Foundation Sponsors Successful Fundraising Projects
Foundation News
Vol. 5, No. 4 May 2012
Foundation sponsors successful fundraising projects
OVCEF sponsored two very successful fundraising projects this spring: an auction of stone products at Rolling Rock Building Stone, Inc., on May 18 and two Jeans Days for Oley Valley School District faculty and staff on April 20 and May 18. All income from these events will be used to fund educational projects that directly benefit Oley Valley elementary, middle school, and high school students.
The Foundation thanks all bidders who purchased items at the auction and all district staff who participated in the Jeans Days, and gives special recognition to high school art teachers Jeff Dietrich, Stacy Olexy, and Kitty Wittich, who supervised their students in the creation of decorative slates sold at the auction.
Fifth graders enjoy a lesson on bacteria and hand washing in the Mobile Ag Lab
Foundation funds Mobile Ag Lab at Elementary Center
The Oley Valley Community Education Foundation, in partnership with the Oley Valley Elementary PTO, sponsored the annual visit of the Mobile Ag Ed Science Lab at the Elementary Center during the week of April 30 through May 4. The lab provided Oley Valley elementary students with the opportunity to participate in hands-on science experiments and agriculture education aligned with the PDE academic standards in Environment and Ecology and Science and Technology. This instruction took place in a 40-foot trailer equipped with 12 work stations. Students were supervised by a PA certified ag instructor, their regular Oley Valley classroom teacher, and school-appointed volunteer adult assistants.
The objectives of the ag lab program, which is supported by the PA Farm Bureau and the PA Department of Agriculture, are to offer students complete hands-on experiments; to have students gain a better understanding of the scientific process; to increase students’ awareness of the importance of agriculture in their lives; and to foster excitement about learning.
The Ag Lab is an approved EITC (Education Improvement Tax Credit) project which meets the criteria of learning innovation and enhancement of the existing curriculum. As an approved Education Improvement Organization, the Foundation was permitted to use contributions from its EITC corporate donors, East Penn Manufacturing Co., Inc. and National Penn Bank, to fund the program.
Chuck Gallagher joins OVCEF Board of Trustees
The OVCEF Board of Trustees recently welcomed its newest member, Chuck Gallagher. Chuck is a familiar face in the Oley Valley, having lived in Ruscombmanor Township since 1996. He is also well-known throughout Berks County because of his 40-year association with the Reading Eagle Company, where he worked in various capacities, including reporter, editor, and managing editor. During his tenure at the newspaper company Chuck was instrumental in establishing the popular Voices and Weekender sections.
Chuck’s list of community activities is extensive. He helped to start the Topton Babe Ruth baseball team; coached Little League, Babe Ruth, and Junior Legion baseball in the Exeter area; and with his wife and two other couples, founded the Exeter soccer program. He has served on the board of the Reading Symphony, and last year he resurrected Shoestring Productions, a theater company which originated in the 1970’s, for which he has performed on stage and assumed various “behind the scenes” roles ranging from producer to stage manager. In addition to his involvement in the community Chuck also enjoys spending time with his wife Ellen and their three children and four grandchildren.
Asked to comment on his association with OVCEF, Chuck stated, “I’m surprised that every district doesn’t have a foundation. It’s very important to be supporting the types of programs we sponsor. Our support presents the opportunity for teachers to do special projects, and enhances the classroom educational situation.”
How to contact the Foundation:
· By phone (610) 987-4100 ext. 1200
· By school mail OVCEF, Administration Building
· By e-mail or
· By U. S. Mail Oley Valley Community Education Foundation, P. O. Box 331, Oley, PA 19547
Your comments and suggestions are always welcome!
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