Turning Conflict into Conversation
Alternative Dispute Resolution in Dutchess County
Mediation Center News
2017 Mediator Appreciation & Graduation Picnic
On May 22, 2017 the Mediation Center of Dutchess County brought its valued Mediators
both past and present together for a night of celebration, camaraderie, food & drink.
Distinguished dignitaries in attendance at Bowdoin Park were Hon. Frank M. Mora and Linda Murray,
Court Attorney to Judge Mora from the City of Poughkeepsie Court. Judge Mora and Ms. Murray
gave heartfelt thanks to our Mediators, explaining that they serve as an important function to the
Court by lightening the heavy case load and helping to move cases through to quick resolutions.
The Center celebrated the graduation and addition of 8 new mediators to it's roster, a lively group
full of eagerness to learn and serve. The 2017 Mediator Apprenticeship Participants are Concetta
Chiarolanza, Josanna Berkow, Diane Culpepper, Meri Giewat, Fatri Ibrahimi, Briar McNutt, William Reuter
and Michael Wise.
Pictured above is Mediator Graduate Diane Culpepper and Hon. Frank M. Mora
Our hats off to the new Mediators and we wish them much success in the future!
The Center also celebrated numerous Mediator anniversaries, including Carol Sullivan with 10 years as a
Volunteer, Staff Member and Consultant, Keith Jordan with 5 years as a volunteer and Valerie Wiggins
with 5 years as a volunteer.
A new notable group this year were those Mediators with the milestone of the "600 Cases Club".
Those honored included William Paskey with 34 years as a volunteer mediator, Bill Harrell with 34
years and Robert Grossman with 34 years.
A special recognition was given to Board President Nevill Smythe for his continuous dedication to
the Center, generosity and going above and beyond again and again.
To all of those recognized and celebrated, the Mediation Center of Dutchess County THANKS YOU!
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Stand Up! 6th Annual Anti-bullying Walkathon Hands Against Bullying Held
The Mediation Center of Dutchess County held its 6th Annual Anti-bullying Walkathon - Hands Against Bullying Walk on the Walkway Over The Hudson Saturday, April 22 to increase community education and action on bullying - an issue that affects people right here in the Hudson Valley.
THANK YOU to all of the sponsors and participants who all made this event a success! A special thank you to Senator Sue Serino for attending and sharing her story as well.
Children frequently involved in bullying are at a significant risk of withdrawing from school activities, poor school performance, as well as suffering from various health problems such as anxiety, depression, sleeping difficulties, suicide attempts and in some cases, even suicide completion.
Attention participants: Upload your photos of the event and be sure to tag #mediationcenterofdutchesscounty and #handsagainstbullying on Facebook and Twitter!
Ongoing donations can be made to the Mediation Center of Dutchess County's Anti-Bullying Initiative HERE.
Proceeds support all aspects of the Center's Anti-Bullying Initiative that includes expanding prevention and response resources to effectively address bullying right here in the Hudson Valley. Together We Can End Bullying! Event Contact: Honey Minkowitz (845) 471-7213 ext. 211 or email us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
94.3/97.3 Hudson Valley Country's Beth Christy interview: In Touch: Mediation Center of Dutchess County
OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS:
http://www.dchwappingerstoyota.com
http://www.wainwrightfinancialsolutions.com
Bank of Millbrook
Central Hudson
Dailey Diesel, Inc.
Dutchess County Sheriff Adrian "Butch" Anderson
Family Services
Joan A. Pagones
Mental Health America of Dutchess County
Mid-Hudson Children's Museum
Royal Carting Service Company
Dutchess Mediation Center secures almost $10K in grants
Mediation Center of Dutchess County secured nearly $10,000 in grant money to fund training sessions.
The two grants obtained from Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley add up to $9,375. The money will go toward Restorative Justice training sessions, according to a press release.
"With this grant from the Community Foundations, we can train in a new modality, known as Restorative Justice, which looks to identify and address harms, needs and obligations in order to not only resolve, but also heal situations," said Jane Cottrell, executive director of Mediation Center of Dutchess County. "By investing in this training for staff and volunteers, Restorative Justice can also be taught and applied in our communities and schools."
The training sessions will start in spring 2017, and Restorative Justice techniques will be implemented into the organization within a year.
