I grew up in Alaska about 20 miles from a town called North Pole. North Pole, Alaska knows how to celebrate the holidays. Not only is the town decorated for Christmas all-year long, but right in the middle of town is Santa’s house complete with candy cane pillars and reindeer. I spent 20 years living in Alaska and have been asked many times if I miss it, if I’d like to go back. The answer is usually no; I don’t miss Alaska, but do miss North Pole every once in a while.
This time of year makes me wish I was in Alaska again. Not for the cold. I do love the weather in Maryland. Alaska had a way of making me feel young and alive. It’s all that fresh air, I guess. You know, the holidays do the same thing – make me feel young. While I don’t love the shopping or the crowds in December, I do love the cooler weather, the time with family and the decorations. It’s true. For me there’s nothing more exciting than a street lined with houses decorated for the holidays. It doesn’t matter how they’re decorated, either. No, for me it’s the lights, the excitement, the colors. I see a house fully decorated and I think about kids opening presents, mom baking (and eating) cookies and watching Christmas movies.
While I’ve never been much for traditions, I do love some of the traditions we have around the holidays. I love that my mother has always let me open a present on Christmas Eve. I love that my 15 year old son begs to do the same. I like the stories behind the gifts people give and get one another. There’s tradition in that. I’m 35 and I still get a make-up set from my mother – why stop after 25 years? I used to get my father Old Spice each year. That’s all he wore. He’s been gone 18 years and I still think about him every time I’m in the cologne aisle at CVS. I hope to never forget that smell.
My New Year’s Resolution this year is simple – I’m going to work on my memory. I’m going to allow myself to forget the things that are hurtful, sad or that worry me. I’m going make a promise to myself that I will never forget how much I love this time of year and the people I get (and have had the chance to) share it with.
Happy Holidays
Leah Gayman
Executive Director
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Thursday, December 15, 2011
'Tis Tax Time
by:Karen Sigler-Goldstein, Finance Director
It’s that time of year again…..no I don’t mean the Holidays-tax planning. I know I hear, the mumbling and grumbling and yawns but planning now will help you out come April 15th. So to make this week’s blog a little more enjoyable, perhaps you could put on some Christmas music, sip on some egg nog and read on….
While we gladly accept cash, check, credit card and even stock donations here at the United Way of Washington County, there are certain rules for claiming the charitable contribution deduction on your tax return.
• You must be able to itemize- usually if you paid interest or taxes on your home, made large charitable contributions, among others.
• You must actually donate cash or property-a pledge is not deductible until ACTUALLY paid.
• You must contribute to an organization that is a qualified tax-exempt organization-payments to individuals, political parties, labor unions, chamber of commences or business associations, for-profit schools and for for-profit hospitals, as well as the value of your time for services are not deductible.
• You must keep records of your donation-this would include a bank record or perhaps a written communication from the organization to include name, date of gift and the amount. For any amount above $250, you must have a contemporaneous written acknowledge from the organization. The acknowledgement must include whether organization provided any goods or services in exchange for the gift and if so that must be described.
• Donations of stock are usually valued at the fair market value of the property-If you contribute property with a fair market value that is less than your basis in it, your deduction is limited to its fair market value. On the other hand, If you contribute property with a fair market value that is more than your basis in it, you may have to reduce the fair market value by the amount of appreciation (increase in value) when you figure your deduction.
Generally, you can deduct cash contributions in full up to 50% of your Adjusted Gross Income and appreciated stocks in full up to 20% of your Adjusted Gross Income. Any excess can be carried over for five years until it is used up.
This is a very brief overview of charitable contributions. If you have any questions, I suggest contacting a tax planning professional. Now, go out there and enjoy the holidays-the parties, time with family and friends, shopping, religious activities. Tax time will be here before you know it! Oh and remember the United Way when you finally do think about your charitable gift giving. The end of the year is only a few weeks away!
It’s that time of year again…..no I don’t mean the Holidays-tax planning. I know I hear, the mumbling and grumbling and yawns but planning now will help you out come April 15th. So to make this week’s blog a little more enjoyable, perhaps you could put on some Christmas music, sip on some egg nog and read on….
While we gladly accept cash, check, credit card and even stock donations here at the United Way of Washington County, there are certain rules for claiming the charitable contribution deduction on your tax return.
• You must be able to itemize- usually if you paid interest or taxes on your home, made large charitable contributions, among others.
• You must actually donate cash or property-a pledge is not deductible until ACTUALLY paid.
• You must contribute to an organization that is a qualified tax-exempt organization-payments to individuals, political parties, labor unions, chamber of commences or business associations, for-profit schools and for for-profit hospitals, as well as the value of your time for services are not deductible.
• You must keep records of your donation-this would include a bank record or perhaps a written communication from the organization to include name, date of gift and the amount. For any amount above $250, you must have a contemporaneous written acknowledge from the organization. The acknowledgement must include whether organization provided any goods or services in exchange for the gift and if so that must be described.
