More than 600 people turned out for the signature event.  Catholic Charities provides rays of hope every single day, illuminating lives affected by poverty, crisis, or despair.  With the community's help, we can continue our mission to make a significant difference in the lives of children, families, and senior citizens.  Four people who have made such a difference are our 2007 Honorees:  Bishop James Moynihan, Patricia Himberg, and Daniel and Kathy Mezzalingua.   

Pat Himberg received the Humanitarian Services Medallion, a symbol of dedication to the Syracuse Community.   Born in Syracuse and eventually moving back to the area with her husband Ron, Patricia became involved in the community with extensive volunteer work.  She has given her time to St. Joseph’s Hospital, Crouse Hospital, and Francis House, where she is the Vice President and on the Auxiliary Board.  Patricia is also on the board of the Carriage House Foundation as well as a member of the P.E.O. and the Broadway Farm Garden Club.  At Immaculate Conception Church, Patricia is on the liturgical committee and a Eucharistic Minister
            
The Most Reverend James M. Moynihan received The President’s Medallion in honor of his immeasurable contribution to the community.  Most Reverend James M. Moynihan, Bishop of Syracuse, was appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Syracuse on April 4, 1995 and ordained and installed Bishop on May 29, 1995.  A native of Rochester, New York, Bishop Moynihan was born July 6, 1932 and was ordained a priest on December 15, 1957 in Rome, Italy.

Bishop Moynihan’s personal priorities for the Diocese of Syracuse continue to be 1) personal holiness 2) evangelization and 3) stewardship of resources.  During his tenure, he has made the promotion of life, vocations and Catholic Schools three of his top diocesan priorities.  He has been in the forefront of responding to the many needs of the people of our community including the successful completion of a $51 million Heritage Campaign, the restructuring of schools and parishes, and the promotion of the Cause of Blessed Marianne Cope.

The Mezzalingua Family were presented with the Bishop’s Medallion which recognized their extreme selflessness in serving the community, living their lives as a model of service to others, through vocation and voluntary pursuits.   

Daniel Mezzalingua, and his wife, Kathy of Fayetteville have both professionally and civically made their mark on their community.  As President of PPC, Mr. Mezzalingua has seen his company grow from 30 employees in 1981 to over 1000 with offices worldwide.  Mr. Mezzalingua, a graduate of Syracuse University’s School of Public Administration, serves prominently on the Advisory Board of Syracuse University’s School of Management as well as the Development Association of Syracuse.  Active in the religious community, Mr. Mezzalingua serves as trustee of the Parish Council of St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church in Manlius. 

Kathy Mezzalingua, mother of six, has been contributing to the greater Syracuse area since her days after graduating from Marywood University in Scranton, Pennsylavania.  After teaching for five years in the Syracuse City School District, Mrs. Mezzalingua became committed to both the health and education of the local community by sitting on the Board of Directors of Hospice of New York and the Advisory Board of Welsh Terrace.  Mr. and Mrs. Mezzalingua’s contributions in the past have included spearheading funding efforts to build a new humanities wing at the Manlius Pebble Hill School as well as give a charitable donation of $250,000 to the National Cable Center and Museum.

Catholic Charities & Toomey Services Presented the
2007 Annual Monsignor Charles J. Brady Awards

October 10, 2007
Catholic Charities of Onondaga County and Toomey Residential and Community Services are proud to present those who were honored at the 2007 Annual Monsignor Charles J. Brady Awards. The awards were presented at the annual meeting of Catholic Charities of Onondaga County on Wednesday, October 10, at the Empire Room at the State Fairgrounds.

Recipients were selected for various awards on the basis of humanitarian concern for others, leadership, creativity and responsiveness to individual and community needs.

The 2007 Honorees Are:
Monsignor Charles J. Brady Award
was presented to Richard Keough in memory of Monsignor Brady, who was known for his dedication and advocacy for people in need in the Syracuse community.

The Bernard J. Lawler Leadership Award
was presented to Jeanne Lawler, who has shown dedication to public service, leadership, courage and compassion through contributions to the community. 

Parish Service Award
was presented to Corpus Christi Church which demonstrated ongoing commitment to
outreach services in their community. 

C. Walter Driscoll Award
was presented to Eleanor Carr, who demonstrated the utmost dedication and commitment
to the mission of Catholic Charities. 

