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Ruth McBride displays the shirt she won at the June 8 30th
Anniversary event. |
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Ruth McBride displays the shirt she won at the June 8 30th
Anniversary event. |
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Community shows support for Meals on Wheels
By Louisa Weeden
Elder Services operates Popcorn Wagon to benefit Meals on Wheels
Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc. celebrated 30 years of service to elders with a 30th Anniversary event and fund-raiser for Meals on Wheels, held June 8 at the Country Club of Pittsfield, which raised over $25,000 for Meals on Wheels.
Current Executive Director Robert P. Dean spoke at the event, as did past Elder Services Executive Directors Frederick Whitham and Catherine R. May. Board President Barbara I. Kie read citations celebrating Elder Services’ 30 years from Governor Romney, the State Senate, and the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. Representative Smitty Pignatelli presented a citation from the State House of Representatives, and Congressman John Olver’s aide, Cynthia Clark, presented a citation from the United States House of Representatives.
Area businesses sponsoring the event included: Diamond Wheel, $3,000 - Berkshire Bank Foundation; Platinum Wheel, $2,000 - Greylock Federal Credit Union; Berkshire Healthcare Systems (on behalf of Kimball Farms, Kimball Farms Nursing Facility, Hillcrest Commons, Fairview Commons, Williamstown Commons and North Adams Commons), and Gold Wheel, $1,000 - Berkshire Health Systems. Fifty-nine other businesses and individuals sponsored at the following levels: Silver Wheel, $500, Hubcap, $300, Spoke, $200, and Valve Cap, $100. Numerous donations under $100 were also received (See page 8).
Restaurants and other area businesses donated cake, chocolates, gift baskets and other items for the event, provided D.J. services and helium for balloons, and sent in gift certificates as prizes for the event’s games, raffle, 1974 trivia contest and Chinese auction. A cash prize community raffle was held to raise additional funds for Meals on Wheels, raising $3,681. The winners were selected in a drawing held at Elder Services on June 9: $500 First Prize - Frank Ryan; $250 Second Prize - Ray Ladouceur; and Third Prize - $100 - Dick Savage. Many thanks to all who bought and sold tickets.
Elder Services Executive Director, Robert P. Dean, stated "The proceeds of the event, a reflection of the generosity of this community, will help the Meals on Wheels program close a $95,000 funding gap for this year. We are grateful and pleased to see businesses and individuals come together and acknowledge the importance of this vital service to frail Berkshire elders, many of whom would go hungry without these home-delivered meals. Many thanks to all who contributed to the event’s success, and to all who attended the event."
Elder Services’ Lanesboro kitchen prepares 245,000 meals annually, delivering 187,000 as Meals on Wheels, and serving the other 58,000 at 14 congregate meal sites throughout the county. Meals on Wheels drivers deliver hot, nutritious noontime meals to over 750 homebound Berkshire elders each weekday.
Funding for Meals on Wheels has remained basically the same for the past 10 years, while the costs of purchasing the food, preparing the meals, and delivering them to the homes of elders who need them has continued to increase, resulting in a significant deficit. Community support for this essential program is much appreciated.
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Elder Services Celebrates 30 Years |
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 Representative William “Smitty” Pignatelli and Susan Strong join former Executive Directors of ElderServices Catherine May and Fred Whitham. (Whitham also was the founder of Elder Services). |
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