Hearts for Heat Honored
Hearts for Heat Honored Ruth Lyon Turley Publications Reporter NORTH BROOKFIELD- When Sue Lewandowski and members of this town’s Hearts for Heat program were invited to attend a recent selectmen’s meeting to report on the group’s activities, they were surprised with certificates of appreciation, presented by board chair Jason Petraitis. He and fellow board members expressed their appreciation for the work, and the positive results produced by a group formed about a year ago. In her report, Lewandowski reported that the group had raised $11,000 since last November, and had helped 15 families to keep warm last heating season. “We now have $7,500 in the bank, and are working to raise more in anticipation of this year’s needs. As we are all aware, with many out of work, this year may be even tougher,” she said. “We appreciate so much all of the people and businesses and organizations who’ve helped. We’ll be working even harder to keep this program going, and we know we can count on continuing help through our wonderful friends in the community,” she said. Later, she recounted the beginning of her own involvement in the program, and described the participation of others. “Mine began in June of 2008, when I received my projected oil bill; I learned that, at $4.50 per gallon, it would cost me close to $7,000 to pay for the winter’s heat…I thought about all those who would have to go without food or medication to be warm..for several days I felt a strange tugging at my heart.” She told the story of an August, 2008 meeting called by Bob LaFlamme, owner of Crowley Fuel, who arranged an early morning Hearts for Heat breakfast meeting, and the ensuing creation of the town’s core chapter. “I just can’t say enough about the people who’ve given countless hours writing letters, press releases, thank you notes, reviewing applications and/or manning tables at fundraising events.” She went to list the myriad people who have contributed and events held to assist, “and we’re looking forward to dining in January at the second annual spaghetti dinner with the Masonic Lodge.” She finished by thanking the selectmen for their encouragement and support. For information and applications for assistance, contact Louise Bouchard, director of the North Brookfield Senior Center. You may visit the web site http://www.heartsforheat.org/NorthBrookfield/index.htm Core members of this town’s Hearts for Heat board are: President, Sue Lewandowski; Treasurer, Lorrie McCarty; Applications facilitator, Louise Bouchard; Secretary, Judith Manning; Board members at large, Joe Zegarra, Ellen Smith, Tom Lewandowski, and Bob LaFlamme.