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At the annual “Mental Health Matters” Benefit Dinner Peggy Lounsbury presented Beverly Lazar, a licensed clinical social worker at the Saratoga County Mental Health Center, with the 2015 SCCCMH Citizen of the Year.  Lazar was  recognized for over 30 years of dedication to serving, promoting and advocating for the needs of people living with mental illness, especially children.  In addition to her work at the Center, Lazar has spearheaded a number of programs in the community.  In 1976, she co-founded, with Judy Ekman, the Saratoga Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect, which is now the Saratoga Center for the Family. She also founded Youth2 – Youth Helping Youth, a foundation that helps young people learn the art and practice of community volunteering and philanthropy. Lazar has also been involved with the Living in Harmony Festival, World Quilt Project of the Saratoga Mentoring Program, and the Dance Flurry.  She has also served on the boards of the SCCCMH, the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs, and Children and Nature Saratoga.

Assemblyperson Carrie Woerner attended the benefit and presented Lazar with a citation recognizing her contributions to the mental health community.

In her acceptance speech, Lazar shared the stage with “Annie and the Hedonists” who helped to express her sentiments and gratitude through song.