Published: Friday, 5th February, 2010 4:00pm

Nominate your choice for the Cavan Person of the Year '09

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The 2008 Anglo Celt/Rehab Cavan Person of the Year, Margaret Basmajian, returns her trophy to the committee. From left: Josie Coyle, treasurer; Anne Lee, committee; Peter Stokes, special projects manager Rehab; Celeste McKiernan, chair; Margaret Basmajian, 2008 Cavan Person of the Year; Linda O'Reilly, editor The Anglo Celt; Packie McKiernan and Carmel Lee. Photo: Lorraine Teevan

The search is on for the 2009 Anglo Celt/Rehab Cavan Person of the Year. As one of the main fundraisers from the Rehab group in the county, the event also seeks to recognise people who made a huge difference in their communities and to the groups and people they represent.

These are largely tireless volunteers who give willingly of their time, energy and expertise to make a real different in organisations, clubs and associations the county over.

For the 27th year running, The Anglo-Celt is the event's media sponsor and promotes the Cavan Person of the Year Awards, also giving extensive support before and during the event.

Peter Stokes, special projects manager for Rehab, returns once again to co-ordinate the awards in the county with the support of a local committee, chaired by Celeste McKiernan. They will work in conjunction with The Anglo-Celt to organise the event and handle the nominations and votes for the Anglo-Celt/Rehab Cavan Person of the Year.

Speaking to The Anglo-Celt, Mr. Stokes thanked, as always, the event's main sponsors and encouraged people to get involved and nominate their person of the year for 2009.

Funds from the event assist the National Learning Network and Rehabcare to run their services in the county, services that Mr. Stokes believes are among the best in the country as far as the Rehab group is concerned.

"We hope to welcome back many of our sponsors who have supported this event down through the years. Their generosity knows no bounds and I know they won't be found lacking, even in these difficult economic times," said Mr. Stokes.

Highlighting the difference that Rehab makes to the lives of those with a disability, Mr. Stokes said that the organisation, like many, is also under pressure for funding to sustain services during a recession. In that respect, he urged sponsors to continue their support of the awards and also the general public to make nominations and to support and celebrate tireless volunteers in their communities by coming along on the night.

About Rehab

Rehabcare provides services to 75 adults with physical or intellectual disabilities. Programmes on offer include: basic computing, horticulture, social integration, music and drama experience, independent living, community inclusion, work experience and sheltered work programmes.

Rehabcare's satellite centre in Bailieboro has gone from strength to strength in the past two years, providing day centre services.

This model of services also encourages family, friends and outside agencies and all sectors of the community to be part of the plan. Rehabcare is also continuing with its supported housing programme in Cavan.

National Learning Network provides training to 90 people at introductory and specific skill training. Each year courses are provided that facilitate entry to employment or further education and training and which re-integrate individuals back into the community.

Rehab's premises in Cavan gives us all the opportunity to give a better quality of life to a greater number of people in County Cavan and by continuing to support and sponsor the Cavan Person of the Year Awards, Cavan people help Rehab achieve their ambitious programmes for the future.

Nominations

Nominations for this year's Anglo-Celt/Rehab Cavan Person of the Year Awards are now being taken (coupon in this week's Anglo-Celt). Nominations will only be accepted on the coupon printed here (photocopies will be disqualified). The coupon will be reprinted in next week's issue and the deadline for nominations is noon on Friday, February 19. Once a shortlist of ten has been compiled, voting coupons will be printed in The Anglo-Celt and there will be an opportunity to also vote on our website.

The winner will be announced at a gala banquet and ceremony in the Hotel Kilmore, Cavan on Thursday, March 25.