We have applied for the Stewart's Shop Holiday Match grant again, as well as the WGY/Curtis Lumber Christmas Wish grant which we won last year. For some reason we did not receive the generous $400 until November, although it was sent out sometime in early July. We truly appreciate the support we get from the local community and from the churches, particularly Main St. Baptist Church and Burlington Flats Baptist Church. We are sorry that one of our biggest supporters, St. Mary's Respect LIfe Committee has decided to at least temporarily suspend operations. Thanks to all the Committee members for their kind and generous support for the last 6 or 7 years.
We had been hoping to start a program with the Binghamton University Caribbean Students, but unfortunately the contact we had there resigned as president. Our program in Ilion has been postponed, but there is a pending request from St. Joseph the Worker Church in West Winfield. We have a program set up for April 9 again at Mom's House in Johnson City and are looking forward to presenting our M.O.M.- Model, Organizer, Mentor program there. We will again be at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church's Ice Cream Social in June in Johnson City. I had been asked to give a talk to 4H club members in the Utica area, but unfortunately the Toastmasters Youth program was cancelled. Toastmasters has an exceptional program for young people which teaches speaking, communication and leadership skills and it is free. If anyone is interested in starting one at their school please let me know. Depending on the area, we may be able to get some Toastmasters to run a local program. Cornell University recommends Toastmasters for its MBA candidates because it is so effective.