The Sweden Community Foundation (SCF) held a meet-and-greet on Wednesday, August 16 in the foyer of the Sweden/Clarkson Community Center, bringing in over 75 business representatives from western Monroe County. Alternately dubbed the Sweden Business Challenge, the group's reception welcomed Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks as its keynote speaker. Also in attendance were NY State Senator George Maziarz (R-62nd District) and NY State Assemblyman William Reilich (R-134th District). "The feedback was great," said Thomas Ferris of Connors & Ferris, LLP, who sits on both the SCF Board and the Recreation and Park Advisory Council (RPAC). "I expect very strongly that the foundation will be receiving pledges of support from these people." There were several goals of the reception, according to Foundation President Jack Milner. First and foremost, he and the other board members simply wanted to introduce themselves. "Our mission as a foundation is to identify community projects that people, for one reason or another, are unable to fund themselves," said Ferris. "In other words, we're looking to close the gap between where public money leaves off and public needs begin." The SCF is barely a year old and still working its way through the necessary bureaucracy involved in any philanthropic endeavor. "The first year is the formative year," said Milner. That means getting incorporated and registered for 501c3 non-profit status, as well as establishing by-laws and a business plan. Having met these requirements, the SCF can start raising money so it will be ready to address its constituency and flesh out its projects and aims. "Once we secure funds, it's a matter of identifying projects," said Wayne Zyra, vice president of the SCF. "That's why we're trying to interest local businesses. That way they, too, can play a key role in aiding the quality of life of their customers." Zyra comes to the foundation with ten years experience on the Sweden Planning Board, where he served as chairman for four of those years, as well as some time spent on the Recreation and Park Advisory Council. He is also Monroe County legislator for the 1st District. At the moment, the foundation is most interested in the recreational development of the community. Last fall, the SCF took its first step in this direction when they purchased a pool table for the Sweden Community Center. Now that they've tested the waters, they're turning toward more expansive projects, including a possible addition to the Fitness Center in Brockport and a shuffleboard court for the Senior Center. "We don't actively seek projects ourselves," said Charles Militello of the SCF. "We work according to needs in the community." Militello is also a member of the Recreation and Park Advisory Council, which works as a liaison between the SCF, the Sweden Town Board and the community. The RPAC pinpoints recreational needs in the community, makes a proposal to the town board, then seeks additional funding and services through the SCF. All decisions are ultimately those of the town board, according to Militello, but with the assistance of the RPAC and the SCF projects such as the Sweden Town Park can be expedited. Both Milner and Militello lament the slow progress in the construction of the park, and feel that this is exactly where the SCF can benefit greatly. They are already taking a look at the master plan, said Milner, and figuring out ways they can help through future funding. "We're trying to improve the community and allow more activities for the kids," said Dan Hogan of Crane-Hogan Construction, who also sits on the SCF Board. Hogan cites as a possible future project the construction of a field house and sports facility to welcome some of the run-off from the excess of students at the local gymnasiums. "One measure of a community is what the kids are doing after school," said Maziarz. "Community recreation has a positive impact on crime rates and the quality of life." Second goal - funding The second major goal of the reception was the launching of a campaign - the Sweden Business Challenge - to raise funds and encourage the assistance of local businesses. "Businesses have a responsibility to their community," said Ferris. "A responsibility to donate their time, resources and money." Ferris set a financial precedent with a donation of $5,000 to the SCF which provided the initial impetus of the Business Challenge. "I think it's wonderful," said Kathleen Prince, owner of Curves Fitness Center in Brockport. "I think it's great what they're trying to do." As with many other small business owners, Prince has offered her services to the community, in lieu of a direct donation, either in the form of corporate discounts or heading a discussion at the Community Center about the fitness program at Curves. "Being more involved with services is being more involved in the community," said David Mayer, owner of two Tim Horton's restaurants in Brockport and North Chili. For Mayer, the idea of donating time to the community is a regular part of being a local business owner. In addition to sponsoring several T-ball and youth soccer teams, Mayer often provides food for after school programs, including the pre-school reading group at the Community Center. "In-kind activities are just as valuable as cash," said Zyra, "sometimes more valuable." Nancy Duff, director of the Sweden Senior Center, was unable to attend the reception, though she has heard of the foundation. "Anything like that would be a benefit," she said. "Really any aid is helpful in an age when money is so tight." In addition to recreation and sports, Duff recognizes an urgent need for transportation in the community. It's great to focus on improving the community center, for example, but it's just as important to make sure people can get there, she said. "The goal of the foundation is to facilitate physical fitness and mental wellness into the lives of the people of this great community," said Maggie Brooks, addressing the businessmen and women at the event. "However, they cannot do it all alone. It takes awareness and education. It takes dedication and spirit. And it takes a renewed commitment from all of you to make this goal a reality." September 3, 2006 |
