State Sen. Jim Seward, R-Milford, lends a hand this morning at the United Way of Otsego & Delaware Counties’ monthly food distribution at Northern Eagle Beverage, 41 Browne St., Town of Oneonta. Some 300 families participated in the food distribution, done in collaboration with the Regional Food Bank in the Capital District. “It’s another example of the wonderful work performed by caring individuals and organizations we have in our community,” said Seward. “The high usage of this program also shows we need to do more to improve our local economy and ensure everyone can afford the basic necessities, including fresh food.” (Jeff Bishop photo)
At the United Way of Otsego & Delaware Counties’ campaign kickoff last evening, Deb Marcus, center left, director of Family Planning of South Central New York, received the M. Cheri Albrecht Executive Director Excellence Award. And Tim Mcgraw, center right, Onegroup NY account executive, received the Alan Donovan Community Leadership Award. They are flanked by Kimberley Lorraine, left, United Way executive director, and Bryan Birdsall, board president. Albrecht held Lorraine’s job for 29 years; Donovan, retired SUNY Oneonta president, served five years on the United Way board, including as president and campaign chairman, and continues to coordinate the annual golf tournament. The gathering was at J&D’s Wagon Wheel in downtown Oneonta. (Ian Austin/AllOTSEGO.com)
Valerie Adams, volunteer coordinator of United Way of Delaware Otsego, left, packs bags of fresh food from pallets donated by the Regional Food Bank as part of United Way’s first monthly distribution of food for those in need. With her is volunteer Tammy Clark. (Jennifer Hill/AllOTSEGO.com)
By JENNIFER HILL • Special to www.AllOTSEGO.com
ONEONTA – You need food? United Way of Delaware & Otsego Counties has it, no questions asked.
Working with Fidelis Cares and the Cooperstown Food Pantry, the local United Way today launched its first monthly mass food drive for those in need at North Eagle Beverages, which made its warehouse available for that purpose.
Ethan Winner, an eighth grader at Oneonta Middle School, packs food in plastic bags for United Way’s “Warm Inside and Out!” program. The bags of food and warm clothing will hang in Huntington Park until the end of the month for people in need to help themselves.
Al Rubin, owner of A&D Transportation Services, this morning donated $500 in ride vouchers to United Way of Delaware & Otsego Counties. With him are United Way Executive Director Sue Kurkowski, left, Teri Basdekis, secretary of the board. “Transportation is a huge issue in rural areas like ours.” said Kurkowski. “I have had a dozen calls in the last several days from people needing rides to hospitals or the Department of Social services. This program allows us to coordinate rides and save money.” Said Rubin, “$500 can help a lot of people. This is not a one time donation. I want this to be a continuing program and I encourage other organizations to donate as well. This is just one more dimension of assisting in this sharing economy.” Anyone in need of a ride can call 211, or, the United Way office at 607-432-8006. (Ian Austin/AllOTSEGO.com)
Cheri Albrecht, interim director of the United Way of Delaware & Otsego Counties, receives the first Albrecht Executive Director Excellence Award this morning at the 2015 Kickoff Campaign breakfast at The Otesaga. Making the presentation is Sarah Manchester of Edward Jones financial advisers, the United Way board president. (Roxana Hurlburt photo)
Frank Russo and Sheriff Mills received the United Way’s Alan Donovan Award from board president Sarah Manchester, left. Honorees, from left are George Allen, Mills, Russo, Scott Davis, John Ray and Rev. Teressa Sivers.
ONEONTA – Frank Russo, Oneonta Family Y executive director, and Delaware County Sheriff Tom Mills were recognized as recipients of the United Way of Delaware & Otsego Counties’ Alan Donovan Award at the 2014 campaign kickoff breakfast yesterday at the Plains at Parish Homestead.
Other nominees – George Allen, Northern Eagle Beverages; Scott Clark of the Clark Companies, Delhi; Scott Davis of Country Club Automotive; John Ray, general manager, Hannaford’s, and Rev. Teressa Sivers, pastor, First United Methodist Church, Oneonta – were also recognized for their dedication to community and the significant impact they have made on the quality of life in the two counties.
