New Location for Umbrella of the Capital District

Ribbon Cutting Held to Celebrate

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From left: Service Coordinator Valerie Kulzer, Handyman Bill Gosier, Directors Elaine Santore and Ron Byrne, Chamber of Schenectady County President Chuck Steiner

SCHENECTADY, NY (07/12/2007)(readMedia)-- A nonprofit agency helping senior citizens and persons with disabilities keep the two things they cherish most: their homes and their independence. This is the mission of Umbrella of the Capital District. Established in 1995, the not-for-profit celebrated its recent relocation to 509A Union Street, Schenectady, with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony hosted by the Chamber of Schenectady County.

The agency, led by Executive Directors Ron Byrne and Elaine Santore, provides a 17-point safety and hazard home inspection, 24-hour emergency response, smoke alarm battery replacement and home watch, by request, for a small annual fee. Umbrella currently serves more than 500 homeowners.

In addition to Umbrella’s gratis membership perks, handypersons and gutter cleaning are available. By engaging retired professionals wanting to help others, the organization is able to offer home repair at a greatly reduced hourly rate. For those who have a more restricted income, Umbrella subsidizes the fees. Regardless of the low cost of their benefits, they are focused on quality. One hour of free service is offered if their representatives are more than an hour late for a scheduled appointment, and they guarantee the work for one year.

Umbrella of the Capital District is currently finishing plans for a major fundraiser. Slated for September 21, 2007, the new GE Theatre in Proctor’s Arcade has been chosen for the location. The event will feature umbrellas created by local celebrities and community leaders, which will be up for auction. For additional information, contact Elaine Santore at 518.346.5249.

The Chamber of Schenectady County is the premier business membership organization in Schenectady County, serving nearly 1,000 businesses and more than 50,000 employees. Its vision is to be a catalyst for economic growth and to provide its members and the community with the tools to achieve growth, prosperity and a superior quality of life.