News

EMERGENCY MEALS

You can still order EMERGENCY MEAL PACKS. Emergency Meal Packs are 2 days worth of canned foods (and other items that do not need refrigeration) AND 2 frozen meal trays to be used when Meals on Wheels cancels delivery due to bad winter weather. You can order additional packs at anytime—just call the office—754-7856.

Sources for Inclement Weather Info

REMEMBER to watch the weather reports and keep in mind that if the area schools close Meals on Wheels closes also. The television stations will display the announcements on the bottom of the screen. You can also listen to radio station WNBF AM 1290 for the announcement. Also remember to listen for "MEALS ON WHEELS OF WESTERN BROOME" announcement—there is a separate meals program in Binghamton. If you have family members in the area ask them to help you by calling you when Meals on Wheels closes to make sure you are aware of the closing.

VOLUNTEERS: Time to think about the weather

With the winter weather approaching, your delivery time may vary due to winter weather conditions. Driving and walking with snowy roads and sidewalks takes a little more time. This is another reason for you to be aware of weather reports on a daily basis. Also, if you own the home you live in, it is your responsibility to hire someone to clear you sidewalks and driveway.

HOLIDAY MEALS FOR CHRISTMAS DAY AND NEW YEARS DAY

Meals on Wheels of Western Broome will be closed Monday, December 26th and January 2nd for the Christmas and New Years Holiday. You can order a meal ahead of time to be delivered each Friday before these 2 holidays. A "HOLIDAY MEAL NOTICE" will be sent to you asking you to respond "YES" or "NO" to the holiday schedule. PLEASE GIVE YOUR NOTICE WITH YOUR RESPONSE TO THE VOLUNTEER TO BRING BACK TO THE OFFICE. Your returned notice with your "yes" or "no" response tell us that you understand the change in the holiday delivery schedule and are prepared.

A Moment to Remember Marilyn

Meals on Wheels client and former volunteer, Marilyn Bombard, passed away in September. Marilyn was also one of the people who helped get the Meals on Wheels of Western Broome program started in 1969. Among other community programs Marilyn was deeply involved in, Meals on Wheels was dear to her heart.

Ultimately Marilyn and her husband Alan began receiving Meals on Wheels service. Marilyn and her husband were prominent people in the community, financially independent and had family members at their side through these "declining years". Yet, they really needed the Meal on Wheels service. Their daughter is the primary care giver but she also works. With home health assistance and Meal s on Wheels Marilyn and Al were able to stay in their own home.

When Marilyn died her family designated that donations be sent to Meals on Wheels of Western Broome in her memory. Memorial donations are a wonderful way to honor someone life—and help the services to continue for the future. You can send memorial donations to Meals on Wheels of Western Broome to honor someone‘s life and please ask your family to designate memorial donations to Meals on Wheels to honor your life– as Marilyn‘s family did for her.

Thanksgiving Closure

MEALS ON WHEELS OF WESTERN BROOME will be closed on Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25th for the Thanksgiving holiday. You will receive a Holiday Meal Notice to order your holiday meals to be delivered on Wednesday, November 23rd (along with weekend meals if you use them). Please respond to the notice if you DO or DO NOT need holiday meals. Your returned notice will tell us that you are preparing for the holiday closure.

Emergency meals during closing

EMERGENCY MEALS were delivered on October 19th. If you need additional meals between now and when we plan to send them again, please let us know. A 2nd set of 2 days worth of meals will automatically be sent out when we have closed for 2 days due to bad weather. If you did not ask for emergency meals REMEMBER to be prepared with extra food items to be used when Meals on Wheels closes. Also, remember to listen to WNBF radio channel 1290 AM for the closing announcement from Meals on Wheels of Western Broome. The television scrolls the announcement across the bottom of the screen and may be hard for some people to read. The radio will announce closings regularly.

DOG GONE IT!!!

The Meals on Wheels volunteers have recently had some trouble with dogs when delivering meals. Please have your dog restrained - secured in a room with a closed door — during meal delivery. The volunteer is told “the dog won't hurt you” or "it's a friendly dog" and then the dog proceeds to jump on them or otherwise make the meal delivery difficult. PLEASE be responsible and know that dogs are unpredictable and can feel threatened by a visitor and my act on fear.

FLOOD UPDATE

Meals on Wheels of Western Broome was closed for 3 days following the flood. Mostly due to impassable roads, and volunteers who could not get here. Initially, about 12 clients were relocated—6 of them are unable to return home at this point. The loss of these clients and the normal attrition of clients has reduced the number of clients we were serving. Over the last few days the meal count has increased a little. It's a case of "if you don't use it you loose it." Meaning the more we serve the better. The popular opinion is that the service is "only for low income people" which isn't true. Our services are available for anyone who is in need...and the mission is to help people remain in their own home for as long as possible. Thank you forusing your community home delivered meal service.

Welcome Maria

We welcome Maria Barba to our office staff. She will be answering the phone when you call as soon as she feels comfortable with our operation.

EMERGENCY MEALS

We are in the process of ordering the food for your emergency meals. When you request emergency meals you will receive 2 days of shelf stable meals to be delivered in October. When those 2 meals are used up we will automatically send you another 2 day emergency pack—with a 3rd pack supply at the ready. Please fill out the form attached to receive your emergency meal pack.

