March 26th, 2014

Fulton, NY ? The United Way of Greater Oswego County will host its inaugural Hole in One Bowl on Sunday, April 6 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Lighthouse Lanes in Oswego. The event serves as a fundraiser for the various youth programs that the United Way helps sponsor. According to United Way Resource Development Director, Lois Luber, the Hole in One Bowl is way for families to get together and engage their children in an afternoon of fun and bowling. ?For a $15 donation participants will receive two hours of bowling, shoe rental, pizza and soda, and a youth size t-shirt. Weather permitting we will also have outdoor activities for the children as well,? said Luber.

Luber added that United Way is currently welcoming businesses and individuals interested in helping to sponsor the event. ?We invite those wishing to support our mission to improve lives and make a difference to make an investment in our children. Sponsorships are available on three levels:

– Hole in One Sponsor ($150) that provides the sponsor with signage on a bowling lane during the event, three tickets to the Hole in One Bowl, and a 24? x 18? tee box sign at the United Way?s Annual Golf Tournament to be held July 14 at the Oswego Country Club

– Ticket & T-Shirt Sponsor ($100) that includes signage on a bowling lane during the event, three tickets to the Hole in One Bowl, and logo or sponsor name printed on 100 youth shirts that will be distributed at the event.

– T-Shirt Sponsor ($50) that includes signage on a bowling lane during the event and logo or sponsor name printed on 100 youth shirts that will be distributed at the event.

For more information on the United Way Hole in Own Bowl contact Lois Luber at (315) 593-1900 or via e-mail at loisunitedway@windstream.net. Tickets to the event are available at Cakes Galore 40 West Seneca St. Oswego.

Cut line for photo: Wally Dengos of National Grid presents Lois Luber, resource development director for United Way of Greater Oswego County with a check in support of the United Way Hole in One Bowl. To be held Sunday, April 6 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Lighthouse Lanes in Oswego. The event serves as a fundraiser for the various youth programs that the United Way helps sponsor.

March 13th, 2014

Fulton, NY – The United Way of Greater Oswego County presented Tops Friendly Markets with the Company Campaign Team of the Year Award at the United Way?s Annual Meeting and Salute to Volunteers held March 12 at the American Foundry in Oswego. Presented annually, the Company Campaign Team of the Year Award is presented to volunteers whose extraordinary commitment, energy, enthusiasm, and creativity contributed to the success of their company?s campaign.

?We are proud to recognize the team from Tops Friendly Markets? Oswego County stores with this award,? said Melanie Trexler, executive director of the United Way of Greater Oswego Count. ?These remarkable individuals inspired their co-workers and coordinated a campaign that achieved an unprecedented 132% increase in both the amount of donors and the amount of money raised. In addition to the support of their company campaign, the Pulaski store donated desserts to our Stone Soup Luncheons in Pulaski. This company?s commitment to providing its customers with quality products and its employees with a comfortable work environment is commendable.?

Cut line for photo: The team for Tops Friendly Market?s campaign for United Way was recognized with the Company Team of the Year award at the agency?s Annual Meeting and Salute to Volunteers. Above from left are: Melanie Trexler, executive director, United Way of Greater Oswego County; Brian Killam, coordinator of the Sandy Creek Tops; Dick Delaney; United Way Campaign Cabinet member; and Deb DeLong coordinator of Pulaski Tops. Absent from photo is Bob Oustrich, manager of the Mexico Tops store.

March 13th, 2014

Fulton, NY ? Several Oswego County Chiropractors were recognized with the United Way of Greater Oswego County?s inaugural Outstanding Special Event award at the United Way?s Annual Meeting held March 12 at the American Foundry in Oswego.

The group was honored for its annual participation in Patient Appreciation Day. Established by Dr. Richard Tesoriero of Oswego, in association with the NYS Chiropractic Association, the event brought together chiropractors throughout Oswego County, and that offered chiropractic treatments at reduced rates on Patient Appreciation Day with all proceeds benefiting the United Way of Greater Oswego County.

?It?s my pleasure to present this award,? said United Way Executive Director, Melanie Trexler. ?Patient Appreciation Day is the longest running special event that is held in support of United Way and over the years has raised thousands of dollars for our campaign.?

