Pat Ebert, Dunkirk-Fredonia Meals on Wheels Volunteer of the Year 2022 is seated. Standing, from left, are Sara Marsowicz, volunteer; Debra Pacos, executive director; William McIntyre, board chair.

More than 70 volunteers and guests were in attendance as Dunkirk-Fredonia Meals on Wheels held its Volunteer Recognition Luncheon at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Dunkirk. Volunteers were feted for the many hours they give to the agency throughout the year, especially during the pandemic. All attendees received commemorative bottles of Merritt wine and pens as gifts. A chicken barbecue and a door prize drawing were other highlights of the event.

Board Chair William McIntyre served as emcee. “I am proud to dedicate this day in recognition of you, our faithful volunteers,” he said. “We are truly blessed to be surrounded by so many who care so much about the well-being of our most vulnerable neighbors – our homebound seniors.”

Debra Pacos, executive director for Dunkirk-Fredonia Meals on Wheels welcomed everyone to the event.

“As one can imagine, it takes the cooperation of many people to ensure that our seniors are safe, healthy and happy in their own homes – we can’t do it alone,” Pacos said. “We see what happens when our older neighbors are no longer able to drive, when jobs around the house become more difficult for them, when the ordinary tasks of daily living are just a little bit harder. And every day we see firsthand how your work transforms the quality of life for seniors and their families.”

Several local organizations were recognized with Certificates of Appreciation for their long-time support: Linda Orloff for Aspire; Rich Goodman, Bob Ehrheart, Al Pacos and George Sinclair for Spoke Folk; Christina Lockett and Donald Parker for The Resource Center; and Barbara Shields and Vittoria Belliotti for People Inc.

Receiving Certificates of Appreciation for one to three years of service were Kerry Askin, Richard Carpenter, Mary Dee, Rich Goodman (board member) Jane Halas Dudek, Jack Hood, Cindy Jusko, Carla Kuzdzal, Joseph Kwiatkowski, Dan Lawrence, Zoe Milliman, Ann McIntyre, Gina Paradis, Amy Pring, Sue Rocque, Peggy Sisson, Jim Steeg, Bill Styborski, Sue Styborski, Emily Vandette & Cindy Williams.

Recognized with five-year service pins were Ron Mancuso, Nathan Queer and Joan Will. McIntyre was recognized for five years of Board service.

Awarded 10-year service pins were Denise Griggs (11 years), Carol Hood (11 years), Donna Metzger, George Sinclair, and Al Pacos, while a 15-year service pin was awarded to Lenore Fiebelkorn.

Pat Ebert (27 years) and Rodney Houck (29 years) were recognized for over 25 years of service, while Board member Loretta Torain received special recognition for 30 years of service on the agency’s Board of Directors.

Longtime volunteer Ebert of Dunkirk was named Volunteer of the Year.

“The energy and enthusiasm that Pat has for this work is unmatched. Weather doesn’t daunt her, and neither did the pandemic,” said Pacos. “Pat truly puts the needs of others before herself – we should all possess her vitality and zest for life and community service.”

Ebert was presented with a Certificate of Excellence from Meals on Wheels and a Walmart gift card.

Luncheon sponsors were Basil Chevrolet, The Chautauqua Center, Concord Pharmacy, Lake Shore Savings, Merritt Estate Winery and Pizza Village. Door prizes were donated by ADD Lumber, Central Station, Flowers by Anthony, Fredonia Food Mart, Friends of Meals on Wheels, Home Depot, Kirk’s Jewelers, Liberty Vineyards, Patton Electric, The Chautauqua Center, Valvo’s Candies and Walmart.

Dunkirk-Fredonia Meals on Wheels is a community partner of the United Way of Northern Chautauqua County. The agency also receives funding in the form of grants and donations from individuals and area organizations and businesses. Volunteers also come to the program through RSVP.

Those interested in volunteering should contact Dunkirk-Fredonia Meals on Wheels at (716) 366-8822, or email to dpacosdfmow@netsync.net.

Volunteers generally devote about an hour each week to deliver meals between 9:30 and 11 a.m. They must undergo training and have reliable transportation.