Leadership Tioga 2017 kicked off in full force on Tuesday, Jan. 17. The 24 program participants arrived early for the opening session at the Campville Fire Station #3, located just past the Tioga County Sheriff’s Department on Rt. 38 in Owego.
The topic for the day was Volunteerism. Robert Williams, former police chief, current Tioga County Coroner, and volunteer for many local agencies began the discussion on the importance of volunteering. Williams made the point that rural areas, like Tioga County, don’t have as many paid services as urban areas. Therefore there is heavy reliance on volunteers to meet the needs of the community. He stated that volunteering is personal and that priorities (family, work, community), various factors (time, skills, abilities) and opportunities presented (government, non-profits, clubs, religious organizations) must be sorted through to see which is a match for each individual.
Sister Mary O’Brien, CSJ, executive director of Tioga County Rural Ministry (TCRM) brought the point home that volunteerism is of great importance here in Tioga County. She shared that TCRM’s food pantry is open five days a week because there is such a need. That along with food and personal care items, the next greatest need in our county is help with housing and utilities. With the help of partnerships throughout the county and over 200 volunteers, these needs are being met. But there is always room for more donations as TCRM relies heavily on donations, small grants and prayer! O’Brien emphasizes that everyone who comes for help at TCRM is treated with dignity. Her power point and presentation was very poignant, eye-opening and moving.
Leadership Tioga 2017 will continue through November with one two-hour class each month on a variety of topics. For more information on class dates, times, locations, topics and price, please contact the Tioga County Chamber of Commerce at (607) 687-1095 or at business@tiogachamber.com.
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