Jan 27, 2024
Seven Olean area residents will be honored for their commitment to the community during the Olean Family YMCA’s 38th annual Salute to Olean at St. Bonaventure University’s Doyle Hall on March 7.
This year’s honorees are Alan Bernstein and Paula Fidurko Bernstein, David and Barbara Hastings, Dr. Jill Owens and Sandy and Connie Wolfinger.
The Times Herald will feature profiles on each of the honorees in the coming weeks leading up to the banquet and ceremony in March.
In 2023, the YMCA established the Community Partner Award to recognize a company or organization that has a significant impact on the community and also partners with the YMCA to advance its mission of youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
This year’s recipient will be the Olean City School District.
The Y will present its 2023 Volunteer of the Year Award to William Walsh. The Charleen Rowand and Teresa Reihle Excellence in Child Care Award will be presented to Jeannie Rohl.
Jeff Townsend, YMCA of the Twin Tiers CEO, said he hopes this event showcases the essence of selfless dedication and volunteerism and how important these people are to the fabric of our community.
Townsend said he’s “excited to recognize these well-deserving honorees for the tremendous impact they have each had in our community.”
A reception for the honorees begins at 5 p.m. followed by a dinner program at 6 o’clock. The public is invited to attend the gala event that recognizes individuals for their volunteerism and positive impact on the Olean community.
Individual reservations are $65 each. Corporate/Patron tables, seating 10 people, are $700 each. Single patron tickets are $75 each. Corporate/Patron tables and Patron tickets include recognition in the event’s printed program.
Reservations may be made through Feb. 22 at https://t.ly/i6oda.
SOME GOOD SAMARITANS came to the aid of Tom and Deb O’Stricker earlier this week. We share a note from Deb:
“This morning my husband and I were trying to get him into his radiation appointment; we were having difficulty with the icy surface. ... Two gentlemen drove by, spotted us in distress, turned around, came back to help us get to the entrance.
“We want to thank the Good Samaritans; it’s nice to see that there are good people willing to help. We just hope they see this. ... Thank you so much.”