Local social workers to be honored at luncheon today

Mon, Mar 8, 2004

JESSICA RYEN
Observer-Dispatch

RUSSO

UTICA -- Social workers from around the Mohawk Valley will be honored at the Hotel Utica today during a special luncheon hosted by the Mohawk Valley Division of the New York State Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers.

Among the honorees is Marie Russo, former executive director of the Neighborhood Center, who recently won the Lifetime Achievement Award from the New York State Chapter of National Association of Social Workers.

Russo, 74, received the award in December, just two years after she retired from the Neighborhood Center with more than 46 years of service.

Russo demonstrated leadership qualities of an exceptional nature, effectively integrated experience with education in an outstanding effort to help people and contributed to the public's knowledge of social work, among other criteria, said Celisia Street, media and membership services specialist of the New York chapter.

"It makes one feel very humble when they receive an award from their peers," Russo said.

"It's amazing that it was recognized at the state level," she said.

So it only seemed fitting that the Mohawk Valley Chapter recognize her as well.

Virginia Barney, Russo's successor at the Center, submitted Russo's name for honors at the luncheon.

She did so because the theme of the luncheon is "The Spirit of Social Work," and because of Russo's long-term service to the Center, she had left a lasting memory.

Barney also said Russo devoted her life to the principles of social work and serving those less fortunate.

"She led the way in encouraging the healing and being all you can be," Barney said.

March is National Social Work Month, and about 130 social workers will attend the third annual luncheon, said Judy Owens-Manley, former Mohawk Valley division representative and luncheon chair.

"Agencies have the opportunity to honor one of their social workers," Owens-Manley said.

"Some honor all of their workers, others, individuals," she said.

Thea Betts Griffin, assistant director of the New York chapter, will be the luncheon's featured speaker. Griffin will speak about social work licensure laws and social workers advocating in the legislative arena.

About Marie Russo

Age: 74

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Psychology and an honorary Doctorate from Morningside College, Sioux City, Iowa

Master's Degree in Social Work from Columbia University

Family: Daughter of the late Carmen and Vivian Russo of Utica, one of six children

Awards:

-- 2003 Lifetime Achievement Award from the New York State Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers

-- 1996 Observer-Dispatch Boss of the Year Award

Luncheon Honorees:

-- Nancy Johnson of Human Technologies Corp. -- Mental Health Connections

-- Marie Russo of The Neighborhood Center

-- Phyllis DeLia of the House of Good Shepherd

-- Janet Benjamin of Family Services of Greater Utica

-- James Scutchins of Kids Oneida

-- Lori Cunnigham of United Cerebal Palsy -- Community Health & Behavioral Services

-- All the social workers of the Oneida County Government