Dunkirk-Fredonia Meals on Wheels, a United Way agency, recently held its annual dinner meeting at Shorewood Country Club. The meeting was called to order by Loretta Slaton-Torain, Meals on Wheels secretary, followed by the dinner invocation given by the Rev. Early Waller.
The following were installed as officers for the calendar year 2011: Chairperson Charles Divine, Vice Chairperson Richard Clarke, Secretary Loretta Slaton-Torain and Treasurer Rachel Foley. The following new members were installed to the class of 2013: Beverly Bartkowski and Charles Cutrona. Renewing a three-year commitment to the board, class of 2013, were Charles Bertges, Robert Delevan and Lenore Feibelkorn. The installation service was conducted by board member Carol Oliveira.
Joan Houck, executive director of Meals on Wheels, reflected on the "State of the Agency." She told those present that the agency delivered 80,232 meals in 2010, a 4 percent increase over the previous year. Houck spoke of the changing landscape on Central Avenue due to the fire which destroyed the Masonic Temple. This tragedy forced Meals on Wheels to evacuate its office building across the street and temporarily set up an office in a corner of the Brooks Hospital cafeteria. The fire prompted Meals on Wheels to establish an ad hoc committee to update its "emergency crisis plan."
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From left: Vice Chairperson Richard Clarke, Treasurer Rachel Foley and Secretary Loretta Slaton-Torain.
The executive director spoke about the success of the Mayors March for Meals with five mayors and one village trustee participating in meal delivery along with volunteers and van personnel. The purpose of this event was to raise awareness of senior hunger in the areas which the elected officials presided over.
More than 120 volunteers were recognized in the spring of the year for their participation in the home meal delivery program, assistance in the office and for visitation to clients on their birthdays.
The Meals on Wheels staff was recognized for its dedication to the home meal delivery program with special emphasis on Mary Kay Donovan, office coordinator, who is retiring after 18 years of service.
The meeting concluded with a delightful performance provided by students from the select chorus of Dunkirk High School under the direction of music teacher Jeannine Van Wey.
Meals on Wheels is desperately in need of volunteers from February to April; one hour, once a week, orientation and training provided. Call the office at 366-8822 for more information.
