President's Message


This past year has been an especially important year for Perception Programs as we celebrated our 35 th Anniversary. We published a calendar and held a Gala Art Auction and dinner, during which Dr. John Haney, an original founder of PPI, and yours truly, were honored. The calendar, dinner and art auction were a huge success. The keynote speaker at the dinner was, Coach Geno Auriemma, who was as entertaining as a speaker as he is as a coach.

We moved our Outpatient Services and Administrative Office into a building we purchased and renovated at 54 North Street in Willimantic. An open house was held with a ceremony dedicating the building to John Haney -- what better honor for John, our Board Chairman. I would like to thank my fellow Board Members who worked so hard to make this building a reality.

Once again, I would like to thank all of you who volunteered or rode in the 15th Anniversary Steeple Chase Bike Tour this year. This year's fundraiser turned out to be one of our most successful. I would like to extend special thanks to Ruth Gordon, who staffs the event each year and ensures its continued success.

Executive Director, Linda Mastrianni , has continued to improve quality assurance measures and to increase the diversification of services we offer. We had our triennial visit by JCAHO, and passed with flying colors. None of this would have been possible without Linda's guidance and our dedicated staff. I thank each and every one of you.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank all the community organizations, local businesses and loyal donors who have given generously to us over the years. Also, on behalf of the Board of Directors, much heartfelt thanks to all the staff at Perception Programs, without all of your hard work we would not be as successful as we are.

Thank you,

Ethel Mantzaris

President, Board of Directors, November 2006


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