Shown here are Ben Sherk Kingsford High School Music Department Band Director and Debbie Flannery Executive Director of Dickinson Area Community Foundation.

“Middle of the Road” Marching Band Camp receives grant from Dickinson Area Community Foundation.  This project will  give participating students a positive focus in the middle part of summer that will help them move forward musically and socially.  The advantages of the camp is that it is provided locally at a low cost to students, will utilize local role models, and provides a local forum for the grand finale performance at a local event.  For more information on the camp and the Dickinson Area Community Foundation contact Debra Flannery @ 774-3131.

FORGETTE FAMILY ESTABLISHES SPRINGLAKE ANIMAL SHELTER AGENCY FUND AT DICKINSON AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

The Forgette Family of Iron Mountain has established the Spring Lake Animal Shelter Agency Fund at the Dickinson Area Community Foundation.  Pictures from left to right are Debbie Flannery, executive director; great-grandson Cody Caron with his new kitten Toby from the shelter, Robert Forgette Sr.; grandson Kevin Reynolds; Mrs. Forgette; and Karen Reynolds with their dog Elle, who is also from the shelter.  Not pictured is Cathy Forgette and her adopted cat, S”Mores.

IRON MOUNTAIN, MI:  The Dickinson Area Community Foundation is pleased to announce the establishment of the Springlake Animal Shelter Agency Endowed Fund.  The fund is being established with a $25,000 donation from Robert and Barbara Forgette.  Mr. and Mrs. Forgette Sr. have been long time supporters of the Animal Shelter and wanted to set up a fund that would provide reliable funding for the agency and ensure that it would remain a viable entity in the community for years to come.

Our animals have given so much love to our families and we would like to return that love to the animals in our community by establishing this fund through Dickinson Area Community Foundation.  We encourage others whose animals have been an important part of their family to also make a contribution to this very worthwhile and ongoing community fund for the animals.

Debbie Flannery noted that, “This Springlake Animal Shelter Agency Fund will give monies to the shelter year after year.  The Shelter is always in need of financial donations to take care of the animals.  Donations made to endowed funds enable donors to claim a Sate of Michigan Tax Credit for their contributions.  Thus, in addition to the tax advantage donors receive from the federal government for a charitable donation, they also receive a State Tax Credit of half their gift, subject to a maximum amount.  All in all, it costs less to do more for the community through charitable giving – a win/win situation indeed!”

If you would like additional information about donating to the Springlake Animal Shelter Agency Endowed Fund, or about how you might include the Springlake Animal Shelter in your will or estate planning, please contact the Dickinson Area Community Foundation at 906-774-3131. 

Merchant of Venice Publicity

            On November 2^nd William Shakespeare’s words came to life for 120 students that attend Vulcan Middle School.  A grant enabling every seventh and eighth grader to experience this culturally enriching event was provided due to the generosity of those who contribute to the Dickinson Area Community Foundation. This grant was awarded to Nancy Daley, an English teacher at V.M.S. on behalf of her classes. 

After intensive preparation on the life and times of William Shakespeare and a short study of the actual play, students viewed The Merchant of Venice, performed by the well-know American Player’s Theater Company at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center.

            For many students this was a first time theater experience.  Their enthusiastic reactions reflect this:  

Dani G.~  “The play was interesting.  There were lots of action and funny parts.  The actors were very good, and performed really well.  It wasn’t boring, but entertaining.  The play helped me understand what was going on better than reading the selection.” 

Olivia T.~  “I thought that the play was excellent, and sometimes quite funny.  I didn’t understand everything, but the concept was clear.  The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center was an amazing place.  The actors were outstanding.  The overall trip was excellent!”

 Rebecca N.~  “Overall, I thought the play was a masterpiece.  The props were fantastic and the costumes were detailed.  The theater was as fancy as ever.  I can hardly wait to go to the next play!”

             Expanding Vulcan Middle Schoolers cultural horizons was what this experience was all about.  These students overwhelming enjoyed every aspect of this outing.

4H Canine Crazy Dog Show

Fumee Creek Watershed Project & Dickinson Area Community Foundation Billboard

Billboard Ad

Community Foundation Grant Helps New

Dickinson Tobacco Cessation Program

Bonita Moisio, FNP-C (left) and Kelly Carr, RRT (right) display the educational information made possible by a $1000 grant from the Dickinson Area Community Foundation.  Educational presentations are available by calling (906) 776-5470. 

