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Welcome
to the Elk County Community
Foundation’s Press
Room.
Current News 2009
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Women Who Care steering committee members have worked to establish the group since January. Committee members include, sitting from left to right, Jane Bryndel, Jennifer Dippold, Doris Stackpole, chairwoman, Carole Harshbarger, standing from left to right, Paula Fritz Eddy, Kris Kronenwetter, June Sorg, Barb Duffy and Gwen Auman.
Photo by Amy Cherry
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Women Who Care committed to philanthropy,
community
By Amy Cherryly Press Staff
Wednesday, 02 September 2009
The newly formed Women Who Care organization is
hoping to strengthen the community by educating,
encouraging and expanding the number of women
committed to philanthropy by providing funds and
assistance to issues important to families.
The organization was established in January as a
project of the Elk County Community Foundation.
“We thought a Women’s Giving Circle would be a
good fit. One of the reasons we chose women was
because we knew there were many women who have
made a difference in the community through their
philanthropy but have not always been recognized
for their works,” said Paula Fritz Eddy,
executive director of the Foundation.
Various local charitable organizations stand to
benefit from the group which plans to award
grants for a range of projects.
Eddy explained such targeted projects may
include those new to a non-profit organization
or the expansion of an existing program which
benefits women and families.
Possible funding project examples range from a
new program established at the Boys and Girls
Club or YMCA, new furniture or appliance at a
CAPSEA shelter or at Oakwood Manor, a special
class for women re-entering the workforce
through the CEC or new equipment for the
hospital’s maternity or pediatric department.
The WWC Fund program breakdown consists of 85
percent of funds collected will be granted each
year to a 501C3 non-profit organization, 10
percent of funds will be deposited in an
endowment and five percent will be used for
administration purposes. All funds will be
maintained by the Elk County Community
Foundation.
The endowment aspect of the fund will build over
the years to create a fund for ongoing and
future grants.
Any woman donating to the WWC fund is considered
a member. Those contributing $100 for two
consecutive years, by Dec. 31 will be considered
a founding member of the group.
Annual membership costs are broken down into
varying donations; $100 as a daisy member, $250
as a carnation member, $500 as a lily member or
$1,000 as a rose member.
A kickoff event for the group which is open to
the public is planned for October 8 at the St.
Marys Country Club from 7 to 9 p.m. The “Fall
Dessert Fondue” will include an art auction with
donations from local artists and a musical
performance by Jennifer Stackpole.
Eddy explained nearly 400 invitations are being
sent out to area women, however anyone wishing
to attend is welcome and encouraged.
Women Who Care came to fruition as Eddy and Gwen
Auman of Elk Regional Health Center brainstormed
on the idea to form the group.
“Gwen saw the needs of women and family health
issues from the hospital aspect and myself from
a broader prospective of community need,” Eddy
explained.
From there the pair identified women from each
community who they thought would be interested
in volunteering for the group, thus creating a
steering committee. Members of the committee
include Doris Stackpole, chairperson, Jane
Bryndel, Jennifer Dippold, Barb Duffy, Carole
Harshbarger, Kris Kronenwetter, June Sorg, Gwen
Auman and Paula Fritz Eddy.
“We decided that ‘in spite’ of the economy, this
type of group could be formed and could benefit
women and families in our county and give back
at a time when it is needed the most,” Eddy
said.
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Josh Launer |
Elk County Community Foundation Announces New
Scholarship
Recently the Elk County Community Foundation,
(ECCF) awarded nearly $63,000 in scholarships to
area students. Each scholarship is unique to the
field of study, eligibility and community it
serves. This year the Foundation has a new
scholarship from Ridgway Area School District,
which they have just turned over to the
Foundation to administer. The Josh Launer
Memorial Scholarship has been awarded in the
past, but the School District decided to
transfer the funds to the Foundation because it
was the most cost effective way to manage these
funds and would produce the most available
dollars to the students.
The Josh Launer Memorial Scholarship was
established in Josh’s memory and is a tribute to
his life by his family and friends. Josh was a
student at Ridgway Area High School. He enjoyed
both the outdoors and anything with motors. Josh
faced many challenges while in school, mainly
health related, but he found that he could still
manage to do, try and work hard in school. He
overcame these challenges to reach his
graduation in 2005 from Ridgway Area High
School. Shortly after graduation, Josh underwent
a heart transplant. Unfortunately, after a long
battle with his health problems, Josh passed
away in the fall of 2005. He is greatly missed
by many. This scholarship is awarded each year
to a graduating senior from RAHS that has
demonstrated an ability to overcome challenges
handed to them and wishes to continue their
education at the college level. This year’s
recipient of the Josh Launer Memorial
Scholarship is Shane Munson.
In addition to the dollars these students will
receive from these scholarship funds, they may
receive matching dollars from PHEAA through the
PATH (Partners for Access To Higher Education)
program. As one of only 35 approved
organizations that are PATH partners, the Elk
County Community Foundation will submit each
student who receives one of the scholarships
that they administer to PHEAA for additional
matching funding. To be eligible, the student
must be enrolled in an approved Pennsylvania
College or career school and be PHEAA approved.
