Newtown Meals On Wheels Recognizes Volunteers

By Nancy K. Crevier

Coke and Al Cramer were honored with the Bravo Award in memory of Berthe Melville, Wednesday morning, May 9, at the annual Meals On Wheels thank you breakfast, held in the undercroft of Trinity Episcopal Church.

Ms Cramer is a founding member of Newtown Meals On Wheels, in idea originated in 1972 by Betty Perrella and established in 1974 with a board of 21 members. Ms Cramer and her husband have served on the board and as drivers for the nonprofit meal program that brings healthy meals to housebound Newtown citizens since that time.

The breakfast spread supplied by Masonicare at Newtown, a longtime partner of Newtown Meals On Wheels, was appreciated by the nearly three dozen Meals On Wheels volunteers in attendance. Meals for the program were originally provided by Buckingham Gardens Convalescent Hospital, later known as Ashlar of Newtown, and currently operating as Masonicare at Newtown, and later by the kitchen at Fairfield Hills Hospital, before returning to its origins several years ago.

Following brief welcoming remarks by co-presidents Marg Studley and Pat Barrett, Peter Francis, director of assisted living at Lockwood Lodge, expressed the pleasure of working with Newtown Meals On Wheels, on behalf of the organization. “Masonicare is here to help and to be part of the community,” said Mr Francis.

Volunteers Carol Garbarino, Darlene Jackson, Dolores Lussier, Julie Stern, and Judy Rosentel were awarded plaques for 20 years of service to the organization.

Also recognized at the breakfast were those volunteers who have given five, ten, and 15 years of service to Newtown Meals On Wheels.

Newtown Meals On Wheels is a nonprofit organization and does not receive any federal or state funds. The program is totally dependent on volunteer help and contributions. The program services all Newtown residents in all income groups.

For more information about Newtown Meals On Wheels, or to become a recipient, contact Marilyn at 203-426-6340, Janet at 203-270-1960, or Colleen at 203-426-0714.