Diabetics and Special Diets

YOUR MEAL LABEL has notes on it specific to your dietary needs—as you have expressed them to us. The notes explain to the kitchen staff what they need to know in order to pack the appropriate foods for you. For example if you bag labels says "diabetic" then your bag is packed with diabetic food items at the “diabetic station” area of the kitchen. The bags for non-diabetic dietary needs are packed at the "special diet" area of the kitchen. Your foods put into the tray are handled similarly. The hot meals do not usually contain foods with sugar, so most entrée items do not need any special attention for diabetics. Diabetics should limit starches (pasta bread etc.). We try to plan pasta meals for only once a week to help diabetics with that issue. If you have any questions about how we handle special diet needs, please call the office. We can only help you if you talk to us.

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION DINNER

The Volunteer Appreciation Dinner will be held on Thursday, October 27th. The Meals on Wheels Board of Directors finds sponsors for this event so that the expense does not come from our program budget. There are over 300 volunteers who help pack and deliver meals to about 200 people who receive Meals on Wheels. We honor our volunteers with this event because the meals would not get to you without them. We recently found out that Chenango County (just north of Broome County) PAYS drivers to deliver meals. This community is so blessed to have caring peo-ple making it a better place to live.

Update Your Emergency Contact Record

We will be updating your emergency contact record. Please fill out the EMERGENCY CONTACT form and give it to the volunteer to return to the office. It?s important to have this information on file in case of an emergency. Thank you.

You must be home to receive your meal

Please!! Do not ask us to leave meals outside of your house-on a porch or in a garage. Please do not leave notes on your door asking the volunteer to leave the meal. The New York State Department of Health prohibits to leaving meals unattended.

To comply with Department of Health regulations, Meals on Wheels of Western Broome’s policy states that ‘you’ (or someone) must be home to accept the meal at delivery time. If you expect to be away during delivery time, please call and cancel the day before. All volunteers are instructed in this policy. Keep in mind that last minute changes wreak havoc in getting 50 volunteers and 300 meals on the road.

Goodbye Lori

We say ‘goodbye’ to Lori—who worked here in the office and often answered your phone calls. She has moved on to another job. We wish her well. We will be hiring someone to take her place as soon as possible. Until then we appreciate your patience in accommodating your requests. Please understand that this is a busy place and we will make every attempt to handle your calls promptly.

FUNDRAISERS

Fundraisers are an important part of the Meals on Wheels of Western Broome organization. We have 2 fund-raisers in September. We have a 50/50 raffle that will be drawn at the Apple Fest (Sat. Sept 17). You can enter now for a cash prize of $1,900—probably $2,000 by the drawing date. The tickets are $5.00 each, 3 for $10, and 5 for $15. Call if you would like to enter. Also, our Pasta Dinner is Tuesday, September 27th from 4:30 to 7:30pm at the Son’s of Italy on Odell Ave. Encourage your family members to support us. Call for ticket info—nice gift for someone who helps you. The tickets are $8 each. Fundraiser help us to keep the cost of meals from increas-ing drastically.

We have 'em but we're always looking for more!

Volunteer coordinator Judy Harley has been working hard at processing new volunteers. We are proud to say that we have over 300 volunteers. Volunteers find that delivering meals is a very rewarding experience. They enjoy meeting and getting to know the people (you) that they deliver to. They see first hand how what they do helps someone. Encourage your family members to become involved in Meals on Wheels—or some other volun-teer activity that may interest them. Especially if they have just retired and are looking for something to do. Our volunteers work just 1 day a week. We also have volunteers who work in the kitchen packaging meals.

September Closing

Meals on Wheels will be closed Monday, September 5th. Notices were sent to you to request a meal to be delivered on Friday, September 2nd (NOT AUGUST 2ND THAT WAS PRINTED ON THE NOTICE—SORRY). Please make sure you CALL THE OFFICE IF YOU NEED HOLIDAY MEALS AND DID NOT SEND YOUR NOTICE IN.

IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to be prepared for emergency weather situations. Bad weather—or any other kind of emergency– can happen at any time and will effect your daily routine. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have extra food items on hand in case Meals on Wheels cannot deliver. Every attempt is made to make sure that we have a plan in place to be able to get meals to you. We can get emergency meal packs to you at any time, but you have to let us know that you need help. Please call the office to discuss your situation and to plan ahead.

Don’t wait until it is too late.

Practice Discretion.

We understand that many of our clients just don’t feel well and may feel the most comfortable dressed in pajamas. Please check that you are properly covered when you answer the door—or wait until you are covered to answer the door. Our volunteers thank you !!!!

HEAP—Home Energy Assistance Program.

Attention NYSEG customers!!!

Save MORE money on your NYSEG bill. If you receive HEAP assistance, you can also receive an additional discount from NYSEG. You have to provide proof that you receive HEAP. You will need a letter from the department of social services or the office where you applied stating that you receive HEAP.

If you do not receive HEAP you may be eligible. If you are a NYSEG customer and your household income is less that $2,784 per month (gross) you may be eligible for HEAP. You can only apply in April and May, but call now to get the information needed to apply. HEAP will reduce your NYSEG bill. Call: NYSEG 1-800-572-1111 0 R 1-888-315-1755 Call : Department of Social Services—HEAP at 785-7207

HOME REPAIR

Small home repairs and professional repair referrals when necessary. Low and moderate income seniors or disabled in Broome County. Call First Ward Action Council 772-2850 -OR- Broome County Office For Aging 778-2411.

Closed for Labor Day

Meals on Wheels will be closed Monday, September 5th for Labor Day. (Yikes, where did this summer go!!!) You can order meals for the holiday ahead of time and they will be delivered on Friday, September 2nd with that days meal delivery.

You will receive a holiday meal notice to fill out (Yes or No) and return to the office. Please fill the notice out as soon as possible so that we can calculate the meals needed for the holiday.