Last year, students that received ECCF
scholarships received nearly $27,500 in
additional grants. This is one of the reasons
that many donors come to the Foundation to
establish their scholarships. This program can
potentially double their scholarship award
through the PATH program.
The Community Foundation also assists donors who
have an interest in starting a scholarship fund,
whether as a general purpose or in the memory of
a deceased family member or friend. Interested
parties are encouraged to contact the foundation
for further information on the matter.
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Bob and Betsy Roberts Establish New Fund at the ECCF
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Bob and Betsy Roberts Establish New Fund at the
ECCF
Recently a new Donor Advised Fund was
established at the Elk County Community
Foundation (ECCF) by Bob and Betsy Roberts. This
Fund was a birthday present to Bob, from his
wife, Betsy. The Bob and Betsy Roberts Family
Fund has been set up to help support the causes
and organizations that are most important to
them. “The Foundation is a great vehicle for
supporting our community,” said Betsy. She went
on to praise the Community Foundation’s ability
to allow people with any amount of funds, large
or small, to be able to provide support to the
causes that are important them now and in the
future. Much like a private foundation, but on a
smaller scale, a donor advised fund at the
Foundation allows donors to request annual
grants or gifts to their favorite charity from
their fund. Since the Foundation is recognized
by the IRS as a 501 (c) (3), non profit, it also
provides all the legal tax benefits.
Both Bob and Betsy were raised in St. Marys,
though Betsy was born in Washington, DC, her
family returned when she was very young. The
couple received their education through the
Catholic School system, graduating together in
1961 from St. Marys Catholic High School. Bob
worked at the US Post Office in the area for
over 30 years in several positions, including
Postmaster for St. Marys and Ridgway. Betsy
received her nursing degree from Duquesne
University and worked for the PA Department of
Health for 9 years. After taking a break to
devote time to their children, Betsy returned to
the field of nursing as the President/CEO of the
Community Nurses, Inc. from where she retired,
in 2004. Bob and Betsy have two children Jeffrey
Roberts of Wilcox and Amy (Roberts) Smith of St.
Marys and enjoy their two grandchildren Kirsten
and Kayne.
The Roberts have always been involved in a
variety of community affairs for years, serving
countless hours in their community and with
their favorite charities. Bob has served on City
Council and in the past, was President of the
St. Marys Parochial School Board and the St.
Marys Church Parish Council. He is also an
active member of the St. Marys Rotary Club and
is currently holds leadership roles with the St.
Marys Cemetery Board, Elk County Project Gifts
for Kids and the St. Marys Catholic Church
Building and Maintenance Committee.
Betsy has served as a board member of many
organizations including: Andrew Kaul Memorial
Hospital, Elk Regional Health Center, Elk
Regional Health System, Community Nurses, PA
Association of Home Health Agencies, and
Visiting Nurses Association of PA. She was a
founding member, and continues as a board member
for the Community Education Council and for Elco
Housing Inc. She is involved in the St. Marys
Catholic Church as a member of the Adult Choir
and serves on the parish Care and Concern
Committee. Betsy is the current Treasurer of the
St. Marys Christian Food Bank and plays an
active role in this organization.
When asked about his opinion of their newly
established Bob and Betsy Roberts Family Fund,
Bob said, “Life has been good (to us) and I have
always believed that the more you give the more
you get.”
The Roberts’ have been involved with the Elk
County Community Foundation in the past as
advisors to the Charles and Doris Schloder
Family Fund. This fund established a little over
a year ago by Betsy and her bother John in honor
of their parents. To learn more about
establishing a fund or how anyone can support
the good works the many organizations in the
community contact Paula Fritz Eddy at the Elk
County Community Foundation office by calling at
834-2125 or contacting them through their
website at www.elkcountyfoundation.com.
2009 Scholarships Awarded
The Elk County Community Foundation awarded a
total of 78 scholarships to local students this
year totaling $62,725.00 in scholarship funds.
Graduating seniors from Elk County Catholic, St.
Marys Area, Johnsonburg Area, Ridgway Area, and
Kane Area were the recipients of these
scholarships. Fourteen scholarships went Elk
County Catholic, twenty-two to St. Marys Area,
twelve to Johnsonburg Area, twelve to Ridgway
Area, and two went to Kane Area High School.
Another six scholarships were given to students
at DuBois and Brockway Area High Schools. Also,
ten additional scholarships were awarded to
students who were already in attendance at a
post secondary institution.
The dollars given to these students will impact
generations to come as these young adults shape
our communities. Donors who have established
these scholarships are contributing to our
future leaders. The Elk County Community
Foundation Board extends their gratitude to
those who have seen the need and believe in the
youth of today. Anyone interested in
establishing a scholarship can contact the
Foundation at 814-834-2125.
