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.
By Michael Valkys • Poughkeepsie Journal • April 25,
2009
From
the backyard of their City of Poughkeepsie home, Jim and Dorothy Antunano
watched today as a swarm of volunteer workers gave their 77-year-old house some
needed upgrades.
There
were workers on the roof with nail guns. Others poured concrete near the back
door. Still more workers filled a large Dumpster in the driveway.
“This
is going to help out tremendously,” said Dorothy Antunano, a 39-year-old mother
who suffers from spinal and breathing problems that force her to use a
wheelchair or walker.
Volunteers
spent the day at the Antunano’s home off Douglas Street — fixing the roof,
painting bedrooms and making preparations so a wheelchair lift for Antunano can
be installed.