A newly designed Tobacco Cessation Program for patients at Dickinson Memorial Hospital was implemented in January of this year.  Bonita Moisio, FNP-C, a Nurse Practitioner, and Kelly Car, RRT, a Respiratory Therapist, teach group classes and provide individualized programs at the hospital to help patients follow a plan for tobacco cessation that will result in a successful, long-term change to a healthier, smoke-free lifestyle.  They are also able to provide presentations in the schools and as part of childbirth education programs thanks to a $1000 grant from the Dickinson Area Community Foundation that enabled them to purchase educational tools and materials that effectively demonstrate how important it is for everyone to eliminate the smoking habit from their lives…and to avoid the smoking habit entirely.  The grant subsidized the materials purchased for the education of women and children. 

Access to the Program’s services begins with a telephone call; while physician referral is needed to access the full range of program services, staff will assist in obtaining the referral for people who do not have a family physician.    The patient is put into contact with Bonita Moisio, MSN, FNP-C, nurse practitioner and tobacco cessation specialist.  Moisio will serve as the patient’s personal consultant, in collaboration with the patient’s physician.  Together they help the patient determine his or her stage of readiness to stop using tobacco, help to develop a personal “quit plan” and provide individualized support as the patient works through the quit plan toward a tobacco free lifestyle.

            The Dickinson Tobacco Cessation Program combines both the individualized attention most people need to begin treatment and the dynamics of group classes many find helpful in staying on track throughout the process.  Newly designed Freedom From Smoking classes are taught by Kelly Carr, RRT, Certified Tobacco Treatment Therapist and Registered Respiratory Therapist.  Eight classes of nine to fifteen participants contain both individualized strategies and the power that comes from group support.  The cost of the series of group classes is $30.00 and does not need a physician referral.  Some insurances and Medicare cover the cost. 

            Classes contain both group and individual components.  Research has shown that people who receive support from others when they desire to make a change have greater success.  The group class is designed to encourage support among its members.  It is impractical, however, for people to be in a supportive environment all the time so the classes also teach individual skills to stay on track.  The new group classes are currently accepting interested participants.

            “The patient benefits most when healthcare providers work together with that patient and make treatment a team effort,” commented Dr. Atkinson.  “This program is effective because it employs that team approach.  It has been designed to be physician directed, but everyone has a role.  In addition to the patient’s physician, a nurse practitioner provides one-on-one behavioral modification counseling, and a respiratory therapist conducts group classes.  The patient receives individualized attention and support.”

            Questions about the new Dickinson Tobacco Cessation Program or requests for an on-site education program can be directed to (906) 776-5470.

Dickinson Area Community Foundation Funds “The Purple Project” 

With a $1,722.84 grant from the Community Foundation, the Dickinson Conservation District and two classes from Breitung Township Schools have embarked on the “Purple Project.” The Purple Project is an effort to raise biological control beetles to help combat the growing population of Purple Loosestrife, an invasive species that rapidly overtakes wetlands.  Purple Loosestrife plants are being grown indoors at Kingsford High School. By late March, the plants will be enclosed in netting and a set of specialized beetles will be introduced on the plants, where they will hopefully grow and multiply for a few months. In the summer, beetles will be removed from the greenhouse plants and taken to a large stand of Purple Loosestrife in a wetland just north of Channing. These beetles will gradually reduce the Purple Loosestrife infestation in the Channing location and serve as an “insectory” (bug nursery) to collect biological control beetles for other Purple Loosestrife populations in the county.  Mr. Martonen’s KHS Environmental Science Class and Mr. Carey’s 8^th grade KMS Science Class are participating in the project by growing, measuring, and studying the invasive nature of Purple Loosestrife, along with classroom activities for their biodiversity unit.

Pictured: Jake Erickson (student coordinator, KHS); Debra Flannery (Dickinson Area Community Foundation); Alex Bolan (KHS); Sarah Forstrom (KHS); and Ann Hruska (Dickinson Conservation District.)

National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations

Higher Standards

The Dickinson Area Community Foundation meets National Standards for operational quality, donor service and accountability in the community foundation sector. 

