MONTICELLO – For three decades, the SYDA Foundation has given a Community Service Award to an outstanding citizen who has made a significant contribution to improving the quality of life in Sullivan County.
For almost three decades, Gary Siegel did that as a music educator in the Liberty School District. Siegel is this year’s Community Service Award recipient.
“Your astounding accomplishment and dedication do not go unappreciated and we thank you for all you do,” said County Legislature Chairman Scott Samuelson.
Those accomplishments go far beyond the classroom.
Siegel has been active in fundraising radiothons for the local Boys and Girls Clubs, and for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, and in just the past two years, has raised more than $40,000 for local organizations.
In accepting the award, Siegel had some advice for others wishing to get involved.
“Keep your eye on the target,” urged Siegel. “Don’t get distracted by all the drama because a lot of times people will get involved in community things and somebody says something about somebody that did this or did this or somebody gets made about that but the real target is getting the job done. It shouldn’t matter. None of that should matter, and that’s a lot of what’s driven me.”
Siegel then picked up his trumpet and serenaded the legislators and large crowd with “It’s a Wonderful World.”
The SYDA honor includes a $5,000 stipend which the recipients are encouraged to pass along to favorite charities or community causes.
Siegel, left, and Samuelson
Siegel, the lifelong lover of music
