Flanagan-Watson and Alessi Join ACAF Board

Alessi and FlanaganThe Allegany County Area Foundation Board of Directors is pleased to announce the addition of two new board members. They are Carrie E. Flanagan-Watson of Belmont and Evelyn Alessi of Belfast.

Carrie grew up in Hornellsville on a dairy farm. She attended the following colleges after high school: Alfred State College (associates), New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, SUNY Cortland (bachelors), Alfred University (Masters) and SUNY Brockport (CAS).

Carrie has lived in Allegany County for 17 years. She and her husband, Dean Watson, built the home they have lived in for the last five years. They have four children: Morgan, Darnell, Alexis and Grant.

Carrie is both a science teacher at the Belfast Central School and the Assistant to the Principal. She also serves as a board member for the Town of Ward. Before becoming a teacher, Carrie had worked as a chemist and a waitress. In her spare time, she loves reading, canning, gardening, and baking desserts.

When asked why she was interested in serving on the Allegany County Area Foundation Board Carrie stated, “I want to become part of a great charitable organization and meet interesting people.”

Evelyn Alessi has been a teacher at the Belfast Central School since 1988. She has filled different roles while at Belfast. There include: class advisor, soccer scorekeeper and basketball scorekeeper. She has also been a member of various committees.

Evelyn grew up on a small dairy farm outside of Rushford. After attending Houghton College she married her husband, Mark, and they moved to Summit, NJ for a year before returning to Allegany County. They have lived in Belfast since 1986. Evelyn and Mark have four children: Luke, Drew, Noah and Lacy.

“Since I was born in Allegany County and have lived most of my life here, I was interested in the goals of the ACAF. My children were recipients of scholarships from the ACAF, and when I was approached to help on the scholarship committee, I was happy to do so. It is wonderful to see people devoted to improving the lives of local people.” Evelyn stated.

Evelyn is involved in church and community activities in Belfast. She enjoys reading, cooking, and attending sporting events in her spare time.
For more information on the Allegany County Area Foundation please call 585-808-8444 or e-mail: director@alleganycountyareafoundation.org.

In the picture (L to R):  Evelyn Alessi and Carrie E. Flanagan-Watson.