Labor Day

Peter McGuire is considered the Father of the Labor Day holiday. An Irish-American cabinet maker and pioneer unionist proposed a day dedicated to all who labor at a meeting of the Central Labor Union on May 18,1882 where he stated, “Let us have, a festive day during which a parade through the streets of the city would permit public tribute to American Industry.”. He is described as a red-headed, fiery, eloquent leader of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners.

Throughout the years labor and management were polarized. By the mid to later 1960's, as big labor’s leaders lost much of their clout with the rank and file, many workers spent the three-day holiday enjoying backyard barbecues, boats and summer cottages: the fruits of their victories. This explains why modern day labor day celebrations usually are about one last summer fling- be it barbecues or last minute getaways- the holiday is no longer marked by parades and marches for unionism.

There's No Place Like Home

“There’s no place like home” but if your home is not a safe, weloming place for you to be you can find help with the Family Violence Prevention Council. Call 778-2635 if family members or caregivers make you feel unwanted or unsafe you need to get help.

June 15th was National Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The Family Violence Prevention Council and Meals on Wheels throughout Broome County collaborated to get information to you. You can speak to the volunteer who delivers or the office staff if you would like to discuss this concern.

Thanks for the Hydrangeas

We thank Angeline’s Florist And Greenhouse on Washington Ave. (748-7345) for donating hydrangeas to Meals on Wheels clients in June. The flowers were from Fr. Clarence’s anniversary celebration at the Church of the Holy Family, Endwell. Owner Don Morley’s mother received Meals on Wheels service for many years. Thanks!!!

Halfway mark in the year

It’s hard to believe that we are almost half way through the year! Let’s hope we have a nice long summer to remember in the coming winter days.

Meals on Wheels of Western Broome has served over 40,000 meals so far this year—and has helped 100 new people with home delivered meal service. We deliver meals to 200 people each day. We’re happy to do it and can certainly serve more meals and people.

The Meals on Wheels Association of America’s slogan is ‘so no senior goes hungry’. Meals on Wheels programs are dedicated—across the country—to help seniors remain in their own homes. Relax and enjoy your Meals on Wheels service.

Closed for the Fourth

Meals on Wheels of Western Broome will be closed JULY 4TH for the holiday. You would have received a Holiday meal notice last week. If you haven’t returned your notice please call the office immediately. We need to calculate the amount of food needed to cover the holiday so that we have enough for everyone—or—we won’t have leftover food that may not last over the holiday weekend. Thank you for your cooperation.

Sizzlin' Summer 50/50 Raffle !!!!

Purchase tickets for the 50/50 Raffle here.

A LEGACY OF CARING

Meals on Wheels of Western Broome has made many friends in the 40 years of service to the community. Of course the volunteers understand the importance of what Meals on Wheels is doing. The lasting memory of delivering meals to people who truly need the service compels them to include Meals on Wheels in their will to ensure the services are in place for years to come. Likewise, clients who have received the service understand that those who came before contributed to the Meals on Wheels program through bequests because the service helped them to remain in their own home for as long as possible.

We hope that the Meals on Wheels service has enabled you to stay in your own home longer. Please remember to encourage your family members to donate to Meals on Wheels of Western Broome and designate memorial donations to this vital cause.

Thank you!!!

UNDER CONSTRUCTION!!!

AT THIS TIME OF YEAR THERE ARE MANY ROADS THAT ARE BEING REPAIRED. DELAYS DUE TO INTERUPTIONS IN TRAFFIC AROUND CONSTRUCTION AREAS ARE UNAVOIDABLE. PLEASE KEEP THIS IN MIND WHEN WAITING FOR YOUR MEALS TO ARRIVE.

Upcoming Events

Meals on Wheels thanks Robby’s Farm Market & Café for helping us with our ‘Flower Sale’ fundraiser on May 20 & 21st. We were able to raise $461.00 for the Meals on Wheels of Western Broome program.

Other fundraising efforts include a 50/50 raffle that will run all summer—we will draw the winning ticket on Sept. 17th at the Endicott Apple Festival. Tickets are $5 each - 3 for$10 or $25 for 10 tickets. Call the office if you would like a chance to win. Last year’s winner received $2,130!!!!

Also, we have a Quilt Raffle that will run through September 27th when we will draw the winning ticket at the Pasta Dinner fundraiser. This quilt is yellow with floral butterfly squares. Quilt tickets are $3 each, 2 tickets for $5 or 5 tickets for $10. The quilting group in Vestal provides this quilt for us to raffle. If you would like a chance to win this quilt you can call the office for details.

‘Faith in Action’

Could you benefit from a helping hand?

Faith in Action is a volunteer caregiving network for the frail, elderly, and disabled to receive a helping hand with a variety of non-medical tasks, such as transportation, friendly visits, and the Healthier Lifestyle Mentoring Program. Trained healthier lifestyle mentors work one-on-one to assist with meal-planning, light exercise, and encouragement, in order to live a healthier and more confident life.

Call Faith in Action
607-724-9130 ext.318

Visit their website.

Those Lazy Hazy Crazy Days are here!

“Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer.
The days of soda and pretzels and beer.
Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer.
You’ll wish that summer could always be here.”

...Nat King Cole...1963

New Season, New Obstacles

Our winter weather is finally subsiding and spring has brought us rain and some sunshine. This season our obstacles are pot-holes and road construction. The winter was especially hard on the roads and we see road crews starting on projects all over town. Volunteers will navigate these situations as best they can. They are very determined to get your meal to you no matter what, but sometimes there are delays to be contended with. We appreciate your understanding and feel free to call with your concerns.

Closed for Memorial Day; Return Your Holiday Meal Notice

Meals on Wheels of Western Broome will be closed on Monday, May 30 for the Memorial Day Holiday.

