by Bea Peterson
At the annual HACA Volunteer Appreciation Harvest Brunch on October 20 at the First United Presbyterian Church Joyce Brewer was honored as the Volunteer of the Year. Joyce is a Girl Scout Leader, HACA volunteer and organizer of the recent very successful “Fill the Bus” drive for the Food Closet.
Other Awards
The HACA Community Award was presented to the Hoosick Falls Lions Club.
[private]The Partnership Award was presented to all the “behind the scenes” workers at the Food Closet. They are Rich and Mary Frey, Iva Durkee, Gwen White and Norma Brenenstuhl.
The Youth Award was presented to Samantha and Anna Brewer.
Award presenter Dianne Hosterman said this year they have been able to expand their home deliveries of food thanks to the efforts of Sue Landry and her family and members of the Lions Club.
Tom Scholis was Master of Ceremonies for the Brunch. The welcome and Invocation was given by Rev. Mike Benoit, HACA President.
Music Director Dottie Cross led the combined HACA Choir in a beautiful musical selection. Fr. Tom Zelker of the Immaculate Conception Church and HACA Vice President offered the group words of encouragement. He reminded them that they are doing God’s work. They should continue to give with an open heart and not ask anything in return. He said they should love those they help and love them with an open heart.
The Benediction was given by Rev. Donna Elia of the United Presbyterian Church.
HACA Accomplishments
The Hoosick Area Church Association was founded in 1970. In the past year the 44 Food Pantry volunteers provided 24,093 meals to those in need and delivered 169 Thanksgiving Boxes.
The cost of food purchased and received for the year was $41,265. The amount of food received weighed 47,920 pounds. And the number of volunteer hours expended for the year was 4,425.
HACA filled 65 backpacks for youngsters going back to school this year.
VITA volunteers filed 225 tax returns.
Mortgage Retired
Most significant of all of these accomplishments was the shredding of the mortgage on the John Street property. The 30 year mortgage was paid off in three years and seven months. Dianne Hosterman said the speedy payoff was due to the generosity of many people and organizations, particularly the Reynolds and Weir Foundations.[/private]