Central PA’s largest yard sale, ‘Trash 2 Treasure’ will take place on Saturday, May 12, in the Field House on the campus of Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport. The event is free and open to the public from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. However, “early bird” customers can enter the sale at 7 a.m. for first choice of the merchandise for a donation of just $5 per person. New this year, a $1/bag special will begin at 12:00 noon.

“We are excited to bring this event to the community,” said Kate Pacacha, director of resource development and communications for LCUW. “We see it as an innovative way to not only raise funds for our program partners, but also to involve local college students in community service and provide valuable goods to our neighbors inexpensively. The added bonus is that literally tons of items such as clothing, furniture, books, and small appliances will not go into a landfill as a result of Trash 2 Treasure.”

Over the past few weeks, as students at both Pennsylvania College of Technology and Lycoming have completed their final exams and begun the process of moving out of their residence halls and apartments, they have generously donated items they no longer want to the ‘Trash 2 Treasure’ sale.

The result is a huge selection of gently-used items, including but not limited to: clothing, furniture, small appliances, carpet remnants, kitchen items, sporting equipment, electronics, games, videos, toys, artwork, and much more.

All proceeds from the sale will benefit Lycoming County United Way in support of its efforts to address critical human service needs such as nurturing our children, strengthening families, caring for people in crisis, supporting our seniors, and serving those with special needs. Any items remaining unsold at the end of the event will be donated to the American Rescue Workers, a United Way program partner.

“This is our eighth year hosting ‘Trash 2 Treasure’,” said Scott Lowery, executive director of LCUW. “We continue to be impressed by the enthusiasm of the Penn College and Lycoming College
communities. Students at both campuses have been extremely generous and we are grateful that the items they didn’t want to move would not just be thrown away. The colleges’ faculty and staff have also been very supportive, donating items for the sale and volunteering to help with the event.”

The first seven ‘Trash 2 Treasure’ sales have raised more than $21,000 for LCUW.

“Trash 2 Treasure is an event that provides the local college students a way to give back to the community where they spend such a large part of the year,” added Pacacha. “Not only does the sale
benefit United Way, but it is a great opportunity for bargain hunters to find some real deals.”

In addition to the colleges, Trash 2 Treasure is made possible with support from media partners Backyard Broadcasting and WNEP-TV.

For directions to the event and a map of the Pennsylvania College of Technology Campus, visit www.pct.edu/visit.

Alumni of both schools will be looking to rekindle some of their own Millionaire Magic and Lancer Lightening heroics of the past when they square off in an alumni hoop doubleheader Saturday, April 14 at the Williamsport High School Magic Dome. Teams comprised of players from 2000 on will play the preliminary game at 6:30 p.m., followed by squads of the 1980’s and 1990’s tipping off at 8:00 p.m.

Partial proceeds of the game will benefit Lycoming County United Way. Tickets to the game are available at the United Way office during business hours 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.priced at $7.00 for adults and $4.00 for students. Other ticket locations include Williamsport High School, Loyalsock Township High School and The Center. The Magic Door doors will open at 5:30 p.m.

Scott N. Lowery, left, executive director of Lycoming County United Way accepts a check for $32,825.58 from Teri MacBride, regional community relations director for PPL Corporation.

“Over the years the PPL employees and their corporate office have been a consistent supporter of our Lycoming County United Way mission. We are most grateful for their generosity in helping us help improve the lives of more than 42,000 county residents whose lives have been brightened by the vital human services United Way donations make possible,” Lowery said.

Mindful of the vital support received from community leaders and volunteers, Lycoming County United Way (LCUW) annually awards it highest volunteer honor with the presentation of the  Douglas C. Dickey Humanitarian Award. The organization’s 2011 Dickey award will be presented to George J. Tsunis, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Chartwell Hotels, at the April 11 LCUW Annual Meeting at the Holiday Inn in Williamsport.

Named in honor of Douglas C. Dickey, a past LCUW president lost in the crash of TWA Flight 800, the award is presented to an individual whose dedication, commitment, and outstanding
leadership have made a significant contribution to the welfare of Lycoming County. The award was first presented in 1947 as the Lycoming United Way Award and renamed in 1997 to honor Dickey’s memory and contributions to the local United Way.

Tsunis becomes the 66^th honoree so selected over the years.

