Elder Services elects officers, honors staff at annual meeting
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.
Over 250 peopled recently attended Elder Services 34th Annual Meeting at the Crowne Plaza. Massachusetts Secretary of the Executive Office of Elder Affairs Michael E. Festa was the featured speaker. Festa praised Elder Services for its fine work, stating that it serves as an example to other similar agencies throughout the state. He also provided information on how the governor’s 9C budget cuts will likely affect seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Elder Services welcomed five new Board members: Edward Forfa, Marjorie Lillpopp, Edward Perlak, John Philpott, and Linda Wilcox. Elder Services’ board officers for 2008-2009 are President: Barbara I. Kie, Vice President: Sully Garofano, Treasurer: Christopher King, and Clerk: Carole Siegel. Mary Washburn was named board member of the year. Elder Services has over 120 full and part-time staff, 14 of whom were honored with longevity awards, ranging from five to 20 years. The following staff received their five-year awards: Meals on Wheels (MOW) driver Amy Booth, Client Services registered nurse Cindy Danforth, Housing Programs Manager Maureen Tuggey, MOW driver Michael Mach, and Administrative Support Professional Faith Lemaire. Staff who received 10-year awards: Home Care Clerk/Receptionist Marjorie Noble, MOW Driver Claire Bedard, and Elder Intervention Specialist Kathleen Barber. Client Services Coordinator Nancy McCarthy, MOW Driver Wesley Sagendorph, and Meal Site Coordinator Rita Burns were recognized for 15 years of service, and Caregiver Coordinator Pat Morrissey, Fiscal Director Nicholas Kirchner, and MOW Driver Ugo Alessio celebrated 20 years with the agency.
Elder Services 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.”
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.”
Dean also expressed concern about the impact of “the high costs of food, home heating fuel, utilities, gasoline, and prescription medications, which are stretching people’s budgets to the breaking point. With the advent of winter weather, a “Heat or Eat” crisis is looming. This is especially true for those with limited incomes, who are on fixed budgets. No one should have to choose between staying warm or having enough to eat. We must do all we can to meet this challenge.”
