Community News

     The Oswego Association of Business and Professional Women, established in 1989, is composed of working women and retirees from Oswego and neighboring communities. They support local groups and organizations as well as contribute to the Human Concerns Food Pantry every year during the holidays.

     "Currently we have collected a generous donation of cash to be presented next week to the Human Concerns Food Pantry," OABPW President Beth Clark said. "As well as adopting 24 children from a local charity to present with Christmas gifts and food for the holidays on December 18."

     Clark said the children they serve typically receive free or reduced lunch at school, so some of these families do not have nutritious meals during school breaks.

     Not only does OABPW help local organizations as well as the community, but it also provides a $500 Academic Excellence Scholarship to one Oswego High School senior each June.

     "Because we are a women's group, we provide a scholarship only to females," member Margaret Manccia said. "We put out applications at the high school and wait for students to apply."

     Manccia is on the OABPW scholarship committee which consists of four women: Manccia, her sister Kathleen Batchelor, Mary Jackson and Pat Jackson.

     "It's really hard to only pick one scholarship winner," Manccia said. "All the girls that apply are really qualified for it. But we have to choose one."

     Theresa Slosek, secretary of OABPW, said she is very proud to be a part of the group.

     "This is my second year as a member," she said. "It's a really great group I love that we work with the Human Concerns Food Pantry to help families out there."

Members of OABPW take pride in their hard work and commitment to the community.

     "I am so proud of this group of women," Clark said. "It is my pleasure to be the president, working on my third year now."

     OABPW currently has 38 members and are always looking to increase their numbers.

     "We are encouraging new membership now," Clark said.

     If interested in joining this group of women, reach out to Pat Cole at 315-343-2455. OABPW meet on the third Tuesday of every month, with the exception of July and August, at Vona's Restaurant at 6:00 p.m.