Pawling Resource Center Raises the Funds for a New Car…With a Lot of Help from Their Friends!
By Susan Stone
Since the COVID pandemic subsided and Pawling’s seniors began to catch up with medical appointments and trips to shop for groceries, it became clear to all at the PRC that the fifteen-year-old little red Honda that had served all so well was not able to keep up with community need. As the PRC team patiently waited for the travel rush to slow down, more of our community’s seniors discovered their transport needs had increased. With the rise in demand for rides and the additional requirement for larger rear storage space to accommodate walkers, rollators and wheelchairs, executive director Olga Brandenberger suggested to the PRC board that a larger, more reliable auto should be considered. With all board members in agreement, the decision to include funding for the purchase of a new car became one of the goals for the PRC’s annual fundraising event, the Fayne Daniels Walk So They May Ride Walk-a-thon, that took place last September.
Resource Center treasurer Halliday Clark happily explained, “The 2023 Fayne Daniels Walk-a-thon for the Pawling Resource Center was a tremendous success. We not only increased funding for the rides program by 20%, but we were also able to replace our old, tiny Honda with a beautiful (and more functional) 2024 Chevy Equinox. All of this was possible because of the very generous donations of the Monahan Leighton Fund, the Hettinger family, and the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, in addition to the fantastic support from the whole community.”
Also contributing to this monumental achievement was our local Chevrolet dealership, Ingersoll Auto of Pawling. They made the entire transaction easy and possible. The new red Equinox, with lots of flexible space providing a comfortable and safe ride for our seniors, was recently purchased and immediately put into service.
In 2023, the Center provided 385 rides to medical appointments to our community seniors. Including food deliveries to homebound clients and rides to shop, 724 requests for transportation services were fulfilled during the past year. Ms. Brandenberger remarked that the only thing at this point that will prevent an increase in these transportation services is the shortage of volunteer drivers. Prior to the pandemic, 45 drivers were available to assist with all transportation needs. The current number of volunteers now stands at only 15. Because of this, 36 requests for transportation services were unable to be met. Ms. Brandenberger hopes that as the pandemic continues to recede, more community volunteers will come forward to help provide this crucial service to our neighbors in need.
Information about the Pawling Resource Center’s core services may be found on its website at pawlingresourcecenter.org. Those with interest in volunteering their time and driving talents may contact Ms. Brandenberger at 845-855-3459.
The 16th Annual Fayne Daniels Walk So They May Ride Walk-a-Thon
The Fayne Daniels Walk So They May Ride Walkathon Raises Money for PRC Transport Services
By Susan Stone
Saturday, September 16th 2023 was an auspicious beginning for the PRC Walkathon, newly renamed in memory of longtime Resource Center friend Fayne Daniels. More than $23, 000 was raised and will be used in support of transportation services for community seniors to medical appointments and grocery shopping, and for food delivery for the homebound elderly.
Fifty-nine walkers participated in this year’s event, which was made possible by volunteer pre-event planners and day-of-event volunteer organizers. Jimmy Phillips offered his grilling expertise for the after-walk barbecue, along with helpers Tom Cole and Carolyn Salazar. Special thanks go to Vinny’s Deli for providing the rest of the fixings for the barbecue and to McKinney & Doyle for donating desserts. Music was provided by Dan Lowe of Sherman, Connecticut. John and Andy Rickert; Mario Mejorado, Jr.; Miguel Calle; Paula Aguilar; MJ Phelan; Susan Smith; Carolyn Salazar; Christine Coates; Courtney Cole; Jen Taylor; Halliday Clark; and Brenda Gillespie were also on hand to help make this event a resounding success.
Prizes were won by the team and the individual who raised the most money for the PRC through this event. The Individual Walker prize went to Carolyn Salazar and the Team prize went to the Lost Hikers of the Harlem Valley. A few pups came along with their participating pup parents and received treats and toys, courtesy of Fairway Accounting, for their generally good natures and enthusiastic tail-wagging.
Along with raising needed dollars in support of transportation services, Olga Brandenberger, Executive Director of the Resource Center, stated that the Center is hoping to eventually raise funds sufficient to purchase a newer and larger vehicle to accommodate growing need.