• Donations of stock are usually valued at the fair market value of the property-If you contribute property with a fair market value that is less than your basis in it, your deduction is limited to its fair market value. On the other hand, If you contribute property with a fair market value that is more than your basis in it, you may have to reduce the fair market value by the amount of appreciation (increase in value) when you figure your deduction.
Generally, you can deduct cash contributions in full up to 50% of your Adjusted Gross Income and appreciated stocks in full up to 20% of your Adjusted Gross Income. Any excess can be carried over for five years until it is used up.
This is a very brief overview of charitable contributions. If you have any questions, I suggest contacting a tax planning professional. Now, go out there and enjoy the holidays-the parties, time with family and friends, shopping, religious activities. Tax time will be here before you know it! Oh and remember the United Way when you finally do think about your charitable gift giving. The end of the year is only a few weeks away!
Monday, December 12, 2011
Holiday Hope
By Jenny Fleming, United Way Community Impact Director
Buttons can do amazing things. Now, I’m not talking about those on our shirts, coats and pants. I’m referring to those that are connected to an electrical machine or device - buttons on elevators, remote controls, phones and computers. I just love how technology has made my job easier. When I started working at United Way, we didn’t even have Internet access. I surely don’t miss the fax machine, which is how I sent reminders to meetings or other communications.
Technology helps to get the word out about important issues and recently assisted me to harness the caring spirit of our many supporters in the community. I had heard the director of the Department of Social Services (DSS) mention in a meeting that they had numerous families and children who had not been “adopted” to receive Christmas gifts. While direct services isn’t what United Way necessarily does, we certainly felt compelled to tell this message, especially when DSS isn’t in a position to solicit these gifts. I used another wonderful invention – Constant Contact – to inspire our 3,000+ people on our e-mail list to consider buying gifts. Ok, I can’t emphasize enough how powerful it was to hit the send button that day. Within 4 minutes, we got our first response. This was followed by another . . . . another . . . and yet another . . . and soon our phone and e-mails were being flooded. Some people who responded weren’t even on our list. The message was forwarded to friends, families, churches and organizations.
I sure wish everything was this easy! I’m incredibly glad this happened and hope that these families, in addition to enjoying the wonderful gifts they are about to receive, understand what a generous community this is. When times get tough, everyone rallies to get things done.
This compassion is so important because many of these families need some sort of hope to hold onto. They haven’t had the positive start that many of us have been afforded. Personally, I challenge myself when I hear of an overwhelming story to press yet another button “rewind.” Does this mean that I ask them about the details of their lives up to this point? No. It is just a method for me to understand it probably has been a rocky road that led them where they are today. The important part is to start from this point and move forward. This is exactly what everyone has done for the families at DSS. Many, many thanks to all of you who bought items. Let’s keep this generosity going into the New Year and make 2012 prosperous for Washington County.
Buttons can do amazing things. Now, I’m not talking about those on our shirts, coats and pants. I’m referring to those that are connected to an electrical machine or device - buttons on elevators, remote controls, phones and computers. I just love how technology has made my job easier. When I started working at United Way, we didn’t even have Internet access. I surely don’t miss the fax machine, which is how I sent reminders to meetings or other communications.
Technology helps to get the word out about important issues and recently assisted me to harness the caring spirit of our many supporters in the community. I had heard the director of the Department of Social Services (DSS) mention in a meeting that they had numerous families and children who had not been “adopted” to receive Christmas gifts. While direct services isn’t what United Way necessarily does, we certainly felt compelled to tell this message, especially when DSS isn’t in a position to solicit these gifts. I used another wonderful invention – Constant Contact – to inspire our 3,000+ people on our e-mail list to consider buying gifts. Ok, I can’t emphasize enough how powerful it was to hit the send button that day. Within 4 minutes, we got our first response. This was followed by another . . . . another . . . and yet another . . . and soon our phone and e-mails were being flooded. Some people who responded weren’t even on our list. The message was forwarded to friends, families, churches and organizations.
I sure wish everything was this easy! I’m incredibly glad this happened and hope that these families, in addition to enjoying the wonderful gifts they are about to receive, understand what a generous community this is. When times get tough, everyone rallies to get things done.
This compassion is so important because many of these families need some sort of hope to hold onto. They haven’t had the positive start that many of us have been afforded. Personally, I challenge myself when I hear of an overwhelming story to press yet another button “rewind.” Does this mean that I ask them about the details of their lives up to this point? No. It is just a method for me to understand it probably has been a rocky road that led them where they are today. The important part is to start from this point and move forward. This is exactly what everyone has done for the families at DSS. Many, many thanks to all of you who bought items. Let’s keep this generosity going into the New Year and make 2012 prosperous for Washington County.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
The Importance of an Income Focus
By Meg Harsh
Immediate Past President of the United Way Board of Directors
As an active volunteer within the community, I am constantly amazed at the generosity of the citizens of Washington County, and the great work provided by so many local agencies. In my time with the United Way, I have had the opportunity to work more closely with two very dynamic partners – R.E.A.C.H and The Washington County Community Action Council.
