My Favorite Things, Song by Julie Andrews
“Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things
Cream-colored ponies and crisp apple strudels
Doorbells and sleigh bells, and schnitzel with noodles
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
These are a few of my favorite things
Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
Silver-white winters that melt into springs
These are a few of my favorite things
When the dog bites
When the bee stings
When I’m feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don’t feel so bad”
And now that you’re singing and it’s stuck in your head, you’re welcome! I asked our team what their favorite thing was this year. Most of you know it’s been a challenging year, and their answers are incredibly sweet and genuine. Shhhh…don’t tell them I included them in my blog.
Here our favorites:
Sure, here you go! There are so many…. I think what I am most proud of this year is just being a member of the incredible United Way team. Each member has made major strides in the community, and I feel as if I am a part of each and every one of their accomplishments.
~Debi, Office Manager
I would say getting a new role as FSA facilitator! I’m beyond thrilled to take on more responsibility and help people navigate and prepare their own tax returns.
~Leah, Accounting Manager
My absolute favorite moment at work this year was the Campaign Kickoff. So many little things go into making it a success, and it was my first experience of how the United Way team truly works together. The energy in the room, meeting new people, and being unified for our community created a memory filled with emotion and a deep sense of accomplishment.
~Katie, Director of Giving and Engagement
New staff members that I feel are very supportive. The campaign!
~Will, Community Impact Director
I’m proud of the progress I’ve made so far, including the WiLL Luncheon, website updates, and the development of infographics. Also, transitioning from a paper/email referral system to an online one, completing a grant writing class, drafting grant narratives, and even secure a grant.
~Bethany, Community Impact Director
One of my favorite moments this year was when we held a staff meeting at the beginning of 2024, and we played charades. We were all laughing and being silly. It was special to share that moment with Dee Anne, Anna, Debi, Troy, Talia, Leah and Will.
One of my accomplishments this year was getting a grant to continue to provide helmets to the community, people of all ages and abilities receiving quality helmets during the Medford Open Streets event, held in the summertime. To date, we have given away 200 helmets! And with this grant, we get to continue providing helmets and bike safety gear to our community!
Something that I am proud of this year was being a part of the VITA (volunteer income tax assistance) program. Many times, during tax appointments, people would open up about needing resources. Food was a very common one, and we were able to help them file their taxes for free and because we were at the Teresa McCormick Center, we were able to make them a food box to take home. People were so grateful for that, and it deeply impacted me.
~Dalia, Community Impact Director
Getting 990 out before an extension had to be filed- first time ever!!
~Anna, Chief Financial & Operations Officer
And here’s mine…launching the country’s only community-wide wheelchair charging station program! Keep singing.
Onward…
