Meals On Wheels

Volunteers Honored

By Jan Howard

Approximately 65 Newtown Meals on Wheels (MOW) drivers and others were honored at the annual appreciation luncheon May 11 in the undercroft of Trinity Church.

MOW is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization that was formed in 1975 to deliver meals to persons who for physical, psychological, or economic reasons are unable to prepare food for themselves.

In 2003, MOW volunteers delivered 4,726 meals to 46 recipients, as compared to 4,593 meals served to 42 people in 2002. Volunteers generally donate an hour or two once a month to deliver the meals.

In brief comments prior to the awards, First Selectman Herb Rosenthal thanked the volunteers for their services to the community.

Later that day, he said that a MOW driver might be the only person the recipient sees that day. Because of that, he added, their service is “more meaningful than just delivering meals.” He said MOW drivers often visit with the recipients and have on occasion notified relatives when they felt the person was not feeling well.

John Craven and Dolores Judge received the Bravo-Berthe Melville Award for their extra commitment and effort to the meal service.

Thirty-year awards were presented to Nancy Larin and Coke Cramer. Dolores Judge was honored for 25 years of service.

Recognized for 15 years were Becky Smith, Dorothy Miles, and Carol Foss. Ten-year awards were presented to Colleen Honan, Janet Hovious, Mandy Monaco, Virginia Quinn, and Laura Hewitt.

Receiving five-year awards were Graceann Hanulik, Homer Hopkins, Karen Klein, Eileen Huber, Wendy Kotwicki, Noreen O’Brien, Kaaren Valenta, Curtiss Clark, Tracy Fiore, Karen Udisky, Dawn Escoda, Martha Galie, Frank Pitrone, Nancy Copeland, Eileen Vitarbo, Lynn Buttner, Dorothy Dwyer, Alice Walsh, Sonja Haskel, Ruth Ann Hensel, Alice Mary Miller, and David McCauley.

Ashlar of Newtown, a skilled nursing facility on Toddy Hill Road, prepares the meals for MOW. Meaghan Faul is the food service director.

Originally the Fairfield Hills Hospital kitchen prepared the meals. When the hospital closed, Ashlar began providing the meals. Recipients now get menus with a choice of selections, and meals are customized for food allergies and special needs, as well as likes and dislikes.

The unit cost per meal in 2003 was $4.66; the cost to the recipient was $2.50. The balance is picked up by MOW.

MOW drivers recently took part in a tasting of the meals prepared at Ashlar for recipients. Ms Faul and Ashlar President Tom Gutnar were also in attendance.

Donations to MOW for 2003 were received from Newtown Lions, Women Involved in Newtown, Taunton Press, and Goodrich Helping Hand.

Officers of MOW for 2004 are Marilyn Alexander and Nancy Larin, co-presidents; Marg Studley, vice president; Dolores Judge, secretary; and Peg Forbell, treasurer.