The Eastern Niagara United Way is looking to the future after taking a moment Thursday to remember the past, included recognizing individuals for their contributions in 2009.

The agency is nearing completion of its consolidation with the United Way of Niagara. Carol Houwaart-Diez, president of the Niagara United Way, said the consolidation is close, as the agencies are just waiting on a certificate of incorporation from the state. The new agency would be called the United Way of Greater Niagara.

“Could be any day,” Houwaart-Diez said. “We’ve already been through the attorney general’s office and the state Supreme Court.”

Houwaart-Diez will be the president of the new organization, whose main office will be based on Military Road in the Town of Niagara. The new agency will staff an office in Lockport, the current office on Main Street in Lockview Plaza. There will be a 20-member board of directors running the new organization, including 10 from Niagara and 10 from Eastern Niagara.

The two agencies voted to consolidate back in October, although the original plan was to include the United Way of the Tonawandas.

However, the Tonawandas voted against joining up with the other United Ways. Houwaart-Diez said if the Tonawandas ever change their mind, they can join up anytime.

“The door’s open,” she said. “They’ll be welcomed with open arms.”

In its final awards luncheon and annual meeting, Eastern Niagara Chairman Bob Hagen told volunteers and members there would be one annual meeting next year for the new United Way. There will also be one Day of Caring event, one Make a Difference Day and a single fundraising campaign, which starts in the summer. There will be 21 community agencies that will receive funding

and support from the new United Way of Greater Niagara.

Among the award recipients was the Barker Central School District. Barker was awarded the Community Challenge Cup, which is given to an organization that has demonstrated a long-term financial commitment to the United Way. Hypertherm was awarded the President’s Challenge Cup, which is given to the top campaign leader with the greatest increase in total dollars or participation.

The Lockport General Motors plant and Delphi Thermal workers took home the Campaign Challenge Cup, given to a company who has seen an increase in campaign participation and giving. Ridge Road Express’ Gail Luckman and Gary Woodcock won the Campaign Coordinator Award, given to volunteers who have consistently conducted and created exciting and innovative workplace campaigns. Tops Markets on South Transit Road and the United Food & Commercial Workers union were named the Local Business Champion.

Individually, Paul Entwistle was named the recipient of the AFL/CIO Community Services Award, Jessie Jesson the winner of the Julie Lombardi Memorial Award, Tim Hogues was named the recipient of the Fred Bruski Memorial Award and Norm Sinclair was given the Shining Star Award for his outstanding support of the United Way.

Rich Laskowski, Beverly Maziarz and Kathy Muir were named the recipients of the Volunteer Leadership Award. It’s given to volunteers who go beyond what’s expected of them, Hagen said.

Laskowski said it was an honor to receive the award.

“I am humbled and excited about receiving this,” he said. “So many more are deserving. I’m looking forward to serving on the new board.”

Contact reporter Joe Olenick at 439-9222, ext. 6241.

UNITED WAY AWARD RECIPIENTS

• Community Challenge Cup: Barker School District

• Campaign Challenge Cup: GM Component Holdings/ Delphi Thermal Systems

• President’s Challenge Cup: Hypertherm

• Campaign Coordinator Award: Gail Luckman and Gary Woodcock

• Local Business Champion: Tops, (South Transit Road) and the United Food & Commercial workers

• AFL/CIO Community Services Award: Paul Entwistle

• Julie Lombardi Memorial Award: Jessie Jesson

• Fred Bruski Memorial Award: Tim Hogues

• United Way Volunteer Leadership Award: Rich Laskowski, Beverly Maziarz and Kathy Muir

• Shining Star Award: Norm Sinclair