A special birthday party took place Monday morning, November 17, when former and current drivers, and board members of Newtown Meals on Wheels (MOW) gathered in the meeting room at C.H. Booth Library to celebrate 40 years of service to the community.

Since its inception, Meals on Wheels has worked to provide healthy meals, five days of the week, to community members needing short or long-term assistance. Some recipients are elderly, others have recently returned home from surgery, or are temporarily or permanently unable to prepare their own meals. Whatever the reason, for four decades volunteers have worked diligently to make sure that those in need do not go hungry any day of the week, or on holidays.

“Meals on Wheels services more people than you would think,” said Marg Studley, who is co-president of the organization, along with Pat Barrett.

During 2014, Newtown MOW has delivered 5,000 meals, said Ms Barrett. Recipients pay less than $3 per meal, thanks to the support received from other civic organizations and residents, as well as grants, allowing the group to subsidize the meals.

Meals are prepared at Masonicare at Newtown, where volunteer drivers pick up each noontime. Nancy Larin, who along with Coke Cramer, is a founder of Newtown MOW, recalled that the meal preparation has come full circle.

“When we first started delivering meals, we got them from Buckingham Gardens [later known as Ashlar of Newtown and currently Masonicare at Newtown],” said Ms Larin. “Then the kitchen at Fairfield Hills prepared the meals for us,” she said. When the state hospital closed, MOW meal preparation returned to Ashlar, in 1995. “Meals cost us only $1 when we started, and Masonicare still charges us only the cost of the food, not for preparation or anything else,” Ms Larin said.

She also recalled the dedication of MOW to meal delivery over the years.

“Years ago, every time we had a bad storm, John Mead, who was the head of Civil Defense in town, would pick up one of us — usually me, because I lived in the center of town — in that cold, cold Jeep, and take us to deliver the meals,” she said.

Drivers today continue to be equally determined to get meals to recipients, in rain, snow, or whatever the elements toss at them, Ms Barrett said, “Just like the post office!”

As guests sipped coffee and enjoyed breakfast items prepared by Masonicare kitchen staff, Ms Studley and Ms Barrett took a few moments to give a brief history of Newtown Meals on Wheels, and to thank all present.

“We appreciate the work and efforts of all of our volunteer drivers. Without all of you,” said Ms Studley, “we couldn’t do it.”

First Selectman Pat Llodra was in attendance, and offered a brief comment. A former MOW driver, Ms Llodra remembered picking up meals to deliver from the same building that now houses her office.

“I’m proud to have come full circle,” she laughed. Mrs Llodra also noted that MOW embodies the goodness that is prevalent in Newtown, and her appreciation that the group has sustained that goodness over time.

A birthday party would not be complete without singing, and at Ms Barrett’s suggestion, guests burst into an enthusiastic rendition of “Happy Birthday” to MOW.

Craig DuMont, director of food services at Masonicare at Newtown, said that the kitchen team, and Chef Rob, work to provide variety and nutrition in meals they make for MOW. “Our team knows it is going to a good cause,” Mr DuMont said, and is happy to help.

Lynn Williams has been driving for just one year and is finding it to be a wonderful volunteer activity, she said.

“The people we bring meals to are really happy when you come,” she said, “and it takes so little of my time.”

Newtown Meals On Wheels is seeking additional volunteer drivers, particularly for the holidays. To find out about volunteering, call Colleen Honan at 203-426-0714. Those needing meal delivery can contact Marilyn Alexander at 203-426-6340.