While both organizations are most commonly known for providing emergency services and crisis intervention, both groups work tirelessly to promote self sufficiency within the customers they serve. They partner with each other and across the community to offer emergency shelter, transitional housing for those who have lost their residence, and affordable housing alternatives.
When you think about the breadth of these issues and services, you might question what affordable housing really means. Given the recent publicity about the drop in real estate, one might think that housing is cheaper so it has to be more affordable. However in Washington County our median income levels barely put fair market housing in reach to the average citizen.
According to HUD, housing costs including utilities and insurance should represent no more that 30% of our monthly income. If you own your home, maintenance and taxes should also be considered in this figure. The median income in Washington County is $53,600. At 30% of their monthly salary, a family can afford $1339 in housing costs. Fair market rent for a three bedroom establishment is $1200 in Washington County. This means that almost 50% of the families in Washington County cannot afford rent and utilities. Similar research indicates that to maintain $1200 a month on housing expenses, families would not able to afford a home that costs more $189,000 (assumes 30 year mortgage at 6.25%)
This issue is further compounded by a shortage of jobs that pay at median income levels. Washington County is largely comprised of retail, service, hospitality, and warehousing opportunities. The Maryland Department of Labor forecasts the majority of growth to occur in these sectors more so than in higher paying occupational areas. Families will be challenge for both parents to work or for a single parent to work more than one job; further deteriorating quality of family life.
The inability to afford shelter creates a snowball effect in other areas of a family’s financial stability. As more money is spent on rent or mortgage, less money is available for other basic needs including health care, food, and transportation. Issues in any of these areas contribute to missed work days. Missed work days contribute to a person’s ability to maintain gainful employment, which in turn calls into question the ability to afford shelter. Maybe a better metaphor is a spider web versus a snowball.
No easy answer to this problem exists. I firmly believe that we need to continue to support the agencies previously mentioned, as well as those groups helping our citizens to locate and maintain employment in Washington County. We need to bring new programs into the county like Housing First as outlined in the strategic community impact plan. We should be partnering with local developers to offer tax incentives for building affordable housing within new neighborhoods.
Lastly we need to support our educators and our youth in not only improving high school graduation rates, but also in obtaining advanced degrees and certifications to qualify for higher paying jobs. As the level of education increases, we will be able to better partner with our local economic development groups to not only recruit more business to Washington County but to shift the occupational landscape from a largely service, retail, and warehousing community to one with more highly skilled positions.
As our education improves, so will our income. As our income improves, so will our job opportunities. As we achieve greater financial stability we remove the barrier of affordable housing. Once our home is stable we can truly then focus on the components contributing to a higher quality of life.
Immediate Past President of the United Way Board of Directors
As an active volunteer within the community, I am constantly amazed at the generosity of the citizens of Washington County, and the great work provided by so many local agencies. In my time with the United Way, I have had the opportunity to work more closely with two very dynamic partners – R.E.A.C.H and The Washington County Community Action Council.
While both organizations are most commonly known for providing emergency services and crisis intervention, both groups work tirelessly to promote self sufficiency within the customers they serve. They partner with each other and across the community to offer emergency shelter, transitional housing for those who have lost their residence, and affordable housing alternatives.
When you think about the breadth of these issues and services, you might question what affordable housing really means. Given the recent publicity about the drop in real estate, one might think that housing is cheaper so it has to be more affordable. However in Washington County our median income levels barely put fair market housing in reach to the average citizen.
According to HUD, housing costs including utilities and insurance should represent no more that 30% of our monthly income. If you own your home, maintenance and taxes should also be considered in this figure. The median income in Washington County is $53,600. At 30% of their monthly salary, a family can afford $1339 in housing costs. Fair market rent for a three bedroom establishment is $1200 in Washington County. This means that almost 50% of the families in Washington County cannot afford rent and utilities. Similar research indicates that to maintain $1200 a month on housing expenses, families would not able to afford a home that costs more $189,000 (assumes 30 year mortgage at 6.25%)
This issue is further compounded by a shortage of jobs that pay at median income levels. Washington County is largely comprised of retail, service, hospitality, and warehousing opportunities. The Maryland Department of Labor forecasts the majority of growth to occur in these sectors more so than in higher paying occupational areas. Families will be challenge for both parents to work or for a single parent to work more than one job; further deteriorating quality of family life.
The inability to afford shelter creates a snowball effect in other areas of a family’s financial stability. As more money is spent on rent or mortgage, less money is available for other basic needs including health care, food, and transportation. Issues in any of these areas contribute to missed work days. Missed work days contribute to a person’s ability to maintain gainful employment, which in turn calls into question the ability to afford shelter. Maybe a better metaphor is a spider web versus a snowball.
No easy answer to this problem exists. I firmly believe that we need to continue to support the agencies previously mentioned, as well as those groups helping our citizens to locate and maintain employment in Washington County. We need to bring new programs into the county like Housing First as outlined in the strategic community impact plan. We should be partnering with local developers to offer tax incentives for building affordable housing within new neighborhoods.
