The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Rotary honors two with Roses to the Living
Oneida Rotary club honors two for service above self
Rotarians don’t make it a habit to lie, but the Roses to the Living awards are the one time a year they can and feel thankful about it after.
This year, two people were honored with the Roses to the Living Award: Jeff Leahey and Paula Bishop. Both were recognized for the work and dedication they’ve put into Oneida and the Central New York community and neither knewuntil their name was read aloud.
“Your dedication and acts of kindness embody the Rotary motto ‘service above self,” Rotarian Craig Hatch said.
Hatch said Bishop and her family moved to Durhamville around 40 years ago and right from the start, they strived to become part of the community.
“Paula quickly got involved in the church by coordinating fundraising to sustain a youth group known as Luther League,” Hatch said. “She started the ‘cookie run’ which involved delivering a bag of cookies to each member of the church in the fall. It was her way of connecting with the members and making them feel welcomed at church each week.”
Fromhelping collect food and delivering it for the local food banks to preparing meals for funerals and driving anyone who needs transportation, Hatch said Bishop’s dedication to serving others is truly remarkable.
In 2003, Bishop’s colleague and friend Carol White was diagnosed with cancer. In response, Bishop created the “Carol’s Blocks Team” for the Relay for Life event in Oneida and has been the team coordinator for the past 17 years. Through her efforts, Carol’s Blocks Team has been one of the top fundraisers for the Relay for the Life each year.
And she does all this while being a 35-year employee of H&R Block as a tax accountant, always going the extra mile to help her clients, Hatch said.
Rev. Isaiah Mackey of Syracuse and Bishop’s grandson said she’s a very caring and loving person. “She’s very humble, whether it be in the community or helping at the church,” Mackey said. “My grandmother doesn’t do anything for personal gain, but out of the kindness of her heart.”
When asked why she does what she does, Bishop said White was her inspiration. “What started me was my good friend Carol. We were friends since our children were young,” Bishop said. “Most of the things I did, I did with her. I’m driven to raise money for Relay of Life because she should have not died so young and not see her grandkids.”
Fromamember of the church community to a local pastor, Leahey has worked hard
to help as many as he can with what resources he can muster.
Hatch said Leahey is a person that took on a challenge that many wouldn’t. “Hemoved into a well-worn building on Railroad Street and converted it into both a church and a hub for human services,” Hatch said. “Pastor Jeff has helped literally thousands of people in need on a daily basis with little resources.”
The Church on the Rock was established in 2005 and has become a staple of the community. “Jeff has Paula Bishop gets a hug after receiving the Roses to the Living Award on Tuesday, July 1, 2019. worked to convert scraps his efforts.” into sparks of hope,” Hatch For many, the work of said. “One could only wonLeahey and the Church der what the community on the Rock can’t be overwould be without Jeff and stated. In 2013, members of the Church worked nonstop throughout the week of the great flood that decimated the Flats, providing victims with food, clothing and hygiene products.
“During the f lood, his church played a vital role serving those in the Flats who lost their homes, had no food or clothing and needed a place to stay,” Hatch said. “He opened his doors and never closed them. Truly doing God’s work serving the poor, desolate and abandoned.”
Taking the podium, Leahey teared up after being recognized by the Rotarians. “I just love this community so much and I just want it to be a better place,” he said. “It’s so beautiful and amazing in so many different ways. I think we just need to come together and take care of what God’s given us; and that’s this incredible city.”
Oneida Rotarian Hank Leo said he nominated Leahey and did so because of his work.
“Jeff’s work goes unheralded and under the wire a lot of times,” Leo said. “His work is daily and it’s with young children all the way to older adults. He provides hope and inspiration. And he does so with integrity, kindness and caring. He lives what he speaks.”
When asked why he has put so much effort into Oneida, Leahey said it’s personal.
“I grew up in this city,” Leahey said. “I love this city and it’s been so good to me. The least I could do is give back.”