By Louise Haight
“Love alone is capable of uniting living beings in such a way as to complete and fulfill them, for it alone takes them and joins them by what is deepest in themselves.”
Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
Remember Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941, the day of infamy, and honor the patriotism of the thousands and thousands of young Americans who bravely sacrificed their lives to preserve and protect our precious America and our freedoms, following the heinous sneak attack on Pearl Harbor. One in spirit, from all walks of life, they fought side by side presenting courage and valor that was unlike any other, and deservedly so, were called heroes, “the greatest generation.”
As we know, the inevitable wars that followed have continued to create Americans who are willing to die to preserve our homeland, and we thank you, our country’s “treasures,” our Veterans. We pray to God with all our hearts for His guiding hand in leading our great nation to be a shining star of peace, morality and dignity to all the world. America bless God!
November begins the season of giving. Friends and families gather together to eat, drink and be merry. Unfortunately, many people are food insecure and are only able to survive and thrive due to the selfless charity of others. Meals on Wheels of Greater Newburgh is one such organization and on November 19 celebrated their 50th Anniversary at the Powelton Club.
In 1972, Frederica Warner heard her calling from God and founded Meals on Wheels of Greater Newburgh. As a 501(c)(3) Charity that has existed for 50 years, volunteers and helpers have prepared and delivered thousands and thousands of hot, nutritious, substantive meals to those in need; to those who are housebound, who are sickly, who are injured, who are suffering from disabilities; to those who would otherwise not interact with another kindhearted person on a daily basis, if it weren’t for this organization.
A sweet blessing at the celebration was having Frederica’s daughter, Maxine Warner-Burton, share in the joy of the moment with her cousin, Linda Lewis-Burger. According to the 50th Anniversary Celebration program, “many of the recipients are in need and [are] isolated. Meals on Wheels provides critical support in several ways, including addressing food insecurities, providing essential nutrition and allowing them to live where they prefer to live – at home, with independence and dignity.”
On behalf of Town of Newburgh Supervisor Gil Piaquadio, Deputy Supervisor Scott Manley presented Meals on Wheels of Greater Newburgh President Carole McDermott with a Certificate congratulating them for serving our community for 50 years. Also, presenting awards were: Town of New Windsor Councilman Stephen Bedetti; Director of Orange County Office for the Aging Ann Marie Maglione on behalf of Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus, and Newburgh Mayor Torrance Harvey. With the support of current and past volunteers, over 500,000 meals in the past 50 years have kept their wheels turning. The myriad acts of kindness will not go unseen by our Lord and Savior, especially as the holidays are upon us.
Carole McDermott, President; Robin Bello, Executive Director Phylis Murphy, Chair 50th and John DeLessio, Vice Chair 50th Anniversary Celebration send out their heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to all of you at this momentous celebration of their 50th Anniversary.
May you always have an angel at your side.