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   Arbor Day 2009

Here follow some fine examples of Central Hudson's ethic of service to others:

Karen Kosack, a Central Hudson Customer Service Representative with two autistic children of her own, has been raising money for other Hudson Valley families who have been affected by the mysterious spectrum disorder for years. She is the president of Autism Society Hudson Valley and the founder of the Hudson Valley Autism Walk. She has chaired the event, which has raised nearly $1 million to increase awareness and connect local families with needed services, since 2002.

In 2009 and 2010, Central Hudson Executive Assistant Denise Hector has helped organize the utility’s team for the American Heart Association’s Dutchess-Ulster Heart Walk, but she has been a participant in the annual fundraiser for much longer. Why? Because like so many, Hector has a history of heart-related illness in her family. She says participating in the walk is her way of honoring her father, who had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Hector is one of many Central Hudson employees who have helped raised tens of thousands of dollars for research, over more than a decade of participation.

Each year Central Hudson employees and retirees donate more and more money to the United Way organizations of Dutchess, Ulster and Orange Counties, and former employee campaign chair and Section Engineer Tim Hayes says that’s because it’s the right thing to do. “Each employee and retiree donation – regardless of size – makes a meaningful impact on our communities,” said Hayes, who co-chaired the 2007 campaign, which raised more than the $336,000 goal, and chaired the 2008 campaign, which far exceeded the $342,000 goal. In 2009 the Central Hudson Employee United Way Campaign exceeded its $357,000 goal, raising more than $366,000 in needed funding for the local agencies.

Central Hudson’s Senior Human Resources Administrator Maggi Whalen says it is human nature to want to help others; that’s why she volunteered to be the House Captain for the Central Hudson team during Rebuilding Together Day 2010. For the annual event, teams throughout Dutchess County volunteer to repair homes for income-eligible residents. “In one day you have the opportunity to change someone’s life by making them warm, safe and dry – just by volunteering a few hours of your time,” she said. Whalen and other Central Hudson employees have been active members of the Rebuilding Together – Dutchess County chapter (formerly Christmas in April) since its inception in 1991.

Annie Cannon, a Central Hudson Customer Service Representative and breast cancer survivor has led a team of Company volunteers (some of whom are pictured here, standing behind Annie) in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and Relay For Life walkathon fundraisers each year since 1997.

"Customers remember when someone lends them a helping hand,” says Agnes Lugo-Ortiz, a Customer Account Services Supervisor.  Agnes has served as a United Way Loaned Executive, not only to help others, but also because she recognizes that, “Building partnerships with the communities we serve is the best way to strengthen ties with our customers.”  Central Hudson employees have long been leaders in extending helping hands to less-fortunate neighbors through participation in annual United Way campaigns, and unselfish sharing of their time, talent and treasure on behalf of virtually every United Way member-agency.

On the job, Electric Lineman Rick Dorrer regularly completes infrastructure construction projects and often restores electric service in the wake of emergencies.  But many nights—and most weekends, too—he’s frequently found responding to emergencies of another sort:  answering alarms as a member of the Rhinebeck Volunteer Fire Department.  A member of the all-volunteer force for 16 years, the Rhinebeck native currently serves as its chief.  Volunteerism, Dorrer says, is just one way that he gives back to his community, adding that, “it gives me a feeling of pride to help my neighbors.”

The Dutchess-Ulster County Division of the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk has had a staunch supporter every step of the way, for more than a decade, in Central Hudson Cafeteria Attendant Wennie Favaro.  She laces up her walking shoes as a member of the Central Hudson team of walkers each year because she finds it fulfilling to help others, and because she believes that, “…people like to do business with companies they know and whose employees give back to the community.”

Michael Spector spends a lot of time thinking about the future.  As an Associate Engineer in Central Hudson’s Energy Efficiency Services Division, he analyzes growth trends in our service territory, and then recommends ways to prepare our high-voltage system to reliably meet that demand.  As an active volunteer with the Junior Achievement program, he’s also thinking about the future: providing skills and knowledge to young people in a way that only experienced business leaders can.  Here he is shown with a class of third-graders, sharing a curriculum based on simple business principles, to help the children learn “more about the community around them.”  Mike added, “The kids really get excited about it…you can see it in their eyes, and that is a great feeling for me.”

Senior Systems Analyst Jeffrey Johnson (second from right in this photo) says he enjoys “the continuous challenge to find new ways to enhance Central Hudson’s  communications systems to meet the needs of our customers.”  Little wonder, as he’s well familiar with helping meet the needs of others.  Jeff was 16 when his father first welcomed Joe and Carl into the family’s home as part of a NY state program that places mentally and/or physically challenged adults with families.  When Jeff’s father retired in 1994, it seemed only natural that the men should move in with Jeff and his own family, pictured here.  “Although I’m paid, the income is minimal compared to the fact that they’re a part of my extended family,” Johnson said.

Wanting to “help people in the community and be a role model for my children,” first prompted Jeff May to get involved with Rebuilding Together with Christmas in April, a program that involves reconstruction of homes for income-eligible working families in the old-fashioned tradition of a barn-raising.  “Helping others build a sense of pride and self worth” has kept him coming back since 1997.  Section Engineer of Electric System Protection, May says he “enjoys finding ways to best motivate and utilize the skills of the talented folks” in his department, which is responsible for developing plans to improve our electric distribution system.

Director of Information Systems Development, Nicole Tancredi says she most enjoys the problem-solving aspect of her job duties.  But there are other parts of being a Central Hudson employee that she enjoys, too.  As a new employee in 1997, Nicole joined coworkers in collecting food and cash donations for Dutchess Outreach, a Poughkeepsie-based agency that feeds the homeless.  She has since stepped up to take lead responsibility for the annual Thanksgiving Food Drive.  “Thanksgiving is a time of being thankful for what you have.  It feels good to be able to give back to people who are struggling a little,” Nicole explained.

Though she uses cutting edge technology as an Engineer in Central Hudson's Gas and Mechanical Division Gail Duncan says it’s still “the people and the team work” that she likes best about her day-to-day job responsibilities. Gail has made it a personal priority to volunteer with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Ulster County for many years.  Why?  “Central Hudson employees have the values, culture and resources to be leaders in the community,” she says.

The Johns Hopkins Children’s Center in Baltimore offers one of the world’s most comprehensive pediatric medical programs for chronically ill children and adolescents.  For many years, the programs at the Children’s Center have benefited from the annual Johns Hopkins Golf Tournament, sponsored by CH Energy Group’s Maryland-based subsidiary, Griffith Energy Services.  Vince LasCasas is the Manager of Supply and Distribution for Griffith, and was the chair (in 2004) of their most successful fundraising tournament to date.  “Griffith employees feel it’s important; it’s a way of feeling good about giving,” Vince says.

For further information on Central Hudson community services, contact Denise VanBuren at 845-486-5563, or via e-mail dvanburen@cenhud.com.