Cut line for photo: Kathy Fenlon, president of the United Way of Greater Oswego County?s Board of Directors presents Oswego County Chiropractors with the United Way?s inaugural Outstanding Event Award for their Patient Appreciation Day. Pictured from left with Fenlon from are: Dr. Brett Tallents, Dr. Casey McCaffery, event chairperson Dr. Richard Tesoriero, Fenlon, Dr. Beth DuBois and Dr. Anthony Licatese. Absent from photo are Dr. Richard Falanga, Dr. Ryan Barker, Dr. Franklin Perkins II, Dr. Michael Soucy, Dr. Jason Cunningham and Dr. Dustin Wahrendorf.

March 13th, 2014

Fulton, NY ? The United Way of Greater Oswego County recently recognized the Richard S. Shineman Foundation as it presented the foundation with its Spirit of Community Award at the United Way?s Annual Meeting.

According to Melanie Trexler, executive director of the United Way of Greater Oswego County, the Richard S. Shineman Foundation was a clear choice for the Spirit of Community Award.

?Our Spirit of the Community Award is presented to an organization or individual that demonstrates unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life in Oswego County. Since its inception in 2013, the Shineman Foundation has made an immediate and meaningful impact. With its mission to enhance the quality of life in Central New York and Oswego County in particular, the Richard S. Shineman Foundation has truly been a catalyst for change in our community,? said Trexler.

Lauren Pistell, executive director of the Richard S. Shineman Foundation, gladly accepted the award on behalf of the foundation and praised Oswego County residents for their concern for others and their support of United Way.

?I am honored to accept this award, and to be a part of this community,? said Pistell. Returning from a recent conference in Silicon Valley I noticed a sign at the airport check-in. It read: if you see something say something. This sign impressed me more than any advice I heard at the conference. I felt it represented the spirit of the Oswego community. Dr. Shineman truly did something for this community that he so loved. He was a true champion of Oswego County. Dr. Shineman inspired others to volunteer and give generously to causes close to their heart. We at the Shineman Foundation are proud to promote that legacy by providing grants to non-profit organizations that enhance the community. Our foundation seeks to build relationships with its partnering non-profits that allow them to become more effective to build strong social bonds that help to bring the community together.?

Pistell praised United Way for its efforts, spoke highly of the non-profits that the Shineman Foundation has partnered with over the past year, and recognized Oswego County Opportunities? staff for their generosity. ?I had the opportunity to meet many of OCO?s young employees. They care about their community and those they serve. And while they are young and have limited resources they still wanted to do something. Their willingness to make weekly contributions to United Way, regardless of the amount, will prove important as the Shineman Foundation will be matching those donations,? said Pistell.

?I am inspired by those of you here today and others in our community who see something and do something. You see something and you do something because you care deeply about the place you call home. You believe in the mission of United Way. Together we form a community that does not silently stand by when we see a need. We are a community that in partnership with United Way, the Richard S. Shineman Foundation, and countless other organizations stands together to make Oswego County a better place for us all,? added Pistell.

Cut line for photo: United Way of Greater Oswego County recently presented the Spirit of Community Award to the Richard S. Shineman Foundation. The award is presented annually to an organization or individual that demonstrates unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life in Oswego County. Above from left are: United Way Campaign Cabinet members, Doug McRae of Bond Schoeneck and King, and Rob Rolfe of Harmony Financial Services; Lauren Pistell, executive director of the Richard S. Shineman Foundation; Kathy Fenlon, president of the United Way Board of Directors; and United Way Campaign Cabinet members, Brian Finn of Entergy; Terry Syrell of CENG; and Dick Delaney of Novelis.

March 13th, 2014

Fulton, NY ? Allain Daigle, a member of the SUNY Oswego faculty and owner of Tiny Owl Media, received the United Way of Greater Oswego County?s Volunteer of Year Award at the agency?s Annual Meeting and Salute to Volunteers held March 12 at the American Foundry in Oswego.

A strong proponent of Oswego County, Daigle was recognized donating his time and talent to produce videos for United Way?s Annual Campaign Kick-Off and Annual Meeting. ?Allain has played an important role in helping tell the story of United Way and how the programs we fund positively effect those they serve. His generosity and willingness to share his considerable talents truly captures the essence of our theme; It is our Community and It is Personal!? said United Way Executive Director, Melanie Trexler.

?It has been a real pleasure for me to produce these videos and tell these stories of Oswego County. They are stories that I enjoy listening to and I appreciate the opportunity to help share these stories to help us grow and understand that we all are part of the same community,? added Daigle.

