LOCAL

Good things happening in the Twin Tiers

Staff report

Volunteers at Access Midstream raised more than $105,000 for United Way of the Southern Tier. From left are Marty Castellana, United Way board member, Billie Demott, Stephanie Sandore, Margaret Lorden and Mike Tucker, all of Access Midstream, and Mark Clark, United Way board president.

Access Midstream gives to United Way

Volunteers at Access Midstream, a company of Williams Partners L.P., raised more than $105,000 in employee, corporate and special fundraising for the United Way of the Southern Tier.

"Access was the largest workplace campaign in Chemung County in 2014, increasing contributions by an impressive 153 percent," stated Kristin Butler, United Way spokeswoman.

The campaign was led by volunteers Billie Demott, Margaret Lorden, Stephanie Sandore and Mike Tucker.

Events included a golf tournament that raised $8,000 and the inaugural Sport Clay Shoot, which raised $39,000.

New fund started at Troy library

A new donor-designated fund, the Robert & Susan Storch — Allen F. Pierce Free Library Fund, was established recently to help support the library.

The fund, announced by Community Foundation of the Twin Tiers this week, was named for the couple because they are strong supporters of their community. The Storches sit on several boards and help with various community needs.

Susan Storch has been a library board member for 25 years and serves a vice chair of the Community Foundation of the Twin Tiers board.

"Creating this fund is yet another way for the Storches to give back to their community and ensure that their efforts continue forever," stated Angela Klopf, the foundation's chief executive officer. "The (Community Foundation of the Twin Tiers) board sincerely thanks the Storches — and future generations will be grateful to them for having the foresight to ensure the Allen F. Pierce Library will have the funds needed to continue providing a high level of service in the community. Additional services and programming are also available."

Anyone interested in learning more about the Community Foundation of the Twin Tiers may contact the organization at (570) 888-4759, email cftt@stny.rr.com or visit twintierscf.org.

Wellsboro woman celebrates 101st

Family and friends join The Green Home resident Mabel Krause, who recently celebrated her 101st birthday. Pictured, front row, from left, Allen Krause, Mabel Krause and Bill Krause. Back row, from left, MaryAnn Krause, Donna Taylor, Judy Krause and Ada Johnston.

A sense of humor and laughter have served Mabel Krause well over the years, and as she received a 101 Dalmatians stuffed animal on Jan. 16 to commemorate her 101st birthday at The Green Home, she cracked a smile and joke, "you better be good to me, pup."

Born to a big family, she remembers school as an adventure and hard work as a key part of her life. She settled in Blossburg where she and her husband, Neil, ran a local store and peddled milk around the county, according to a Green Home news release. Together, they had four sons and one stepson, which bloomed to Krause becoming a grandmother to 19 and great-grandmother to 11.

Never one to sit still, Krause channeled her compassionate nature into giving back to her family, knitting or crocheting outfits for her grandchildren, and giving back to the community, having donated more than 47 afghans and crafted numerous baskets for fundraisers to help fellow seniors, the release states.

Krause served in the Grand Chapter of Pennsylvania's Order of the Eastern Star for more than 50 years, a fraternal Freemason organization dedicated to promoting charitable work, education, faith and community bonds.

A member of the Professional Business Women's Club, she sought to expand opportunities for women in the workforce. She also served as a commission agent for the Blossburg bus service, providing a helping hand to the travelers and tourists passing through the area. For over 18 years, she volunteered with the Mansfield Senior Center to aid the center manager and provide Telephone Reassurance service, and at age 95 was highlighted as one of the center's most senior and hardworking volunteers.

During this year's birthday milestone, she gathered family and friends for a favorite snack—chicken McNuggets—before enjoying traditional cake and ice cream and birthday gifts.

Krause currently resides at The Green Home, a nonprofit, skilled nursing home providing both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care services for residents of Tioga County and the surrounding communities.

'Snowflake Fantasy' benefits center

A Snowflake Fantasy dinner dance was held Jan. 17 at the Deane Center in Wellsboro to raise money for Soldiers + Sailors Memorial Hospital’s new cancer center.

Sparkling snowflakes and winter's blue hues brought the Snowflake Fantasy dinner dance to life earlier this month at the Deane Center in Wellsboro.

Ticket holders were treated to an evening of fun-filled games, dancing, fine dining, and entertainment, according to a news release from Soldiers + Sailors Memorial Hospital.

All proceeds raised benefits a new cancer center at Soldiers + Sailors.

The evening began with an hors d'oeuvres served social hour followed by fine dining catered by Timeless Destination, and dancing to tunes spun by DJ Ether.

There were also prizes, 50/50 drawings, games of chance and gift certificates for those who attended.

Send news items for this feature to sgnews@gannett.com.