On behalf of Dunkirk-Fredonia Meals on Wheels, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and thank all of the supporters who made it possible for us to continue operations after a sprinkler malfunction resulted in a devastating flood that completely destroyed our offices last February.

Special thanks to Chuck Cornell and staff at the SUNY Technology Incubator for immediately coming to our aid by allowing us use of office space from which to base day-to-day operations; OBSERVER reporter Mary Heyl for her sensitivity in covering our story, including the follow-up; landlord Allan Steinberg (and crew) for orchestrating a rapid rebuild of our office space, and for replacing some of our lost furnishings; Mayor Athanasia Landis for her assistance throughout the process; former volunteer Pat Smith and husband Bob; Refresco for its donation of desks/workstations to replace those lost in the flood; and our volunteers for their patience and understanding as they accommodated for changes made to their normal routines.

We would also like to express our deepest appreciation to the many community members who so generously contributed their time and/or money to help toward our recovery. While far too many to list all of them here, we would like to gratefully acknowledge the special contribution made by Fredonia High School’s Life Skills/Ceramics Class led by Mrs. Noody and Mrs. Tomaszewski. Aware of our misfortune and wanting to help, these kind-hearted students created ceramic pots, filled them with plants and held a plant sale to raise funds for our agency!

We are so fortunate and blessed to live in such a caring and compassionate community. Fortunate too that there is a deep understanding of and commitment to the needs of the older citizens in our community.

Now fully moved back to our restored offices at 196 Newton St. in Fredonia, we will be welcoming the public to an open house in September. Donors, volunteers and interested community members are invited to join us for the celebration, details to be announced later this summer.

Community service involves everyone and partnerships between and among individuals and organizations helps sustain services when unanticipated incidents befall us. Again, our heartfelt gratitude and thanks to the donors, volunteers and staff who make it possible to provide a service that enables so many to maintain their independence and quality of life right here in this community.

Debra A. Pacos is executive director of Dunkirk-Fredonia Meals on Wheels.