President Marion Agla welcomed 23 committee members, drivers, clients and guests to the Clifford Community Meals on Wheels annual general meeting recently at Jamesway Manor in Clifford.
Agla resigned as president but conducted the meeting. Alieda Murray accepted the position of president. Bonnie Demerling resigned from her position as treasurer, but will continue on the board. Bill Cheeseman accepted that position.
Reports were given regarding meals, drivers, restaurant liaison, tray favours, publicity, and the yard and bake sale. Currently 13 regular and diabetic meals are being prepared by Marlene and Jim Dennie and staff at the Redwood Restaurant and delivered by volunteer drivers at noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Fifteen drivers rotate every three months with two spare drivers. Wes Gerber reported the Rotary pavillion has been booked for June 2 for the yard and bake sale. Items accepted include books, toys, decorations, knickknacks, and small furniture, while any clothes can go to the diabetes clothesline program. Gerber has agreed to store some items.
Discussion surrounded the volunteer service regarding costs and destinations. Flat fees are gone. It is not a taxi service, but a service for seniors unable to reach their doctor’s appointments, and the group believes drivers should not be out of pocket for parking or a meal, as it is their time they are donating. Destination, possible stops along the way, and duration should be discussed with the driver prior to departure. A list of drivers is available by calling the Meals on Wheels at 519-327-8588.
Last year, Sheldon Wolfe resigned from the board and since that time, has passed away.
Board members with terms ending in 2011 are Joyce Yost, Lyle Murray and Randy Ruetz. Yost decided to step down and was thanked for years of service, for preparing favours for the trays and for convening the bake sale.
Members appointed to the board at the volunteer appreciation luncheon were Helen Braun, Sandy Cheeseman, Bill Cheeseman and Shirley Murray. Members with terms ending in 2012 include Bonnie Demerling, Marion Agla, Carol Lange, Bonnie Whitehead, Ross Derbecker, Patrick Mullan, Eleanor Gerber and Wes Gerber.
Agla invited everyone to share comments or suggestions.
Dorothy Domm praised the meals and the drivers who deliver them hot to the door. Any comments or concerns on the meals can be directed to the drivers, the meal liaison and the president. A volunteer appreciation luncheon for the committee, drivers and clients will be scheduled for April.
Appreciation was extended to Domm for her hospitality in allowing the committee to hold its meeting at Jamesway Manor. A social time concluded the evening.
