Hamilton County resident Jack Groll gets a coffee refill from CSEA member Donna Husson, who works at a Hamilton County Meals on Wheels site under the auspices of the Warren County Office for the Aging. “I would jump on my snowmobile if I had to.” Small community, big hearts help nourish North Country seniors Editor’s note: When hard winters hit, there are many public employees who are very visible in delivering essential services, such as snowplow operators and public works employees fixing frozen water mains and infrastructure. But many other dedicated workers deliver services that are also essential. Here are some of their stories. INDIAN LAKE — When it comes to delivering nutritious meals to seniors, Donna Husson is like the U.S. Postal Service — neither rain, snow, sleet nor Adirondack winters can stop her. In this small Hamilton County community, seniors rely on the meals and social interaction that are the hallmarks of the Meals on Wheels program. Under the auspices of the Warren County Office for the Aging, congregate meals are served at the Senior Center, Monday through Friday, or delivered by volunteers to residents unable to travel. Husson, who coordinates the Indian Lake program, steps in to fill delivery gaps and opts to deliver meals personally at least once a week. “I like to see my home delivery people and see how they are doing,” she said. On bad weather days, Husson hops in her car or coerces her husband to take her out in his truck, simply doing whatever it takes to get the meals to a table. “I would jump on my snowmobile if I had to,” she said. The meal site program is as much about socializing as it is about nutrition. Husson, along with cook Berneice Cummins, goes the extra mile to celebrate all birthdays and holidays. “We try to add that personal touch,” Husson said. “Any excuse for a party,” said Lois Kelly, smiling. Kelly, who just celebrated her 91st birthday, comes for the meals and the visiting. She keeps busy as a member of the crafters guild and as resident card maker, producing personalized greeting cards for every birthday, all signed by the congregate lunch crowd. The crafters guild donates money to the program to offset the cost of party supplies, something that Husson happily paid for herself for years. During a recent lunch at the Indian Lake site, residents chatted and joked with their neighbors, shared a meal and buzzed about plans for the St. Patrick’s Day party the following day. “Don’t forget to wear green,” boomed retired veteran and lunch regular Jack Groll, as he opened the door to leave. Program participants are appreciative of the work and caring that go into the program there. “They make it special,” said Kelly. Though Husson’s involvement with the meals program spans more than 30 years, she finds that motivation comes easy. Husson said she has a deep respect for the resilience and independent spirit shown by the seniors she interacts with through the program. “They inspire me.” — Therese Assalian See related stories, pages 7,8 CSEA member Berneice Cummins stirs some tortellini and pesto sauce during lunch at the Hamilton County senior center. 6 The Work Force April 2015
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