Of special note was the unveiling of a plaque in recognition of Fayne Daniels’ contributions to the community and most specifically to the Pawling Resource Center. Rev. Mark Allan, PRC board chairman, was in attendance and spoke about Fayne. He then introduced town supervisor James Schmitt, village mayor Lauri Taylor, and town councilperson Coleen Snow, who also spoke about Fayne’s positive impact upon the Pawling community. In addition, Dave Daniels was introduced and spoke on behalf of the Daniels family. The plaque will be prominently displayed on the exterior wall of the PRC building, visible to all, and serving as a lasting tribute to Fayne.
The Pawling Resource Center is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in Pawling that serves community members in need through its food bank, transportation services, and medical equipment loan program, as well as special seasonal offerings and programs. Donations can be made through its website at: pawlingresourcecenter.org
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PRC 16th Annual Walk-a-Thon Scheduled for September 16th
By Susan Stone
Sixteen years ago, the Pawling Resource Center held its first annual Walk-a-Thon to raise funds for its transportation services. It was the brainchild of Resource Center board member Fayne Daniels, and she named this event Walk So They May Ride. It has been the singular annual fundraiser for the Resource Center in support of this signature program.
Last January, the Pawling community and the Pawling Resource Center lost a great friend when Fayne passed away. In honor of her dedication to those in need in the community, and in her memory, the Resource Center has renamed this event the Fayne Daniels Walk So They May Ride Walk-a-Thon.
This sixteenth-anniversary event year will not only see funds raised in support of Center transportation services; but will launch an effort to raise funds to purchase a much-needed new car to transport PRC clients to medical appointments and food shopping, and to aid with food pantry delivery to those in the community who are homebound. With the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions, the Center has experienced an increase in demand for these services.
For those who are accustomed to seeing the little red car around town currently in use by PRC volunteer drivers, it is notable that this auto is 13 years old, is a bit of a gas guzzler, is in need of repair and constant attention, and is no longer large enough to accommodate the expanding needs of the community.
The sixteenth annual Fayne Daniels Walk So They May Ride Walk-a-Thonwill be held on Saturday, September 16, 2023, beginning at the Resource Center, located at 126 E. Main Street and proceed through the village with completion back at the PRC. Check-in will begin at 10 a.m. Individual walkers and teams of walkers are signing on to raise funds in the Center’s behalf. Prizes will be given to the team and individual who raises the most for this much-loved community resource. Advance registration for this event will be on-line only, via the PRC website at pawlingresourcecenter.org. Click on “Walkathon” to find all needed forms and information.
As in previous years, walkers are encouraged to bring their favorite canine to join in this morning jaunt through the village. Doggie treat bags will be available for all participating pups. The walk-a-thon will conclude with a barbecue on the grounds of the John Kane House. Music will be provided by Mr. Don Lowe.
This year’s walk-a-thon committee includes Liz Allen, Olga Brandenberger, Halliday Clark, Ann Godesky, Rev. Stefan Gramenz, Medina Khalil, Anna Lindstrom, Mario Mejorado, Susan Smith, Susan Stone, and Jennifer Taylor.
Additional information is available at the Pawling Resource Center or call 845-855-3459.
STUFF THE BUS 2023
Pawling Rotary’s Stuff the Bus 2023 a Community-Wide Success!
By Susan Stone
July 15th was a day of service and generosity as the Pawling community joined with the Pawling
Rotary Club and its event partners Hannaford’s, the Pawling Central School District, and the Pawling Resource Center, to Stuff the Bus with items needed for the PRC’s Food Pantry. The yellow PCSD school bus, manned by Ken Chambers with assists from Cecil Franco and PCSD Transportation Supervisor Pamela Serafini, was parked outside of Hannaford’s on Route 22 in time for the event’s start at 9:00 a.m. Volunteers Jessica Sisalima and Katelyn Hanol from Pawling High School, Dylan Cohen from Arlington High School, and Katie Giron from Pawling Middle School were on hand at the Resource Center to unload collected items and begin placing them on shelves, aided by Fredrick Brandenberger.
