United Way Stepping Up To This Year’s Campaign

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

By JOHN MONTGOMERY

Focus Reporter, 9/17/06

The Fostoria United Way officially unveiled this year’s campaign goal Thursday, announcing it plans to raise $398,000.

The brunt of this year’s campaign runs through October, but is already getting a big push toward that direction.

The Pace Setter companies of Norton Manufacturing in Division I, Good Shepherd Home in Division II and WFOB AM-1430 in Division III have already started their own campaigns. Those companies take the lead for their divisions to jumpstart the fund-raiser.

In fact, Norton Manufacturing has already raised 39 percent of its company goal by holding several fund-raisers, such as dunk tanks and the selling of lunches, breakfasts and Buckeye necklaces.

Goals for each division are:

• Division I (100 or more employees) — $246,000.
• Division II (26-99 employees) — $85,000.
• Division III (7-25 employees) — $29,000.
• Division VI (6 or less employees) — $18,000.
• Division V (those not reached through the other divisions) — $20,000.
Training for all in-plant volunteers occurs Sept. 20-21 at the United Way.
This year’s theme is “50 Years of Caring … Stepping Up for Friends and Neighbors” and a special walking program involving fourth and fifth graders from Fostoria City Schools and St. Wendelin will tie into that.

The program is called Stepping Up and plans call for the students and business partners, one for each of the 13 classes, to count the steps they take each day and keep track of them. Participants will have keep a daily log as they try to reach their own goals for each day and the entire program.

The program is not a contest but it will serve a dual role for the children, according to Dan Schatzinger, who heads up the event.

“The whole point is two-fold: to give them awareness of health and exercise and good lifestyle habits, as well as to introduce them to the United Way,” he said.

“As they grow up to become the breadwinners in their own families, we’d like them to already understand the value of United Way and the importance of taking care of one another in the community,” he said.

“People associated with the school systems have really jumped on this and raised a couple of wonderful ideas on how to incorporate this into classroom work,” Schatzinger said.

The businesses are being asked to pay $100 to join, which will cover the cost of the pedometers the participants (all of the students and 10 people from each company) will use.

The students will learn about the program during the week of Sept. 25 and take part in it from Oct. 2-6. The Stepping Up program will culminate with a celebration dinner Oct. 19 at Riley Elementary at 5:30 p.m. Positive Lifestyles at Fostoria Community Hospital and the Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce are also involved. Businesses wishing to sponsor a class can call 419-435-4484.

The campaign kickoff is Oct. 3 at 10 a.m. at the Municipal Building lawn and will involved a balloon lift off.

Campaign rallies will occur at noon at the Geary Family YMCA on Oct. 12, 19 and 26 and Nov. 2. The campaign awards luncheon is set for Dec. 14 at noon at Good Shepherd Home.

As with any campaign, organizers said this year’s fund-raiser will have its challenges, such as the economy and other fund-raisers going on at the same time for other groups and organizations.

Campaign Chairman Ken Swint said officials hope to counter that.

“One of the main things we hope to do is increased the percent of participation, trying to get more people to give to this campaign,” he said. “That’s a challenge that we have every year, but that’s a goal for us, to try to increase that percent of participation within the companies.

“We feel confident,” he said. “We know the employee growth within the community has increased from last year to this year; not a lot, but it has. But we’re really going to push the percent of participation — get more people giving.”

Business, Schools Step Up for UW Campaign

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

By RUSS ZIMMER, Staff Writer

Review Times, Fostoria, Ohio, 9/15/06

United Way of Fostoria is making a concerted effort to foster a sense of communal responsibility into the youth of the city, according to Director Linda Cooper-Smith.  She announced Thursday a partnership between area businesses and St. Wendelin and Fostoria Community schools for their corporate campaign kick-off.  This year, companies will sponsor the 13 classes of fourth- and fifth-graders at St. Wendelin and Riley elementary schools in a walkathon the week of Oct. 2.

Students will be given pedometers by their sponsor companies and will set personal and classroom goals for the number of steps they aspire to walk, Don Schatzinger, vice president of manufacturing for Norton Manufacturing, said Thursday.
The five-day event aims to promote a healthy lifestyle and better grasp of the importance of giving to the community, Schatzinger said.