We will deliver a ‘Holiday’ meal to those who want them on Friday, May 27th. You will receive a ‘Holiday Meal Notice’ in your bag beforehand asking you to indicate your meal needs for the holiday (yes or no). Please fill out the notice and give it to a volunteer to return to the office even if you choose “no”. When we receive your completed notice that tells us that you understand that there will be no meal delivery for the holiday. You can call the office with your response, also.

Memorial Day History

Originally Memorial Day was observed in local towns to honor the deaths of Civil War soldiers. The first official observance was May 5, 1868 in Arlington National Cemetery. After World War I it was changed to honor all soldiers who died in war rather than just the Civil War as before. Some southern states retain a separate day for Civil War recognition. Although observance of this day has diminished over the years, the 3rd US Infantry places small American flags on more than 260,000 graves at Arlington National Cemetery on the Thursday before Memorial Day. We are proud that some of our villages and towns still observe the day with parades and special ceremonies.

’Thank you’ to all our veterans.

Gas Advisory

We are greatfull that we haven’t lost any volunteers due to the most recent increase in gas prices. We urge you to be watching and ready to receive your meals as soon as the volunteer arrives—if possible. The quicker the meal is delivered the less gas used while waiting.

There are several ways we try to help our volunteers keep going by providing a small stipend to help volunteers replace the gas they use to deliver. Many still donate their time and gas expense to deliver meals to you. There is a bottle redemption account set up at Roma’s Bakery on Nanticoke Ave. in Endicott. People donate their bottle $ to Meals On Wheels for this cause. Some of the $ you add to your meal payment goes to help the volunteers with this expense. Every little donation adds up!!! Thanks for your help.

Annual Report

View the annual report for Meals on Wheels of Western Broome.

Client Donations

For those of you who pay from an invoice, “THANK YOU” for using the ‘donation’ part of your bill to add a little extra to your payment. Donations help us to continue to provide the Meals on Wheels service while keeping the cost to clients down.

Right now, we have a fundraising drive going through the end of April. This fundraising drive is in collaboration with The Feinstein Foundation. The more donations we receive the more of the $1 Million from The Feinstein Foundation we will receive. Mr. Feinstein gives $1 Million toward programs that fight hunger—across the country. So your neighbors across the community have been asked to donate during this fundraiser to make sure the “meals keep on wheeling”. Your donation will be counted, too.

Faith in Action

“Helping Hands for Independent Living” Could you benefit form a helping hand? Faith in Action is a volunteer caregiving network for the frail, elderly and disabled to receive a helping hand with a variety of non-medical tasks, such as transportation, friendly visits, and the Healthier Lifestyle Mentoring Program.

Trained healthier lifestyle mentors work one-on-one to assist with meal-planning, light exercise, and encouragement, in order to live a healthier and more confident life.

Call Faith in Action today! 7249130— X318.

VOLUNTEERS

“THANK GOODNESS FOR MEALS ON WHEELS VOLUNTEERS” It has been a struggle to get meals delivered to you this past winter. Let’s hope that is all over. We are greatfull that none of our volunteers fell or got their card stuck or in an accident during the winter weather. We have many new volunteers who have made the commitment to deliver meals these last few months. We have a good reputation for providing a meaningful volunteer experience. Each day 55 volunteers help package and deliver meals to about 200 people. That’s 55 DIFFERENT volunteers each weekday. April 10-16 is National Volunteer Appreciation Week. We know is that we could not continue to provide the service without volunteer help.

Horray for Meals on Wheels Volunteers!!!!

Special Dietary Needs

We take pride in the fact that our kitchen staff attempts to accommodate some food preferences for our clients. Our standard procedure accommodates dietary issues such as diabetic, diverticulitis, and Lactose Free diets.

The label that comes on your meals indicates some of the information we have been given regarding your diet or request. If that information needs to be changed—or—you have questions about what is printed on the label, please call the office—754-7856.

IF YOU HAVE A DIETARY ISSUE THAT WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE TO DISCUSS IT.

WINTER WEATHER REMINDER

Meals on Wheels of Western Broome closes when the area schools close for bad weather. We all rely on television to keep us informed about the weather. When Meals on Wheels of Western Broome closes the TV will list the closing on the bottom of the screen. If you can not see this then you must listen to WNBF 1290 AM radio. They will announce the closing. You can call the office if you are not sure.

ALSO, we have sent out EMERGENCY MEAL PACKS to use when Meals on Wheels closes. The packs are shelf safe and frozen meals to be saved and used when we close. The pack you received would cover 4 days of closing. We have used 2 days of the 4 day pack, so far. You can request additional EMERGENCY MEAL PACKS by calling the office. 754-7856.

We can’t thank the Volunteers enough for their dedication to delivering meals in this cold weather. They are indeed special people who truly enjoy helping YOU. I know that you appreciate what they do and thank then in your own way. Your appreciation is what keeps them volunteering for Meals on Wheels.

KEEP WARM—SPRING WILL COME AGAIN!!

Helping As Many People as Possible

We continue to serve about 200 people each day. This number seems to be fairly consistent throughout this past year. This is good! In order to balance the cost effectiveness of running the lights, ovens, refrigerators etc. we need to explain to donors that we are helping as many people as possible. We like it when we hear good things about the meals service from you. We hope to be as successful in 2011.

A Great Place to Volunteer in Endicott

Our volunteer list is very full, as well. The other part of what Meals on Wheels of Western Broome does is to provide a quality volunteer opportunity to the community. We are very lucky to have the number of people interested in volunteering FOR YOU that come to us every day. Some volunteers work in the kitchen portioning and packaging meals. We have 50 different volunteers scheduled each day of the week.