Community Service Award:
Recognized Jose Alamo, who showed exemplary spirit of volunteerism in the community.
Alamo has made valuable contributions in the community by volunteering at organizations
and helping individuals.

Kids WIN! Scholarship
This scholarship recognized Ricardo Cruz, an area high school senior headed to college
who best exemplified the three tenets of Kids WIN! -developing healthy habits in nutrition
and fitness, advancing literacy and scholastic achievement, and cultivating an ethic of
mindful service
to the community

Catholic Charities of Onondaga County Abstinence Program Wins Award

Catholic Charities of Onondaga County is proud to announce that the Choices Enhanced program was recently honored by the Office of Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention (OAPP), a division of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. The program received the Best Prevention Poster Presentation Award at the OAPP’s National Care and Prevention Grantee Conference in Vienna, Virginia, on December 9, 2008.

Choices Enhanced is an abstinence based, healthy living program for nine- to fifteen- year-olds and their parents in the City of Syracuse. The program’s goal is to reduce teenage pregnancy through healthy decision-making. This is a collaborative project between Catholic Charities of Onondaga County and Syracuse University that focuses on the assets of adolescents and on forming positive relationships with peers, family, and within the community. The program has been implemented in Catholic Charities of Onondaga County’s five neighborhood centers, and the agency plans to expand it into additional community agencies in the future.

“Choices Enhanced is unique because it is linked to the Parent Child Connectedness program,” said Tonya Roloson, coordinator of Choices Enhanced. The Parent Child Connectedness program focuses on building parent/child relationships through family events, open communication workshops, parent peer support, and informational materials. Free transportation and childcare are available as a way to encourage parent and youth participation at events and workshops.

Congratulations to Tonya and her team at Choices Enhanced!

January 24, 2007
The New York State Health Foundation (NYSHealth), established by the State of New York with charitable funds from the privatization of Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield, today announced its first 23 grantees. The grant to Catholic Charities of Onondaga County will be used to create the KIDS WIN! Program to help combat obesity in children and youth in Syracuse, NY.

The Catholic Charities centers in Syracuse have been in existence for many years, with stable, dedicated staff and positive relationships with the community. The centers are convenient, accessible, and free of charge. Many families have been involved with their center for more than one generation. This is a program that will help 1,000 kids learn how to live healthier lives, an important contribution to addressing the obesity epidemic found in these communities, like communities all over the state and the nation. It should also be a program that will be replicable in other, similar communities,” said James R. Knickman, President and CEO of NYSHealth.

KIDS WIN! was among 23 selected from over 600 proposals received in the inaugural round of grantmaking by NYSHealth. KIDS WIN! will engage children and youth (K-12) in a curriculum consisting of health, nutrition, and fitness activities in six neighborhood centers throughout inner-city Syracuse. The initiative will combine child-friendly information, direct education and hands-on learning opportunities, and a schedule of inclusive physical activities after school and during summer months. KIDS WIN! will incorporate bilingual and culturally relevant outreach strategies to connect with the public, parents, and extended families of participant children.

“This grant gives us the opportunity to make significant strides in combating childhood obesity. The launch of this ambitious program will give us the ability to connect with families and children to help us create a healthier future for our neighborhoods,” said Brian Walton, executive director of Catholic Charities.

Since its founding in 1923, Catholic Charities of Onondaga County has provided compassionate care and advocacy for all people and families in need. One of the top 40 employers in Syracuse, the agency employs nearly 500 people at more than a dozen sites, serving in nearly 50 programs. It operates five neighborhood centers. The programs serve the elderly; families with children at risk for abuse; battered women; the homeless; and refugees.

NYS Health makes grants that reflect its three-part mission to (1) expand health insurance coverage to the 2.8 million state residents without it, (2) increase access to high-quality health care services to vulnerable populations, and (3) improve public and community health by educating New Yorkers about health concerns and by empowering communities to address them.

January 19, 2007
SYRACUSE, NY: In an effort to create a diverse workforce and meet the needs of local businesses, the Onondaga County Office of Economic Development is facilitating a study by Cornell University in collaboration with Catholic Charities of Onondaga County and other local governmental and private development groups.