“The selection committee for this award is comprised of individuals who themselves have been past recipients of the award,” explained Scott N. Lowery, LCUW executive director. “These
volunteers are in the best position to understand the importance of this award to our United Way and have previously exhibited the credentials necessary to achieve the honor. George has been very generous to both the community and our United Way, the committee was quick to agree he deserves the special recognition.”

“George is a three year member of United Way’s prestigious Tocqueville Society,” said Lowery. “In addition, he provides us with office space at a price we can afford and frequently hosts events at the Williamsport Holiday Inn for us, such as the annual volunteer appreciation reception so that we can recognize our volunteers without incurring any expense.”

“In addition to helping the United Way, he has sponsored other events including the recent Children’s Development Center charity event at Blaise Alexander’s farm as well as other behind the scenes contributions,” noted Lowery. “We are honored to be considered the beneficiaries of his generosity in so many ways.”

Tsunis is the owner and operator of numerous real estate ventures, including shopping centers, restaurants and office buildings in the northeast. He currently serves as a member of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Council of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of the United States and a member of its Faith Endowment. As an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate Order of Saint Andrew he serves on its National Council. Tsunis is also a member of the Brookings Institution’s Foreign Policy Leadership Committee and its Metropolitan Leadership Council and has previously served as a Trustee at Dowling College and the Board of Visitors at Touro Law School.

Tsunis is the recipient of the Dowling College Presidential Medal, the Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award for Long Island Cares, the WLIW Channel 21 Honoree, Long Island Business News 40
most influential people on Long Island under 40 years old and the recipient of the Cyprus Federation’s Justice for Cyprus Award.

Tsunis received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from New York University and his Juris Doctor from St. John’s University School of Law.  Tsunis and his wife Olga live on Long Island, New York with their three children.

Asked why he chooses to be so generous, and Tsunis simply stated, “When you receive your hands are full, when you give your heart is full.”

Tsunis will receive The Dickey Award from Steve Johnson, president and CEO of Susquehanna Health, the 2010 LCUW honoree.

“The heightened awareness and compassion of our donors, both individual and corporate, for the county-wide critical missions of LCUW program partners drove the success of this campaign,” said Virgil Probasco, LCUW 2011 campaign chair. “The people of Lycoming County understand the growing needs of the human service programs and trust United Way to be a good steward of their investments. We are very pleased with these results and we want to thank each and every donor who participated in the campaign.”    

 United Way provides funding for more than 40 programs in Lycoming County that meet the community’s most critical needs nurturing children, caring for people in crisis, strengthening families, supporting seniors, and serving those with special needs. LCUW officials point out that 97% of funds raised stay in Lycoming County.

“This opportunity to serve as campaign chair has been a humbling, yet rewarding experience. We are indebted to the hundreds of volunteers who gave of their time and talents to assist us; and to the thousands who contributed to the campaign. Their efforts and support will truly make a positive difference in the lives of their neighbors all across the county,” added Probasco.

“With each year’s campaign, new stories reflecting the generosity and caring spirit of Lycoming County residents are exhibited. This year, in the face of some difficult times, that heart-warming compassion reached new levels,” said LCUW executive director Scott N. Lowery. “This campaign’s achievement exceeded the amount raised in any previous campaign. That is a remarkable effort that would not have been possible without Virgil’s leadership and the tremendous effort of our volunteer network.”         

 While the amount raised is the largest amount in the organization’s history, LCUW officials point out it is likely still not enough to meet the needs of the programs partner’s requests.

“Last year we looked at the amount we had to allocate to our partners and the amount they had requested. The amount we needed to be able to fulfill their requests was $1,708,168 and while we are pleased to have had a campaign increase of about 7% over last year, we will likely still not have enough to meet every program’s request,” explained Lowery. “All programs that receive LCUW funding must demonstrate measureable results. Our volunteers are very thoughtful in how the dollars are allocated. They meet with every program partner to learn about the programs and ensure that the money is invested addressing the most pressing community needs through proven programs. It is never a simple process and we appreciate the volunteers’ efforts in making difficult decisions.”

“Plus, our United Way mission extends beyond the needs of our program partners. Recent community needs assessment surveys have identified areas of concern that we are addressing though our Impact Funding Initiative,” added Lowery. 

