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Thank a Service Memberâ„¢ (TASMâ„¢), an initiative of Charity Promotions USA, Inc.â„¢ (CPUSA,Inc.â„¢), has launched a commemorative coin campaign to support local veterans organizations, it was announced by Gary D. Cuda, executive director of CPUSA, Inc.

“Our organization has been serving veterans organizations since 2003,” Cuda said. “Our organization is undertaking a campaign to raise both awareness and donations to fill the funding gap for veterans’ organizations and programs.

“As part of our efforts, we’ve created the TASM commemorative campaign coin. Because we are a 501 c (3) not-for-profit organization, all donations to this campaign are tax deductible as allowed by law. Donations of $20 or more will receive a TASM coin. Monies donated will be targeted for local chapters of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, American Legion, and Disabled American Veterans posts as well as programs for active duty military.

One hundred percent of net proceeds go directly to these veteran’s organizations and causes.

“The Campaign Coin has been designed to express our pride and gratitude to our military service members, both active duty and veterans, for their dedication, courage, accomplishments, and sacrifices. This collectible coin is made to precise specifications and each coin is serial numbered. It is nearly 2″ in diameter and nearly twice as thick and heavy as a U.S. silver dollar. Each collectible coin features a beautiful quality antique brass finish and has the mottos or core values for the U.S., Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard engraved along the side edge.

“In addition, we are asking members of the business community to ‘sponsor’ these coins so we may distribute them directly to veterans at VA hospitals and selected events. We are in the process of selecting the dates of our VA hospital visits and it’s our sincere hope that we have enough coins to present to every veteran whose hand we shake.”

For further information, visit www.ThankaServicemember.org or contact Cuda at (315) 768-1731 or (315) 402-5915.

Oswego Harborfest has announced that the popular 50-50 Raffle to benefit Harborfest will return in 2009.

Farnham Family Services, an Oswego-based substance abuse treatment and prevention center, is now selling tickets for its 2009 Changing Lives Raffle.

As this column goes to press the 152nd Oswego County Fair should be in full swing at Sandy Creek. During the previous week the Heritage building was stocked full with many new and unique exhibits. We even brought down a piano for some live music!