The effort is part of the “Journey 2 Jobs Workforce Development Project. It will get under way with a meeting at Northside CYO on January 23rd.

Onondaga County Executive Nick Pirro said, “The objective of this study is to assist Onondaga County and our local business community in setting priorities for future immigrant training programs and other strategies that will contribute to addressing employers’ concerns, as expressed to our economic development department, concerning the shortage of skilled labor.” Pirro said that it is his hope that the study will provide a greater understanding of immigrant needs and further help local businesses and potential workforce members connect in finding valuable job opportunities".

According to Pirro, Carolyn May, Senior Economic Development Specialist for Onondaga County, will facilitate the county-wide “Journey 2 Jobs” Workforce Development effort and has arranged for experts from the Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations to research training needs of the immigrant workforce in Onondaga County. The study will focus on training needs of the immigrant population with those needed by prospective employers throughout Onondaga County. The Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY), the Central New York Technology Development Organization (CNYTDO), InterFaith Works and the Central New York Regional Planning and Development are also playing key roles in the collaboration.

Kip Hargrave, Manager of Refugee Services for Catholic Charities, has been instrumental in gathering specific immigrant groups to be interviewed for this process. Four refugee focus groups, Russian Turks, Somali-Bantu, Liberian and Burmese, will be interviewed by Catholic Charities staff members, representatives of the Syracuse Inter-religious Council and Cornell project staff and collaborators. These interviews will identify hurdles to employment experienced by the refugee population and help to create a working model for future programs. Hargrave said Catholic Charities has helped hundreds of refugees become contributing members of American society throughout Central New York.

Hargrave says that the process is two-fold: helping to place non-literate refugees in appropriate work/training situations and placing the immigrant professional into a position in their field of expertise. Local employers and representatives from employer associations, labor unions, government, community colleges and other training providers serving the refugee population will also be interviewed by the team from Cornell. Information will be compiled from the employers’ perspective regarding educational level and skill requirements, job turnover and retention, wages and benefits, language barriers and the status of existing programs.

The project will conclude this summer when research results and recommendations will be shared with the participating agencies as well as the public.

October 27, 2006
SYRACUSE, NY - Syracuse residents Michael DeSalvo and Nick Orth, who founded The Friends of Dorothy House, received the 2006 Monsignor Charles J. Brady Award at the 34th annual meeting of Catholic Charities of Onondaga County. The award is presented annually in memory of Monsignor Brady, who was known for his dedication and advocacy for people in need in the Syracuse community.

More than 300 people gathered for the annual event which was held in the Empire Room at the New York State Fairgrounds. Loretta Kilpatrick, vice president of Catholic Charities Board, emceed the event which also celebrated the work of four other individuals as well as a local parish. Twelve employees and four foster parents were also honored for their years of service to Catholic Charities and its affiliate Toomey Residential and Community Service.

Brian Walton, executive director of Catholic Charities, said that the award recipients were selected on the basis of humanitarian concern for others, leadership, creativity and responsiveness to individual and community needs.

For more than a decade DeSalvo and Orth have cared for those in need, providing compassion and care to people, many during the end stages of AIDS. Walton said their selfless commitment to provide comfort and a loving atmosphere to their guests is unparalleled.

DeSalvo, a hair stylist, owns the Hairanoia salon. He has been active with many social justice issues and has worked in jail ministry in the Upstate New York Prison System. His volunteerism has ranged from making meals for homeless men at Catholic Charities' Oxford Street Inn to serving on the Martin Luther King Commission.

Orth is a chef who spends most of his time cooking and caring for guests in their home. Together, they have been honored with the National AIDS Caregiver Award from the Family AIDS Network and a Post Standard Achievement Award.

The Bernard J. Lawler Leadership Award was given to the Reverend William (Bill) Lott for his dedication to public service, leadership, courage and compassion through contributions to the community. He is the Director of the Violence Intervention and Prevention Program and founding pastor of the Greater Love in Christ Church on Midland Avenue in Syracuse. His programs work with more than 100 youth weekly to provide guidance and alternatives to gangs and violence. His courage and foresight has already begun to transform neighborhoods.