Lastly we need to support our educators and our youth in not only improving high school graduation rates, but also in obtaining advanced degrees and certifications to qualify for higher paying jobs. As the level of education increases, we will be able to better partner with our local economic development groups to not only recruit more business to Washington County but to shift the occupational landscape from a largely service, retail, and warehousing community to one with more highly skilled positions.
As our education improves, so will our income. As our income improves, so will our job opportunities. As we achieve greater financial stability we remove the barrier of affordable housing. Once our home is stable we can truly then focus on the components contributing to a higher quality of life.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Phone-a-thon
by Andrew Sargent
United Way Board President
One of the time-tested, traditional ways of raising money is to pick up the phone and call people, en masse and impersonal. The professionals know exactly what to say: "Good evening. Is the person who makes charitable decisions in your house available?" Or "Hello. This is Joe Givemore from the XYZ Charity. I am calling with a fantastic opportunity for you to feel better about yourself."
Here at United Way, we are a little more personable and a lot less polished. Maybe it's because we don't make calls on a routine basis. Maybe we know you professionally or socially. Maybe we remember how we feel about receiving these types of phone calls ourselves, last night, at dinner, while the kids were crying. Maybe it's because we are better at showing you why giving to United Way makes such a focused impact. Or maybe it is because we just ate a veggie wrap that is acting like a prisoner planning a jailbreak and we don't have long to talk.
Regardless, telephone calls are an important way to remind our citizens that we are here, doing yeoman's work to make the greatest advances possible in the overall health of our community. And so we must join our ancestors in picking up the phone and calling many of you.
This week kicked off our annual phone-a-thon. It will be accomplished by a small group of volunteers dedicated to reminding folks to support our United Way.
If you get a call, please forgive our unpolished awkwardness. Disregard the urgency with which we speak. And if we are unclear, please ask that we show you personally how we assist the community with your good support. But if your caller ID says it is United Way calling, pick up the phone and listen.
It won't take long. I promise.
United Way Board President
One of the time-tested, traditional ways of raising money is to pick up the phone and call people, en masse and impersonal. The professionals know exactly what to say: "Good evening. Is the person who makes charitable decisions in your house available?" Or "Hello. This is Joe Givemore from the XYZ Charity. I am calling with a fantastic opportunity for you to feel better about yourself."
Here at United Way, we are a little more personable and a lot less polished. Maybe it's because we don't make calls on a routine basis. Maybe we know you professionally or socially. Maybe we remember how we feel about receiving these types of phone calls ourselves, last night, at dinner, while the kids were crying. Maybe it's because we are better at showing you why giving to United Way makes such a focused impact. Or maybe it is because we just ate a veggie wrap that is acting like a prisoner planning a jailbreak and we don't have long to talk.
Regardless, telephone calls are an important way to remind our citizens that we are here, doing yeoman's work to make the greatest advances possible in the overall health of our community. And so we must join our ancestors in picking up the phone and calling many of you.
This week kicked off our annual phone-a-thon. It will be accomplished by a small group of volunteers dedicated to reminding folks to support our United Way.
If you get a call, please forgive our unpolished awkwardness. Disregard the urgency with which we speak. And if we are unclear, please ask that we show you personally how we assist the community with your good support. But if your caller ID says it is United Way calling, pick up the phone and listen.
It won't take long. I promise.
Friday, November 18, 2011
The Value of Education
Did you have the chance to catch this article on msn.com?
http://lifeinc.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/11/17/8861013-yes-college-degree-has-value-try-1-million#.TsWCcbmBRto.facebook
What are your thoughts on the value of education? How can our community prepare our children to reap the benefits of education?
http://lifeinc.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/11/17/8861013-yes-college-degree-has-value-try-1-million#.TsWCcbmBRto.facebook
What are your thoughts on the value of education? How can our community prepare our children to reap the benefits of education?
Friday, November 11, 2011
A PERSONAL reflection
By Mike Harsh
United Way Board of Directors Vice-President
Professor at Hagerstown Community College
Let me tell you why I participate, donate, and volunteer for United Way of Washington County:
Washington County is my home and the home of my lovely first (only and current) wife; my beautiful daughters; handsome sons-in-law; ‘interesting’ family; tolerant friends; my absolutely incredible grandson (ask me to show you some photos); current and former cherished students; thousands of wonderful folks; and to be perfectly honest, 14 complete jerks. In plainest terms, this is a real place populated with real people, who have real needs: yes, even the jerks.
After over 35 years working as an educator and raising a family here in Washington County, I have been blessed to find my way at the local United Way. That way is the authentic American way – as authentic as hog maw, Krumpe’s donuts, steamed crabs, and Superior Dairy ice cream.
Education, good health, a safe place to live and a decent job are the key elements for the American Dream. These are the realities I help pursue through the United Way. Not giving out, or handing out, or passing out, but reaching out with an open hand and heart to my neighbors who can use some temporary assistance in achieving that dream. The United Way is the American way; we help each other discover the strength and resolve to work harder ourselves to achieve that dream.
United Way is not a ‘liberal’ give away, it is a radical process that empowers us all to achieve our potential.
