Solvay Police Dept. gives back to two Solvay UFSD teachers

For two Solvay Union Free School District teachers, the holiday season just got a little brighter thanks to the Solvay Police Department. The Solvay Police Department recently donated funds raised from “No Shave November” to two teachers from the Solvay UFSD.  
The month of November is known not only for Veterans Day and Thanksgiving celebrations, but also “No Shave November,” or “Movember.” Movember is an annual event involving the growing of moustaches and facial hair during the month of November. The event aims to bring awareness to and fundraise for cancer education, prevention, and to assist those fighting the battle against cancer. This year, the Solvay Police Department got involved in Movember and, in an effort to keep the fundraising efforts local, donated the funds raised to two teachers from the Solvay UFSD.  

For Movember 2017, the members of the Solvay Police Department were allowed to grow facial hair during the month of November and donate money to the cause. Solvay Police Benevolent Association matched all of the money donated by the Officers. At the end of the month, the Officers and the Solvay PBA had raised $1,100.

The overall goal of the Solvay Police Department was to keep the funds local in the Solvay community. On Friday, Dec. 1, the department did just that by holding a surprise ceremony at Solvay Elementary School. Two Solvay UFSD teachers, Solvay Elementary School Teacher Amy Diel and Solvay High School Teacher Fabiola Tedesco, were invited with their spouses to meet at SES. Also in attendance at the ceremony were the Solvay UFD administration team and the Officers who raised funds for the Movember event.

The ceremony honored Ms. Diel and Ms. Tedesco for their courageous fight against cancer and their contributions to the Solvay community. Each teacher was presented with a check in the amount of $550 to help their families during the holiday season.

During the ceremony, Solvay Police Lt. Derek Osbeck read the following statement to those in attendance:

"We are now in the heart of the holiday season. At this time of the year, Thanksgiving and Christmas, we take time to reflect and be thankful. This is a time to come together, share laughs, hugs and make memories with family, friends and loved ones. During this time, we also make an effort to acknowledge those special people in our lives and communities that have touched so many but are dealing with their own struggles.

The Officers of the Solvay Police Department annually participate in "No Shave November." "No Shave November" is an event that both brings attention to the battle against cancer and is a fund raiser for those battling the disease.
               
In the past, the money the was donated to organizations but this year there was a strong feeling among the membership to donate to a person who is fighting cancer and who has a direct positive impact within the Solvay Community. The members of the Village of Solvay Police Department, Solvay Police Benevolent Association and Chief Allen Wood, humbly and with great pride would like to assist you and your families in easing those stresses this holiday season.
               
We hope that the money raised will help to make your holidays less stressful, more enjoyable and help your families know, without a doubt, that every day you battle cancer there are so many of us in your corner to support you. We wish you the best in your battle and ultimate success in your fight against Cancer."

The announcement was met with great applause and appreciation from Ms. Diel, Ms. Tedesco, their spouses, and everyone else in attendance. Ms. Diel and Ms. Tedesco both expressed their immense gratitude for the kind gesture.

“My family and I are so thankful to everyone involved,” said Ms. Diel. “We would like the Solvay community to see and know what a great community they live in with, such a special police force.”

Ms. Tedesco also shared a similar sentiment.

“I was blown away with the kindness of the department,” said Ms. Tedesco. “This is exactly what makes Solvay special.”

Thank you to the Solvay Police Department for showing Solvay UFSD and the Solvay community what makes Solvay special.



Article written by Katie Jensen