Doug Logan was recognized with the Community Service Award for his exemplary spirit of public service. A well known sports broadcaster and former Voice of the Orange for Syracuse University Football and Basketball, Logan, is in his third year as General Manager of Time Warner Sports Channel 26 where he oversees programming, operations and advertising sales. Despite a hectic professional schedule, Logan has given of his time and talent to help numerous area non-profits to raise visibility and support for a range of important causes. Scores of non-profit organizations including Catholic Charities have benefited from his involvement. He is co-chair of Catholic Charities Annual House of Providence Dinner and is currently chairing the Community Advisory Board for Kids WIN!, a Community Initiative to positively impact the lives of children and youth in Central New York.

A Special Hero's Award was given to Catholic Charities employee Mario Russo for his bravery in rescuing a child from his burning home on Briggs Street last summer. Mario's character is that of a true Samaritan. He works at Catholic Charities' Oxford Street Inn Shelter for Homeless Men and approaches his working life with much the same vigor and determination. He believes that "anyone would do the same thing" when given a dire situation like the one he faced. Mario believes that it is the business of Catholic Charities to take on the role of the Samaritan whenever possible.

St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Liverpool was honored with the Parish Service Award for demonstrating continued outreach services within the community. Hunger Committee Chair Nick Wetter and Jim Boardman, Parish Trustee accepted the award on behalf of the parish.

Stanton Jones received the C. Walter Driscoll Award, for his exemplary dedication and commitment to the mission of Catholic Charities. Jones has worked for the Oxford Street Inn for almost ten years. His ongoing dedication to his work at the shelter and his upstanding, patient character epitomizes humble excellence. He is a definite role model for guests at the shelter as well as staff.

Other honorees included those at Catholic Charities and Toomey Residential and Community Services who reached milestones in commitment to service:

20 Years of Service
Felicia M. Castricone, Northside CYO
Michael Milholland, Oxford Street Inn
Kristine M. Delany, Toomey Residential and Community Services
Denise Lazarski, Accounting
Mr. & Mrs. Ali Rahman, Toomey Residential and Community Services, Foster Parents

10 Years of Service
Mathew J. Chilton, Toomey Residential and Community Services
Heather L. Bobik, Toomey Residential and Community Services
Teresa Ann Sullivan, Toomey Residential and Community Services, Medical Services
Patricia L. Zinteck, Toomey Residential and Community Services; Medical Services
Michelle M. Haas, Alliance, Director of Parent Aide Services
Josephine Orsak, Accounting
Ying Thao Lee, Northside CYO
Marianne Thibault, Northside CYO/Refugee Resettlement
Mr. & Mrs. Tim Carter, Toomey Residential and Community Services, Foster parents

For more information, please contact Patti Falcone in the Office of Development and Public Relations at 362-7560.

September 19, 2006
SYRACUSE, NY - Catholic Charities of Onondaga County held its Community Initiative Breakfast in the Orange Pack Room of the Carrier Dome on Tuesday, September 19th to unveil their exciting new undertaking, the "KIDS WIN!" Campaign with Dr. Daryl Gross. Fidelis Care New York sponsored the inspiring kick-off to a program that will team-up Catholic Charities of Onondaga County with
the Syracuse University Athletic Department to make this
campaign a reality.

There was electricity in the air as more than 150 business and civic leaders throughout the Central New York community came together to support a unique and ambitious program to enable the youth of Syracuse reach their fullest potential. Doug Logan, general manager for Time Warner Sports and emcee for the morning introduced the endeavor. The project will center on three components: 1) health & fitness, 2) scholastic achievement and 3) community service. "KIDS WIN!" will operate primarily through the neighborhood programs already in place through Catholic Charities of Onondaga County.

Dr. Daryl Gross spoke of being inspired by the Syracuse community and is looking forward to the exciting possibilities of this initiative. His drive and enthusiasm proved contagious as many audience members demonstrated willingness to become involved in the campaign and pledged their support for upcoming activities.

Brian Walton, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Onondaga County, spoke of "leveling the playing field" for youth, so that with the help of our community, they will be able to meet their goals and aspirations. Mr. Walton assured the audience Catholic Charities of Onondaga County will work together tirelessly with Syracuse University Athletics and leaders in our community to make sure that "KIDS WIN!"

Anyone wishing to become involved in the "KIDS WIN!" effort, may contact Ann Madsen, Chief Advancement Officer at Catholic Charities of Onondaga County at 424-1800, Ext. 7652.