Rotarian and Pawling Library Director Chris Fisher, Rotary President and PRC board member Rev. Stefan Gramenz, and Rotarians Jeff Asher, Carolyn Graziano, Medina Khalil with daughter Lucy Showers and friend Jaxon Carmocino, Deborah Klein, Stephanie McLaughlin with daughter Rebecca, Jillian Pelliccio, Coleen Snow, and Laurie Spens were on hand throughout the event. They were busy answering questions, loading the bus and enthusiastically thanking one and all for their kindness. Even Carmel Rotarian and Pawling resident Maria Quezada stopped by to help! Rev. Gramenz was heartened by the good will demonstrated by the participation of everyone involved. “The community really came out to support the PRC,” he noted. He concluded, “Some people brought a couple of items, some a couple of bags, and some people an entire shopping cart. It’s great to see how much can be done when so many people give what they can. Many thanks to the shoppers who donated, to the Rotarians and other volunteers who handed out flyers and helped sort, transport, and shelve the donations, and to Hannaford for their cooperation and support.”
Additionally, the PRC’s Executive Director Olga Brandenberger and Program Coordinator Brandon Dobraj were equally busy throughout the morning collecting donated items and transporting them to the Center, helping to alleviate the delivery crush at the end of the event day. Ms. Brandenberger was thrilled by the community response to this annual summer event and all that it will mean for families in need who depend on the PRC Food Pantry. “The weather was great for Stuff the Bus, but even greater were all the people who came together to make it possible. We are so grateful to Pawling Rotarians, the staff at Hannaford’s, the PCSD, the many volunteers, and all the community who made donations. Thank you from all of us at the PRC,” she exclaimed.
Finally, the staff and management at Hannaford Supermarket did a wonderful job coordinating everything at the store in order to make this annual event successful, meaningful, and fun for everyone involved. Brendan Simmons, Hannaford Manager of Customer Service and Rocco Botta, Hannaford Assistant Manager were especially helpful with organizing everything at the store and designating the PRC as their not-for-profit of the month, so that patrons could make always-needed cash donations. Joannie Gruber, Hannaford staff member, was also available to help in ways large and small, contributing to the day’s achievement.
Because of the selflessness of everyone involved, including the many community members who contributed, The Pawling Resource Center Food Pantry received 1,519 pounds of food, 75 pounds of cleaning supplies, 73 pounds of paper products, 186 pounds of personal care products, and 50 pounds of baby diapers. In all, 1,903 pounds of goods were donated during a traditionally slow time for donations to the PRC.
The Pawling Resource Center serves community members in need. Donations are always welcome and volunteer drivers are needed. Contact the Center at 845-855-3459 if you can help.
8th Annual Stuff the Bus on July 15 at Hannaford’s
By Susan Stone
The 8th annual Stuff the Bus event, benefiting the food pantry of the Pawling Resource Center, will take place on Saturday, July 15th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Hannaford’s on Rt. 22 in Pawling. The Pawling Rotary Club, along with event partners Hannaford’s, the Pawling Resource Center, and the Pawling Central School District, are proud to sponsor this annual event that benefits the food pantry of the Resource Center during a time when items are needed most.
Volunteers representing participating organizations will be on hand to help make this day a success. The Pawling Central School District bus will be manned by CSEA (Civil Service Employee Association) drivers, who volunteer their time every year to this worthy cause.
Jennifer Veronesi, manager at Hannaford’s in Pawling, has confirmed the date. Ralph Andren, Customer Service Manager and Brendan Simmons, Human Resources Associate Relations Manager will see that aisles of urgent needs for the Resource Center will be well stocked. Signage will also be available to make finding needed items easier. Hannaford employees will be busy setting up the store for this community-wide event.
Among the items most needed by the PRC are paper goods and cleaning products; personal care products such as shampoo, deodorant, soap, toothpaste, and tooth brushes; child care products such as diapers in sizes 4-6 along with wipes; food products such as pasta, juice bottles and boxes, and tomato sauce; and canned goods such as tuna, salmon, ravioli, stew, chili, beans, and vegetables.
Stuff the Bus will begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at 1:00 p.m., at which time the school bus, filled with community donations, will be driven to the Resource Center at 126 East Main Street in Pawling Village. PRC volunteers will unload and move items into the center and onto the shelves!
So, save the date: Saturday, July 15th; and look for the little yellow school bus in front of Hannaford’s … as we Stuff The Bus for the PRC!!