August 12, 2022

A variety of organizations, events and special programs recently benefitted from our employee volunteerism and FirstEnergy Foundation support.

Throughout the month of May, Met-Ed teamed up with the County of York and York County Human Services to help raise awareness about mental health issues, promote good mental health practices and encourage people to support others around them. Green is the national color of mental health awareness. Since 2018, York County landmarks, businesses and homes are illuminated in green for one week in May to show support to those experiencing mental health challenges. Met-Ed joined more than 90 sites in participating in this year’s campaign. The York County event planning committee recognized Kristine Potter-Klouse, supervisor, Facility Operations, and Paul Burdette, utility man, 2^nd class, for signing on Met-Ed as a first-time premier participant. According to York County Human Services, the Met-Ed team enthusiastically supported the mission and vision of lighting the community green. In fact, Met-Ed was recognized as one of the top three most visible and most visually impactful locations.

Our York office building goes green.

Alta Balchtlin and Angelina Rinaldo, supervisors, Customer Contact Center, participated in The Great American Cleanup in Reading. Alta and Angelina joined other volunteers cleaning up trash throughout the community and in Centre Park. The Great American Cleanup targets neighborhoods in cities and towns across the U.S.

(L.) Alta doing her part. (R.) Angelina gets help from a new furry friend.

Other instances of community support included:

Tim Pingley, consultant, Regional External Affairs (l.), presented a $1,000 FirstEnergy Foundation grant check to Brandon Gress, Wood County Society in Mon Power’s Parkersburg area. The society’s mission is to promote unification among all communities throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley so that individuals with disabilities are recognized for their abilities.

The Buckeye Ridge Habitat for Humanity received a $3,000 FirstEnergy Foundation check for operational support. Joe Jakubick, consultant, Regional External Affairs (r.), presented the check to the Habitat’s Lynn Zucker. Buckeye Ridge is improving life in the Marion County (Ohio) community by providing affordable housing to low-income households through neighborhood revitalization.

Met-Ed donated two 30-foot wood utility poles for building a new foot bridge at Pine Grove Furnace State Park in York. The new bridge (l.) and old bridge are shown in the photo.