Meals On Wheels Volunteers Honored

By Nancy K. Crevier

Tom Gutner, president of Masonicare at Newtown, offered praise to the Newtown Meals On Wheels organization and to the more than four dozen volunteers gathered in the undercroft of Trinity Episcopal Church on Main Street, Wednesday morning, May 12, at the annual Meals On Wheels Volunteer Appreciation breakfast.

“It is a great testimony to this organization to attract people of all ages to serve the community,” said Mr Gutner, following opening remarks from Meals On Wheels Co-president Pat Barrett. “Masonicare is happy to partner with Meals On Wheels for 13 years now. With the resources left to us and times that have changed, in order to provide services, it requires collaboration between organizations,” he said. Masonicare prepares the hot meals that are delivered to recipients by the volunteer drivers. He thanked the volunteers for working with Masonicare, and added, “We value our relationship with Meals On Wheels.”

“We couldn’t do it without you drivers,” emphasized Co-president Marg Studley.

“Newtown Meals On Wheels is a strictly volunteer organization. We do not get any state or federal funding,” Ms Barrett reminded the group as they feasted on baked French toast, bagels, muffins, juice, and coffee prepared by Masonicare staff. “In trying times we do provide a vital service to our community, and you guys,” she said, “are the best. That is why we have this breakfast for you every year.”

“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” said Meals On Wheels driver coordinator Colleen Honan to the diners. Reminding those present that providing their email addresses to her will help the organization “go green,” she noted that the organization is still in need of drivers to deliver meals once a month. “Ask your friends and relatives if they can help us,” she urged.

Ms Studley and Ms Barrett awarded certificates of appreciation to Rhonda Cullens, Anna Wiedemann, Carol Mattegat, Debbie and Fred Stakel, Joan Piscitelli, Marie D’Amcio, and Donna Ball for five years of service; to Greg Bura, Scott Wolfman, Lucille LaPerch, David McCauley, John Craven, and Karen Klein for ten years of service; to Nancy Kennedy and Lynn Atkinson for 15 years of service; to Gretchen Bauta for 25 years of service; and to Bobbe Bowles for 30 years of service to the organization.

Although she was not present, Ms Studley and Ms Barrett were pleased to announce that Trish Dardine was the recipient of the special Birthe Melville Bravo Award, for her design and implementation of the new newtownmealsonwheels.org website. “We thank Trish for bringing us up to date,” said Ms Barrett.

To volunteer with Newtown Meals On Wheels, call Ms Honan at 203-426-0714.