Scholarships Awarded This Year
Elk County Catholic High School
Helene Bowley Memorial Scholarship
Joshua Catalano
Allison Dellaquila
Donald Meier
David Rupprecht
Samantha Schlimm
Howard M. Keebler Memorial Scholarship
Stephanie Smith
Straub Brewery, Inc. Scholarship
Nicole Gaton
Eric Higgins
Brian Myers
Alva K. Gregory Memorial Scholarship
Whitly Breakey
Mary Filano Memorial Scholarship
Joshua Lovenduski
St. Marys Jaycees Community Service Scholarship
David Rupprecht
Dr. John E. Schloder Fine Arts Scholarship
Jesse Caggiano
Ridgway Rotary Scholarship
Alex Brazinski
St. Marys Area High School
Gloria V. Anderson Scholarship
Scott Shuttleworth
Elk County Farm Bureau Scholarship
Katelynn Nussbaum
Nicholas Sinibaldi Memorial Music
Scholarship
Matthew Dahl
Scott Shuttleworth
Mary Filano Memorial Scholarship
Angela Dempsy
Angie Bertolasio Memorial Scholarship
Evelyn Schwer
Dean Schrecengost Memorial Scholarship
Scott Shuttleworth
Lori De’Angelo Memorial Scholarship
Kylie Geci
Helene Bowley Memorial Scholarship
Casey Iorfida
James Pyne
Jessica Schwabenbauer
Eric Merritt
Heidi Rupprecht
Howard M. Keebler Memorial Scholarship
Leah Kneidel
Martha C. Selle Memorial Scholarship
Dana Lyons
Pearl Llewellyn Memorial Nursing
Scholarship
Melinda Gahr
Straub Brewery, Inc. Scholarship
Cassandra Gahn
Kayla Weinzierl
Eric Merritt
Christopher Forster Memorial Scholarship
Rachelle Kastner
Perry G. Klein Memorial Scholarship
Matthew Guido
Bev Hogan Memorial Nursing Scholarship
Courtney Cartwright
Johnsonburg Area
High School
Alva K. Gregory Memorial Scholarship
Ashley Parson
Caribardi Family Scholarship
Daniel Logue
Helene Bowley Memorial Scholarship
Craig Carrow
Andrew Benson
Bobbi Pritt
Ben Rhodes
Qiaosi Yu
Perry G. Klein Memorial Scholarship
Vincent DeStephano
Dr. Sandra Calkins Kowalski Nursing
Scholarship
Nicole Delong Sereno
Johnsonburg Alumni & Friends Scholarship
Daniel Logue
Zane Zelehoski
Johnsonburg Alumni & Friends Scholarship
from the Class of 1958
Ben Rhodes
Ridgway Area High
School
Hasselman/Hopton Memorial Scholarship
Lacy Gosnell
Helene Bowley Memorial Scholarship
Jordan Cowan
Rachel Mitcheltree
Erin Lingenfelter
Jeffrey Maloney
Emmie Baird
Jacqueline M. Renaud National Honor
Society Memorial Scholarship
Hanna Spiers
Frank Clark Memorial Scholarship
Joe Renaud
Judge Vernon “Buddy” Roof Memorial
Scholarship
Nathaniel Maddalena
Herbert B. Lenze Marching Band
Scholarship
Adam Ferrari
Herbert B. Lenze Boys Basketball
Scholarship
Maxwell Oknefski
Josh Launer Memorial Scholarship
Shane Munson
Kane Area High
School
Sashy and Gladys Kane Perpetual
Scholarship
Tyler Geer
Kandis Walter
DuBois Area High
School
Robert P. Martini Memorial Scholarship
Ashley Bertram
Jordan Labue
Brockway Area High
School
Robert P. Martini Memorial Scholarship
Larissa Sabatose
Laura Mancuso
Sarah Brinkley
Amanda Wood
Post- Secondary
Education Scholarships
Ruth E. Reed Memorial Nursing
Scholarship
Jimmy Higgins
Joseph A. Williams Memorial Medical
Scholarship
Renee Dallasen
Michele A. Campbell Memorial Nursing
Scholarship
Charlotte Beimel
Greiner/Roof Memorial Law Scholarship
Kelsey Lewis
Elk County Community Foundation Prepares for Granting Cycle
The Elk County Community Foundation announces
their annual granting cycle applications are now
available to area nonprofit organizations. The
ECCF welcomes applications for funding as part
of its mission to promote the betterment of Elk
County and to enhance the quality of the life
for all residents.
Funds will be award for such community
development initiatives that will enhance the
economic and community well being of Elk County.
Distribution from the grants can be used to meet
special project or program needs of
organizations serving the people of Elk County.
The Foundation encourages organizations that
will serve a particular need of the community
and will make a lasting impact on the overall
community to apply. The Foundation seeks to fund
projects or activities that will serve the needs
of many in the community rather than the needs
of a few individuals. Projects should include
activities that are innovative and have a plan
to be sustained themselves. In addition, grants
are made to support programs serving all persons
regardless of race, religion or creed and are
made only to tax-exempt, charitable
organizations.