  The National Standards Seal by our name indicates official confirmation from the Council on Foundations that we have met the most rigorous standards in philanthropy. It affirms our commitment to financial security, transparency and accountability. It says our grantmaking includes an open, competitive process designed to address the changing needs of our community. The National Standards Seal also confirms our history of honoring donors’ wishes—to support the arts, cultivate gardens, save endangered species, cure illness, expand literacy, feed children—and support countless other important causes. 

The National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations Program was established in 2000 in cooperation with the Council on Foundations. National Standards guide community foundations in establishing legal, ethical and effective operational practices that serve as blueprints for internal development and benchmarks for external assessment. The 43 National Standards require the Dickinson Area Community Foundation to document its policies in donor services, investment management, grantmaking and administration. To receive confirmation of National Standards compliance, the Dickinson Area Community Foundation submitted its organizational and financial policies and procedures to a rigorous peer review.

Dickinson county Library Teens "Tote" ally Care

Sponsored through a Grant from the Dickinson Area Community Foundation.

 Debbie Flannery of the Dickinson Area Community Foundation presents the grant to Beth Baker, Director of the Dickinson County Library and Linda DuFresne, Young Adult Coordinator.

NEW POPCORN MACHINE

Elizabeth Momont named to Board of Directors for

 Dickinson Area Community Foundation

Elizabeth Momont is an 11^th grade student attending Iron Mountain School.  She is the daughter of Michael and Mary Jo Momont.  Elizabeth is following in her two brothers footsteps when it comes to community involvement.  Her brother Michael was involved in the Foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) and her brother Chris was also a YAC and a member of the DACF Board of Directors.  Now Elizabeth is a YAC and serving on the DACF Board of Directors for two years as a high school student.  She has full voting privileges and gets up early to attend Board meetings at 7am before school. 

The YAC group was formed under a Kellogg Challenge Grant initiative.  The goal was to bring youth funds to the area and get younger people involved in giving grants out for youth programs in their communities.  Approximately 141 young people have participated in the DACF Youth Advisory Committee program since it began, including the current group of YAC’s.  Currently there are YAC’s in Crystal Falls, Norway and the Dickinson Area. 

Elizabeth is also active in Student Council Executive Board – school representative, Key Club class representative, Varsity Club secretary, Tri-Hi-Y member, Future Teachers club, YAC, DICSA volunteer services, DACF Board member, St. Mary Queen of Peace Parish-alter server and Stella Maris Youth Group.  She is also an active athlete participating in basketball, volleyball and track. 

To find out more information on YAC or the Dickinson Area Community Foundation call 774-3131.

January 16, 2007

 Dickinson Area Community Foundation Announces “Mildred Hagerup Nursing Scholarship”

The Dickinson Area Community Foundation is pleased to announce the Mildred Hagerup Nursing Scholarship Fund, established in memory of Reverend G. A. Danielson, made possible by a Legacy bequest in the amount of $180,000 from Mildred Hagerup.  Ms. Hagerup passed away in May, 2006 at the age of 88.  Ms. Hagerup attended Iron Mountain High School and Augustana Hospital School of Nursing where she received a degree as a registered nurse.  She also had training as an X-ray technician for two years and was a R.N., R.T., and office manager for a cardiovascular surgeon in the Chicago area for 20 years. 

“Millie told me a story of how her Pastor, Reverend G. A. Danielson, had given her financial aid to go to Nursing School as a young girl.  She never forgot his kindness, which enabled her to realize her dream of becoming a nurse.  In turn, Millie wanted to leave a lasting legacy that would help young men and women pursue careers in the nursing field.  With this bequest, Millie realizes her dream of helping young people enter the nursing field, and becomes a founding member of the Foundation’s Legacy Society,” stated Debbie Flannery, executive director of the Dickinson Area Community Foundation. 

Two $1000 scholarships will be awarded in the first year.  One scholarship will be awarded to an Iron Mountain graduating senior pursuing a degree in nursing and one scholarship will be awarded to a Kingsford High School graduating senior pursing a degree in nursing.  The award amounts and number of recipients for future Hagerup scholarships will be determined on an annual basis, based on the earnings in the fund each year.

Applications and criteria for the Mildred Hagerup Nursing Scholarship will be available in the Guidance Counselor offices at Kingsford and Iron Mountain High Schools

For additional information or to learn how you might contribute to the Mildred Hagerup Nursing Scholarship Fund, please contact Debra J. Flannery, executive director of the Dickinson Area Community Foundation at 906-774-3131.