Cut line for photo: Allain Daigle, (seated center) a member of the SUNY Oswego faculty and owner of Tiny Owl Media, received the United Way of Greater Oswego County?s Volunteer of Year Award at the agency?s Annual Meeting and Salute to Volunteers held March 12 at the American Foundry in Oswego. Pictured with Daigle are standing from left: United Way Campaign Cabinet members; Dick Delaney of Novelis; Rob Rolfe of Harmony Financial Services; Terry Syrell of CENG, Wally Dengos of National Grid; and Brian Finn of Entergy. Seated from left are: Campaign Cabinet member Doug McRae of Bond, Shoeneck & King; and Kathy Fenlon, president of the United Way?s Board of Directors.

March 6th, 2014

Fulton, NY ? With the need for food subsidy increasing and food pantries throughout Oswego County being hard pressed to meet the growing demand, the United Way of Greater Oswego County is doing its part to raise awareness of the food shortage in Oswego County and encourage the community to help fill the shelves of our area food pantries. On Thursday, March 20th the United Way of Greater Oswego County will hold their 6th Annual Stone ?Soup Too? Luncheon in Fulton.

Hosted by Holy Trinity Parish, 309 Buffalo Street in Fulton, the United Way?s ?Stone Soup? Too Luncheon will draw upon the agency?s theme of ?It?s Our Community?and It?s Personal? as the United Way invites community members to come together to break bread, warm their hearts, gather with friends, and enjoy a delicious lunch of ?Stone Soup while helping to support Oswego County?s food pantries that are struggling to meet the increasing demand for their services.

?This is our 6th year for our Stone Soup Too luncheon,? said Lois Luber, Resource Development Director for the United Way of Greater Oswego County. ?It is the effort of our volunteers and committee members, and most importantly the strong support we receive from the community who return year after year to enjoy great food and fellowship that makes our Stone Soup Too luncheon such a success.?

To date a number of caring local businesses have come forward to donate the food and beverages necessary for the Stone Soup Luncheon. Soups will be provided by: Mimi?s Drive-In, Cheeseburger Soup; Blue Moon Grill, Cream of Broccoli; The Foursome Dinner, Ministrone; and Tavern on the Lock, Vegetable Beef and Barley. Dunkin? Donuts is donating ?Boxes of Joe?; C?s Farms & Davis Bros. will be providing the salad fixings; Red Baron will provide rolls; Kathy?s Cakes and Joe?s Corner Market are donating cookies; Hudson?s Dairy providing water, and cake will be provided by Springside at Seneca Hill. Luber added that there would be table arrangements featuring canned soups, courtesy of Struppler?s Shurfine Market, that will be donated to the food pantries following the luncheon and that the Fulton Lions Club has donated $500 for the purchase of food for our local food pantries.

In addition to the luncheon, those in attendance will have the opportunity to win a number of door prizes, including: gifts from Blue Moon Grill, Cayuga Community College, Price Chopper and Unique Hair Shoppe.

The United Way?s ?Stone Soup Too? Luncheon is open to the public and will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 20th at Holy Trinity Parish, 309 Buffalo Street in Fulton. The United Way is accepting donations of $5 per person. All proceeds from the luncheon will be used to support area food pantries. Attendees are also encouraged to please bring a donation of non-perishable food, as the United Way will be collecting donations for area food pantries including the Salvation Army of Oswego County and Catholic Charities of Oswego County.

?Our food pantries are really feeling a strain this year and it is becoming especially challenging for them as they try to meet the demand for food subsidy throughout Oswego County,? added Luber. ?The food collected, and the money raised at our ?Stone Soup Too? Luncheon will be greatly appreciated.?

Those unable to attend the luncheon but would like to donate food items may contact Tim Archer, director of Catholic Charities of Oswego County?s Emergency Services program at 315-598-3980 for information on where to drop off non-perishable food donations throughout Oswego County.

For more information contact your United Way office at 315-593-1900.

