Brian and Loueda Bleiler
2009 United Way Campaign Co-Chairs 

 Dr. Brian Bleiler of Odessa knows first-hand the benefits of Schuyler County United Way.

Bleiler is an optometrist at the Watkins Glen office of Twin Tiers Eye Care, a group practice serving the Southern Tier. He’s also currently president of the board of the Southern Tier Association for the Visually Impaired, STAVI, one of Schuyler United Way’s 27 beneficiary agencies.

“I know the people in our county who benefit from STAVI,” said Bleiler, co-chairman of the 2009 United Way campaign with his wife, Loueda. “To be involved from the other end is a good thing to do. It’s a nice connection.”

Loueda, who is director of music at Corning Community College as well as an instructor, said she appreciates that United Way provides a simple way to support many worthy organizations.

“I don’t have nearly enough volunteer hours to help all the organizations I would like to. But through United Way giving, I can support, at least financially, all of these groups. And I’m so pleased with the variety of organizations,” Loueda said.

As leaders in the Schuyler County community and supporters of United Way, the Bleilers are excellent ambassadors, Executive Director Peggy Scott said.

The couple are both graduates of Odessa-Montour Central School, Loueda in 1981 and Brian in 1982. They have three children: Alyssa, 16, in 11th grade at OMCS; Matthew, 14, in 9th grade; and Jenelle, 12, in 8th grade.

The children are busy with a variety of sports in each school season, and all are honors students.

Brian and Loueda are both very active in their church, the Odessa Baptist Church. He currently is Sunday school superintendent and moderator. She is director of music.

Loueda also recently completed a five-year term on the Odessa-Montour school board.