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.

       Because the program was formerly known as Christmas in April, on the last Saturday in April, volunteers converge, donating their time and skills to make homes safer, warmer and dryer for their neighbors.  RTDC has 21 projectsthis spring, and another 5-10 projects on the wait list for its new fall rebuilding event.  RTDC also has an ongoing "Safe at Home" project for the installation of access ramps, grab bars, etc.  "After exploring the role that RTDC performs, it seemed a perfect fit," says Mazzarealla of the Rotary's new Senior Home Assistance Program. 

       "We're hoping this pilot program with the Rotary Club provides a model for other service groups," says Dave Dobson, executive director of RTDC.  "It's a badly needed service to get simple stuff done."

          RTDC will screen the requests for service, and provide training to the Rotary volunteers where necessary, who have organized six teams that include Interact members.  "The Interact members are high-school Rotarians sponsored by our club in Rhinebeck High School," says Mazzarella.  "This provides and intergenerational component to the program."

       "They'll be able to rotate teams to spread the joy and pain," quips Dobson.

       Rhinebeck residents age 60 and older who are limited physically and/or financially can apply to have assistance with non-emergency, handyman-type home repairs.  "This is geared toward fairly minor repairs," says Dobson, "repairs that are so small they don't know where to turn to or maybe they';re distrustful because they've read about unscrupulous contractors."  Volunteers will clean gutters, unclog a drain, install a grab bar or repair a lock, for example.