Applications for Grants Accepted

The Tioga County Senior Citizens Foundation, Inc. is accepting applications for grants. They support

organizations and activities which promote the needs, interests and well-being of seniors throughout Tioga County.

In 1999, support was given to five local emergency squads, by purchasing automatic external defibrillators and battery packs for these units.

Thirteen local senior citizens clubs were supported along with six libraries, the Open Door Mission, Tioga County Rural Ministry, Southern Tier Chapter Alzheimer's Association, Ti-Ahwaga Community Players, Tioga County Council on the Arts, Tioga Opportunities, Newark Valley Historical Society, Homestar Youth Guild, BOCES-LPN scholarship program, McKendree United Methodist Church, Tioga Nursing Facility, Riverview Manor Health Care Center, The Clay People, six local food pantries and the Waverly Recreation Commission. This brings the total of grants awarded since 1983 to $762,249.

The Tioga County Senior Citizens Foundation, Inc. was created following the closing of the Owego Home for Aged Women, which operated at 369 Front Street in the Village of Owego. Originally, Miss Anna M. Dean willed her home and a percentage of her estate "to house indigent and feeble elderly women of Tioga County." The home was incorporated by the State in February 1910, and served women for 70 years.

Prominent Tioga County residents served on the Board of Directors. These gentlemen solicited strong financial support for the home and a Women's Board directed the daily needs of the residents.

The Home for Aged Women was closed in 1979. The house was sold, and the Tioga County Senior Citizens

Foundation, Inc. was established investing the money, with the goal of enhancing the quality of life for senior citizens. The Foundation also serves as an advocate for seniors through its interactions with a variety of community groups.

Currently the fourteen men and women who serve on the Board of Directors are: President-J. Dickson Edson, Vice President-Gary Williams, Treasurer-Ralph Kelsey, Secretary-Gina Williams, J. Paul Cavataio, Carol Cooley, Mary Charlotte Donnelly, Tom Emnett, Dean Fowler, Laura Hoppe, Ross McGraw, Jane Murphy, Keith Nichols and Roy Yarrington. The Foundation would like to express their thanks to Mr. Richard Waltman who served on the board for twenty-four years, as a member of the financial committee and as treasurer.

Donations to the Tioga County Senior Citizens Foundation, Inc., are greatly appreciated and are tax-deductible. It is a gift that keeps giving.

The board reviews grant applications that are received by June 1. Grants are awarded yearly on September 15.

If you would like to receive a grant application or have any questions please write to: Tioga County Senior Citizens Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 117, Owego, NY 13827-0117 or call 625-3722.