Westminster Cares works with seniors and disabled adults in Westminster, Vermont to help them remain healthy and independent in the community. Volunteers deliver meals, visit those who appreciate some company, and help with rides to the grocery store and appointments. Our healthy aging programs provide social and educational opportunities in exercise, art, and nutrition and are open to residents of Westminster and surrounding towns. Westminster Cares is a local community-based volunteer organization started in 1988.
WESTMINSTER CELEBRATES ELDER RESIDENTS |
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On Saturday, September 26th, Westminster Cares and town residents celebrated Westminster’s 90-plus-year-old citizens during the annual Celebration of Aging. Due to COVID-19 safety concerns, a small private ceremony was held outdoors on the lawn of the Westminster Institute for guests of honor and their families, followed by a community drive-by and parade.
Westminster has fourteen residents who are 90 years of age or older. Thirteen still live independently in the area and five attended the event: Charlotte Kurkul, Libby Mills, Ben Hutchins, Lee MacDuffie and Bill Smidutz. The families of Phyllis Anderson and Paulie Kissell attended in their honor. Not able to attend were: Lois Woodward, Dot Allen, Judith Berkley Jo Crocker, Ruth Morse, Bob Gay and Barbara Holton. Of the fourteen, two are 90, six are 91, one 92, one 94, one 95, one 96, one 97, and one 98.
Pete Harrison, vice president, gave a heartwarming presentation addressing each of the honored guests. The presentation included interesting family history, places they’ve lived; companies they’ve worked for and stories about their lives in the community. Guests of honor were given photo books to commemorate the occasion and for their
contributions to the community.
The Westminster Cares’ board of directors expresses their appreciation to our honored guests for attending; to the many family members who accompanied them and the community members who turned out in support of this event. Cars were decorated with balloons, streamers and signs with messages for the guests of honor. Community members drove by cheering, honking and greeting each honoree. To close out the event, the Westminster Fire Department led a parade along Main Street with cars filled by each guest of honor and their family. Community members lined the streets to wave and give ‘shout-outs’ to each of the honorees as they passed by.
Thank you to our wonderful community of Westminster, VT.
Westminster has fourteen residents who are 90 years of age or older. Thirteen still live independently in the area and five attended the event: Charlotte Kurkul, Libby Mills, Ben Hutchins, Lee MacDuffie and Bill Smidutz. The families of Phyllis Anderson and Paulie Kissell attended in their honor. Not able to attend were: Lois Woodward, Dot Allen, Judith Berkley Jo Crocker, Ruth Morse, Bob Gay and Barbara Holton. Of the fourteen, two are 90, six are 91, one 92, one 94, one 95, one 96, one 97, and one 98.
Pete Harrison, vice president, gave a heartwarming presentation addressing each of the honored guests. The presentation included interesting family history, places they’ve lived; companies they’ve worked for and stories about their lives in the community. Guests of honor were given photo books to commemorate the occasion and for their
contributions to the community.
The Westminster Cares’ board of directors expresses their appreciation to our honored guests for attending; to the many family members who accompanied them and the community members who turned out in support of this event. Cars were decorated with balloons, streamers and signs with messages for the guests of honor. Community members drove by cheering, honking and greeting each honoree. To close out the event, the Westminster Fire Department led a parade along Main Street with cars filled by each guest of honor and their family. Community members lined the streets to wave and give ‘shout-outs’ to each of the honorees as they passed by.
Thank you to our wonderful community of Westminster, VT.
Westminster Cares Continues to Operate with Limitations to
In-Person and On-Site Programs and Services:
These Restrictions are Extended through October 31st, 2020
During these unprecedented times, Westminster Cares is committed to continue serving older residents of our town, and those with special needs.
Due to continuing public health concerns of COVID-19 and the closed status of buildings where are programs are held, the Westminster Cares Board of Directors extended the hold on our in-person programs and services such as Monthly Senior Lunches; Transportation Program; and In-Home Friendly Visits.
Our Meals-on-Wheels and Equipment Loan Programs are Operating. The Healthy Aging Group and many of our Exercise Classes are being offered by phone (WebEx) or through Zoom online.
We are also working on plans to safely re-start other programs and services while complying with the guidelines issued by the Vermont Dept. of Aging and Independent Living
To request assistance; find out more about our current programs or speak to the Nurse, please contact Donna Dawson, Westminster Cares’ Director on the office line: 802.722.3607 or by cell: 802.380.6678
Due to continuing public health concerns of COVID-19 and the closed status of buildings where are programs are held, the Westminster Cares Board of Directors extended the hold on our in-person programs and services such as Monthly Senior Lunches; Transportation Program; and In-Home Friendly Visits.
Our Meals-on-Wheels and Equipment Loan Programs are Operating. The Healthy Aging Group and many of our Exercise Classes are being offered by phone (WebEx) or through Zoom online.
We are also working on plans to safely re-start other programs and services while complying with the guidelines issued by the Vermont Dept. of Aging and Independent Living
- We are focusing our volunteer efforts on continuing our Meals-On-Wheels program and running errands for high-risk residents.
- Our Community Nurse is available by phone for support and consultations. Home visits will be made on a case-by-case basis.
- Donna Dawson is working from the office and remotely and will be checking voicemail daily. You can also reach her on the cell number listed below.
To request assistance; find out more about our current programs or speak to the Nurse, please contact Donna Dawson, Westminster Cares’ Director on the office line: 802.722.3607 or by cell: 802.380.6678
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Click on the DONATE button below. Choose the amount that's right for you. Know you have our gratitude and appreciation for your support!
wecares@sover.net Westminster, VT 05346