August 31, 2006
SYRACUSE, NY: Catholic Charities of Onondaga County has announced that Keith Cieplicki, former Syracuse University Women's Basketball Coach, has been named Director of Special Projects. Cieplicki spent the past three seasons at Syracuse after coming from the University of Vermont, where he had been the head coach for six seasons. Keith began volunteering at the Oxford Street Inn Homeless Shelter this spring. He will begin working
for Catholic Charities September 5.

"I am very excited to be joining Catholic Charities of Onondaga County. It is very clear to me that, under the leadership of Executive Director Brian Walton, the agency's programs provide a tremendous amount of help to many people in this county. I am truly humbled to be serving in this capacity. I recognize and applaud the efforts of all the employees at Catholic Charities, as well as the many other service agencies in this area, who are working hard to meet the many needs of the people of Syracuse, Cieplicki said."

He will be focusing most of his time on generating resources and fundraising for the men at the Oxford Street Inn Homeless Shelter. "I want to thank Mike Sullivan, the co-director of the Inn, for being so supportive of my efforts," he added. "The Oxford Street Inn is a place that truly reflects the love of Christ and it is a great honor for me to serve there."

Cieplicki is also excited to be working along side the Agency's Chief Advancement Officer Ann Madsen. "Ann is a tremendous woman who has made a great impact at Catholic Charities. I am excited to learn from her and to work closely with her. She has a tremendous enthusiasm for what she does."

"We are so happy to have Keith joining our team at Catholic Charities," said Madsen, "I know his passion for helping others will make a powerful difference in helping us to provide vitally needed services at our men's shelter and across the community."

Cieplicki also credits the leadership at Syracuse University and his own friends and family for the support he has been given during this transition. "Athletic Director Daryl Gross and Associate Director Rob Edson have been tremendously supportive during this move. I know that this transition would not have been possible without them. Also, there are many friends in this community who have been tremendously encouraging and I am grateful to each of them. And of course, my wife and children have been the biggest supporters of all. I am very thankful that my wife, Kris, is so faith filled, loving and devoted and that my three children have an appreciation for what I am doing."

Keith sums up his goals with this simple message. "My hope is to see Christ in each person and to be Christ to each person. His love and compassion are truly the inspiration for my work and I know God will bless our efforts."

April 4, 2006
In observance of May as National Foster Care Month, Toomey Residential and Community Services wishes to recognize their foster parents who make exceptional efforts to advocate and care for children. This is the story of one couple that exemplifies the important role of foster parents.

Duane and Michelle Dedrick of Camillus are foster parents with big hearts...and a big family. They have adopted six siblings and are hoping to adopt the seventh. The children range in age from 12 months to 11-years-old.

Inspired by the teachings of St. Cecilia, the patron saint of children, Duane and Michelle Dedrick decided to become foster parents to help children who need a good home."

They contacted Toomey Residential and Community Services, an affiliate of Catholic Charities of Onondaga County where they received a warm welcome and the support they needed to prepare to become foster parents. Upon completing the foster parent training program at Toomey in May 2000, the Dedricks expressed interest in providing a home for a group of siblings. Shortly thereafter, Austin, Kris and Adam came to live with them. Within a few years, James, Casey and Cody joined their brothers at the Dedrick's home. All six older children were adopted on June 6, 2005. Another sibling, age 12 months, is the latest member of the family to be reunited with his brothers and sister.

Managing a large family takes extra effort, even ordinary chores can be a major endeavor. Every month, the grocery bill averages between $1,500.00 and $2,000. There is a commercial front-loading washer and dryer in the basement situated next to a large table which holds nine laundry baskets, one for each member of the household. Once a week, the children have "chore day" where they are taught life skills such as vacuuming, dusting, washing dishes and cleaning their bedrooms. The Dedricks say it takes organization, understanding and "assigned duties" to manage of family of nine.

They are a family on the go as most families are these days. Currently, the children are enrolled in piano, dance, gymnastics and soccer. The Dedricks say they are committed to giving these children the best chance for success in their lives. In return, Duane says, they receive a lot of love.

The Dedricks recalled seeing the look on the children's faces when they experienced their first Christmas together. According to Duane and Michelle, support from family and their friends has enabled them to be successful in adopting the children. They said the support of Toomey case workers has made their experience of foster parenting and adoption extremely positive.