Organizations that feel they meet the above
criteria of the economic and community
development are invited to submit their
application to the foundation. Applications will
be accepted through July 15, 2009 and are
available by calling the ECCF’s office at
834-2125 or via their website at
www.elkcountyfoundation.com.
Grants will be reviewed and approved by the end
of August. The funds come from the foundation’s
endowed community development fund and the Fund
of the Future general endowment.
In 2008, over $40,000 was awarded to several
organizations which include:
- The St. Marys Economic Development Corporation for their Revolving Loan Program
- Johnsonburg Area School District
- Ridgway Area School District
- ECCOTA Summer Concert Series
- Dickinson Mental Health Center
- Johnsonburg Community Trust
- City of Saint Marys Kaulmont Park Project
- Fox Township Hospital Equipment Program
- Community Nurses Charity Care
ECCF is a non profit organization that manages
endowed funds established by donors for area non
profit organizations. Donor gifts are tax
deductible to the full extent allowed by law.
Elk County Community Foundation awards Kelsey Lewis, a deserving local student, the Griener/Roof Memorial Law Scholarship.
Kelsey is a 2005 graduate of Cameron County High
School. She recently received her undergraduate
degree from the Indiana University of
Pennsylvania and is now pursuing a law degree at
California Western School of Law in San Diego,
California. Kelsey is the daughter of Patrick
and Andrea Lewis of Emporium. The Greiner/Roof
Memorial Law Scholarship was created in memory
of the Honorable Paul B. Greiner and the
Honorable Vernon D. Roof, past President Judges
of the 59th Judicial District of Pennsylvania.
Judge Greiner served as President Judge from
1964 until 1986, after which he served as a
senior judge until his death at age 83 in 1999.
Judge Roof’s tenure on the bench was much
shorter, as he served as President Judge from
1996 until 2002, when he died at age 51. Both
Judge Greiner and Judge Roof were respected and
renowned as fair and impartial jurists not only
in Elk and Cameron Counties, but throughout the
Commonwealth.
 The Elk County Community Foundation recently
awarded the Michele Campbell Memorial Nursing
Scholarship to Charlotte Beimel of St. Marys.
Charlotte is a non-traditional student and long
time employee of the Elk Regional Health System.
She is currently pursuing her RN degree from the
University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. Michele
Campbell was a hard working and dedicated
nursing student at the University of Pittsburgh
at Bradford. As the number one student in her
class, Michele was dedicated to helping others
and learning to be the best nurse she could. Her
parents Jim and Joyce Campbell established this
scholarship in her memory.
Recently, the Joseph A. Williams Medical
Scholarship was awarded to Renee Dallasen of St.
Marys, by the Elk County Community Foundation.
Renee is the daughter of Theodore and Janet
Dallasen and is pursuing a degree from the
University of Pittsburgh School Of Medicine. She
is a graduate of St. Marys Area High School.
This scholarship was named for Joseph A.
Williams who had worked in the lumber industry
for over 67 years. Mr. Williams was always
interested in civic matters and he held
leadership positions with numerous community
organizations including Andrew Kaul Memorial
Hospital.
 The Elk County Community Foundation recently
awarded the Ruth E. Reed Memorial Nursing
Scholarship to Jimmy Higgins, of St. Marys.
Jimmy is the son of James and May Higgins and is
pursuing a nursing degree from Penn State Behrend. Jimmy is a 2007 graduate of Elk County
Catholic High School. This scholarship is named
for Ruth Reed, who was a skilled and
compassionate nurse with 47 years of care and
service. Her husband and children established
this scholarship to honor Ruth’s constant
encouragement of others to continue their
education throughout their careers.
These hard working students were selected from a
pool of many worthy candidates to receive their
respective scholarships. The Elk County
Community Foundation has awarded 78 scholarships
totaling over $62,725 to deserving students this
spring. These four scholarships are the only
ones that are awarded to students already
enrolled in an accredited program at a
post-secondary educational institution. All
others are awarded to seniors graduating from
local high schools. The Elk County Community
Foundation is looking to expand their
scholarship offerings to include more of these
students already in college. If you are
interested in establishing a named scholarship
fund to support these students, contact the Elk
County Community Foundation (ECCF) at 834-2125.
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Pictured L to R: Representing the area Northwest Saving Bank Branches are: Don Valone, Neil Hoffman, Mary Maloney, Kevin Oknefski, Tom Fledderman, Linda Decker, Kevin Oknefski and Paula Fritz Eddy,from the Elk County Community Foundation |
Northwest Savings Bank Presents Check to Elk
County Community Foundation
Recently Northwest Savings Bank presented a
$10,000 check to the Elk County Community
Foundation. First Commonwealth Bank, Snyder
Trucking and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
gave an additional $13,650 combined. These funds
will be included in the Educational Improvement
Tax Credit Program (EITC) which then will make
grants available to area public schools to
support innovative educational programs that do
not fall within the typical academic program
The funds for these innovative programs are
administered and distributed through the
foundation, which has been designated to serve
as an Educational Improvement Organization by
the Pennsylvania Department of Community and
Economic Development. In 2008, through the
Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program and
the Elk County Community Foundation, St. Marys,
Johnsonburg and Ridgway Area School Districts
were able to apply for grants for programming.