Cut line for photo: United Way?s ?Stone Soup Too? Luncheon returns to Fulton. Committee members for the United Way of Greater Oswego County?s 6th Annual ?Stone Soup Too? Luncheon in Fulton meet to finalize details for the event. Scheduled for Thursday, March 20th the luncheon will at held at 11:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Parish, 309 Buffalo Street in Fulton and serves as a fundraiser for food pantries throughout Oswego County. Seated from left are: Sue Witmer, Cayuga Community College Fulton Campus; Tim Archer or Catholic Charities of Oswego County; and Steve Chirello of Chirello Advertising. Standing from left are: Karen Hubel of Blue Moon Grill; Lori Lyon of Walmart Super Center in Granby; and Stephanie Budd, of Oswego County Opportunities (OCO). Absent from photo are committee members; Michelle Sherman (Walmart); Jo-Lyn Phillips, (OCO); Helen Hoefer, (Catholic Charities); Community Volunteer Janet Rebeor; Gina Camardello, (Key Bank); and Catherine Trowbridge, (City of Fulton).

March 6th, 2014

Fulton, NY ? The United Way of Greater Oswego County would like to invite community members to be part of the agency?s program funding process by participating as a volunteer member of the United Way?s Community Investment Committee. Comprised entirely of concerned community members, the United Way?s Community Investment Committee is responsible for evaluating various agency programs that are available in Oswego County and recommending to the United Way Board of Directors the funding support that these programs should receive.

Participation in the United Way?s Community Investment Committee provides volunteers with a unique opportunity to learn more about their community and make critical decisions on how the money raised during the United Way?s Annual Campaign will be distributed to the county?s human services providers.

?The United Way addresses human service needs throughout Oswego County. It is of the utmost importance that the community is involved in this process. Having volunteers from a broad cross section of the community is quite helpful as they all bring different knowledge and perspective to the process,? said Kathy Fenlon, president of the United Way?s Board of Directors.

Volunteers will be asked to serve on one of five panels, each dealing with a specific field of service: Emergency Services, Children and Family Services, Health and Special Needs, Senior Services, and Youth Development. Panel members will visit agencies that offer programs related to their specific field of service where they will receive a tour of the agency.

While the United Way?s program funding process does not begin until April, the United Way is currently recruiting volunteers now so that the Community Investment Committee and the individual panels can be established and the volunteers can receive the training they need.

As a custodian of community contributions, United Way ensures that those dollars are used in a cost efficient manner to fund effective, meaningful, unduplicated services. ?We provide our Community Investment Committee volunteers with a thorough overview of the principles and polices that are a part of our program funding process. With those parameters in mind, their objective study and review of agency programs will help ensure that there will be an effective and well-balanced array of community services available in Oswego County,? said Melanie Trexler, executive director of the United Way of Greater Oswego County.

Members are asked to invest approximately 15 hours of their time as they meet in April for training and then conduct agency tours and budget reviews throughout April and May. ?Volunteers learn about many of the services in Oswego County. They work together to make informed decisions, knowing that their input is important to the process. It is process that takes little time, but produces big results and provides volunteers with a real sense of accomplishment that many past volunteers have found rewarding,? said Fenlon.

United Way Board of Directors member, Shawn Seale of Key Bank, who along with Debra Braden of Fulton Savings Bank is co-chairperson of the United Way?s Community Investment Committee and has previously served on the Children and Family Services panel, found his experience with the program funding process a worthwhile one.

?The work that the panels do is very effective in evaluating the various agency programs and assessing the impact that these programs have on those they serve, said Seale. ?The program funding process is very important as it allows community members who have no ties with the agencies and / or programs to take an objective look at what the programs do and how they impact the community.

It also allows these same people the opportunity to see how United Way dollars are being used in our community and realize that the United Way ensures that their dollars are used wisely by holding its member agencies accountable and measuring their programs outcomes. While it can be difficult deciding what programs receive funding it is also very rewarding to be able to award agencies what they need monetarily to continue their programs.?

?We are proud of our program funding process and very appreciative of the concerned community members who volunteer their time to serve on our Community Investment Committee and choose to make a difference in our community,? added Trexler.

For more information on the United Way?s program funding process, or to volunteer as an Allocations Committee member, you may contact your United Way office at 315-593-1900.

Cut line for photo: Debra Braden of Fulton Savings Bank and Shawn Seale of Key Bank, co-chairpersons for the United Way of Greater Oswego County?s Community Investment Committee meet to discuss this year?s allocation process. The United Way is currently inviting community members to become an active part of the United Way?s funding process by volunteering to serve on one of five panels that access a specific field of service: Emergency Services, Children and Family Services, Health and Special Needs, Senior Services, and Youth Development. Panel members visit agencies that offer programs related to their specific field of service where they will receive a tour of the agency. For more information, or to volunteer, contact your United Way office at 315-593-1900, ext. 201.