I believe in the value of Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the power of United Way. The dollars pledged and contributed to United Way are used to fund more than 40 programs at 22 partner agencies. These programs will touch more than 50,000 lives in Washington County this year.
I ask that you consider giving generously to United Way this year. Please join me in giving through your workplace campaign or mail your donation to United Way of Washington County, 18706 Crestwood Drive, Hagerstown MD 21742.
Cynthia Perini
United Way volunteer
2006 Campaign Co-Chairperson
Foundation isn't United Way, but we support it
To the editor:
In my travels around the county as the executive director of the Community Foundation of Washington County MD Inc., I am often asked, "Isn't the Community Foundation just another United Way?" Since the current United Way Campaign is under way, I feel it is a good time to answer this question and explain why our county needs both organizations.
There are three major differences between our organizations. The first involves the type of giving. The United Way emphasizes giving from discretionary income, the money left over after all of the bills have been paid each month.
This is especially effective through payroll deductions. The Community Foundation emphasizes giving with appreciated assets like stock or real property, where the gift needs to be planned and there are usually significant tax considerations involved.
The second difference is that the United Way emphasizes the current needs of the nonprofit community. Its goal is to help the member organizations meet current operational needs by funding specific programs.
The Community Foundation emphasizes future needs. We strive to help donors create permanent endowment funds that will help community nonprofits meet future financial needs, and create a legacy for the donor.
A third difference is that the United Way emphasizes health and human service organizations in Washington County, whereas the Community Foundation has no agenda concerning nonprofits. Our mission is to help donors in Washington County achieve their goals in any field of interest: Human services, arts and culture, health, recreation, historical, environmental, animal welfare, etc.
Most individuals have a checking account to pay for current bills and a savings account to pay for future needs.
The United Way serves as the checking account for Washington County and the Community Foundation serves as the savings account. In fact, the United Way of Washington County has an endowment fund with the Community Foundation to help prepare for its own future needs.
Our community needs both organizations and I urge all of the citizens of Washington County to support the United Way Campaign to help improve the quality of life in our communities.
Brad Sell
Executive Director
Community Foundation of Washington County MD Inc.
Can't HAWC help Murphy tenants?
To the editor:
One hundred and twenty tenants at Francis Murphy Apartments signed a petition asking for improved safety at the corner of Rosebank Way and Robinwood Drive. They have made the same request every year for the past four years but not in writing and not with the unanimity expressed by their petition.
The petition will be presented to members of the Housing Authority of Washington County (HAWC) on Nov. 9 when they meet at the apartment complex for lunch and a public session.
The problem at the corner of Rosebank has to do with the speed of drivers coming from the Hagerstown Community College (HCC) and their inability to see any car waiting or starting out of Rosebank Way onto Robinwood Drive.
The petition requests a flashing yellow light on Robinwood, a large reduced speed sign, a bright entrance light on the hill at the corner of the apartment property, pavement markings and reflectors on Rosebank.
Four years of complaining resulted in a barely visible light installed at the tiptop of a high telephone pole on Robinwood.