"The children have gone through an amazing transformation since they came," says Duane.

"We never thought in terms of not adopting the children," says Michelle, "These kids were meant for us. They were meant to be here."

The Dedricks said they count on Toomey to support them in dealing with the children's physical and emotional challenges.

"Toomey is always there to help with personalized attention and services, they are like a little angel on your side," says Duane. "Toomey established a rapport with the children" and consequently "the children felt comfortable with the case workers and their transition to their new home."

If you are interested in learning more about foster care, and would like to get connected with current foster parents or get more information from the staff at Toomey, please call Julie Crane at 424-1845.

March 27, 2006
Syracuse, NY - Six prominent community leaders will be honored at this year's 21st Annual House of Providence Dinner. Since 1985, this dinner has recognized individuals and organizations who define the best traits of Central New York Citizenry. For the second consecutive year, Fidelis Care of New York is the presenting sponsor for this signature event.

This year's dinner will take place on Wednesday, May 24th in the OnCenter ballroom with a cocktail reception at 6:00 p.m. and dinner at 7:00 p.m. Co-chairs, Doug Logan and Eileen Oliva along with an active committee of 40 people proudly announce that this year's honorees are: Dr. Harold "Hal" Wanamaker, Mrs. Barbara Wanamaker, Dr. Hayes Wanamaker and Dr. John Wanamaker; Rev. Charles J. Beirne, S.J., president of Le Moyne College; and Ms. Jackie Coley "Social Notebook" editor for The Post-Standard.

The Wanamakers will receive the Humanitarian Services Medallion, a symbol of dedication to the Syracuse Community. The Wanamaker family has played a leading role in bettering the lives of others through a multitude of civic pursuits. Dr. Harold "Hal" and Mrs. Barbara Wanamaker are truly a "team" when it comes to community service and philanthropy. This husband and wife team has championed the cause for the betterment of the Syracuse Community in serving on Boards of Directors for the Syracuse Community Health Center, the Syracuse Symphony and Syracuse Upstate Medical University to name a few.

Together, the Wanamakers have served the Syracuse Chapter of Habitat for Humanity. Recently, they co-chaired the Syracuse Symphony's "Raising the Roof" concert to fund the building of a home for a Syracuse family. They have been recognized as "Memory Makers" Honorees for the Alzheimer's Association of Central New York, "Outstanding Volunteers" for the Dewitt Community Church, and have received The Post-Standard's "Achievement Award." They have co-chaired the Syracuse Opera's 25th Anniversary Gala, the first Syracuse Symphony Opening Night Gala and the Everson Museum's "Festival of Trees Patron Party." Today, they are the co-chairs for the capital campaign of the Fayetteville Library.

Over the past several decades, the Wanamakers have passed on their spirit and enthusiasm to their children which continue a tradition of community service. Dr. Hayes Wanamaker, the eldest of the four Wanamaker children, has been a practicing otolaryngologist along with his younger brother, Dr. John Wanamaker in the Syracuse area since the 1990s. Interwoven throughout his medical and personal life is a strong belief in community service.

Dr. Hayes served the Crouse Health Foundation Board of Directors for a decade and has been a member of The Salvation Army of the Syracuse Area Board of Directors since 2000. In 1998, he received a "40 under 40" Leadership Greater Syracuse Award and has been listed as one of "Best Doctors in America" for the Northeast Region from 1996 to the present and in the Consumers' Research Council of America Guide to America's Top Physicians in 2003 from the American Academy of Otolaryngology. Through everything he does - for his patients, family and citizens of Central New York - Dr. Hayes Wanamaker has made significant contributions to improving the quality of health and life in our community.

Dr. John Wanamaker joined the Wanamaker Family practice in 1997 after completing a Fellowship in Head and Neck Surgery at Vanderbuilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN and an Internship and Residency at Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Cleveland, OH. He has served the Board of Directors of many fine organizations including the American Lung Association, Syracuse Medical Alumni, Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce and the Onondaga County Medical Society. This former Chair of the House of Providence Dinner in 2004 has assisted the Syracuse Symphony, The Crouse Health Foundation and the American Heart Association with special events. He currently serves as the Chair of the WCNY Board of Trustees.

