Two of Mechanical Rubber’s own were recognized on Sunday, June 28 by the Union American Methodist Episcopal (UAME) Multicultural Church as Men of Honor. Cedric Glasper and Wayne Patterson shared the honor with community members Percival Moodie and Ralph Stewart celebrating their faith, leadership and service.
Wayne Patterson, who joined Mechanical Rubber in 2020 and is currently handling Inside Sales for Griswold Products, was introduced by his daughter, Tiffany Patterson. Tiffany listed Wayne’s many community service endeavors and achievements, including with the Rotary, Lions, Team Up for Hope, NAACP and others. “In Acts chapter 20, verse 35, it reads: In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak, and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’,” Tiffany said. “Wayne Patterson is doing just that. I’m glad to be here today to let him know just how proud I am of all the things that he is doing, not just for his community, but for his family. We love you, Daddy.”
Later, Wayne told a story that served as an inspiration for his commitment of service to others. When he was a ten-year-old boy, his mother would take him to visit her friend who had three children, the middle son Wayne’s age, an older son who was “too cool” to hang with them, and the youngest daughter, Leslie, who had Down’s Syndrome. He noticed, at that young age, that when outside the home, she might be picked on and made fun of. Inside the home everyone embraced and loved her for her differences, and that touched his heart. About ten years later, when he was in college, he was part of a community service organization, The People’s Club, and he chose a role in the Special Olympics and when the bus pulled up, Leslie stepped off. She saw and recognized him and ran to greet him, followed by her group of friends. “It left me with this,” Wayne said of the experience. “I am a college kid with friends that were whining about tuition and boyfriends and girlfriends, and here I am hanging with Leslie and her crew, who were doing the best they could with what they had. And they didn’t complain about anything. All they did was try as hard as they could to be good and participate with what they had. And they were horrible at it, but there were no complaints. And it touched my heart and that has been in my heart every single day since. And that’s why I get involved, and that’s why I do what I do. Because we are very, very fortunate and I am blessed.”
Cedric Glasper, President & CEO, was introduced by his sister, Gay Thompson, who provided his background of leadership and service. She noted how he purchased Mechanical Rubber in 1995 out of bankruptcy and has grown the company not just to be a preferred global manufacturer, but also added jobs in Warwick, Ohio, Connecticut and Texas. She stated how Cedric has used his expertise to advance the local community through organizations including the Chamber of Commerce, The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan, Chamber of Commerce, Orange County Workforce, Council of Industry and the Greater Greenwood Lake Revitalization Board, to name a few. “Cedric has steered Mechanical Rubber through two recessions, six presidential administrations, and a global pandemic growing and improving as others are closing,” said Gay. “Cedric is currently sharing his time between Mechanical Rubber headquarters in Warwick, New York operations in Strongsville Ohio, Brenham Texas, and Griswold Products in Moosup Connecticut, all the while strategizing the virtual integration of business and brand through organic growth and acquisitions. That’s my brother.”
“I always looked at this as something my father would get; I’m older now,” Cedric said in later comments. He recalled how lately several people had commented that he is patient, as well as how he tried to explain the importance of patience to his 13-year-old daughter, Sage. “I’m one of the fortunate ones where I believe there’s a time and place for everything and I believe that through God – my belief in God – I’ve learned through my adolescent biblical stories and adult studies of the bible: Wisdom will teach patience. Wisdom will show patience. Today, I take this tribute as the Men’s Patience Award, because we’ve been through matters where we’ve had to ensure, persevere.”
The ceremony concluded with the four recipients standing at the altar with their families behind them receiving a blessing from Pastor Reverend Sharon Davidson.
Among those in attendance were Cedric’s daughter, Sage, and Wayne’s daughter, Tiffany, who came to celebrate their fathers’ recognition at UAME’s Honoring Men event.
Honored for their contributions, (from left) Wayne Patterson, Percival Moodie, Ralph Stewart, and Cedric Glasper were recognized as Union AME Church’s Men of Honor in Warwick, New York on Sunday, June 28.
In a touching conclusion to the ceremony, Pastor Rev. Sharon Davidson blessed the four honorees as their families stood proudly behind them in a show of love and support.