Ridgway Area School District purchased a
Smartboard, computer and projector for a
classroom along with training for the teachers.
Johnsonburg School District will be sending
Educators to the workplace this summer.
Educators will be working with and in local
businesses to help enhance their curriculum so
students become more aware of what knowledge
they need to enter the workforce in our
community. Finally St. Marys School District
purchased 10 projectors for the Middle school
classrooms for the use of integrating
technology, particularly the digital videos from
Discover United Streaming.
Any entity authorized to conduct business in the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and subject to
certain taxes is eligible to apply to be
involved with the EITC program. Tax credits are
limited to 75 percent of the business'
contribution with a maximum of $100,000
annually. If a business agrees to make the same
contribution for two consecutive years, it may
receive a tax credit equal to 90 percent of its
contribution.
Interested participants must submit a brief
application to the DCED. The application can be
found at www.inventpa.com. The foundation also
has applications and further information
available to assist with the business
application process.
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Elk County Community Foundation Executive Director Paula Fritz-Eddy presents a grant to St. Marys Library Director Scarlette Corbin for use in this year's Summer Reading Program.
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Elk County Community Foundation gives Grant to St. Marys Public Library to be used for the Summer Reading Program.
Representatives of the Saint Marys Public
Library and the Elk County Community Foundation
met recently to review and give funding for the
popular summer reading program held at the
Library each summer. Nearly $900 came from two
different Funds held a the Elk County Community
Foundation (ECCF) to benefit the Library.
Some of the dollars distributed came from the
St. Marys Public Library Endowment Fund which
had been set up over 8 years ago by some local
community leaders. The rest of the grant came
from a fund set up for the Library when the
Kiwanis Club disbanded. They put their left over
treasury in a fund with the Foundation, for the
St. Marys Public Library that was designated
especially for Children’s Programming.
The St. Marys Public Library’s Summer Reading
Program reached an all time high registration
with 700 local children registering in 2008. The
kids have a great time reading, participating in
programs and activities, winning awards and
prizes all summer long. This year’s theme is Be
Creative @ Your Library, focusing on art and
self expression.
The focus of the program is to ensure that
children maintain their reading level during the
summer when they are out of the classroom. Any
child who completes the program by reading 10
books or 500 pages from June through August
receives a free item from our Scholastic Book
Fair held at the close of the program.
The annual Summer Reading Program has been
especially successful in St. Marys, which is why
it was such set-back when all funding was cut
from the program in 2006. Prior to 2006, the
program was completely funded with Family
Literacy funds through the Even Start Program.
When Even Start funding was cut, the library had
to make a decision to either raise funds or stop
having the Summer Reading Program. There was no
question what had to be done.
Forging ahead, the Library turned to local
businesses, organizations, and individuals for
help in funding this worthwhile program which
costs approximately $8,000 per year.
The community has rallied behind the library and
made it possible to continue to not only hold
the Summer Reading Program, but to watch it grow
with more and more children registering every
year. Every donor can rest assured that their
contribution is going to the betterment of our
community’s future.
The library has begun its annual fundraising
drive for the Summer Reading Program. The
library would appreciate donations from anyone
who is interested in insuring the success of the
2009 Summer Reading Program. This year’s goal is
to raise at least $5,000 to cover the majority
of the cost.
Registration for Be Creative @ Your Library
begins June 1st.
ECCF is a non profit organization that manages
endowed funds established by donors for area non
profit organizations as wells as administers a
number of scholarships for individuals and
groups. Donor gifts to the Foundations are tax
deductible to the full extent allowed by law.
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Picture submitted by the Johnsonburg Press; Picture Sitting L to R: Barb Duffy, Charles Simpson, Rita Blint; Standing L to R: Charlie Constable, President of ECCF Board, Bobbi Simpson, Harriet Stahli, Dwayne Duffy, Paula Fritz Eddy, Executive Director of ECCF
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Johnsonburg Alumni and Friend’s Establishes a
New Scholarship
The Johnsonburg Alumni and Friend’s organization
has recently established an annual scholarship
fund at the Elk County Community Foundation
(ECCF). The initial purpose of this alumni group
was to have all graduating classes from
Johnsonburg Area High School and Friends to come
together and enjoy the evening with classmates,
relatives, neighbors, and friends. This event
held in the fall of year has been going on since
2004. The reunion has been well received and
many JAHS alumni and friends return each year to
participate.