As a volunteer instructor for Upstate Medical University, Dr. John worked with first year medical students regarding head and neck anatomy. He has published dozens of articles, book chapters and review articles as well as having made numerous presentations about various head and neck topics. Awards and honors include the "Alpha Omega Alpha" Honorary from the Syracuse Medical Alumni Board; "40 under 40" Leadership Greater Syracuse Award; and following in the tradition of honors from the American Academy of Otolaryngology, "Best Doctors in America" from 1999 to the present. Society Notebook Columnist Jacqueline Coley will receive The President's Medallion in honor of her immeasurable contribution to the community. Her column "Social Notebook" explores and publicizes the needs and fundraising endeavors of human service, social service and cultural organizations. This year marks the 20th Anniversary of her column.

Ms. Coley, a Syracuse native, graduated from Most Holy Rosary School and attended Syracuse University. In serving in the United States Coast Guard during World War II, Ms. Coley made a commitment to the greater community. She joined a select group of women in the SPARS, a nautical term meaning "Always Ready," Reserve Attachment in Washington, D.C. She is a graduate of the Berkely School of New York, NY and a former fashion commentator and model for the Addis Co., Flah's, McDonald's, Dey Brothers, Chappells and Helmers of Syracuse. Since the early 1970s, Ms. Coley has lent her talent to the "Backstage Backers" of the Fayetteville-Manlius High School who have furthered the careers of young actors, singers, and dancers in drama in supporting their performances and awarding scholarships. She founded the Backstage Backers, a group of adults who advocate children's growth and development through music, theater and the arts. Ms. Coley is proud to say that this group is still very active almost four decades later.

Rev. Charles J. Beirne, S.J. will be presented with the Bishop's Medallion which recognizes his extreme selflessness in serving the community, living a life as a model of service to others, through his vocation and voluntary pursuits. At the top of his profession as an education administrator, Father Beirne was named the 11th president of LeMoyne College in 2000. He came to LeMoyne from Universidad Rafael Landivar in Guatemala, where he served as academic vice president and professor of education. His other administrative and teaching positions include academic vice president at Universidad Centoamericana in San Salvador; academic vice president at Santa Clara University in California; associate dean of Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., headmaster at Regis High School of New York City and principal of Colegio San Ignacio in Puerto Rico.

Father Beirne will celebrate two special anniversaries this year. It is the 60th Anniversary of LeMoyne College and his 50th Anniversary as a Jesuit. Ordained in 1969, Father Beirne has been a priest for 37 years. He holds a Ph.D. in education from the University of Chicago and has written three books: Jesuit Education and Social Change in El Salvador: Libros de Texto en El Salvador and The Problem of Americanization in the Catholic Schools of Puerto Ric

March 28, 2006
Syracuse, NY - Dorothy Day House is experiencing its own version of "Extreme Makeover" this spring, thanks to the work of a Franciscorps volunteer.

For the months of April, May and June, volunteers will "roll up their sleeves" to paint, wallpaper and redecorate the nine-bedroom house which serves as shelter for more than 200 women and children each year.

"As you can imagine, continuous use of furnishings means deterioration and outdated décor," says Franciscorp volunteer Meghan Flick who inspired the project. She explains, "These women and children deserve a look at a bright future with surroundings that make them feel good about themselves."

Meghan said that the project is to ask volunteers and donors "to lend their time and talents in refurbishing the rooms of the house." Items needed for the makeover include paint, wallpaper, window treatments, linens, pillows, blankets, bed spreads, comforters, rugs, table and floor lamps, wall decorations, pictures and just about anything that will make a bedroom feel comfortable.

Meghan is hoping that participants will also avail themselves of the "Naming Opportunities" at the shelter that will serve as a lasting tribute to their caring. Naming opportunities are available for each room at the shelter and range from $1,000 to $10,000. A wall of honor will be established to recognize the efforts of major donors and volunteers.

Dorothy Day House is operated by Catholic Charities of Onondaga County and serves as a temporary safe haven for women and their children in crisis, who in addition to shelter, receive meals, counseling and assistance. Each year, more than 200 women and children pass through the shelter, some may stay up to a few months. Each woman who walks through the door is in desperate need of many things including temporary lodging, food and clothing, says Dorothy Day House Director Mary Driscoll. "Our goal is to provide a secure, welcoming environment to enable these families whose survival has been threatened by domestic violence to start anew."

