Paul Szmal: And we're back on FLX Morning on Finger Lakes News Radio. It is 8-16. We're joined now by Rhonda Jasper from the Seneca County United Way. Rhonda, good morning. How are you this Monday morning?
Ronda Jasper: I'm good. How are you?
Paul Szmal: I'm doing well. Doing well. Let's jump right into it. We have a lot of ground to cover this morning. And let's start off with the value of the month for March. Personal power. It's a good reminder that we have some control over the things that happen to us, but more importantly the way we react to things. And how does that pertain for youth as well as adults?
Ronda Jasper: It's really encouraging our children's abilities, you know, natural strengths and the things they're working towards, and giving them the opportunity to solve some of their own problems so they can learn those skills. And what do you, what do, what can kids do with that value of the month to kind of improve their own situation?
Paul Szmal: Well, they can always work on their communication skills and respect in relationships, but they can also change a habit, break energy-wasting habits that don't really serve you, and really just pay attention to how you respond to things.
Paul Szmal: Now, I know that you have been very, very busy working on the Ovid fire response. And to that effect, there is an upcoming drive-through food distribution in the area?
Ronda Jasper: Yes, tomorrow in Ovid at the Main Street School right there in Ovid, we are going to be doing a distribution. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is sending in a tractor-trailer of food, non-perishable. So we've been working with Catholic Charities to kind of figure out the details around that. So you know, we're looking for volunteers, but also please, please, it is open to everybody. There are no qualifications, no questions asked. Just drive through the line, and we will put food in your trunk.
Paul Szmal: Okay, and the hours again for that?
Ronda Jasper: It's going to start at 4 o'clock at the school on Main Street, but we ask that no one arrives before 3.30. There will be a line. My understanding is that there will also be plenty, but it is first-come, first-served.
Paul Szmal: Okay, okay. And I know this was kind of a last-minute deal that came together?
Ronda Jasper: It was, it was. There was a lot of moving pieces, and luckily the school was able to accommodate us, even with their construction and everything going on. So we're happy that it's able to work out, and then whatever's left today, we'll use to help, you know, fill the pantries back up for all that they've done in the past month or so.
Paul Szmal: Yeah, and they have been very busy indeed. We're talking with Rhonda Jasper from the Seneca County United Way here this morning on FLX Morning. How did the pop-up 2.0 do?
Ronda Jasper: Oh my God, it did wonderful. Not only were we able to move a lot of the donations, but we were able to make another $4,000 to go towards the efforts. So very successful, and we are so appreciative of everyone who came out and volunteered and shopped and made it all happen.
Paul Szmal: You're referencing, by the way, the pop-up store with the United Way and Catholic Charities that was at the Outlet Mall. There were two installments of it, the most recent of which was at the end of February and beginning of March. And you know, these donations coming in, we should mention exactly where these donations go and how much of those donations go to those people, Rhonda.
Ronda Jasper: Of course. All of the donations coming in through the fund that we're doing with Catholic Charities, 100% of it is going back towards the OVID efforts, so those people impacted, programs that helped them, all of that piece, but 100% is going back. Catholic Charities nor United Way of Seneca County is taking any admin out of it. So every dollar you donate to that is going back to OVID.
Paul Szmal: And you are gearing up for what I consider to be one of, if not the biggest events of the year the United Way puts together in the form of the Taste of Spring.
Ronda Jasper: Absolutely. We've got our biggest fundraiser coming up May 15th, we'll be out at Del Lago again. They're allowing us to use the old buffet space, which is perfect for our event. And it's the biggest birthday party ever, so we're going to come and celebrate everybody who walks in the door.
Paul Szmal: Oh, I take it there'll be cake then.
Ronda Jasper: Of course. And wine, and cider, and beer, and food, and...
Paul Szmal: You can't have a birthday without birthday cake, I'm sorry. That's just, there ought to be a law against that, but that's just me. How many different vendors are participating in Taste of Spring so far?
Ronda Jasper: So we generally have between 30 and 35.
Paul Szmal: Wow, that's a big number. So that's a lot of... All local. And I was going to say, a lot of variety with that too.
Ronda Jasper: Absolutely. Like I said, we've got, of course, the wines, beers, ciders, but we also have some non-alcoholic. We've got coffee, we've got tons of food, savory food, desserts, ice cream, we usually get gelato. So something for everyone for sure. Come hungry, and once you walk in the door with your $40 ticket, all the tastings are included, so I promise you will not walk away hungry.
Paul Szmal: Oh, no. If you walk away hungry, it's your own fault.
Ronda Jasper: Yes. This is another one of those events that the United Way puts on where the proceeds come straight back and help not only the United Way, but the various partner agencies that the United Way works with.
Paul Szmal: Yes, yes. We're so happy to be able to do things like helping with the OVID recovery and those pieces, but with all of the money coming in for that, that's going specifically to OVID. For us to be able to kind of pause what we're doing or change our gears a little bit and respond in real time to what the community needs, we can only do that because we're also donation-based. So remind people that if you are appreciative or if you see or you've been part of the response to this or any of the other community or any of the work we do, we, of course, appreciate any and all donations. We are wrapping up our 2025 campaign soon, and we are just shy of 100%. We're so close. So there's still hope we're going to make it.
Paul Szmal: How much time do people have left if they want to make a straight donation to that?
Ronda Jasper: I would say probably mid-April.
Paul Szmal: Ah, okay. Okay. Speaking of April, what is the value of the month for April? Let's talk about that for a moment. I'm going to change my page. Hold on.
Ronda Jasper: Tolerance and integrity.
Paul Szmal: Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. And how does that apply for both youth and for adults, Rhonda?
Ronda Jasper: Oh, it's being tolerant of other people's differences, treating each other fairly, showing compassion. You know, that's stuff both youth and adults can do. But adults is being very aware of the way we talk about people who are different from ourselves. You know, accepting, respecting our children and the children around us. And again, I feel like with all these values, just reminding adults that, you know, you don't have to have your own kids at home for kids to be watching how all of us are responding to what's going on around us. And we, you know, we're influencing that next generation. Whether we want to be or not, our reactions are definitely being watched.
Paul Szmal: Okay. And let's recap again that drive-thru food distribution that is coming up in the Ovid area.
Ronda Jasper: Yep. That would be tomorrow, Tuesday, the 11th, and we'll be out at the school on Main Street in Ovid. We'll start handing out at 4 o'clock. Please don't line up before 3.30, but absolutely no qualifications, no questions asked, open to anybody and everyone who needs it.
Paul Szmal: All right. Rhonda, thank you so much for joining us this morning. We appreciate it as always.
Ronda Jasper: Oh, thank you so much.
Paul Szmal: All right. It's 8.24 on FLX Morning.