When we Live United and give of our time, talent, and treasure to the United Way, we participate in the authentic American tradition of neighbor helping neighbor. We create stronger, safer communities populated by folks like us who simply need a hand up to reach the American Dream. Those who receive our services are transformed into those who then provide their hearts and hands in assistance to others.
I like to think of my role with our United Way as partnering with my community in replacing a life full of ‘should not’ with a life full of ‘could be.’ Could be thinking and acting and Living United creates opportunities for individual and family achievement to be healthier, safer, and smarter: we really can ‘fix stupid’ and reduce the jerk population, making Washington County an ever more wonderful place for all of us.
That’s why I ‘Live United’!
United Way Board of Directors Vice-President
Professor at Hagerstown Community College
Let me tell you why I participate, donate, and volunteer for United Way of Washington County:
Washington County is my home and the home of my lovely first (only and current) wife; my beautiful daughters; handsome sons-in-law; ‘interesting’ family; tolerant friends; my absolutely incredible grandson (ask me to show you some photos); current and former cherished students; thousands of wonderful folks; and to be perfectly honest, 14 complete jerks. In plainest terms, this is a real place populated with real people, who have real needs: yes, even the jerks.
After over 35 years working as an educator and raising a family here in Washington County, I have been blessed to find my way at the local United Way. That way is the authentic American way – as authentic as hog maw, Krumpe’s donuts, steamed crabs, and Superior Dairy ice cream.
Education, good health, a safe place to live and a decent job are the key elements for the American Dream. These are the realities I help pursue through the United Way. Not giving out, or handing out, or passing out, but reaching out with an open hand and heart to my neighbors who can use some temporary assistance in achieving that dream. The United Way is the American way; we help each other discover the strength and resolve to work harder ourselves to achieve that dream.
United Way is not a ‘liberal’ give away, it is a radical process that empowers us all to achieve our potential.
When we Live United and give of our time, talent, and treasure to the United Way, we participate in the authentic American tradition of neighbor helping neighbor. We create stronger, safer communities populated by folks like us who simply need a hand up to reach the American Dream. Those who receive our services are transformed into those who then provide their hearts and hands in assistance to others.
I like to think of my role with our United Way as partnering with my community in replacing a life full of ‘should not’ with a life full of ‘could be.’ Could be thinking and acting and Living United creates opportunities for individual and family achievement to be healthier, safer, and smarter: we really can ‘fix stupid’ and reduce the jerk population, making Washington County an ever more wonderful place for all of us.
That’s why I ‘Live United’!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Nuture Hope
A few years ago a friend of mine gave me this small stone
plaque, an office-warming gift after I took the position at United Way.
Engraved in the stone are the “ABCs of Life,” quotes of sorts meant to remind
me to “Accept differences”… “Be kind” … “Count my blessings” … and so
on. Years later the plaque still sits on my shelf and each day, for
whatever reason, I look up and read something different. Today it was
‘Nurture Hope’.
I spent the last few weeks painting a mural for the Women’s
Shelter at REACH. I’ve never been homeless. That’s not to say that
I couldn’t have been, just that I haven’t. I have been alone, scared and
worried about my future. I’ve been at a place in my life where I needed
someone else’s strength to get me through. I’m grateful for each
person who got me here. I can say that nothing in the last year has
inspired me more than simply standing there at that wall painting that
picture. I don’t know why. Maybe it’s because of my own story;
maybe it’s because I know the faces of some of the women who will be looking up at that picture each morning.
The picture is nothing fancy, just a painting that captures
everything I want to say to those staying at the shelter this winter. In
the picture there’s a flowered path finding its way through a grouping of
trees. You can’t tell if its sunrise or sunset, but you see that the path
comes from two different places, connecting only in the middle toward the
sunlight. While I hope each woman sees something different, there is
something I hope everyone sees, something I didn’t know how to paint into the picture. Hope.
I have needed in my life - the specifics of which are for
another conversation, another blog. Still, I’ve been at a place in my
life where I’ve had to rely on the kindness of others. I’m thankful they
were kind. What I know from that time in my life is that no matter where
you come from, there is a purpose to the journey. We must never
forget that life experiences are just that, experience. Nothing
defines who we can become. As long as there are paths to take, a past to
leave behind, and a future to look forward to …there will be hope, and those of
us who will be here to nurture it.
-Leah Gayman, Executive Director
Friday, October 28, 2011
Great People
By Addie Nardi
Director of Resource Development
Sometimes my job wears on me.
I am always asking someone for something. I am pretty sure people hide from me when I come around now. I can almost read their mind, ‘Here comes that hyper chick from United Way. Quick, hide before she asks you for something. Whatever you do, DO NOT MAKE EYE CONTACT!’
I sound a little paranoid… right? Right? RIGHT?!?!
The awesome part of having a job where I get to come into contact with thousands of people throughout the year, though, is that I have thousands of opportunities to meet people who can pull me out of that funk. I would say that I have thousands of opportunities to meet people who can inspire me in some way.