Kingsford High School Football Alumni Association Scholarship

Presenting the Scholarship to Jake Klingelhutz, middle, is Kingsford High School Head Coach Chris Hofer, left, and former Kingsford Football Star Dick Berlinski, right.

Pictured here, back row left to right:  Todd Worple (Art teacher, Florence H.S.); Debbie Barkle (Art teacher, Niagara H.S.); Mike Conn (Art teacher, Iron Mountain H.S.); Shelly Danielson (Art teacher Norway H.S.); Tim Zablocki (Art teacher, North Dickinson H.S.).  Front row, left to right:  Debbie Flannery, executive director, Dickinson Area Community Foundation, Sarah Western (Art teacher, Kingsford H.S.).

January 11th, 2007 

Community Foundation Awards Visual Arts Grant to Association of Student Artists

The Dickinson Area Community Foundation recently presented an $892 Visual Arts Fund grant to the Association of Student Artists (“ASA”) to fund the 2007 ASA Banquet and Summer Arts Camp.  “The Visual Arts Fund was established with the Foundation in 1998 as a means to support the annual Association of Student Artists banquet, exhibit and summer art camp activities for generations to come”, stated Debbie Flannery, executive director of the Foundation. Flannery went on to say “Six local area school districts are involved in the Association of Student Artists, they are:  Florence, Iron Mountain, Kingsford, Niagara, North Dickinson and Norway.”  The  2006 ASA Banquet & Exhibit affords local students with the opportunity to meet and talk with representatives from some of the best art schools in the region. This collaborative effort is unique, as noted by Dr. David McGee, Head of the Art Department at Grand Valley State University, who stated, “For high school artists, there is nothing even close to this (ASA) in the State of Michigan.”

Flannery went on to say “As a part of the Foundation’s commitment to our youth and the arts, we are pleased to work with the Association of Student Artists throughout the year.  This year many student members of ASA will have their work on display for auction at our annual Winter Art & Music Celebration Fundraiser scheduled for Saturday, January 27, 2007, at Pine Grove Country Club.  In addition to the six schools involved in ASA, Forest Park High School students have also donated works of art for the Foundation’s auction.

For more information about the Dickinson Area Community Foundation, the Association of Student Artists or the upcoming Foundation fundraiser, please call 906-774-3131.

 November , 2006

A Tradition of Commitment to Community

Recently the First National Bank & Trust Co. of Iron Mountain-Kingsford donated $2,500 to the Dickinson Area Community Foundation.  This contribution is designated to be used by the Foundation for general operating support.  “Since the Community Foundation was established in 1995, and throughout the following years the First National Bank & Trust Co. of Iron Mountain & Kingsford has shared in the vision of the Community Foundation and they continue to demonstrate their commitment to our communities through charitable giving.  Once again, the First National Bank & Trust Co. is one of our first corporate sponsors to sign on for our annual fundraising event,” stated Debra Flannery, executive director of the Foundation.  “This generous donation will not only promote the work of the Community Foundation, but will allow us to make more grants with money that otherwise would have been needed for administrative expenses.”

Debra explained that, “The Foundation’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for residents in the Dickinson County, adjacent Michigan/Wisconsin communities and the Crystal Falls community areas by providing leadership, attracting resources, managing endowments, serving donors, and distributing grants and scholarships to meet community needs.  The support and commitment of local companies and individuals is key to the Foundation’s success and has enabled us to award $1,004,049 in program grants and scholarships over the past ten years.  We appreciate and applaud First National Bank’s commitment to community and thank them for continuing to share our vision.” 

In November the Foundation and its affiliate funds in Norway and Crystal Falls disbursed a total of $67,479.19 in grant funding to area non-profit agencies and organizations for programs in a wide variety of fields of interest.

For more information about the Dickinson Area Community Foundation and its affiliate funds, please call 906-774-3131.