A native of the state of Michigan, Meghan was recruited from her alma mater, St. Mary's of Notre Dame in Southbend, Indiana, by the Franciscorps Director, Brother James Moore of the Church of the Assumption in Syracuse, NY.

Meghan attended a career fair during her junior year at college and became interested in the program. Franciscorps Volunteers commit to one-year of volunteerism and ministry at a chosen charity, in this case, Dorothy Day House, in return for the experience of fulfilling their desires as an individual that is driven by their instincts to "do good. " Franciscorps Volunteers receive a stipend to subsidize living arrangements and expenses. The volunteers espouse the Franciscan values of community, simplicity and spirituality. Local families adopt the volunteers and subsidize their expenses to enable them to accomplish their mission of assisting the charity with their full-time commitment of volunteerism.

Dorothy Day House is comprised of 15 staff members and three volunteers. Meghan averages 50 hours per week in the shelter. Since she began last August, she has graduated from performing the essential household tasks of cleaning, cooking and shopping to case management which at times involves crisis management. "I have learned so much," says Meghan. "Many women and children come to us with literally only the clothes on their backs."

"Their optimism and dreams have fallen to the wayside and their struggle for survival has replaced any inclination of luxury. This has led to my mission of rejuvenation. This spring, we are offering an opportunity to take a day to add a little (or a lot) of LOVE to the rooms which house these women and children."

Her year with Dorothy Day House will end in July. Meghan is hoping to complete the Extreme Home Makeover before she finishes her term.

Dorothy Day House is named for the suffragette and activist who devoted her life to providing safe homes for abused and battered women and children. It first opened its doors in 1984. In 2005, Catholic Charities has recorded 5,284 shelter nights meaning the number of days that women and children had safe haven during that year.

This generosity of spirit and caring truly will make a significant difference to the women and children at the shelter. Interested volunteers or donors may contact Ann Madsen, Director of Development for Catholic Charities of Onondaga County, at (315) 362-7652

March 29, 2006
SYRACUSE, NY - Catholic Charities of Onondaga County's Office of Development and Public Relations is proud to welcome Mary Whiting as the organization's new Development Associate. Ms. Whiting comes to Catholic Charities with more than 20 years experience in non-profit resource development. She holds a B.S. in Business Administration from SUNY Empire State College. Her duties are centered around data base management for the agency.

Formerly, Ms. Whiting was employed with the Central New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and The Salvation Army of the Syracuse Area.

Ms. Whiting, a native to the Watertown area and St. Lawrence River-1000 Islands regions has lived in the Syracuse Area for 7 years.

February 22, 2006
On Monday, February 20, 2006 Catholic Charities of Onondaga County celebrated Black History Month with a variety of performances from Catholic Charities' Neighborhood Center youth. The annual celebration titled "It Still Takes a Village..." was dedicated to the memory of Coretta Scott King. The program was designed to encourage kids to become all they can in life.

Event organizer Eloise Leflore welcomed the crowd of nearly 150 children and adults by telling them that "we are a village and each one of us is responsible for guiding, raising and educating our children."

Two young emcees named Scooby and James then took the microphone and introduced the performers. Performances included the singing of the National Black Anthem, "Lift Every Voice and Sing", skits, poetry readings, dance routines and an African Drums Performance that got the crowd on their feet.

This is Catholic Charities' 15th annual celebration, held to heighten awareness of the importance of Black History in America not only during the month of February, but year round.

Snacks for the children were provided courtesy of Price Chopper.

February 22, 2006
SYRACUSE, NY - Catholic Charities of Onondaga County's Office of Development and Public Relations is proud to welcome Kay Rorer as the organization's new Grants Coordinator. Ms. Rorer comes to Catholic Charities with more than 25 years as a program director in marketing and higher education, including five years as Director of Experiential Education at Cazenovia College. Most recently an independent consultant to both businesses and not-for-profit organizations, she has broad experience in program design and project management, grant writing and administration, development, and public relations.

Ms. Rorer's position at Catholic Charities has been newly developed to coordinate public and private funding for the agency's extensive community-based programs.

Ms. Rorer, a native Virginian, has lived in the Cazenovia area for 14 years.