The goal of the “Stepping Up” participants — this year’s campaign theme is “50 Years of Caring … Stepping It Up for Friends and Neighbors” — is not to raise money nor win a competition, he continued, and the gifts from the sponsors will be to cover the expenses of the program.  “As they grow up and become the breadwinners in their families,” he said, “we’d like them to understand what the United Way does.”  Cathy Krupp, principal of St. Wendelin Elementary, said her district’s goal is to teach life lessons in addition to academics.  “I think when you instill values in students,” she said, “the younger they are, the more they connect to them.”  Every school district across the state had to have a policy in place this year to combat the rising childhood obesity epidemic, and Barb Peterson, principal of Riley, said the United Way event coordinates well with her school’s efforts.
A new one-tenth mile walking track sits near Riley, she said, and is in use every school day by the walking club.  “All students, at one point or another,” she said, “are walking laps out there.”   Students will come to school each day, put on their pedometer and have the extra motivation of helping others, Peterson said.
The campaign season has already begun for the pacesetter companies in Fostoria, Schatzinger said, including Norton, WFOB and the Good Shepherd Home. 

The goal for this season, which ends Oct. 31, Cooper-Smith said, is $398,000.  Last year, the local chapter exceeded it’s goal of $388,600 by $4,000, she said.  Ken Swint, chairman of the campaign cabinet, said many challenges exist this year to reaching that goal, but none which they have not looked in the face before.
“Look at the economy … There’s just not a lot of dollars to be giving,” he said.  Swint said the cabinet is looking to make the increase of participation within companies a top priority.  The generosity and support, even through hard times, Swint said, shows the true character of this community.  “It amazes me every year,” he said.

Daybreak of Fostoria

Did you know?

FACT: An estimated 4.5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease. In a Gallup poll commissioned by the Alzheimer’s Association, one in 10 Americans said that they had a family member with Alzheimer’s and 1 in 3 knew someone with the disease

Daybreak of Fostoria

David Spellerberg shown here with his wife, Jeanne, and their great-grandson, Luke Livingston.

When David Spellerberg could no longer remember the names of his friends in Rotary, he knew something was wrong. A former CPA and Navy pilot, David feared loss of dignity and self-control. As his memory continued to deteriorate, he became very discouraged.

After being diagnosed at the Cleveland Clinic with Alzheimer’s disease, the tapestry of David’s life began to unravel. Soon he could no longer handle the things he loved—reading, golf, music, and art. Visiting with family and friends became increasing difficult and frustrating.After a time, David could no longer compensate for his loss of memory. It became necessary for his wife, Jeanne, to assist him in all of life’s daily functions. Although helped by their daughters, Marty Green and Jane Stroman, the family soon felt physically and emotionally exhausted.Seeking aid in caring for David, the Spellerberg family turned to the non-profit program DayBreak of Fostoria. DayBreak offered quality adult day care for people with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias and respite care for their caregivers. It was a safe and pleasant environment where trained staff members assisted clients in activities geared toward their interests and abilities. Field trips to local points of interest, crafts, and music provided opportunities for social interaction.In 2006, United Way of Fostoria invested $108,767 in programs to help individuals like David live healthier and more independent lives.   

If you know someone who needs the services offered by DayBreak, call 419-435-4022. DayBreak is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30-2:30 p.m. and transportation can often be arranged.

Using United Way of Fostoria contributions and other funds, scholarships are available for clients based on financial need.

Golden Anniversary Celebration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

On May 17th, 2006, the United Way of Fostoria celebrated “50 Years of Caring” with a gathering at Good Shepherd Home.

The event was planned to celebrate 50 fundraising campaigns which garnered a 99.63% success rate with campaign goals of $14,337,573 as opposed to $14,284,835 in pledges.

In our 50 years, we have only had four executive directors: John Bender, 1957-1973; Roger Seibert, 1974-1991; Denny Studrawa, 1991-2006; and Linda Cooper-Smith who began in February 2006. Roger, Denny and Linda attended the event.

Fiftieth Anniversary clocks were presented to honored guests.

Deborah DeWeese, director of member services at Ohio United Way, was the guest speaker. Mayor John Davoli read a proclamation honoring our 50th Anniversary

Walking The Talk—United Way Campaign Steps Into Action.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

By Patti Rettig, Features Editor

Review Times, 8/21/06

It’s time to step up.

The United Way of Fostoria and its Campaign Cabinet have partnered with community groups to put this year’s campaign theme into motion.

