Friday, October 31, 2008
Happy Halloween!
Today I will be at the Oswego Hospital Health Fair to promote giving to United Way.
Oswego Hospital employees have been very supportive over the years and we hope they will continue their generosity for the 2008/2009 Campaign.
Thank you Kim Foster, Campaign Coordinator at Oswego Hospital. Also, Barbara Moore, thank you for serving on the United Way Board of Directors for many years.
I will giving away SUNY Laker's Womens Hockey Tickets for the November 8th opening game.
You are all welcome to join us for United Way night at the SUNY Campus Center on Saturday, November 8th at 7pm.
Melanie Trexler, Executive Director and I will be attending Entergy's celebration of relicensing at a luncheon today. We congratulate Entergy, energy providers that have a positive impact on the the quality of life in Oswego County.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Melanie and John drop the puck October 24th

SUNY Ice Hockey teams up with United Way with Goals = $ for UW. Pictured are Lebanon Valley player, President UW Board of Directors John Scardella, Women's Ice Hockey Coach Diane Dillon, Executive Director UW Melanie Trexler and SUNY Oswego Laker's player.
The campus center stadium was full of fans who watched the Lakers skate to victory Friday evening.
The United Way group had a great time cheering for the Lakers and remembering what it was like when we were all a bit younger. Success by 6 Director Bonnie Holmes and her husband Jim were caught by the KISS CAM.
Thank you to Athletic Director Tim Hale, Coach Ed Gosek and Assistant Coach Dan Ford, Coach Diane Dillon, Chuck Perkins and Brian Kosher of Oswego Printing, Entergy and Constellation for supporting "Goals = $ for UW." Almost forgot the most important of all...Thank you Laker Men's and Women's Ice Hockey players for your team's involvement. See you on Saturday, November 8th for the opening home game for Laker Women's Ice Hockey!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Thank you Huhtamaki
Highlights of the presentation include:
Karen spoke of the trained volunteers that respond to fires in Oswego County. She expressed the importance of emotional support for residents who have lost their homes and belongings in a fire. The Red Cross assists victims with shelter, food, and clothing within 24 hours.
Ken Dennison a parent aide with "Strong Families Safe Kids" stressed the importance of education for parents. His mention of an iron wrench as a teething tool for an infant was humorous, yet indicative of how those who have no knowledge of caring for babies may need a helping hand to get on the right track. The father thought he was doing okay by supplying something cool for the baby's sore gums, he had washed the wrench. Caring for a baby may be instinctive for some mothers, but those who need assistance can receive it with help from this program. Additionally, parents can learn better ways to discipline their children through classes that are open to the public.
Gary Mashaw has served the community in working for OCO for 29 years. Gary makes sure transportation is available for social, medical, and shopping needs of residents in Oswego County.
Opt Services is a rural transportation route that transports individuals to connections with Centro routes. The cost of the ride is as low as 75 cents or with Call-A-Ride the cost is from $2-$6. Gary works with most of the UW agencies meeting their clients transportation needs. He is an active member of the "Transportation Coalition". If you would you like to learn more Gary can will be happy to answer your questions.
I just want to say thank you again to all the employees who listened to our stories. Our jobs are important. We feel part of something bigger than ourselves and we are proud to Live United.
Over 55,000 clients were served in 2008 and it is thanks to people like you who are willing to share with those in need.
News Release from Amanda Eager on SUNY Walk-A-Thon
10/20/2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Submitted by Amanda Eager 10/20/2008
UNITED WAY AND SUNY OSWEGO TEAM UP FOR A GREAT CAUSE
Oswego, N.Y.- The weather was perfect and the cause was worthwhile as students at SUNY Oswego sponsored the 17th annual SUNY Oswego United Way Walk-A-Thon on campus last Saturday. Students, community members and representatives of United Way agencies walked together in the event sponsored by Auxiliary Services.
The event “brings together town and gown members for a great cause,” said Tina Pieraccini whose public relations class organizes the event every year as a class project. Students learn the principles of public relations while giving back to the community.
Alyse Leo-Randazzo, a student in Pieraccini’s class, said “It was a great event that brought the college and community together.”
The 5K course ended with first second and third place male trophies awarded to Evans Manual, Raphael Pinker and Franklyn Nevers. Female place honors went to Julie Wing, Chris Matteson and Toni Malone.
Door prize winners included Susan Rent, Anthony Biscardi, Allison Rent, Bobby Delfavero, K Murray, Helen Elia, Toni Malone and Chelsea Catala who collected prizes donated by Dunkin Donuts, Al Sole, Oswego Sub Shop, Cam’s NY Pizzeria, Sun Seekers, Azteca, Garafolo’s, Lupien’s, and Oswego Express Mart.
All walkers received coupons from Wendy’s and T-shirts sponsored by Valti Graphics, AT&T, Pathfinder Bank, Midnight Sun, Oswego Lions Club, Salmon River Outfitters, DKK, Psi Phi Gamma, Rudy’s Lakeside Drive-In, C’s Beverage and Farm Market, Inkings, Sig Tau, and Toucans.
Mitchell Printing donated printing services and Lupien’s donated the trophies. Food was donated by Ontario Orchards, Off-Bridge Street Bagelry and Sandwich Shop and Aunt Mary’s Italian Catering and Cookies.
Auxiliary Services has been the event’s major sponsor for seventeen years providing the class with a budget for advertising and supplies.
Although students learned the principles of implementing a campaign, the experience also strongly emphasized the value of teamwork.
Stephanie Sanchez, a student in the class comments on how she learned “how
different groups can come together when working as a whole with strong communication.”
