By Deborah J. Botti, Senior Gazette, Vol. 5, No. 17
Brand-new program in Rhinebeck
Mike Mazzarella was appointed to chair the Project Review committee of the Rhinebeck Rotary. Specifically, President Robert Phillips asked the commitee to explore a new "hands'-on project" for the club, something that would link Rotarians with the community. After much discussion, the focus turned to senior citizens with medical or financial limitations that render themunable to keep up with everyday home maintenance.
"I've been motivated my entire career in providing services for the aged," says Mazzarella, who was the president and CEO of Northern Dutchess Hospital from 1966-2000. "My 34 years of service at the hospital and caring for this community did not stop with my retirement."
The Rhinebeck Rotary was initially going to perform the entire service itself. However, after some study, it realized that collaborating with Rebuilding Together Dutchess County was a more efficient way to provide the best service.
On
Tuesday, December 15th, 2009, a half dozen volunteers spent the day
at the home of an elderly army veteran, making repairs and improving safety, as
part of Rebuilding Together Dutchess' first “Holiday Rebuilding Day."
The project was funded by Sear's "Heroes at Home" program, which
provides support to military service people, veterans, and their families
through joint efforts with various nonprofit organizations.
The volunteers replaced a broken storm door, added grab bars in the bathroom,
installed a second stair railing, replaced and rewired dangerous outlets and replaced
lightbulbs with more efficient bulbs.
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