Published: April 03, 2008 03:02 pm         

Roses and rasberries

Roses to paramedic A. Fred Lemister for reaching a significant milestone by completing his 7,000th ambulance call with the Cooperstown Volunteer Fire Department Emergency Squad. Lemister joined the Cooperstown Volunteer Fire Department in 1969 and became a member of the emergency squad in March of 1971, nine months after it was created.

Lemister, who participated in 248 calls last year alone, said he continues to volunteer as a squad member because he believes people should give back to the community in which they live. Lemister has also been instrumental locally in delivering NYS-approved courses for many years, instructing over 850 EMTs since teaching his first course in the back of his family restaurant.

Lemister continues to share his experience with the community in EMT and CPR courses through his role as the Otsego County EMS Coordinator. Roses to Cooperstown resident Betty Currier who was honored by the State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) for contributions made in the addictions field in New York State.

Currier was one of 10 women in New York to be recognized.

“During Women’ s History Month, it is fitting that we honor women who truly represent personal growth and integrity, leadership and strength, and have an integral role in the field of addiction,” said Commissioner Karen Carpenter- Palumbo. “These women and their achievements in prevention, treatment and recovery are an inspiration to all New Yorkers.”

Currier has been in long-term recovery from alcoholism for over 32 years. This led to her career in alcohol and other drug prevention and early intervention beginning in 1982. Currier has touched many lives in the addictions field through her work as the Executive Director of the LEAF Council on Alcoholism and Addictions, an organization she co-founded in 1982.