NEWS
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Power Authority Selects Cortlandt Manor Resident as its Volunteer of the Year Contact: June 12, 2007 For Immediate Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WHITE PLAINS—The New York Power Authority (NYPA) has named Michael Huvane, business manager, Marketing and Economic Development business unit, as its 2007 Volunteer of the Year in recognition of his work with Destination Imagination (DI), a volunteer-driven organization that helps children gain practical skills through problem solving. Huvane was honored Tuesday at the 14th Annual Friends of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program Recognition Luncheon held this year at the Rainbow Room in New York City. “Volunteers like Michael play a vital role in building strong communities which further contributes to the Power Authority’s long, proud record of supporting volunteer efforts by its employees in the places that host NYPA facilities,” said NYPA Chairman Frank S. McCullough, Jr. Huvane’s work with DI stresses creative problem solving. Teams of a half-dozen students work to solve problems in various disciplines over several months and then present their solutions at local/regional, state, and international championships. Parents, teachers and community volunteers serve as team coaches and judges. Huvane and his wife, Kathleen, introduced the program to the Lakeland School District in Shrub Oak in 1997 when their oldest son was in grade school. Over the years, Huvane has served in various judging and coaching positions at local and regional levels. He stayed involved with the program long after the participation of his children and recruited other adults to volunteer. “It is so important to work with young people to encourage divergent thinking and creative problem solving,” said Huvane. “Playing even the smallest role in a child’s life can sometimes make the biggest difference.” Huvane was nominated for the 2007 Volunteer of the Year award by his colleague, Phyllis Nitkin, executive assistant, also in Marketing and Economic Development. The Power Authority will donate $500 to Destination Imagination. In addition to his work with DI, Huvane is known throughout Westchester for his willingness to lend a hand. He volunteers on the Town of Cortlandt’s Parks, Recreation and Conservation Advisory Board, and has had a longstanding relationship with the Fresh Air Fund since 1994 when he opened his home for the summer to a disadvantaged boy from New York City, who is now completing his second year at SUNY Albany and continues to spend summers with the Huvanes. Huvane graduated from Pace University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. He currently lives in Cortlandt Manor with his wife and their three children, Daniel, Sarah and Conor. The Power Authority has participated in the Volunteer of the Year program since 1995. Every year, the NYPA executive management committee selects the winner from nominees who have demonstrated exceptional volunteer service and inspired others by their example. About NYPA: ■ NYPA uses no tax money or
state credit. It finances its operations through the sale of
bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of
electricity. ■ NYPA is a leader in promoting
energy-efficiency, new energy technologies and electric
transportation initiatives. ■ It is the
nation’s largest state-owned electric utility, with 18 generating
facilities in various parts of the state and more than 1,400
circuit-miles of transmission lines. |
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