As a result, the slogan “50 Years of Caring . . . Stepping Up for Friends and Neighbors” has inspired a wellness program that involves local children.

The 13 classes of fourth- and fifth-graders in both local schools districts will participate in a “stepping” event Oct. 2 through 6.

“We were talking about the title of our theme for the campaign and we said, ‘What can we do with that would be symbolic of the ‘stepping up,’ but be something physical?,’” Linda Cooper-Smith, executive director of the local United Way, said this morning. “We decided to try this walking program with the schools. They were excited—very excited about the prospect of doing this.”

Pedometers, purchased through donations from event sponsors, will be provided to the students who will be asked to set walking goals for themselves each day, Cooper-Smith said. “It’s going to be a daily exercise routine.”

This routine is right in step with efforts at the local schools.

“We have been promoting through our new wellness policy the importance of health and fitness for all of our students,” Dr. Cynthia Lemmerman, superintendent of Fostoria Community Schools, noted today. She pointed out that Riley Elementary in particular has developed its fitness track in this regard.

The partnership will include not only the schools and United Way, but also local businesses, service clubs, churches and other participating sponsors.

“The money that we raise through the teams who sponsor the students will go to cover the pedometers. It’s not a fundraising effort,” Cooper-Smith explained.

Local sponsors will be asked to form teams of walkers. A team entry fee of $100 will cover the cost of the step-counting pedometers. Daily public announcements will inform the students who is that day’s sponsor.

The adult teams may even challenge the classes, or walk with them. Lemmerman said, noting details have not yet been worked out. But this partnership of adults and students working toward a common goal of fitness is important, she added.

“Fitness is a lifelong experience that I’m really glad we’re instilling in our children,” she said. A cumulative step total for the class will be monitored United Way-style.

“We’re going to give them one of our thermometers so they can show their progress,” Cooper-Smith explained.

The children will also learn more about United Way through the effort, Cooper-Smith said, as both she and Dan Schatzinger—campaign co-chair and vice president of Norton Manufacturing—plan to visit the classes and provide them a “mini education” about United Way.

“It’s a great way to get them to understand how they can give back to the community through the United Way,” Lemmerman remarked.

Cooper-Smith said she hopes children will feel a sense of accomplishment at the end of the event.

“The kids will be given a certificate of accomplishment,” she said. “We’re going to have a dinner at Riley School to celebrate.”

To form a team, contact the United Way of Fostoria, (419) 435-4484.

August Community Hero

The adult community hero for August is Lynn Setser, nominated by Mary Begler, director of the Bureau of Concern.

Setser has volunteered for the Christmas Basket program for the past two years and has been a volunteer receptionist for over a year at the bureau.“Although Lynn is in an ongoing battle with cancer, she is always volunteering every Monday and Wednesday morning at the Bureau of Concern,” stated Begler.“Because she is a person with a very big heart, and though she is going through some very tough times, she has the desire to help those who are less fortunate in the community,” Begler added.

About her volunteer work at the organization, Setser said, “It makes me feel proud that I can be a part of an agency that can help others when they don’t know where to turn. They walk in with worry in their eyes and most walk out with smiles.”

“I don’t think I do anything special; I enjoy being there and try to help as much as I can, but others do more. I work with fantastic ladies and I hope I can continue for a long time,” she said.

Setser is the mother of five children, Douglas Hughes, the late Tamara Hughes, Frances Haudenshild, Nonni Setser and Adrian Setser, and the grandmother of six grandchildren, Philip Hughes, Drew Crawford, Miranda Leitch, Ronald Norris, Michael Haudenshild and Jonathon Haudenshild.

A member of the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Setser enjoys sewing, reading and Civil War activities.

“It also makes me realize, even though I have problems, there are people out there that have many more, dire needs than mine,” Setser also commented about her volunteership.

May Community Heroes

James Myers
Myers is a retired Fostoria Community Schools teacher, but he has never stopped lending a hand or teaching in the community.

He is the classroom teacher for Master & Sylvania Driving School, is a volunteer AARP driver safety teacher and created and taught the first driver safety portion of the Fostoria Drug & Alcohol Center classes’ driver intervention program.

“Jim has made himself available to church groups and others to present this eight-hour program,” Ed and Sally Reed wrote in their nomination form for Myers. “He does an excellent job as an instructor, is patient, keeps the program interesting and on course. This helps many older drivers avoid bad driving habits and keeps all of us safer and more confident on the road.”

