Monticello Mayor Gary Sommers presents Dennis Rundle of the American Red Cross with a certificate of award for voluntary service to the people of Monticello through the American Red Cross.

Mayor Gary Sommers gives thanks for the American Red Cross

Proclaims "American Red Cross Week", 2/23-29

MONTICELLO - Village of Monticello Mayor Gary Sommers praised the courage and sacrifice of Americans soldiers currently in harm's way during his "2004 State of the Village" address on February 2nd. The statement drew loud spontaneous applaud from the crowd assembled at the Neighborhood Facility.

The organization most widely known for service to soldiers in battle and to their families is the American Red Cross. On the homefront, the Red Cross is also the first place where turn after a disaster -- whether it be an ice-storm, a fire, frozen pipes, or a flood. The American Red Cross is always there to provide immediate assistance, "as a gift from the American people," as they tell recipients.

Mayor Sommers proclaimed the week of February 23-29 as American Red Cross Week in Monticello. He called to the podium representative Monticello resident Dennis Rundle of the Orange/Sullivan Chapter for special recognition.

On behalf of the Village of Monticello, the mayor presented Mr. Rundle an award for his years as a volunteer with the American Red Cross.

"'Together we can save a life,' the motto of the American Red Cross, captures the spirit of giving and of volunteerism that characterizes the Red Cross," said Mayor Sommers. "Over the years many residents of the Village of Monticello have served as disaster volunteers and in other capacities in the Red Cross. Dennis is here tonight representing that large number of public servants."

Contributions to be sent to the Orange/Sullivan Chapter of the American Red Cross in Greater NY, 55 Main St., Goshen, NY 10924, and may be earmarked for any Red Cross purposes that the donor might like to specify, whether it be assistance to military families, disaster relief, or to be distributed as the organization thinks best.