Emergency Meal Packs

If you ordered an emergency meal pack, your December bill will reflect the extra meals. Please remember that in the coming months during winter you will not be charged for any days that Meals on Wheels is cancelled due to bad weather. Each pack was 4 days worth of food. Please call the office if you need to order another meal pack. We won’t send out another pack until we have closed for a total of 4 days.

Clarification of Meal Price Change

If you receive   Your bill will increase
1 meal per day Monday through Friday $2.00 per MONTH
2 meals per day Monday through Friday $4.00 per MONTH
2 meals per day Monday through Sunday $6.00 per MONTH

Your monthly bill will increase depending on your individual meal plan.

(Thank you, James, for alerting us to the error in December’s menu.) We apologize for the error.

Meal Price Changes

Meal Prices will increase for all current meal recipients as of Saturday, January 1st, 2011. If you receive 2 meals every day (including weekends) then your total bill for the month will increase $6.00. If you receive 2 meals every day Monday through Friday then your bill will increase $4.00 per month. You can call the office to discuss your specific increase—754-7856. We only increase meal cost once a year to keep up with food cost increases.

Christmas and New Year Holiday Schedule

Meals on Wheels of Western Broome will be closed on Monday, December 27th for Christmas and Monday, January 3rd for New Year holidays You will receive a notice with your meal asking if you want meals for those two days. Those meals will be delivered on Friday before with normal meals delivery. Please fill in the information according to your meal needs for the holiday’s and return it to the office as soon as possible. Thank you.

Emergency Meal Notices

Emergency Meal Notices were sent out on November 22nd. If you have not done so, please return the notice as soon as possible with the box checked next to the choice that best suits your needs. Please remember that if you choose NOT to order emergency meals you must plan to have food items in you cupboard that you can use when Meals on Wheels closes for bad winter weather.

Closed for Bad Weather

Remember that Meals on Wheels closes when the public schools close for bad weather. Watch TELEVISION CHANNEL 12-WBNG for closings. The announcement scrolls across the bottom of the TV screen. If you can not see this notice on the TV screen , you can also listen to RADIO CHANNEL 1290—WNBF for announced closings. This policy of closing Meals on Wheels of Western Broome is to ensure that our volunteers are not traveling icy & snowy roads.

Get Your MOW Newsletter

The Meals on Wheels of Western Broome fall/winter newsletter was mailed out last week. If you would like a newsletter please call the office and request one. This newsletter has a request for donation envelope with it. Our donors are used to receiving this newsletter with the request for a donation at this time of year. We ask for donations from our friends in the community 2 times a year (late spring and fall). We also conduct several fundraisers throughout the year. Donations are important in helping us continue to provide this service to the community.

Hairdresser for the Homebound Available

We have a lot on new people who are receiving Meals on Wheels of Western Broome service. So, we repeat the following notice:

Licensed hairdresser, Connie Pompette of Absolute Hair in Vestal, will come to your home to cut and-or style your hair. She has been licensed for over 23 years, has references and is insured. “It would be my pleasure to assist you in the comfort of your home.” says Connie. She has been offering this service for the last few years to both men and women. Please call 215-3399 (local call) to discuss you hairdressing needs and arrange an appointment.

(If you have had Connie come to you home to cut/style your hair, let us know if that was helpful.)

Thanksgiving Holiday Meal Schedule

Meals on Wheels of Western Broome will be closed Thanksgiving Day and the day after (Thursday, November 25th and Friday November 26th). You will receive a notice with your meal asking if you want meals for those two days. Those meals will be delivered on Wednesday, November 24th. Please fill in the information according to your meal needs for the holiday and return it to the office as soon as possible. Thank you.

The Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner

On Thursday, October 21st the volunteers of Meal on Wheels of Western Broome were honored at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. 250 of our volunteers, and their guests, enjoyed a wonderful meal prepared by Orlando’s Catering. Visions Federal Credit Union sponsored the event to help offset the cost, and many area business donated door prizes to be raffled to the attendees. Those volunteers deliver meals to about 190 people every day. We could not do it without them. Each day 50 volunteers help prepare and deliver 300 meals. They love what they do and they love who they do it for.

Closing Policy For Winter

During the winter months, Meals on Wheels of Western Broome closes when the schools close due to bad weather. You can order emergency meal packs to be delivered to you ahead of time in anticipation of bad weather closing. These packs consist of 3 shelf stable meals TO BE SAVED FOR USE when meal delivery has to be cancelled. The radio stations WNBF AM 1290 and WINR AM 680 are the best source for closing information. TV station WBNG channel 12 and WICZ channel 34 scroll the closing announcements across the bottom of the screen - so - if you can’t see that scroll announcement then you must listen to the radio stations mentioned above. Keep in mind to be aware of the weather forecast and anticipate the possibility of closing.

Emergency Preparedness

The staff of Meals on Wheels of Western Broome have attended emergency preparedness information classes to better prepare our staff, volunteers and clients in the event of an emergency. If you have lived in the area any length of time you know what to expect when the weather threatens to interfere with normal daily life. Preparing ahead of time helps if and when bad weather effects the routine of YOUR day, also. YOU need to be able to take steps to be prepared when meals on wheels can’t deliver meals—or—any other interruption of daily services may come to your home. The Red Cross “Be Ready” check list helps remind us of the basic tools your need to have on hand to help when an emergency occurs.

These are the basic items. A ‘land line’ non-cordless phone is best if the electricity goes out. Chances are that the phones will be working even if the electricity is out.

You, and your doctor.

Sometimes instructions from the doctor are unclear often leading to errors in medication or misunderstanding of your condition and how to take care of yourself. Here are some helpful hints to help you talk with your doctor during your visit.