Another student, Cameron Jones, said “If you are committed to something, you make it work.”
Lois Luber, Resource Development Director of the United Way of Oswego County said “The SUNY United Way Walk-A-Thon is a fine example of LIVE UNITED. For the 17th year Tina Pieracini's Communications class once again put together a top notch event. The class raised $500 and also recognized the importance of the programs they will support.”
PHOTO CAPTION: The Communications class at SUNY Oswego planned and implemented the 17th annual Walk-A-Thon to support the Oswego County United Way.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Presentations at Huhtamaki
Nick Habel, HR Manager at Huhtamaki invites United Way to speak on how the community benefits from the generosity of employees payroll deductions.
I have the option to invite member agency representatives to describe the services they provide.
This year Betty Fadden of the Fulton YMCA spoke on Tuesday. She spoke about their pool that is heated to 88 degrees and the people that use it for therapy in order to move/walk without pain. It is clear that Betty is very dedicated to her work at the Y and is witness to improvements in their clients physical health and general well being. She also talked about the many programs that help children after and before school as well as summer camp.
John Scardella our board president took the evening shift on Tuesday from 9:30-10:30 pm.
Perhaps John will post a note. John is a former employee of Huhtamaki and I believe this is where he first began volunteering for United Way. Thank you John.
On Wednesday morning Jeanne Unger, Executive Director of Farnham Family Services discussed the mission of her agency and the prevention and treatment programs that are available. Cindy Solazzo spoke at the second meeting and we learned about "pharm parties".
Middle School or High School age students take prescription medication from their parents' medicine cabinets, bring them to a party and throw them in a bowl. They blindly take a mix of pills and ...sounds like trouble. This seemed to be an eyeopener for most in the group. I know it was for me. Prevention programs in the schools are one method that Farnham uses to educate on the dangers of prescription drugs. Both Jeanne and Cindy emphasized that parents that tell their children to not use drugs are doing the right thing. 42% of children whose parents press the issue succeed in keeping their children alcohol and drug free.
Ellen Wahl, Executive Director of RSVP introduced Don Goeway, Ombudsman volunteer who spoke about his experiences as a watchdog at area senior health care facilities. It is good to know that there are advocates for the residents who may be our grandparents, parents or long time friends. Don let us know that most of the facilities he has visited do a very good job, but he visits a few hours each week to talk to residents and their families to ensure that their stay meets their needs.
Thanks to all who took part in the meetings, Nick, Betty, Jeanne, Cindy, John, Ellen, Don, and of course all the employees of Huhtamaki. We thank you for your time and investment in the people of the community.
Thursday will be the final day of meetings. Stay tuned for the next group of presenters.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
October 24th United Way Night at SUNY Laker Men's Hockey
Join us for the opening home game of Men's Ice Hockey at the SUNY Campus Center, Friday, October 24th at 7 pm.The SUNY Oswego partnership with United Way of Greater Oswego County for the "Goals for $"
giving program will begin for 2008 with UW Executive Director, Melanie Trexler dropping the puck.
Coach Ed Gosek of Lakers Men's Hockey, Coach Diane Dillon of Lakers Women's Ice Hockey, Tim Hale, Athletic Director and President UW Board of Directors John Scardella will also be on the ice for the opening ceremony.
UW appreciates the support of SUNY Oswego Lakers Hockey. We also wish to acknowledge our dasherboard sponsors Constellation and Entergy.
Pictured above from left are: Karen Haller of Constellation; Mike Anthony of Novelis; SUNY Oswego Women’s Ice Hockey Head Coach, Diane Dillon; United Way Board President, John Scardella, SUNY Oswego President, Deborah Stanley; SUNY Oswego Athletic Director, Tim Hale; Executive Director of the United Way of Greater Oswego County, Melanie Trexler; Tim Raymond of Entergy Nuclear; and SUNY Oswego Men’s Ice Hockey Head Coach, Ed Gosek.
Win a "Ladies Watch" provided by Dufore's For Diamonds

Other prizes include 10 pairs of Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots tickets for December 28 at 1 pm in Buffalo. Tickets are sponsored by Eagle Beverage Company, Inc. and The Clubhouse Tavern.
Ice Hockey Tickets for Men's and Women's Ice Hockey provided by Oswego State Athletics Dept.
Gas Cards sponsored by Stewart's Shops.
Pictured are DuFore's employee Gayle Davis, Lois Luber of United Way, and Mark DuFore.
Monday, October 20, 2008
SUNY United Way Walk-A-Thon was a success once again!
We would like to thank Tina Pieraccini's class, Auxiliary Services, the many sponsors of the T-shirts, including the Greek organizations that participated.
I enjoyed the walk, the sun and the company.
The event was planned well as usual. The 2008 class should be successful in their future communications careers.
Best wishes on behalf of the United Way of Greater Oswego County.
Lois Luber
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Welcome to our blog
The United Way campaign kicked off on September 10th. Campaign materials have been delivered to most coordinators. If I haven't contacted you I will be doing so in the near future.
Thank you all for supporting our cause to raise dollars for the people of Oswego County in need.
Over 55,000 clients will be served by member agency programs in 2008.
So what is this blog all about...
1. As a communication tool for those who want to share stories on the campaign trail
2. Share ideas that work
3. Celebrate making your goal
4. Ask questions like, "Where are those seats for the Buffalo Bills vs. New England Game ?"
5. Ask a question like, "Who has tickets to the Buffalo Bills games?"
For more on Buffalo Bills tickets, ask me about incentives for giving.
Until tomorrow,
Lois
UW staff