DCH Prescription Assistance Program Coordinator, Suzanne Schiltz, receiving grant check from Debra Flannery, executive director, Dickinson Area Community Foundation

November 9, 2004

Dickinson Area Community Foundation

Awards Grant to DCH Prescription Assistance Program

The Dickinson Area Community Foundation (“DACF”) is pleased to announce a grant award to the DCH Prescription Assistance Program.  This Program has been established to assist people in our area who do not have adequate health insurance coverage.  There is an estimated 45 million people nationwide who have little or no health insurance.  And, unfortunately, this is a problem that is affecting a growing number of people in our area.  After hearing too many stories from people who often had to choose between buying food, paying their heating bill or buying needed prescriptions, Suzanne Schiltz, an LPN, decided to do something about it.  Having learned about the Prescription Assistance Programs offered by a majority of the pharmaceutical companies, Suzanne and numerous personnel from the Dickinson County Healthcare System, worked to develop the DCH Prescription Assistance Program.  In one year’s time the program was developed.  The DCH Prescription Assistance Program currently provides services to 300 patients and continues to grow. 

“The mission of the Community Foundation is to improve the quality of life for the people in our area, and the DCH Prescription Assistance Program is certainly accomplishing this.” said Debbie Flannery, executive director for the DACF. “We are proud to be able to help and to be a part of this most important undertaking.”  Debbie also noted that while hospital employees continue to volunteer to help the DCH Prescription Assistance Program, new volunteers are always needed and welcomed.  As Suzanne noted, “All you need to qualify is a willingness to learn and a heart to help others.”

For more information on the DCH Prescription Assistance Program, contact Suzanne Schiltz at 906-774-1313.  For more information on the Dickinson Area Community Foundation funds and grant program, contact Debra Flannery at 906-774-3131.

 November 8, 2006

Community Foundation Celebrates “One Million Dollars Awarded” Milestone

The Dickinson Area Community Foundation is celebrating reaching an impressive milestone.  “The Foundation was established in 1995, and upon disbursing our annual grant awards this month, the Foundation will celebrate giving out grant and scholarship awards amounting to $1,004,048.89 over the past eleven years.  A total of $315,138.02 in program grants to local non-profit agencies and organizations and $688,910.87 in scholarships to individuals has been awarded,” stated Debra Flannery, executive director of the Foundation.

Flannery went on to say “The Foundation was established to enhance the quality of life for residents in the Dickinson County*+, adjacent Michigan/Wisconsin communities and the Crystal Falls community areas.  The very fact that we have been able to award over $1 million attests to the commitment and support the Foundation has received over the years.  We share this time of celebration and accomplishment with the many local businesses and individuals who shared our vision and believed in the value the Foundation would bring to our communities.”

For more information about the Dickinson Area Community Foundation and its affiliate funds in Crystal Falls and Norway, please call 906-774-3131.

November 9, 2004

Norway Area Community Fund Youth Advisory Committee Awards Grant to Helping Hands Coalition

Helping Hands Coalition, a non-profit organization, will open a community youth/family center in Norway thanks in part to a grant awarded by the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC’s) of the Norway Area Community Fund.  The Norway Area Community Fund is an affiliate of the Dickinson Area Community Foundation.  The Foundation’s executive director, Debbie Flannery, noted that “The Norway YAC’s had monies available to grant this year from the Norway Kellogg Youth Fund and they were very enthusiastic about helping to fund this new organization in Norway”. 

The goal of the Helping Hands Coalition is to provide a safe haven for families to gather and enjoy each other’s company, and they encourage other communities within a 25 mile radius of Norway to use the facility.  ‘The Dickinson Area Community Foundation and its affiliate, the Norway Area Community Fund, are committed to working with young people in our communities and making a difference in their lives.  Working with the Helping Hands Coalition can make a positive impact in our community’, said Debbie Flannery, executive director for the DACF. ‘We are excited to be a part of it.”  The Helping Hands Coalition is seeking volunteers and donations.  For additional information on how you can help, contact Deborah Bell at 906-563-5389.

The Norway Youth Advisory Committee (YAC’s) currently has 41 youth members thanks to the efforts of Tim Keith, a teacher at Norway High School who has taken on the role of Advisor to the Norway YAC’s.  In addition to taking part in granting funds from the Norway Affiliate and Norway Kellogg Youth Funds, the YAC’s are involved in community service projects in the Norway area throughout the year.

For more information on the Norway Area Community Fund or the Dickinson Area Community Foundation, contact Debra Flannery at 906-774-3131.

July 1, 2003 - Flannery  is new executive director of DACF.

Debra J. Flannery will be joining  the Dickinson Area community Foundation as the executive director on July 1, according to an announcement by the board of directors of the foundations.

