Ulster County News

FROM: ULSTER COUNTY OFFICE

DATE: June 22, 2005 

Richard A. Gerentine, Chairman of the Ulster County Legislature, presented checks totaling approximately $2,000.00 to Su Marcy, Vice President of the United Way on Thursday, June 16, 2005. The contributions, which have been designated toward the assistance of those still overcoming the devastating losses from the April flooding, were presented by Chairman Gerentine and Legislator Alice Tipp on behalf of Jeff Mekeel, President of UNICO International – Marlboro, New York chapter and several Ulster County Legislators. These monies will be placed in with other donations received from charities, businesses, individuals and the county government. Currently, the funds under account total in excess of $60,000.00 and contributions are still needed for those flood victims. "With the generosity of UNICO, and most of the County Legislators, I am pleased to present these funds to the United Way for the flood victims. I would like to thank Jeff Mekeel and Chris Cerone for devoting all proceeds from a recent charity event to the flood victims; UNICO is a viable community organization in Marlboro and their assistance is greatly appreciated. Additionally, it should also be noted that fellow UNICO member Jeff Diorio won a 50/50 raffle during the fund raiser and donated the entire portion back to the United Way along with the UNICO contribution," stated Chairman Gerentine.

Legislator Alice Tipp then presented a third check from funds she collected from fellow Legislators. Chairman Gerentine, Deputy Clerk Matthew Pascale, and League of Women’s Voters Tom Kadgen joined Legislators Elizabeth Alfonso, Charlie Busick, Sue Cummings, Frank Dart, Gerald DePew, Frank Felicello, Wayne Harris, Jim Maloney, Bill McAfee, Al Meyer, Glenn Noonan, Majority Leader Michael Stock, and Alice Tipp in contributing money for the benefit of the flood victims during the April monthly session. "Though these contributions are a great help, more is still needed. I have implored and encouraged citizens, businesses and organizations to band together in a united effort to help our neighbors in time of need. I will continue to make that plea on behalf of those that have been displaced by this traumatic event; please, whatever you are capable of doing, more donations are needed," stated the Chairman.

In a very touching statement, Su Marcy related a story of a young girl who, after hearing about the many people suffering, contributed one third of the money she had received from family and friends for receiving her First Communion to the United Way. Susan Rounds from the Ulster County Red Cross and Art Snyder, Director of Ulster County Emergency Management, also made brief statements which echoed Chairman Gerentine’s position. People still interested in contributing may send checks to the United Way, 450 Albany Ave., Kingston, New York, 12401.