About Lucky U

The Lucky U effort is the 21st century version of an effort designed to truly impact lives; build and strengthen character and leadership traits and skills. This effort picks up where the BACKFIRE™ effort which was created in 1993 by Edward J. Stoddard leaves off. Ed Stoddard began teaching American History in 1959. In 1993, he retired after serving in two school districts as a teacher, principal, and superintendent of schools. To review other accomplishments click here.

Ed's commitment was not limited to the field of education. He continues to be heavily involved with the volunteer fire department and has served as a lieutenant on the line office side and has been president at the company and department levels. Over the years he has served in the following positions at the town and village levels of government: chairman of Chester, NY Village Planning Board, and Town Justice and member of the Chester Town Board.

The Lucky U effort is his on going plan to invite others to join an initiative that will help to reach: youngsters, pre-teens, and teens at most important times in their early lives.

Lucky U is dedicated to forming coalitions, to build relationships, which will have positive impacts and help individuals to be better prepared to face the challenges life presents.

We invite you as (a/an): individual, organization, institution, business or however you can to join the effort to advance the goals we have identified.

Further we realize these are the first steps and that effective coalitions will prove to be of tremendous value to individuals, organizations and communities.

Our effort has at least two major components: first to reach individuals and to invite them to join the effort and to see how this effort will have meaning in their own lives, secondly, and of equal importance, we encourage individuals and groups to see how the Lucky U effort can play a major role in addressing needs and concerns.