Board Chair Dan Lawrence served as emcee. “We dedicate this day in recognition of you, our faithful volunteers,” stated Lawrence. “Your commitment and dedication is incredible. For many of our clients you are the most positive part of their day, and for that we thank you.”

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

“People volunteer for many different reasons, but for whatever reason you volunteer you provide your unique skills, talent and abilities to give another hope, strength and courage to face another day,” Pacos said. “As the saying goes, ‘to the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.'”

Prior to the awards presentation, volunteer and Board member Kerry Askin led the attendees in a rousing rendition of “We’re Meals on Wheels,” a song he wrote especially for the occasion. Sung to the tune of favorite childhood camp song “I Met a Bear,” it was a definite hit with the volunteers.

Pictured is Lawrence, Pacos, current executive director; Joan Houck, first executive director; Christine McAllister, representative for Langworthy.

Several local organizations received Certificates of Appreciation for their longtime support: Aspire; Spoke Folk, The Resource Center, People Inc., Heritage Christian Services, RSVP, Dunkirk Public Library and Tri-Church Parish.

Receiving pins for five years of service were Linda Orloff, Richard Orloff, Amy Pring and Dan Lawrence; volunteers receiving special pins for between 10 and 15 years of service were Karen Gould, Carol Hood, Jack Hood, Joan Houck, Karen Kwiatkowski, Tom Morrissey, Ann Bowers, Donna Metzger, Carol Oliveira, Bob Ehrheart, Richard Goodman, George Sinclair and Al Pacos.

Christine McAllister, representative for Congressman Nick Langworthy presented Congressional Special Recognition certificates to volunteers with 15 or more years of service: Bob Delevan and Regina Goodrich, 15 years; Lenore Fiebelkorn, 16 years; Joanne Kelly, 23 years; Pat Ebert, 28 years; Rodney Houck, 30 years; and Loretta Torain, 31 years.

Joan Houck was honored for 37 years of service as the agency’s first Executive Director. She was presented with a Congressional Special Recognition certificate, as well as a gift from Meals on Wheels.

“I continue to be in awe of the energy and enthusiasm with which Joan approaches life,” Pacos said. “She has left an indelible mark on the agency. Thanks to the solid foundation she helped create, Meals on Wheels exists as a safety net for some of the most vulnerable in our community.”

Rodney Houck

People Inc. team members Barb Shields and Toria Belliotti were selected as Volunteers of the Year.

“I would be hard-pressed to name a route these two haven’t run or a project they haven’t helped with,” said Pacos. “Toria and Barb might deliver multiple routes each week, and they’ve literally packed hundreds of frozen boxes and holiday gift bags – even stuffed envelopes. We are truly grateful for their help – without it things wouldn’t run nearly as smoothly.”

The two were presented with certificates of Congressional Special Recognition as Volunteers of the Year and appreciation gifts from Meals on Wheels.

Luncheon sponsors were ADD Lumber, Basil Chevrolet, Concord Pharmacy, Merritt Estate Winery, Refresco, and a Special Friend of Meals on Wheels.

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 a.m. and 11 a.m. They must undergo training and have reliable transportation.