County Delivers Four Millionth “Meals On Wheels”
By Amy Modesti
The Rensselaer County Department for the Aging has been delivering “Meals on Wheels” since 1975. On Thursday, February 6, Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin, Legislative Chair and City of Rensselaer Mayor Mike Stammel, along with Department for the Aging Commissioner Carol Rosbozom and legislator Robert Lovridge, showed up at the home of 83 year old Maria Ostrander, to deliver that four millionth warm home-cooked meal.
The program allows seniors to obtain the proper nutrition to be healthy and live independently, and also allows the “Meals on Wheels’ to develop a relationship with seniors who need a companion, or perhaps just someone to chat with while they enjoy their dinner.
County Executive McLaughlin labeled the program “a mission of service,” which currently serves 2,100 clients a month.
For her part, Ms. Ostrander was quite surprised when she opened the door at her 88 Central Avenue home. Not only did the county officials deliver her mid-day meal, but served up a bouquet of flowers and a certificate for her to boot.
Asked if she has a favorite meal from the program, Ms. Ostrander said no, she just likes to eat, and “it’s all very tasty.”