To be honest, I meet some pretty incredible people; I’d argue that I meet the best that Washington County has to offer. Whether they are company CEO’s, department manager’s, teachers, nurses, doctor’s, teenagers, anyone! I think that through their fundraising efforts, I’ve even met the best residents of our three state prisons.
There is no great secret to running a stellar company campaign. All you need is an engaged Employee Campaign Coordinator and strong support from the BOSS (not Bruce Springsteen). I can give you countless examples of where that line-up has worked!
This week, probably when I most needed it, has given me plenty of opportunities to remember how awesome these opportunities are.
Yesterday, we judged the Chili Cook-off competition at the City of Hagerstown. ECC Dani Frye puts this together as an additional fundraiser to her campaign. When we asked her to run the United Way campaign, she took it on with what I have learned is her typical enthusiasm, creativity and energy. She gets an amazing amount of items to give away for raffles and the chili cook-off had a ton of people show up (for the record, 3 out of 4 United Way judges voted Bruce Zimmerman’s Diesel Fuel Chili as the winner, it was the best chili I’ve ever had in my entire life). I always feel energized after being around her.
I have seen the woman who runs the campaign for Washington County Government, Kathy Kroboth, grow and try out a LOT of new things with us United Way gals. Including public speaking AND spinning. Do you know that she rallied County Government employees to give almost $100,000 to United Way and Community Health Charities last year? And she felt bad she couldn’t do more! I have witnessed two presentations that she has given this week and she is incredibly articulate and passionate about United Way. I can’t help but hug her every time I see her.
One of Kathy’s presentations was at the Water Quality department this morning. The director of that department, Dan DiVito, asked us to come out because he has decided that he wants 100% participation from his staff this year. I know that his support of us will make a difference in that department, but his words about why he supports United Way and how any of us, at any time, could find ourselves benefitting from a United Way agency, will resonate far longer.
Four years ago, we approached John Williams, the owner of Jamison Door, and asked him to help us rejuvenate his campaign. For the past four years, on the day that we kick off his campaign, he comes to every presentation and tells his employees how proud he is of how supportive his employees are of our community. He also mentions how many different ways you can support a community and encourages his employees to help Jamison Door move up on the donor scale.
The fact that I could go on with hundreds of other examples of people I come across is a strong testament to the giving spirit in our community. But alas, I’m already well over my ‘350-word limit’ and have to run off to another meeting. So I just wanted to share a few examples to show you how lucky I am to come across these people every day.
Thank you for all of your support of our community. And I promise to try to keep my ‘asks’ to a minimum when I see you. O.k., that probably won’t happen. But I promise to at least be really nice about my asking and I'll try to throw in a joke!
Director of Resource Development
Sometimes my job wears on me.
I am always asking someone for something. I am pretty sure people hide from me when I come around now. I can almost read their mind, ‘Here comes that hyper chick from United Way. Quick, hide before she asks you for something. Whatever you do, DO NOT MAKE EYE CONTACT!’
I sound a little paranoid… right? Right? RIGHT?!?!
The awesome part of having a job where I get to come into contact with thousands of people throughout the year, though, is that I have thousands of opportunities to meet people who can pull me out of that funk. I would say that I have thousands of opportunities to meet people who can inspire me in some way.
To be honest, I meet some pretty incredible people; I’d argue that I meet the best that Washington County has to offer. Whether they are company CEO’s, department manager’s, teachers, nurses, doctor’s, teenagers, anyone! I think that through their fundraising efforts, I’ve even met the best residents of our three state prisons.
There is no great secret to running a stellar company campaign. All you need is an engaged Employee Campaign Coordinator and strong support from the BOSS (not Bruce Springsteen). I can give you countless examples of where that line-up has worked!
This week, probably when I most needed it, has given me plenty of opportunities to remember how awesome these opportunities are.
Yesterday, we judged the Chili Cook-off competition at the City of Hagerstown. ECC Dani Frye puts this together as an additional fundraiser to her campaign. When we asked her to run the United Way campaign, she took it on with what I have learned is her typical enthusiasm, creativity and energy. She gets an amazing amount of items to give away for raffles and the chili cook-off had a ton of people show up (for the record, 3 out of 4 United Way judges voted Bruce Zimmerman’s Diesel Fuel Chili as the winner, it was the best chili I’ve ever had in my entire life). I always feel energized after being around her.
I have seen the woman who runs the campaign for Washington County Government, Kathy Kroboth, grow and try out a LOT of new things with us United Way gals. Including public speaking AND spinning. Do you know that she rallied County Government employees to give almost $100,000 to United Way and Community Health Charities last year? And she felt bad she couldn’t do more! I have witnessed two presentations that she has given this week and she is incredibly articulate and passionate about United Way. I can’t help but hug her every time I see her.
One of Kathy’s presentations was at the Water Quality department this morning. The director of that department, Dan DiVito, asked us to come out because he has decided that he wants 100% participation from his staff this year. I know that his support of us will make a difference in that department, but his words about why he supports United Way and how any of us, at any time, could find ourselves benefitting from a United Way agency, will resonate far longer.
