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October 15, 2025CACC Announces Award Recipients
The Capital Area Council of Churches recognizes outstanding members of the community at our Annual Fall Dinner and Awards Celebration. Recipients are recognized based on their ecumenical, interfaith, and social justice activities.
Kitt Jackson will receive The Evelyn C. Stone Lifetime Achievement Award. Kitt joined the staff of the Capital Area Council of Churches in 1997. During her 17 years as the Administrative Director of the Council, she was part of the CROP Hunger Walk Committee, eventually becoming its chair. Kitt’s efforts have kept the John U. Miller CROP Walk in the top 10 nationwide; in 2025 the CROP Walk raised over $104,500.
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Interfaith Celebration and Scholarship Committee will receive The Carlyle Adams Ecumenical & Interfaith Award. This committee hosts an interfaith memorial service each year on January 15, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. ‘s birthday and brings community members together to reflect on Dr. King’s legacy. The service also fundraises for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship for graduating high school seniors.
The Rev. D. Lowell Chilton will receive The Rev. Joyce Giles Pastoral Award. The Rev. D. Lowell Chilton is the pastor of First Lutheran Church, Albany, and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Loudonville, and one of the chaplains of the Albany Maritime Ministry, offering hospitality, spiritual care, and shore leave transportation for seafarers on cargo ships visiting the Capital Region.
Kathleen Burgess will receive the Micah 6:8 Award. Katheen is the founder and Regional Director of the Ignatian Volunteer Corps(IVC) in Albany, a ministry of the Jesuits. IVC, a spiritual and service organization serving 16 regions throughout the country, connects retired individuals with non-profit organizations that serve people in need.
Nolene Smith will receive the The James & Pearl Campbell Peace & Justice Award. Nolene founded the Baby Institute in 2010, a nonprofit that empowers parents to become their children’s first teachers through literacy and parenting support. She remains a dedicated advocate, helping families and promoting education across Albany.
This group will be honored at a dinner on October 22nd, at the Italian American Community Center on Washington Ave. Extension in Albany. Those interested in attending the dinner can register online at capareacc.com. Reservations can also be made by calling (518) 462-5450 or emailing capareacc@gmail.com
