From left to right: Rosemary Mackey, Virginia Wilson, Joseph Bonura, Jack Aranson, Robert Gould, Claudia Cummings (Photo: Larry Geiger)

To commemorate nine decades of service to the people of Orange County, the Orange/Sullivan office hosted the 2007 Orange County Citizens of Distinction Awards Reception on May 10 at the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame in Goshen. The month of May marked the 90th anniversary of the American Red Cross charter in Orange County. Over these years, the Red Cross has assisted thousands of county residents affected by local emergencies and has trained many others in lifesaving and emergency preparedness skills.

The awards reception recognized four distinguished Orange County citizens who have demonstrated a high level of support to the community and the Red Cross. The honorees were Joseph A. Bonura, owner of Anthony's Pier 9 restaurant in New Windsor and Torches on the Hudson in Newburgh; Claudia Cummings, founder and artistic director, Opera Company of the Highlands, in New Windsor; Jack Aranson, artistic director, Festival Theatre of New York, in New Windsor; and Virginia Wilson, CEO, Hudson Heritage Federal Credit Union, in Newburgh.

"These dedicated individuals truly value their community and the essential role of the American Red Cross in our everyday activities,” said Elizabeth Popovich, Orange/Sullivan Director.