Farmington Services for the Elderly Holds Volunteer Recognition Luncheon

This press release was submitted by Jessica Lister.

Farmington Services for the Elderly celebrated another year of volunteers actively caring for Farmington's seniors at its annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon on April 17 at the Gables in Farmington. 

More than 80 volunteers, board members and community supporters attended, including Farmington Town Council Chair Jeff Hogan, Town Manager, Cathy Egan and Ben Shaiken from United Way of Central & Northeastern CT.  Noreen Washburn, Executive Director of the Gables and her wonderful staff graciously hosted this event.  

Nancy Nickerson, President of the Board of Services for the Elderly, offered heartfelt thanks to everyone for supporting the organization.  She offered special thanks to Services for the Elderly’s Executive Director Nancy Walker, for her leadership and for "putting her arms around Farmington seniors." In his remarks, Town Council Chair Jeff Hogan spoke about the importance and rewards of volunteering, and shared that it had enriched his life greatly.

Nancy Walker praised the volunteers for stepping forward and lending a helping hand to others. 

“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see,” she said. “Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much!”

At the lunch, new board members were welcomed to the organization: Tracy Bonini, Michael Clark, Diane Clerkin, Jessica Lister and Patty Williams. They begin three year terms of service.  Volunteers going off the board, after two terms of service are: Jan Colturi, Michael Fyler, Bob Johansen and Mary Ellen Rosenberry.

Remaining on the board are: Executive Members, President, Nancy Nickerson, Vice President, Marcie Shepard, Treasurer, Michael Andreas and Secretary, Marion Hyde. Other Board members are: Beverly Deavens, Chrissy Farrell, Jean Festa, Tanya Janeczko, Ed Preneta, George Reider, Pat Robotham and Ray Zailskas.

Farmington Services for the Elderly is a non-profit volunteer agency providing valuable programs and services to Farmington’s senior citizens. It is funded by the United Way, the Town of Farmington, local service organizations, churches, businesses and private donations. In 2012, the organization served 5,134 seniors.  

Its  programs, powered by 165 volunteers, 1 full-time and 2 part-time staff, include:

• Meals-on-Wheels: Volunteers deliver meals for people of any age or income who are unable to prepare a nutritious, balanced meal for themselves. ·      Transportation:  Volunteers provide rides for seniors to medical and dental appointments in surrounding towns when families or other agencies are not available.      
• Friendly Visiting:  Volunteers provide companionship and friendship to people who are essentially isolated and/or homebound through regular, social visits. Volunteers may read aloud, help with writing, play games or even just sit and watch television together.      
• "It's Good to Get Out":  Social outings for ladies 65 and older who live alone and no longer drive. Transportation is provided and expenses covered.      
• Friendly Shoppers:  Friendly Shoppers provide grocery shopping assistance to people who are essentially isolated and/or homebound through weekly trips to the local food stores. The senior has the choice of accompanying the volunteer or making out a list of necessary purchases needed.      
• The Loan Closet: Services for the Elderly loans out used medical equipment at no cost to the borrower. Their stockroom contains an assortment of items, such as, walkers, wheelchairs, canes, commodes, elevated toilet seats, shower chairs, tub transfer benches, bedrails and much more.       
• Congregate Meals: This is an opportunity for seniors to have lunch together at the Community/Senior Center. These well-balanced, nutritious meals are served every Monday and Friday at 12 noon sharp for $2.75.