Myers also serves on the Seneca County Teachers Heartland Scholarship Committee and volunteers with the American Red Cross and the Fostoria Sharing Kitchen.

Myers has served four terms as the congregational president of Hope Lutheran Church and as chairman of the Hope Lutheran Education Endowment for 15 years. He has also served on his church’s boards for deacons and trustees, directed Junior Achievement for five years.

“Jim is a long-time resident of Fostoria and has had a positive influence on many students over the years,” the Reeds stated. “He approaches everything with a gentle sense of humor.”
When not helping others, Myers enjoys playing bridge, working in the yard, boating and collecting coins.

But lending a hand where it’s needed is what he likes best. “I enjoy interacting with people. I love to listen to people and maybe help answer their questions and concerns,” he said. “I like dealing with all ages of people. “If I have helped even one person in my time here on Earth, I feel that I have fulfilled my purpose for God putting me here,” Myers said.

Myers and his wife, Lois, have four children, Carla Lyberg, John Myers, Mindy Myers and Tony Myers. They also have five grandchildren, Josh and Jacob Lyberg and Kaylee, James and Emilee Myers.

Joshua Spivey
Spivey is never one to back away from helping others, even when the act is in an emotional setting.

“Earlier in the year, one of our students was accidentally killed in a hit-and-run incident. This was a very emotional time for many students at FHS,” said John Tomaszewski, student intervention coordinator at the high school. Tomaszewski said the pastor conducting the funeral service asked for a student to play a role in the funeral service and Spivey agreed. “Josh stepped forward and performed beautifully,” Tomaszewski said. “His delivery reflected the feelings of the student body at FHS.”

Spivey, a Fostoria High freshman, helps around the community in other ways. He volunteers at SCORE summer camp and at WSOS where his mother, Jacqueline Smith, works.

“When I go to my mom’s classroom at WSOS, I get to play and act like a ‘preschooler.’ I get to help kids learn to count and learn the alphabet,” Spivey said.

He also plays in the high school jazz band, takes participates on the First Baptist Church dance team and belonged to Youth-to-Youth and choir.

He has three siblings, Lisa Allyne, Charles Spivey Jr. and Tiffany Spivey. Along with helping others, Spivey also enjoys playing video games, fishing, camping, swimming and singing.

“Josh is part of a rap band consisting of three other freshmen students,” Tomaszewski said. “They are very talented and hope to put out a record in the near future.”

April Community Heroes

Jerry Nelson

Nelson was nominated for his award by Seneca County Area Transportation Executive Director Linda Good, but not just for the work he does for that group.
“Jerry is an energetic asset to our organization, as well as others in Fostoria,” she said. “His dynamic personality allows him to help community members and organizations in many different ways.

“He has a ‘full of life’ essence that is contagious to those around him,” she said. “His conscientious nature makes him a reliable volunteer. He is always willing to donate his time and efforts to better the community.”

Along with serving as a volunteer driver for SCAT in Fostoria, Nelson is also a member of the Fostoria American Red Cross Board and the Fostoria United Way Budget & Admissions Committee, is the co-coordinator of the pre-cana classes at St. Wendelin Catholic Church and serves part-time as an usher at the church. He is also a past chairman of the Fostoria American Red Cross.

“Jerry is an active member of the Fostoria community. As a retired citizen, he utilizes his free time to help others,” Good said. “Whether he is offering his experience as a board member, driving elderly and disabled residents to necessary destinations or sharing his religious values, he is a compassionate and dependable man. “He is a member of the community that others should strive to be like, and I am honored and privileged to nominate this admirable man for ‘Community Hero,’” she said.

Nelson said he gets just as much out of volunteering as those he helps. “The time spent with individuals, meeting new people, learning about their lives and experiences, makes me feel good about having the time to do this work,” he said. “When we do for others, it seems to come back in greater measure.”

Nelson and his wife, Joan, have four children, Amy, Sonja, Brett and Randall. Nelson spends his free time bowling, golfing and being with his family.

Alan Hammer

Hammer, a St. Wendelin High senior, is involved in several activities. He has spent each of the past four years volunteering at the St. Wendelin Catholic Church chicken dinners and at the Fostoria Soup Kitchen, as well as helping with highway clean-up project and taking part in the March For Life with Fostoria Teens For Life in Washington, D.C.

