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Members of Recognizing Oswego County met on January 9th to regroup and re-energize for 2014. The group expects the new year to bring great news of people and organizations doing wonderful work in Oswego County to promote the health and wellness of children, families and adults.
Recognizing Oswego County focuses on the positive efforts that are being made in the community. Current ROC Chair, Brandon Morey said the group has updated its vision and set out a course for celebrating good deeds in 2014. Morey said the group's new vision statement is "Celebrating excellence and community champions while promoting a healthier and more positive community." He added, "By recognizing the good things that are being done, we expect these good deeds to perpetuate themselves and inspire others to reach out in any way they can to improve the community."
ROC member Penny Morley said, "I am so happy to be part of this important group. So often we hear about the negative things that are happening in our county. These shouldn't overshadow all the incredible work that people are doing out there."
Each month ROC selects a theme and 2-4 guest speakers are invited to share the good work they are doing. Nominations are also solicited from the community at large for Community Champions. For example, for February, the group is seeking nominations in the area of indoor recreation/physical activity. This might include a school that opens its doors to the community to provide an indoor exercise area, or an individual who organizes a winter exercise program. Nominations are due by February 10.
This year the group will be using a new online process to streamline the nomination process for Community Champions. Jackie Wallace developed this new tool and directs people to the Recognizing Oswego County Facebook page where they will find a link to the nomination form as well as upcoming events, cool links, inspirational quotes, etc. Nominations can also be submitted by email to bmorey@oswegocounty.com.
Former ROC chair, Abby Jenkins Wrolson recalled some of the highlights of 2013. "We heard about so many incredible programs and individual efforts in many different topic areas." Jenkins Wrolson provided the following list of Community Champions for 2013:
February: Catherine Celeste and Friends of Great Bear
March: Terie Daino, Literacy Volunteers of Oswego
April: Jeanne Unger, Farnham Family Services
May: Oswego County Opportunities Summer Food Service Program, Oswego County AmeriCorps, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County Nutrition Programs, and Food Bank of CNY
July: Billie Crandall-Brady, Oswego County Traffic Board
September: Oswego County Federation of Sportsmens' Clubs
October: Brian Katzman, Boy Scout Pack 885
November: Jenna Kain, Oswego Moms Group
December: Lauren Greutman, www.IAmThatLady.com
ROC members include representatives from a broad range of community organizations as well as individual community members. New members are welcome. Monthly meetings are held from 8-9:15 on the second Thursday of the month at the Oswego County Federal Credit Union at 90 E. Bridge Street in Oswego. For more information about ROC contact bmorey@oswegocounty.com.