Flannery is known in the community for her work in educating and promoting healthy lifestyles through her consulting business LifeFit Health Service and  as a public speaker on healthy and fitness issues.

During the past two years, she has been involved in the Parent Involvement in Education Grant (PIE) where she has served as the 0-5 Kidbuilders Playgroup Coordinator planning and implementing more than 500 playgroups in different locations.

Flannery has a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master's degree in Education. She has had a variety of experience in the corporate and private sectors.

She and her husband, Ron and their two children, Danielle and Mallory live in Iron Mountain.

For more information about the Dickinson Area Community Foundation, call 774-3131.

November 29, 2003 Grant awarded to PIE group

Grants totaling $5,400 for Healthy Youth Programs and Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Program have been presented by the Dickinson Area Community Foundation Youth Advisory Committee. (YAC)

Receiving grant dollars from the Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Program was the Parent Involvement and Education (PIE) initiative through the Dickinson Iron Intermediate School District. (DIISD)

"The grant dollars received will be used to create easier accessibility and availability for parents and future parents in Dickinson and Iron counties to receive quality information regarding smoking in general," said Mark Rose, PIE coordinator.

Debra Flannery, executive director of the Dickinson Area Community Foundation, said during the past eight years the foundation has awarded four grants to the DIISD for a variety of youth projects.

For more information, contact Flannery at 774-3131.

November 29, 2003, The Friends of Camp Batawagama

The FRIENDS of Camp Batawagama have made their fifth gift recently to the Camp Batawagama Legacy endowed fund. The fund is managed by the Dickinson Area Community Foundation. Shown here with the donation are Jim Brennan, left, treasurer of the Friends of Camp Batawagama and Debbie Flannery, right, executive director of the Dickinson Area Community Foundation. For more information about the Camp Batawagama Legacy Fund, contact the Dickinson Area Community Foundation at 774-3131.

Printed in 2003 - Daily News - The Menominee Range Historical Foundation has received a $150 grant from the Dickinson Area Community Foundation.

The matching grant will help support and improve the Menominee Range Historical Foundation Museum's Fourth Grade Historical Tours Program, which is offered free of charge to all schools desiring to attend, said Sherry Colenso Dillard, museum archivist.

More than 400 fourth grade students from 12 or more schools, located as far away as Bark River and Crystal Falls, attend each May.

The tours are held at the Menominee Range Historical Foundation Museum on Ludington Street in Iron Mountain.

This money will be used to purchase 60 half size clipboards for the students, one ream of computer printer paper for the students questionnaires, a paper cutter to cut them to size, plus a laminating machine and two pads of laminating sheets for exhibit interpretation placards and for the 10 volunteer tour guide texts.

Because of the Dickinson Area Community Foundation, exhibits will be more professional

It will also enhance the tours for the students who are currently attempting to write on full sheets of paper with no support. This results in the students using the Wills, exhibit cases, and other students as portable desks, which is inconvenient for them and disturbing to others on the tour.

This project's goal is to have more professional atmosphere and additional professional exhibit interpretations for the tours so that children are better able to learn about this area's history.

After the fourth grade tours are completed, the laminated tour guides will be made available for all visitors to use as they go through the museum.

The study of an area's history and culture as observed in its artifacts and through its archival records and photographs, brings insight and knowledge of the lives led by local ancestors, Dillard said.

"The Dickinson Area Community Foundation grant has brought the Menominee Range Historical Foundation Museum and the Cornish Pumping Engine and Mining Museum up another full notch in professionalism due to our enhanced ability to provide signage and tour guides of professional quality to our Fourth Grade School Tours and to all our local and out of state visitor," she said.

Printed in Daily News 2003 - New fund established for Salvation Army

The Dickinson Area Community Foundation has established the Salvation Army Agency Endowed Fund.

Linda Bigelow, left, director of the Salvation Army Bread & Life Center, is shown here with Debbie Flannery, executive director of the Dickinson Area Community Foundation. The Foundation has announced the establishment of the Salvation Army Agency Endowed Fund.

The primary purpose of the fund is to ensure and enhance the continued scope and quality of the continued support of the Salvation Army in Dickinson County.

"This fund will be beneficial for our long range planning and will strengthen our financial stability so that the Salvation Army programs in Dickinson County are not totally dependent on the Kettle Campaign each year," said Linda Bigelow, director of the Salvation Army Bread of Life Center and Genesis House Homeless Shelter.