Don't be afraid to ask!!!!

Three important questions that will help you understand your doctors instructions:

BRING THESE INSTRUCTIONS WITH YOU TO YOUR APPOINTMENT—FOLLOWING THESE STEPS WILL HELP YOU UNDERSTAND INSTRUCTIONS FROM YOUR DOCTOR.

HAPPY AND HEALTHY AT HOME

Part of our mission is to provide meals to people who need a little extra help to be able to stay in there own home. Each person we serve has unique circumstances that are important to their ability to remain in their own home. We try to understand those unique circumstances and help as much as possible.

For the most part, it must be working because we are helping more people - our list of clients is slowly growing—and that is a good thing. We have information on other programs that offer services that might help you with daily living tasks. Our community has responded to the needs of seniors, and specifically, seniors who need in services that come to them in their home. Please feel free to call the office with any questions you may have about services that could help you at home.

OUR VOLUNTEERS ARE OUR CLIENTS, TOO!!

Another part of our mission is to provide a quality volunteer opportunity for the community. People like to volunteer at Meals on Wheels because they love to get to see the people they deliver meals to.

THAT'S YOU!!!

You are the reason they keep volunteering for Meals on Wheels. They feel that they are REALLY helping someone. And, of course, get to know you and are gratified by knowing you. So, the staff sets the wheels in motion to create a relationship between the volunteers and those at home—and—deliver food and friendship.

Volunteering is an important part of our community. We are lucky to have a community with a sense of giving to others. On October 21, we will celebrate YOUR volunteers (all 312 of them) by hosting the 2010 Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. If you would like to send a note of appreciation we would gladly display it for our wonderful volunteers.

Doug's Fish Fry at MOW

Meals on Wheels Of Western Broome

Monday, Sept. 27th

10:30 am—6:00 pm

Enjoie Golf Course Parking Lot

Route 17C—West Endicott

Dinners: Fish $10.00 * Shrimp $11.75 * Scallops $13.00

Sandwich only: Fish $6.00 * Shrimp $8.25 * Scallops $9.50

Sides: Cole Slaw $2.00 * Fries $2.00 * Bottled Drinks $2.00

Meals on Wheels gets 10% !!!

An Original Retires

Meals on Wheels of Western Broome has been delivering meals since 1970. Some of the people who were responsible for getting the program started in this community actually have delivered meals since 1970. Some have used the Meals on Wheels program for themselves. We honor the dedication of all of our volunteers—past and present.

Caroline Stone is one of those volunteers. She has recently ‘hit a bump’ in her physical health and has had to retire. The staff and her fellow volunteers lament her retirement having known her for many of the past 39 years of Meals on Wheels of Western Broome. We appreciate the legacy that she and the other ‘founding’ volunteers created for our community. We wish her well.

The Trouble with Last Minute Changes

Judy and Sue are the two office staff who try to help you when you call. The two of us are responsible for scheduling 55 volunteers and 180 clients every day. Sometimes we get as many as 10 to 15 meal and volunteer scheduling changes each day. The more last minute changes there are the more opportunity for error to occur.

When there are last minute meal changes requested we must let the kitchen staff know that there is a change in the number of meals to prepare. We also must change the volunteer’s delivery schedule. We must make sure the meal labels and paperwork are corrected to accommodate the change. Accurate record-keeping is important to understand number of meals and number of clients served.

All of these steps are necessary because we—as humans—can not keep all of this information in our heads. This information helps us to understand how efficient we are in operating the program. Accurate records must be kept on each client who receives food and how much food they receive.

We need to know that our meals arrive TO YOU safely and that you are ’OK’ when we see you and that the volunteer is successful in carrying out the job they have committed to do. We need to know that we are serving the people in our community effectively and using our staff, volunteer and resources ($$$) wisely.

Most days this process goes smoothly. But, occasionally a requested change gets mishandled and we apologize for the error. We hope that you understand how the process of getting close to 300 meals out each day can get messed up very quickly. We will gladly accept changes in your meal schedule even a week or more before the date you wish to change. Or- as soon as you know let us know. However, certainly understand when emergency situations occur. We appreciate your understanding.

Closed for Labor Day

Meals on Wheels will be closed on Monday, September 7th for the Labor Day Holiday. Please return your Holiday Meal Notice if you have not done so already. When you return your notice with your ”YES” or “NO” checked we know that you understand that we will be closed that day. Please give the notice to a volunteer as soon as possible—so we know how many meals to plan for. Last minute changes are understandable in emergencies. Last minute non-emergency changes are difficult to accommodate with absolute accuracy, especially when there are a lot people wanting changes. Please make your holiday plans and then stick to that decision, if possible. Thanks!!

Sizzlin' Summer 50/50 Raffle !!!!

All entries will support Meals on Wheels of Western Broome!

Drawing Date: September 15, 2010

Just print these tickets and mail with your $ to

Meals on Wheels

705 West Main Street

Endicott, NY 13760

Please print your information on each ticket and separate all tickets before mailing.

Click here for a page of tickets

that you can print and return.

Thanks!

Good Italian Pasta Dinner - Help Out MOWWB

The 4th annual Meals on Wheels of Western Broome Pasta Dinner Fundraiser will take place on Tuesday, September 14th 4:30—7:30 at the Son’s of Italy on Odell Ave. in Endicott. Tickets are $8.00. Children under 6 free.

A night of dinner and fun:

Raffle Baskets ! 50/50 ! Quilt Raffle

If you would like to purchase tickets please call the office—754-7856.

You can give them to someone as a gift if you are unable to attend.

Take-out is available.

