Newtown Meals On Wheels Recognizes Volunteers

By Nancy K. Crevier

Newtown Meals On Wheels volunteers were honored at a breakfast, Thursday morning, May 12, in the undercroft of Trinity Episcopal Church. The breakfast buffet was provided by the kitchen staff of Masonicare at Newtown, which has partnered with Newtown Meals On Wheels for more than 20 years, providing 5,200 noontime meals each year to Sandy Hook and Newtown residents temporarily or permanently in need of assistance.

It is thanks to the many volunteers that these meals can be provided, said Co-chairperson Pat Barrett, in welcoming the group to the breakfast. It is not only the drivers who make Newtown Meals On Wheels a success, she said, but also the numerous others who offer support through soliciting volunteers and scheduling. She also praised the Masonicare at Newtown kitchen staff, noting, “They are always receptive to all of our requests.”

Masonicare at Newtown President John Sweeney was on hand and offered brief remarks, thanking those present for their parts in Meals On Wheels. “We hope to continue to grow the relationship, together, and Masonicare is pleased to be a part of it,” said Mr Sweeney.

Co-chairpersons Marg Studley and Pat Barrett were pleased to present awards this year to volunteers who have served with Meals On Wheels for at least five years. The coveted Birthe Melville Bravo Award, for a volunteer that board members feel has gone above and beyond in Meals On Wheels service, went to Marjorie and Alex Aitchison this year.

Other awards went to Peg Forbell for 35 years of service, and Ed Forbell and Ingrid Meier for 25 years of service. Ellyn Gehrett was recognized for 20 years of service, and Marg Studley, Barbara Webb, Marjorie and Alex Aitchison, and Glenna Rees for 15 years of service to the group.

Ten-year awards went to Peter Stern, Mary and Tom Powers, Marti Eastwood, and Pat Barrett, while Carolyn Faxon, Martha Friar, Russell Strasburger, Susan McNulty, Sharon Maynard, Carm O’Neill, and Wendy Wipprecht received honors for serving five years with Newtown Meals On Wheels.

Special recognition was given to Margo Lopez-Cepero and Ed Fansher, both of whom received the Award of Excellence to Retiring Drivers. Ms Lopez-Cepero and Mr Fansher will no longer be drivers after this year.

Following the distribution of awards, board member Marilyn Alexander invited all present to pause for a minute to remember longtime Newtown Meals On Wheels volunteer Ken Wilkinson, who passed away. “Ken served on the board, he was vice president at one time, and he served on the nominating committee. He would do anything,” said Ms Alexander. Mr Wilkinson was the recipient of the Birthe Melville Bravo Award in 1996, and again in 2006. “We are so blessed to have people like Ken [involved in Meals On Wheels], and all of you,” Ms Alexander said.