“When Virgil Probasco announced to our board that Lycoming County United Way raised $1,531,967, there was a sense of both great accomplishment as well as immense relief. That’s because our campaign raised a record amount in a year marked by economic uncertainty and wide-spread flooding,” stated John Brunette, LCUW board president. “This positive campaign outcome speaks volumes about the character of Lycoming County residents. Just about every division in the campaign increased total giving over last year. This includes the geographic areas which were flooded most severely. It’s almost as if the flood served as a real life example that each of us may need a hand up when situations, beyond our control, affect our lives and also exceed our personal resources. The increase in generosity we experienced seems to coincide with the lessons we learned from the flood. Indeed, this is the mission of the United Way; neighbor helping neighbor and in doing so raising the quality of life for everyone. While the needs of our community vary greatly, the metaphor illustrated by the flood points out that life can take twists and turns which are unexpected and carry devastating consequences. These are the occasions when United Way supported services can make a difference by filling needs for which there are no other resources available.”

 “I don’t have the appropriate words to thank Virgil Probasco for the tenacity and spirit with which he led the campaign volunteers to this year’s success. He did an amazing job. As board president, I also want to recognize the efforts of our staff. They are the glue that keeps the operation together. Day in and day out it is the Lycoming County United Way staff which carry through on the organization’s goals,” concluded Brunette. “Our board is fortunate to have these dedicated folks. So now for the second year in a row we have exceeded our all time campaign achievements. This is a trend we want to keep going.” 

In April, community volunteers will review presentations made by program partners and allocate the funds available.

 To make a contribution, for more information, or to volunteer for funds distribution, contact Lycoming County United Way, One West Third Street, Suite 208; Williamsport, PA 17701, call 323-9448, visit www.lcuw.org or look for the organization on Facebook .

 Throughout the year, there will be local events supporting the One Book, Every Young Child including author and illustrator visits at select locations across the state, special library and museum programming for families, as well as activities for parents, early childcare providers.

The Local Education and Resource Network (LEARN) Team has begun to schedule reading sessions for children throughout Lycoming County.  The program provides opportunities for community and business leaders, educators and other volunteers to read aloud to the children at state childcare facilities, Head Start programs, licensed preschools and kindergartens throughout our region.  Each child will receive a copy of the book to take home and share with their family.  The book that has been selected for this year’s program is Stop Snoring Bernard! by Pennsylvania author & illustrator Zachariah OHora. 

 The One Book, Every Young Child program goes far beyond just giving parents and caregivers a book to read to preschoolers.  The program’s design is based on studies showing that simply reading a book is not enough.  Adults must find ways to engage children in activities like talking about a book’s cover and illustrations, discussing the actions in the book and favorite parts, pretend play related to the book and more.

This year more than 3,300 books will be distributed to children throughout Lycoming County.  Each classroom needs a reader, so we are inviting you to be a volunteer!  Your time commitment would be approximately one hour in the morning or afternoon based on your availability. Reading sessions will be scheduled mid-March through the end of April.  If you would like to volunteer to read, please email Bethany and Amy at learn@lcuw.org. We will work with you at that time to schedule a date and location.

Adrienne Wertz

Lycoming County United Way has announced the appointment of Adrienne Wertz as the organization’s Director of Funds Distribution and Community Building, effective February 1. Wertz has previously served as the Assistant Lifestyle editor at the Williamsport Sun-Gazette.

In her new position, Wertz will direct United Way’s annual allocation process distributing funding to county human service organizations, serve as the liaison with the 43 Program Partners operating under the local United Way umbrella, work with and develop collaborative efforts with human service and community organizations, assist with the annual campaign and participate in trainings for the many volunteers assisting with United Way led projects.

“My work at the Sun-Gazette put me right in the heart of a community that is full of life and hope, but also one that houses individuals who suffer greatly and are in need of assistance. I am excited to take a step deeper into that community and serve with the Lycoming County United Way to understand and help eliminate the hardships of our neighbors,” Wertz stated.

“My work as an In-House Campaign manager for the Sun-Gazette’s annual United Way employee campaign opened my eyes to what a vital organization the United Way is for the community. Having worked with many of the Program Partners receiving United Way funding, I have grown to appreciate how important the support of these non-profit groups are to our community members across the board – the young and old, rich and poor. It is with great pleasure and excitement that I begin my work with United Way.”

