by Bea Peterson
HACA Volunteer Coordinator Dianne Hosterman and HACA itself received a very pleasant surprise at their Volunteer Appreciation Brunch on Saturday, May 15. Lorraine Brownell and Nortica Scholis of the Hoosick Falls First Baptist Church presented a check to Dianne and HACA for $9,845 to be used toward the mortgage on the HACA building on lower John St. Hosterman was overwhelmed by the donation. The women explained the funds were left over from 2007 when more than 300 young people spent a week in Hoosick Falls repairing and painting
52 properties throughout the area. In order to hold the event, Lorraine said, they had to raise $20,000. They raised $25,000. Lorraine said that after all the projects were completed and all the expenses paid, they had money left over. As a stipulation for hosting the work camp, they had to donate these left over funds to a charity. They chose the HACA building fund. It was a rare moment to see Dianne Hosterman speechless.
HACA purchased the former Credit Union building in December 2008 for $85,000. Dianne has worked tirelessly to find donations and grants to pay off the mortgage. With money she had on hand for an upcoming payment and the check she received on Saturday, the amount remaining to be paid is a little more than $40,000. In a year and a half the mortgage has been reduced to less than half.
Volunteer Awards
Several people were honored for the many hours they spend as VITA tax preparers. Dianne said, besides completing tax forms, the volunteers are often able to guide individuals to other services, and frequently simply share their burdens and listen to them.
Recipients of the Volunteer Youth Award were Zoelena Poore and Zaynah Poore.
Marilyn Douglas was honored with the Partnership/Community Award for “doing 99% of the work to make last year’s Taste of Hoosick such a successful event.” Dianne also thanked the Hoosick Falls Fire Police for the fantastic job they did in handling traffic for the event at the Hoosick Falls Country Club. This very successful day raised over $9,000 for HACA.
Sue and Steve Landry and Vivian Smith received the Community Outreach Award for their work with the homebound elderly.
Recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award was Lynn Teker. Dianne said she is such a blessing to HACA. “Many people do many tasks that are quite visible. Some are steady, hard working and quiet… that is Lynn.”
Dianne thanked all the volunteers for their tireless efforts on behalf of the Food Closet.
Besides enjoying a delicious lunch, guests were treated to beautiful musical number by Dottie Cross and friends, members of the combined HACA Choir. Rev. Dr. Tom Azar gave the group Worlds of Encouragement. HACA President Rev. Mike Benoit welcomed everyone and offered the Invocation. Rev. Donna Elia offered the Benediction.