Four years ago, we approached John Williams, the owner of Jamison Door, and asked him to help us rejuvenate his campaign. For the past four years, on the day that we kick off his campaign, he comes to every presentation and tells his employees how proud he is of how supportive his employees are of our community. He also mentions how many different ways you can support a community and encourages his employees to help Jamison Door move up on the donor scale.
The fact that I could go on with hundreds of other examples of people I come across is a strong testament to the giving spirit in our community. But alas, I’m already well over my ‘350-word limit’ and have to run off to another meeting. So I just wanted to share a few examples to show you how lucky I am to come across these people every day.
Thank you for all of your support of our community. And I promise to try to keep my ‘asks’ to a minimum when I see you. O.k., that probably won’t happen. But I promise to at least be really nice about my asking and I'll try to throw in a joke!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Washington County: It IS a great place to work, live and raise a family!
Washington County has been my home for the past (insert my age here) years. Well, give or take a few years. I was born at Washington County Hospital, raised in the Halfway area, attended Lincolnshire, E. Russell Hicks and South High. I was a Girl Scout (drive past Piper Lane park in Halfway-we dedicated a tree there) and did a brief stint as a majorette with the Blue Jays. I danced for years at Miss Judy’s School of Dance, once located on Locust Street (where Community Impact Director, Jenny Fleming, also attended). I graduated from Hagerstown Community College (when it was still a Junior College) and received my MBA from Frostburg before it lived in the ever so beautiful and technological University Plaza.
But for a brief period, I lived away from my beloved Washington County. While attending Shippensburg University I lived on and off campus, but still managed to make my way home almost every weekend to spend time with my then boyfriend. Flash forward a few years and I lived in Fairfax, VA while working in Reston, VA at a satellite communications company. Flash forward again and I am contemplating with my soon to be city-raised (Reston, VA) husband as to where we were going to live after our wedding. We decided on Germantown. It was close to where we both worked at the time, but only a year later I was trying to entice my husband, Dave, to move even closer to Washington County…Frederick! We found a great house with a little larger than a postage stamp sized lot and an open field behind us, a jackpot in terms of land! But only after a few years, the open field became more houses and the traffic on our main road, Thomas Johnson Drive, became unbearable. Time to move.
After much discussion I finally convinced Dave to move to Washington County, only this time it wasn’t the Hagerstown area, but the Boonsboro/Keedysville one. Regardless, I was back home! 2 acres, cows and horses on the farm in the back of us, friendly neighbors, fantastic schools, and most importantly, I was close to my family and friends! I had finally come “home” even though I will now cheer on the Warriors (I am a forever Rebel)!
So now I am that mom that drives past the Valley Mall and says I can remember the day it opened, or past the Prime Outlets and say I can remember that used to be a field, or the auto parts store on Virginia Avenue that used to be a Burger Chef. I can name stores at the Valley Mall that used to be there before and after the addition. I try to explain to my children what “cruising the Dual” means and I love to hear them ask about my days at Hicks and South as we drive past those schools. The list seems to be endless but you get the picture.
So as my daughter , Madeline, who dreams of attending Stanford upon high school graduation and my son , Nathaniel, Virginia Tech, I hope they too take time to explore other places, but then find themselves coming back “home” as I did. There is truly no place like it. I know they, too, will be the parents saying I can remember when…
.....Karen Sigler-Goldstein, Finance Director
But for a brief period, I lived away from my beloved Washington County. While attending Shippensburg University I lived on and off campus, but still managed to make my way home almost every weekend to spend time with my then boyfriend. Flash forward a few years and I lived in Fairfax, VA while working in Reston, VA at a satellite communications company. Flash forward again and I am contemplating with my soon to be city-raised (Reston, VA) husband as to where we were going to live after our wedding. We decided on Germantown. It was close to where we both worked at the time, but only a year later I was trying to entice my husband, Dave, to move even closer to Washington County…Frederick! We found a great house with a little larger than a postage stamp sized lot and an open field behind us, a jackpot in terms of land! But only after a few years, the open field became more houses and the traffic on our main road, Thomas Johnson Drive, became unbearable. Time to move.
After much discussion I finally convinced Dave to move to Washington County, only this time it wasn’t the Hagerstown area, but the Boonsboro/Keedysville one. Regardless, I was back home! 2 acres, cows and horses on the farm in the back of us, friendly neighbors, fantastic schools, and most importantly, I was close to my family and friends! I had finally come “home” even though I will now cheer on the Warriors (I am a forever Rebel)!
So now I am that mom that drives past the Valley Mall and says I can remember the day it opened, or past the Prime Outlets and say I can remember that used to be a field, or the auto parts store on Virginia Avenue that used to be a Burger Chef. I can name stores at the Valley Mall that used to be there before and after the addition. I try to explain to my children what “cruising the Dual” means and I love to hear them ask about my days at Hicks and South as we drive past those schools. The list seems to be endless but you get the picture.