Meals on Wheels of Western Broome finalizes 2 Foundation Grant Awards

A 2 year - $10,000 grant award from The Community Foundation of South Central New York for the purchase of food for the home delivered meal program has been completed. The Feinstein Foundation Challenge Grant award netted $14,500 in funding for the program.

Endicott, NY, July 28, 2010: Meals on Wheels of Western Broome has completed 2 grant awards for program funding. "We are pleased with the outcome of both of these funding initiatives. The Community Foundation of South Central New York provided funding for the purchase of food which is so hard to find. Funding outside of our donor base is critical to continue to provide services to our homebound neighbor in Western Broome County. We were very excited to receive those funds." Said Susan Jacobs, Director. This 2 year contract agreement ended in July.

The Feinstein Foundation 2010 $1 Million Giveaway Challenge to Fight Hunger is a national initiative to fight hunger. "The value of this initiative is to spur fundraising for each participating organization. We asked for donations in March and April using the Feinstein Challenge to help us emphasize the importance of donating to a local not-for-profit that addresses senior hunger in particular." Said Susan Jacobs. "Thanks to those who donate to Meals on Wheels of Western Broome, the $14,500 raised will adequately cover the packaging expense for the year."

How to Cancel a Meal

When you need to cancel a meal please be specific in your request

We have many misunderstandings in meal delivery requests because of unclear instructions. When you need to cancel a meal, please say "I need to cancel my meal for (day and date)." Tell us the day and date.

It is better to tell us the cancellations than to tell us the day(s) you want delivery. Everybody is set up to receive meals every day unless a shorter schedule is set in place. We then cancel meals deliveries as requested. Please keep your menu where you can refer to it daily to make changes to suit your needs.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Closed for Labor Day

Meals on Wheels of Western Broome will be closed on Monday, September 6th for the Labor Day Holiday. If you need a meal for that day please order them with the notice that will be sent to you ahead of time. If you order a meal for the holiday, it will be delivered to you on Friday, September 3rd with the normal delivery.

The history of Labor Day dates to 1882 when the Central Labor Union drafted a celebration of parades and street festivals providing a day of rest for the American worker. Political speeches were added later as the holiday gained a significance in civic life.

A Short History of Meals on Wheels in Western Broome County

This year, we celebrate 40 years of Meals on Wheels service to the community. During the months of 1969-70 a number key people became involved in setting up an incorporated not-for-profit organization with the state of New York. A board of directors was instated to oversee the operations of preparing and delivering meals to homebound seniors.

Eight people were served on that first day in October.

The meals were prepared in the kitchen of the First Baptist Church of Endicott. The First Baptist Church of Endicott is still a major donor to Meals on Wheels of Western Broome. With the growth of the number of people served, a larger facility for preparing meals was needed. The kitchen at the Hooper School was the next center of operations. When the Town of Union sold the school a new home was found at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Endicott.

Through the years a steady stream of dedicated volunteers has dedicated their time as board members, deliverers, and food preparation help along with the staff. Many hands have made this service possible. Many Meals on Wheels programs across the country were beginning at about the same time. Meals on Wheels is an important part of making this community a better place to live.

Broome County Office for Aging

If you would like to talk to a dietitian or discuss other services you might need to remain in your own home, please call the Broome County Office for Aging at 778-2411. Tell the person who takes your call what your question or concern is and they will direct you to the right person.

Everyone at the Office for Aging is very helpful and accommodating. This state agency is dedicated to helping seniors remain in their own home with the help of in home services. You may be eligible for more help—it doesn’t hurt to ask !!!!

‘HAIR ON WHEELS’ Licensed Hairdresser

Connie Pompette of Absolute Hair in Vestal, will come to your home to cut and-or style your hair. She has been licensed for over 23 years, has references and is insured. “It would be my pleasure to assist you in the comfort of your home,” says Connie. She has been offering this service for the last few years to both men and women. Please call 215-3399 (local call) to discuss your hairdressing needs and arrange an appointment. Meals on Wheels of Western Broome is pleased to be able to pass this information along to you. Thanks, Connie !!!!

Thanks for Your Input

Thank you for responding to our survey. We will be tallying the results to see how we want to proceed. We appreciate your input. There are still a few weeks to get your survey completed and returned to us. We would like as many as possible by July 15th. If you need any help filling out the survey, please call the office and we will help you.

Drink to Avoid Dehydration

We encourage you to drink plenty of liquids—especially water– during this hot summer weather. Keep a glass of water near your chair—or wherever you spend your day. If you like cold tea, you can put a tea bag in a glass of hot tap water and let it set and then add cold water to it. Your drink doesn’t have to be ice cold—just easily accessible. Avoid soft drinks that make you more thirsty. It’s very easy to become dehydrated during hot weather. You don’t realize it is happening and then you quickly become seriously ill.

Thank You for Your Donations

We thank those of you who have added a donation to your meal payment. We may not have been as diligent in responding to client donations as we should have and will add that to our routine. We have received over $2,000 in donations from our clients (you) since the beginning of the year. THANKS !!!

June's Notes

40 Years On, Quilt Donations, & RSVP

We continue to celebrate the 40th Anniversary. As we celebrate the Meals on Wheels of Western Broome 40th anniversary throughout the year, we think of the people who dreamed of such a service for the community all those years ago. There were many hands that accomplished all of the details that were required to operate such a program. Four of those people have been active most recently. We appreciate the contribution that those visionary people had in introducing home delivered meals to our community. Millions of meals and 100’s of thousands of people—clients and volunteers— have benefited from the program.

We want you to know that the small quilts we give out for birthdays are made by a quilting group in Vestal. They love to quilt—and need to do something with the ‘fruits of their labor’. We are appreciative of their talent and their willingness to have us pass along their works of art. It’s a ‘win win’ situation.