After much success the group also decided to
establish an annual scholarship fund that would
be offered to a graduating senior to benefit the
student’s college funding. The scholarship will
give future graduates a start for their
continuing education. “We are inspired that our
goal will give them (JAHS students) an
opportunity for success” said Rita Blint one of
the organizers of the committee. Applicants must
be a graduating JAHS senior who is active in
their school, church and community. Applications
for the scholarship will be available through
guidance counselor office at Johnsonburg Area
High School by the end of January.
For the past few years the group has been
administering the scholarship themselves but, as
the fund grew, they looked into the benefits of
establishing the scholarship through the Elk
County Community Foundation. Recently, they
decided to have the Foundation administer the
scholarship as they do a number of other
scholarships from the school, including the Alva
K. Gregory Memorial/Johnsonburg Rotary, the Dr.
Sandra Kowalski Nursing and the Caribardi Family
Scholarships. Donations can now be given towards
the scholarship through the Foundation, which
will also offer the donor a tax benefit. The
Foundation is considered a public charity and
has an IRS registered 501(c) 3 status. Donations
can be accepted at the Foundation, P.O. Box 934,
St. Marys, PA 15857.
Another reason the committee chose to bring the
scholarship to the Elk County Community
Foundation is because the Foundation is approved
as a PATH organization (Partners to Access to
Higher Education). PATH is a special program
through PHEAA that will offer some additional
funding to student who qualify. Last year
Students from the area who receive ECCF
scholarships received an additional $27,500. The
Foundation is only one of 35 organizations in
Pennsylvania that are partners with this
program.
The Foundation also assists donors who have an
interest in starting a scholarship fund, whether
as a general purpose or in the memory of a
deceased family member or friend. Interested
parties are encouraged to contact Paula Fritz
Eddy, Executive Director at the Foundation for
more information either by calling 814-834-2125
or visiting their website a
www.elkcountyfoundation.com.
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Pictured are from left to right:
Paula Fritz Eddy, Executive Director of the Elk County Community Foundation, Vern Kreckel III, President of the Hometown Festival and Deborah Young Treasurer.
Other officers for the group were: Dave Foote, 1st Vice President, Mike Engel 2nd Vice President and Neil Lepovetsky, Secretary. |
St. Marys Home Town Festival Inc. makes Donation
The St. Marys Home Town
Festival Inc. made a donation the Elk County
Community Foundation (ECCF). The donation will
be added to the “Fund of the Future” which is
one of 60 funds held at the Foundation. The
“Fund of the Future” distributes grants that
address a broad range of current and future
needs. Elk County Community Foundation evaluates
all aspects of community well-being—arts and
culture, community development, education,
environment, health and human services—and
awards strategic grants to selected projects and
programs annual. The next scheduled grant cycle
will be in August of 2009. Application will be
due by July 15, and can be found the Foundations
website. www.elkcountyfoundation.com .
Vern Kreckle III, the final President of the St.
Marys Hometown Festival Inc. said that after 19
years almost to the day, making this donation to
the Foundation was final transaction for the
group. Gifts like this made to the Elk County
Community Foundation are very special. They
allow individual and organizations to make a
lasting, positive impact on our community. Since
funds held at the Foundation are funds that will
be invested in their community and the people
that live there, the group had decided this best
reflected what they tried to do for the
community over the years.
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Elk County Community Foundation Executive Director Paula Fritz-Eddy presents a grant to St. Marys Library Director Scarlette Corbin for use in this year's Summer Reading Program.
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Grant helping to fund Summer Reading Program
By Amy Cherry
Daily Press Staff
Friday, 15 May 2009
The St. Marys Public Library's popular summer
reading program recently
received a funding boost from a grant presented
by the Elk County Community
Foundation.
Approximately $900 was donated to the library
from two funds at the
Foundation.
A portion of the donation was distributed from
the library's endowment fund,
setup over eight years ago by local community
leaders through the
Foundation.
The remaining grant money was from a fund set up
for the library when the
Kiwanis Club disbanded. The Kiwanis donated the
remaining money in the
organization's treasury to the Foundation to be
allocated to the library,
designated specifically for children's
programming.
The St. Marys Public Library's Summer Reading
Program reached an all-time
high in registration with 700 local children
registering in 2008.
During the program, children enjoy reading,
participating in programs and
activities and winning awards and prizes.
This year's theme of the program is "Be Creative
at Your Library" and
emphasizes art and self expression. Registration
begins June 1.
The focus of the program is to ensure children
maintain their reading level
during the summer when they are out of the
classroom. Any child who
completes the program by reading 10 books or 500
pages from June through
August receives a free item from the library's
Scholastic Book Fair held at
the conclusion of the program.
The annual Summer Reading Program has been
especially successful in St.
Marys, which is why it was such set-back when
all funding was cut from the
program in 2006.
"There was no question as to what had to be
done," said Scarlette Corbin, St. Marys Public
Library director.