The son of Mary Jo and Duane Hammer also took part in a 30-hour fast as part of the church’s youth group this year.

“Alan is always ready and willing to help others,” said Roger Holman, St. Wendelin guidance counselor, in his nomination form. “I feel he will be a real asset to any organization or community he becomes a part of in the future.”

Hammer’s school activities include National Honor Society, golf, track, pep band, jazz band, concert band, marching band, choir, Campus Ministry, quiz bowl, smoke awareness, Stations of the Cross, Caring for Kids and Drama Club.

He has earned first honors all four years of high school, was named to the University of Findlay post-secondary program dean’s list this year and earned the St. Michael Book Award this year.
Hammer has a brother, Justin, and a sister, Jannelle.

Like Nelson, Hammer said volunteering is a two-way street. “When I do volunteer work, I get a lot of benefits,” he said. “They are that I get to make people happy, I get to warn and teach people about the dangers of smoking and I feel a sense of worth.”

Retrieved 8/17/06 from Fostoria Focus website http://www.fostoriafocus.com/ viewArticle.asp?artID=6234

March Community Heroes

Dorcas Gillett

Gillett was nominated for the award by Aaron Smith and Margie Burns of the Fostoria Habitat for Humanity for her help with last summer’s project. “Habitat had a blitz build during the summer of 2005,” Smith and Burns wrote in their nomination form. “Dorcas’ husband, Victor, sat on our board for years and volunteered. Victor died as the project drew near.”

“Dorcas, without hesitation, volunteered her services,” they continued. “She helped with cleaning, wallpapering, hanging curtains, donating furniture — whatever was needed. “Even when it hurt her knowing how much Victor loved Habitat and the loss of him, she came with a smile and at times with tears,” they added.

Gillett also belongs to Hope Lutheran Church and the Fostoria Ladies Garden Club. She has two daughters and sons-in-law, Deborah and Steve Engler and Gayla and Scott Watson, and a son and daughter-in-law, Donald and Angie Gillett.

Gillett also has eight grandchildren — Dawn Petrescue, James Engler, Melissa Hartman, Ashley Gilt, Kyle Watson and Zachary, Nicholas and Alexis Gillett — and one great-granddaughter — Hope Watson Davis.

Gillett enjoyed traveling with her husband when he was alive, and still likes to spend time with friends and family and gardening.

“My friends and family have been so kind to me and it makes me feel good to help and pass that kindness on to someone else,” she said.

Alexandria Colich

Linda Hamilton and John Spalding of Camp Fire USA nominated Colich for her work with the Fostoria Townhouse After-School Program, a program Colich has been involved with since it began.

Hamilton and Spalding said Colich has proved to be a big help. “She was approached about co-instructing our “little stars’ pre-school program,” they wrote in their nomination form. “Alex has done a great job with this experience. On days where there is no school, she meets at the drop-in center with five to eight pre-school children and reads them a story, does a craft activity and gives them a snack.

“The program has been a success,” they continued. “The kids enjoy coming over and Alex enjoys being involved.” Colich agrees. “It just really makes me feel good to help pre-school-age children with their ABC’s and older kids with their homework,” said the Fostoria Middle School seventh grader.

Colich, daughter of Kristina Dahms and Nathan Colich, also takes part in the after-school program Hi-Y and enjoys knitting, reading and crocheting. She also helps care for her brother, Baley Reiter. Colich also has two sisters, Hannah and Morgan Colich.

Community Initiative Fund Grant Update

FOR IMMEIDATE RELEASE
January 14, 2006
PRESS RELEASE

The United Way of Fostoria’s Community Initiative Fund grant application process has ended, and a committee composed of members of the Board of Trustees and the Budget and Admissions Committee recommended 6 grants totaling $26,000. The grants follow established criteria of start-up funds to initiate new programs, expansion of current programs, and programs with emphasis on children, social services, education, the arts and community development. Since 1998, the Board of Trustees has authorized $278,431 in CIF grants.These grants are funded through a bequest from the Geary Foundation, and no campaign funds are used for this purpose.The Board of Trustees has approved the following grants for 2006:

1. Christfest 2006 $3,000
2. DayBreak $5,000
3. F.A.C.T. $3,000
4. Fostoria Glass & Heritage Festival $5,000
5. Kiwanis $5,000
6. Wesley Center $5,000