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-- Programs and Services -- Contact Information Elder Services holds Annual Meeting; elects new officers
By Louisa Weeden
Established in 1974, Elder Services of Berkshire County, a nonprofit agency, serves over 10,000 seniors, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers a year, offering Meals on Wheels, Information and Referral, In-home supports, Housing Programs, Protective Services and Elder Intervention, Money Management, Volunteer Services, Caregiver Supports, SHINE (Health Insurance Counseling), monthly Berkshire Senior newspaper and the Berkshire Senior cable TV show.
Elder Services held its 33rd Annual Meeting in October at the Wahconah Country Club, with over 180 people in attendance. Elder Services welcomed four new Board members, Elaine Christopher, Karen Gold, Terrence Hanlon, and Joseph Tirrell, who have been nominated and elected to serve two-year board terms. Elder Services’ board officers, elected to serve one-year terms for 2007-2008, are as follows: President: Barbara I. Kie, Vice President: Sully Garofano, Treasurer: Christopher King, and Clerk: Carole Siegel. Richard J. Matthews,
who retired from his position as board president, was named board member of the year. Elder Services honored thirteen staff members with longevity awards, ranging from 5 to 20 years. Honored for 20 years of service were Receptionist Patricia Kerr and Ombudsman Program Assistant Dermot Sporbert. Meals on Wheels Driver Lawrence Roberts, Cheshire Meal Site Director Phyllis Sanderson, and retired Williamstown Meal Site Director Donald Bragdon received awards for 15 years of service. The following staff were recognized for 10 years of service: Executive Secretary Louisa Weeden, Meals on Wheels Drivers Paula Suters and Peter Foote, Client Services Coordinator Brian Harrison, and Home Care Registered Nurse Dorothy Taft. Job Developer for the Senior Community Service Employment Program Sam Lagrotteria, Kitchen Utility Worker Russell Lehmann, and Client Services Coordinator Lona Barney were honored for fi ve years of service. Executive Director Robert P. Dean gave his annual report, excerpted here:
“Here at Elder Services, we recognize the overwhelming preference of Berkshire County seniors to continue to live independently in their own homes and communities for as long as possible... and, if or when they need long-term care services, to receive those services at home. At the heart of Elder Services is a commitment to honor this preference with all the resources available to us.
During the past year, we served more seniors than ever before, supporting them in their desire to continue to live in their own homes and communities, with dignity and independence, and to achieve the highest quality of life. Elder Services staff worked tirelessly to ensure that each senior received the services they needed.
Many thanks to our staff and volunteers, who together are the heart and soul of this great agency. Although we serve more than 10,000 seniors, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities a year, we serve one person at a time, with care and compassion, thanks to your dedication and commitment. You are truly outstanding. You are without equal.”
Retiring Board President Richard J. Matthews was the event’s main speaker, addressing the topic of “Two very different worlds,” in which he contrasted his for-profit and non-profit work experiences. Matthews said, “I have enjoyed two careers over the past 50 years. First, I spent almost 40 years working in the “for-profit” world, where the”bottom line” drove the daily operations. In 1996, I retired from that world, and, soon after, I joined Elder Services as a volunteer shopper, later volunteering as a Nursing Home Ombudsman. I was then hired as an Elder Services’ case manager, and since retiring from that position in 2001, I have served as a member of the board of directors. I feel very fortunate and proud to have been a part of such an outstanding organization, and I wish them continued success in future years.”