(We apologize for spoiling the surprise—if you have not received one yet.)

We also have knitted and crocheted lap robes that we send out. Those are made by RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) volunteers.

Speaking of RSVP—this program helps retired people find volunteer opportunities in the community.

Volunteers are matched to a task that interests them and fits their busy retired schedule. Many of the volunteers who deliver meals work are RSVP volunteers. Some of our volunteers have been helping 20+ years. We’re glad they chose to dedicate their time to preparing and delivering meals.

Construction Ahead

It’s always something! In the winter we had hazardous weather to contend with when delivering meals. In the warmer weather we have construction that might affect the smooth delivery of meals. Construction continues, even though we are told that street construction has been delayed due to the poor economy in New York State.

Please be assured that meal delivery will be on time to the best of our ability.

REMEMBER, IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE YOUR MEAL BY 1:00PM, PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE. (1:00 is considered ‘late.’)

Closed July 5th

Meals on Wheels of Western Broome will be closed Monday, July 5th for the Independence Day holiday. You will receive a holiday meal notice in your bag. Please return your notice to the volunteer (or call the office) with your response to insure that your meal needs are understood.

Outreach to Medical Community:

The benefits of good nutrition

A Meals on Wheels of Western Broome staff person will address the Lourdes Physicians and Staff of the Broome County Medical Association this week. Our goal is to include the medical community in advocating for the benefits of Meals on Wheels. Good nutrition is an important part of ensuring that medical advice is effective. We hope that our message will serve to clarify some misconceptions surrounding the Meals on Wheels program and help to reach more people who could benefit from the service.

Flower Sale

Hanging Baskets, Potting and Bedding Plants to benefit Meals on Wheels.

Friday, May 21 noon-6

Saturday, May 22 9-3

At the Meals on Wheels office: 705 W Main St in Endicott. Our Lady of Good Counsel - Across from En-Joie Golf Course.

40 YEARS YOUNG !

Meals on Wheels of Western Broome is celebrating 40 years of serving the community with home delivered meals AND the opportunity for people to VOLUNTEER ! The 1,000,000th meal was served in 1995. We have certainly hit the 3,000,000 meal earlier this year. (Records were lost for 1995 & 1996.) Plans to celebrate this milestone will take place over the course of 2010. We look forward to a strong presence in the community for many more years. Both with service to our homebound neighbors and providing a quality volunteer experience for those who wish to serve.

The good news is that we have quite a few new volunteers who have come to us to help in the kitchen and delivering meals. The ‘other’ news is that we need MORE NEW volunteers. Our army of 300+ volunteers is always changing and we need new volunteers to keep the meals wheels turning. If you know someone who is available during the day and can help—tell them to give us a call and try it out.

The number of clients we help is always changing, as well. We are more productive when we are helping A LOT of people—we need to keep our volunteers BUSY– and our staff working to help as many people as possible.

To coordinate who is (and isn’t) receiving meals—and– who is (and isn’t) able to volunteer each DAY requires a considerable amount of coordination and effort. We’re up to the challenge and are ready to deliver help where it is needed.

In the Local News

Valerie Zehl devotes a column to our community program.

Read it here: Valerie Zehl Neighbors: Meals on Wheels keeps on rolling

A special gift for the holiday

Easter Lillies

Trudy Lainhart, Board Member of The Friendship Tree and Meals on Wheels Volunteer, Geri VanGorder get ready to deliver Easter Lilies to some of their clients. The Friendship Tree provided 78 lilies to be delivered to Meals on Wheels clients.

Closed for Memorial Day

Meals on Wheels of Western Broome will be closed on Monday, May 31st for the Memorial Day holiday. You will receive a notice to order holiday meals to be delivered on Friday, May 26th.

Please respond to the notice ‘yes’ or ‘no’ for your holiday meal wishes.

Fundraiser Update April 2010

Our Feinstein Foundation fundraising drive is off to a good start. We have received about $2,500 so far. This is an important opportunity for us to raise money to carry us through the rest of the year. We hope to raise aboutn$20,000 to apply to The Feinstein Foundation for a portion of the $1 Million giveaway. Your donations will count toward this goal.

Senior Services are not Charity

Senior services are not charity. They are a part of the social commitment we make as community. You don’t think of school children as a charity, so why think of support services for seniors as charity? Being on the receiving end of services is not something to feel embarrassed or guilty about. Everyone needs to learn to give and receive.

Everyone values their independence. Seeking out and accepting available senior services will increase, rather than reduce, your independence. For example, attending a local senior center’s lunch program may help you maintain your health through good nutrition and increased social interaction.

Our staff and volunteers are dedicated to providing this service to the community. Our goal is to not only provide nutritious and appetizing meals—but also a friendly smile and greeting—to you. Our volunteers are caring and friendly people at heart. The whole service is based on sharing and caring for our neighbors. They can’t help but pass that on to anyone—and especially YOU! It’s a perfect match! So Receive... And Enjoy!

40th Anniversary T-Shirts

Show off your support with a high quality t-shirt celebrating our 40th year of providing an invaluable community service. Sign up in the waiting room or call the office.

National Volunteer week is April 19- April 23, 2010

We will honor our wonderful volunteer with—what were best at—FOOD! EVERY DAY, volunteers will have pizza (their favorite) to snack on and hold them through delivery time. (We’ve tried different things—they like pizza the most.) Also, our kitchen staff has been saving aluminum foil in a BALL. Volunteers can enter a contest to guess the weight of the foil ball—WITHOUT picking it up.

(We haven't decided what the prize will be...yet.) FUN!