Prior to 2006, the program was completely funded
with Family Literacy funds through the Even
Start Program. After Even Start funding was cut,
the library had to make a decision to either
raise funds or cancel the Summer Reading
Program.
Library personnel forged ahead by turning to
local businesses, organizations and individuals
for assistance in funding the worthwhile program
which costs approximately $8,000 per year.
Working together the community rallied behind
the library and made it possible to continue to
not only hold the Summer Reading Program, but
watch it grow with more and more children
registering every year.
"Every donor can rest assured that their
contribution is going to the betterment of our
community's future," Corbin said.
The library is currently conducting its annual
fundraising drive for the Summer Reading
Program. Any donations from anyone who is
interested in ensuring the success of the 2009
Summer Reading Program are appreciated. This
year's goal is to raise at least $5,000 to cover
the majority of the cost.
ECCF is a non-profit organization that manages
endowed funds established by donors for area
non-profit organizations as wells as administers
a number of scholarships for individuals and
groups. Donor gifts to the Foundations are tax
deductible to the full extent allowed by law.
Community Foundation Offers Scholarship
Elk County Community Foundation (ECCF) announces
that applications for local scholarships are
available to area students. The Foundation has
32 scholarships programs that will distribute
over $61,000 in scholarship funds this upcoming
season. Each scholarship is unique in their
field of study, eligibility and community it
serves.
The following is the list of scholarship
available to all students through out Elk
County:
- Elk County Farm Bureau Scholarship
- Gloria V. Anderson Music Scholarship
- Helene L. Bowley Memorial Scholarship
- Michele Campbell Memorial Nursing Scholarship
- Perry G. Klein Memorial Scholarship
- Ruth E. Reed Nursing Scholarship
The following scholarships are available for
students attending specific schools or from a
particular community:
- Angie Bertolasio Memorial Scholarship
- Bev Hogan Memorial Nursing Scholarship fund
- Caribardi Family Scholarship
- Christopher Forster Memorial Scholarship fund
- Dean Schrecengost Scholarship
- Dr. John E. Schloder Scholarship Fund for Fine
Arts
- Dr. Sandra Calkins Kowalski Scholarship Fund
- Frank Clark Scholarship
- Hasselman/Hopton Scholarship Fund
- Herbert B. Lenze Boys Basketball Scholarship
- Herbert B. Lenze Marching Band Scholarship
- Howard M. Keebler Scholarship
- Jacqueline M. Renaud National Honor Society
Memorial Scholarship
- Fund
- Johnsonburg Alumni and Friends Scholarship
- Johnsonburg Rotary Club Alva K. Gregory
Scholarship
- Joseph A. Williams Medical Scholarship
- Judge Vernon “Buddy” Roof Memorial Scholarship
- Lori De’Angelo Scholarship
- Martha C. Selle Scholarship
- Mary I. Filano Memorial Scholarship fund
- Nicholas Sinibaldi Music Scholarship Fund
- Pearl Llewellyn Memorial Nursing Scholarship
- Ridgway Rotary Scholarship
- Robert P. Martini Scholarship
- Sara K. Folino Memorial Art Scholarship
- Sashy & Gladys Kane Memorial Scholarship
- St. Marys Jaycees Scholarship
- Straub Brewery Scholarship
Applications for scholarships are available
through guidance counselor offices at each of
the participating high schools or by calling our
office at 834-2125. All scholarships have
specific requirements and are due soon to the
school scholarship committee. The school
committees will review the applications and will
make their recommendations. The final decision
then rests on the four members ECCF Scholarship
Committee.
In addition to the dollars given though these
scholarships, the Elk County Community
Foundation is approved as a PATH Program
organization. If a student is awarded a
scholarship from the Community Foundation we
will submit your name to AES/PHEAA for
additional scholarship funding through PATH. To
be eligible, the student must be enrolled in an
approved Pennsylvania College or career school
and be a State Grant recipient. This past year
students who receive ECCF scholarships received
a total of $27,000 addition funds. The
Foundation is only one of 35 organizations in
Pennsylvania that are partners with this
program.
The Community Foundation also assists donors who
have an interest in starting a scholarship fund,
whether as a general purpose or in the memory of
a deceased family member or friend. Interested
parties are encouraged to contact the foundation
for further information on the matter.
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The 2009 newly elected officers of the Elk County Community Foundation include Dan Straub, Judith Manno Stagger, Charlie Constable, outgoing president, Don Valone and Paula Fritz Eddy, executive director. Photo by Cherry |
Community Foundation elects new officers
By Amy Cherry
Daily Press Staff
Thursday, 26 February 2009
The Elk County Community Foundation recently
held their annual meeting on Wednesday at the
St. Marys Country Club during which time board
members elected new officers.
The Board of Directors elected the following
2009 officers; President Judith Manno Stagger,
Vice-President Dan Straub, Treasurer J. Hamlin
Johnson and Secretary Don Valone. Manno was the
organization's former vice-president while
Johnson acted as the treasurer and Valone as the
secretary.