Wertz, who resides in South Williamsport with her husband and two children, was with the Sun-Gazette for ten years. While there she was instrumental in significantly increasing the company’s United Way campaign. She has also served in volunteer capacities for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the American Cancer Society and recently with Favors Forward, helping to deliver food to those in need.

Wertz replaces Rosann Pelleschi, who will end an 11-year United Way career with her retirement on January 31.

“Operating with a small staff, which must be responsive to the changing human service needs of the Lycoming County community, the Funds Distribution and Community Building role is vitally important. The search process we undertook was detailed and deliberate, aimed at locating a person with energy, understanding, drive and commitment. Our search committee was convinced that Adrienne possesses the capabilities and desire to both continue and grow the positive leadership role our United Way has developed in the community,” said Scott N. Lowery, LCUW executive director. “We welcome Adrienne to our team and look forward to working with her.”

Left to right, Tracy Haas, Marty Muggleton, and Jackie Travelpiece were honored as Valiant Volunteers

On Tuesday, December 6, Lycoming County United Way (LCUW) thanked the countless volunteers who have been diligently working on the annual campaign this fall. More than 100 LCUW supporters gathered at the Holiday Inn for the event hosted by George & Olga Tsunis to honor the volunteers and celebrate the campaign efforts.

 “We are fortunate to live in a community where neighbors care about one another and will pitch in a helping hand to someone in need,” said Virgil Probasco, volunteer chair of the 2011 LCUW campaign and executive vice president of Wirerope Works. “We could not fund the most critical human service needs here in Lycoming County without the support we receive from residents and business leaders. Tonight, we honor and thank the volunteers who do the heavy lifting and help make it all come together.”

LCUW handed out a number of awards to outstanding volunteers throughout the evening’s program.

“Volunteers are the driving force behind the success of our United Way team. Our volunteers come to us from a variety of backgrounds, with a variety of skill sets,” explained Probasco. “This diversity provides a vast talent pool and expertise that would be impossible to obtain if it had to be paid for. The common bond they all possess is the desire to help others and make this community a better place for all of us to live, work, and play.”

Among the volunteers honored were:

 “Contributions have picked up in the last few weeks,” said Virgil Probasco, LCUW volunteer chair of the 2011 campaign. “It is heartwarming to see our friends and neighbors donate to United Way to help one another. Their generosity is showing through each week as the campaign progresses and grows.”

 “The upswing in contributions is encouraging but the human service programs we support throughout the year need more funds than we have collected so far,” Probasco added. “The people of Lycoming County understand that there are critical needs for quality human service programs and they trust United Way to invest their gifts wisely in proven programs that are meeting the most pressing needs right here in our community. We thank those who have already given and ask those who have not donated yet to do so now.”

 97% of funds raised stay here in Lycoming County and are used to help support 43 vital human service programs throughout Lycoming County. In the past year, 42,747 county residents have been helped by an LCUW-funded program.

“We have been especially pleased with many of the employee workplace results we have seen the last few weeks,” explained Probasco. “The majority of our gifts come through workplace giving and as local companies complete their in-house campaigns, many are reporting increased giving over last year. For example, employee giving at AutoTrakk is up 86%, Kellogg’s 28%, Wirerope Works 23%, and M & T Bank 20%.”

 In addition, individual leadership giving has shown positive increases this year, according to Probasco .

 “Not only are more people giving, but many of the donors that have participated in the past are increasing their gifts over last year,” said Probasco. “It makes me proud to be a part of our community and a part of our United Way to see such compassion for others in Lycoming County.”

“LCUW has a solid network of dedicated and experienced volunteers who are working diligently on this campaign. We are extremely grateful for their time and the enthusiasm they are showing towards this campaign. We all believe in these programs and we are working hard to raise the funds to help meet their needs. Every dollar we raise helps,” added LCUW executive director Scott N. Lowery.

Probasco and Lowery remind donors that while contributions are welcomed throughout the year, individuals who have not yet contributed are encouraged to make their donation now.

To make a contribution or for more information, contact Lycoming County United Way, One West Third Street, Suite 208, Williamsport, PA 17701, call 570-323-9448, or visit www.lcuw.org.