that provides a comprehensive array of special education, clinical, medical/health, residential and creative arts services to hundreds of children and adults with significant disabilities. Individuals come to The Center for services from all across New York State and present a broad range of disabilities, including mild to profound mental retardation, cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorders, seizure disorders, blindness or visual impairments, severe physical disabilities, syndromes, as well as children with other serious medical needs. The Center features 30 residences for children and adults (and more under construction), a unique nature-based education/school program, a sensitive teaching model program for children with autism spectrum disorders, a nationally recognized music therapy program, its USDA organically certified Thanksgiving Farm CSA and the Discovery Health Center - the first healthcare building in the country to be registered with the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) and recipient of the USGBC’s prestigious Leadership in Energy & Environmental (LEED) Certification, among other cutting edge programs for individuals with disabilities.

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