The Board of Directors consist of 14 individuals
who were chosen for his or her understanding of
community issues and serve a three-year term.
They represent a broad base of community support
and interest and serve on a volunteer basis.
The board establishes policy, reviews the
investment performance of funds, leads the
effort to develop assets, and oversees the grant
making process. The board makes final decisions
on all grants to ensure that the philanthropic
wishes of each donor are carried out.
Some of the new projects discussed by board
members are the progress made on the
Pennsylvania Association of Non-Profit
Organization (PANO's) Standard of Excellence and
a newly formed Giving Circle for Women called
Women Who Care. Additional information on the
programs will be released in the near future.
As part of the Foundation's mission is to
strengthen our region through development,
stewardship and grant making as donors achieve
their philanthropic goals.
The organization attempts to connect people who
care with causes that matter. Information about
the Foundation can be found at
www.elkcountyfoundation.com.
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Herbert Lenze, who died in November 2007,
has ensured the quality of education and
extracurricular activities of students in
the Ridgway Area School District with a
generous donation to establish a scholarship
program. In front, from left, are Beau Bellotti, an Elker boys' basketball player; Paula Fritz–Eddy, Executive Director of the Elk County Community Foundation; Beverly Lenze, Herbert Lenze`s sister; and Vinnie Borrello, an Elker band member. In back, from left, are Jake Meyer, Attorney for the Lenze family; Shawn Hofman, Ridgway Band Director; Sandi Hanes, Athletic Director; and Heather McMahon-Vargas, High School Principal. |
Giving students a chance.
Herbert Lenze's memory lives on through new scholarship program.
By Heather Tressler
Record Staff Writer
Tuesday, 30 December 2008
Herbert Lenze died on Nov. 8, 2007, but his
legacy to the Ridgway Area School District will
live forever through monies he has donated to
the district earmarked for scholarships for
boys’ basketball players and band members.
Lenze taught in the Ridgway Area School District
for 30 years, and during the time he spent in
Ridgway he was actively involved in
extracurricular activities. He enjoyed the boy’s
basketball and band programs the most.
Lenze was a basketball scorekeeper for most of
his tenure at Ridgway, and also was treasurer of
about every booster club and organization
connected with the school.
Although it is unknown how long Lenze actually
was involved with these groups, it is known that
he put his heart into each activity for many
years. Even though Lenze has passed on, he
wanted to leave a little something so the
students could continue to prosper from these
programs.
Lenze decided to give an unknown amount of funds
to the Ridgway Area School District to sponsor
the basketball and marching band organizations,
along with a scholarship program.
The monies going to these programs will allow
the students to attend camps, purchase
much–needed equipment and be governed by outside
directors and coaches, along with giving
students a financial bridge towards their
college education.
The scholarship program will award one student
that meets all necessary criteria with a $1,000
scholarships per year for up to four years. The
student must maintain a B average. The criteria
for the basketball scholarship is a student must
have participated at least three years,
including their senior year, as a player,
manager or assistant. The band scholarship
criteria is the student must be a senior and a
member of the high school band for four years.
Students must also be in the top 50 percentile
of their class, and be accepted to a two– or
four–year college.
The students are required to submit an essay
entailed why the monies would benefit them. A
students other activities will be considered
during the elimination process, but they are not
required to be considered.
The program will be conducted by a board
comprised of the school superintendent,
teachers, guidance counselors and the directors
of the program. The scholarship monies will be
delivered through the Elk County Community
Foundation, a non-profit organization.
Paula Fritz Eddy said the organization is like
an advocate for the donor’s monies. “We are not
here to necessarily service individuals, but to
service our donors,” Eddy said. “We help them
become the philanthropist they want to be. We
don’t provide services like the American Red
Cross, but we service the donor to assure these
programs will remain intact.”
The benefits of having the monies organized
through the ECCF is the students have a chance
at increasing their scholarships. Since the ECCF
is a state–based program and the scholarships
are administered through the Partnerships for
Access to Higher Education, a division of the
Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency,
the students might become eligible for a larger
scholarship. “About half of our kids end up
getting additional grants,” said Eddy. “For a
donor, it has potential of doubling their
scholarship – not everyone, but those who are
financially eligible.”
Jake Meyer, who is an attorney, says Lenze
donated the monies to make the kids become more
involved, make the programs better and he also
hoped to lead other people to participate in
making donations to the school.
Brent Rhoads stated the district will benefit in
various ways because of Lenze’s generosity.
Rhoads says the monies will pay a portion of the
costs of having clinics, and now the district
has the opportunity to bring in outside couches
and directors. Rhoads says the monies will also
allow for additional training the district was
not able to afford before.
The school has already began reaping the
benefits by purchasing clinics for the band
students. The scholarship program will also
begin disbursement for graduating seniors in May
2009, and the district is also considering some
clinics for next summer.
Rhoads and the rest of the district is extremely
grateful for Lenze’s donation.
“It is a great gift,” said Rhoads.
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