So as my daughter , Madeline, who dreams of attending Stanford upon high school graduation and my son , Nathaniel, Virginia Tech, I hope they too take time to explore other places, but then find themselves coming back “home” as I did. There is truly no place like it. I know they, too, will be the parents saying I can remember when…
.....Karen Sigler-Goldstein, Finance Director
Friday, October 14, 2011
What a Day of Caring
Wow! – Awesome! – What a day! – I love to help people!–these are words expressed by volunteers and non-profits involved with United Way’s 20th Annual Day of Caring. We’d love to hear the community’s thoughts on this special event where community service projects were completed all throughout Washington County. If you were one of the 900 volunteers – share your experience. If you were an agency or someone who was helped – explain what this meant to you. We’d love to hear from anyone else who is inspired to give away some of the most valuable assets to a community –time, talents and compassion.
As the person leading this event, I will share my thoughts here. It is incredibly rewarding for me to sit back once the dust settles from the day, and reflect on the numerous aspects that make it so fantastic. It’s a little overwhelming to list them all, which is a great problem to have! Here are a few . . .
Having First Data’s continued support as lead sponsor of this event is certainly incredible for us. They had a record-breaking team of over 200 this year! Great job!
Another great thing to see is the effective way talents are connected to a project and the synergies that are created. Artistic and creative volunteers painted murals –one team in an exam room at Safe Place, Child Advocacy Center and another in the women’s room at the REACH Cold Weather Shelter. Obviously, their work goes beyond putting paint on a wall. The once sterile settings have been transformed into places of hope. Women and children not only interact withcaring staff, their surroundings now provide encouragement as well. The very appropriate words of “Have no fear”spoken by Dr. Seuss’ Cat in the Hat that appears on Safe Place’s wall is very appropriate to comfort abused children.
The opportunity for volunteers to learn more about non-profits is another reward. I’ve heard many times how impressed people were when they got the “behind the scenes” look at the operations of many agencies. We hope that this serves as a springboard for valuable relationships to be built with the team for continued volunteerism. Then there are those seemingly impossible tasks that are tackled, such as conquering a “jungle” and turning it back into a yard. What a sense of accomplishment this is for the volunteers.
The projects that leave the most lasting impression are those at the elderly and disabled persons’ homes. Many times these individuals have the “will” but not the “way” to do simple tasks in their homes. We also wanted to focus this year on their safety – making homes more accessible, helping preventing residents from falling and seeing if there were any fire hazards. Installing railings and grab bars, repairing steps and checking batteries in smoke detectors were just a few things that were done. I receive so many emotional and heartfelt phone calls from these residents. They are so grateful those people who take a moment out of their busy schedules to give them the time and attention that they deserve.
The Herald-Mail referred to the Day of Caring volunteer force as a “battalion-size army.” So, I encourage everyone to please share your memories of the day and how your “battle scars” of paint-splattered shirts, poision ivy, sweaty brows and sore muscles was a day well-spent.
--Blog by Jenny Fleming, United Way Community Impact Director
As the person leading this event, I will share my thoughts here. It is incredibly rewarding for me to sit back once the dust settles from the day, and reflect on the numerous aspects that make it so fantastic. It’s a little overwhelming to list them all, which is a great problem to have! Here are a few . . .
Having First Data’s continued support as lead sponsor of this event is certainly incredible for us. They had a record-breaking team of over 200 this year! Great job!
Another great thing to see is the effective way talents are connected to a project and the synergies that are created. Artistic and creative volunteers painted murals –one team in an exam room at Safe Place, Child Advocacy Center and another in the women’s room at the REACH Cold Weather Shelter. Obviously, their work goes beyond putting paint on a wall. The once sterile settings have been transformed into places of hope. Women and children not only interact withcaring staff, their surroundings now provide encouragement as well. The very appropriate words of “Have no fear”spoken by Dr. Seuss’ Cat in the Hat that appears on Safe Place’s wall is very appropriate to comfort abused children.
The opportunity for volunteers to learn more about non-profits is another reward. I’ve heard many times how impressed people were when they got the “behind the scenes” look at the operations of many agencies. We hope that this serves as a springboard for valuable relationships to be built with the team for continued volunteerism. Then there are those seemingly impossible tasks that are tackled, such as conquering a “jungle” and turning it back into a yard. What a sense of accomplishment this is for the volunteers.
The projects that leave the most lasting impression are those at the elderly and disabled persons’ homes. Many times these individuals have the “will” but not the “way” to do simple tasks in their homes. We also wanted to focus this year on their safety – making homes more accessible, helping preventing residents from falling and seeing if there were any fire hazards. Installing railings and grab bars, repairing steps and checking batteries in smoke detectors were just a few things that were done. I receive so many emotional and heartfelt phone calls from these residents. They are so grateful those people who take a moment out of their busy schedules to give them the time and attention that they deserve.
The Herald-Mail referred to the Day of Caring volunteer force as a “battalion-size army.” So, I encourage everyone to please share your memories of the day and how your “battle scars” of paint-splattered shirts, poision ivy, sweaty brows and sore muscles was a day well-spent.
--Blog by Jenny Fleming, United Way Community Impact Director
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