The South Towns Democrats honored Evans Democratic Club member, Carol Meissner, at its Fifth Annual Spring Recognition Dinner.

Meissner, the Evans Town Clerk, received the Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of her contributions over the past thirty-plus years.  She has a long history of service to her community, including serving at all levels of the Erie County Town Clerk's Association and serving the State Town Clerk's Association.  Her contributions to local organizations and kids' sports teams fill a page.  Of note, she has made time over the past decades to attend every local fire district's installation in order to swear in the new officers.  She initiated a local program to permit high school seniors to have training to serve as elections inspectors on Election Day.  She has served as Town Clerk for 32 years; in April, she announced that this is her last term, and she will serve until December 31, 2009. 

Bill Stachowski, State Senator for the 58th District, received the Democrat of the Year Award.  He discussed recent legislation passed to deal with a $17.7 billion budget deficit, which included decreased services, increased fees, and a temporary 3-year personal income tax surcharge on the wealthiest of New Yorkers (families making $300,000+, or single earner at $250,000+.)  He recently introduced Bill #S4085 to make sure that federal stimulus funds are used on products made by American workers whenever possible.

Bob Reynolds, the County Legislator for the 12th District for two terms, received the Elected Official Award.  His district includes the towns of Boston, Brant, Eden, Evans, Hamburg, North Collins as well as the villages of Hamburg, N. Collins, & Angola.  He is the Vice Chairman of the Legislature's Finance & Management Committee and member of the committees on Government Affairs and on Health and Human Service, and in leadership positions on several other community boards.   Previously he was a journeyman machine repairman at  Ford, and Vice President of UAW Local 897.  He discussed his committment to make sure that County government remembers that "Erie County doesn't end after the Skyway."  He is running for a third term as County Legislator in 2009.

Raymond Vanni of North Collins received the Honorary Veteran Award.  Town of Brant councilwoman Roseann Turner introduced Mr. Vanni, recounting his 50 years of service to the armed forces, starting with his enlistment in the Army reserves at age 17 during WWII.  It was particularly fitting that Mr. Vanni received the award on the third Saturday in May, which is Armed Forces Day.  On the same date in 1989, Mr. Vannie was honored as Solder of the Year at the annual Armed Forces Ball at the Connecticut Street Armory.  

The South Towns Democrats will hold their annual golf tournament at Gowanda County Club on July 20, 2009.