TO ORDER MEAL TICKETS DIRECTLY, GO HERE.

Your tickets will be available for pickup at the Grand Picnic Ticket Table.

Join us in a day of recovery, relaxation and rejuvenation as we celebrate with family, friends, neighbors, and new-found friends we’ve yet to meet from throughout our region. This is a day, when if only for a short time, we can look beyond the devastation that has visited this region and instead - if but for a moment - join in celebration and community.

Music, Activities, Food, Festivities, and Fun will be the order of the day and we invite all to join us. Non-profit organizations from throughout will be on hand to raise awareness and support for their cause.

DATE: August 20, 2011, 1:00 – 9:00 PM

VENUE: Sturbridge Town Common with Parade originating from the Old Sturbridge Village access road and ending at the Town Common.

PURPOSE: A regional celebration that brings us together as one community - stronger and more vibrant than ever - despite the challenges we have all recently faced.

EVENT COMPONENTS:

PARADE – originating from the Old Sturbridge Village access road and ending at the Town Common consisting of the following:

GRAND MARSHALS:

• Senator Steve Brewer
• Representative Todd Smola
• Representative Peter Durant
• MA Governor’s Councilor Jen Cassie
• Elected and Appointed Officials from neighboring communities

Parade Mascot – Wilbur the Pot Bellied Pig
Police Escort
Fire Trucks from partnering communities
Ambulances
Floats
Heavy Equipment Vehicles
Customized Buggies
Tractors
Hay Ride Vehicles Chauffeuring Children in attendance
Vintage Vehicles
Various Marching Contingents
Bag Pipe Contingent

GRAND PICNIC BUFFET: Vendors (Rovezzi’s, Publick House, Annie’s Country Kitchen).

Hamburger
Grilled Chicken
Italian Sausage & Peppers
Assorted Cold Salads
Watermelon
Other items available

Grand Picnic Buffet Cost - Adults $10, Seniors $7, Children $5

Advance Meal Tickets can be purchased via PayPal by selecting the FEAST&FIRE Add to Cart Link HERE.

MUSIC: Vocalists, Instrumentals, Bagpipers, Bluegrass by LIVESTOCK, DJ’s, & Music by Brian Kearsley.

ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES: Town Crier, Dance Presentations, Specialty Presentations by local groups, Bounce House, Re-enactors, Professional Clowns, Temporary Tattooing for children, Full Day of supervised activities for families, Flags & Glo-necklaces will be distributed to youth attendees.

An Evening by Fire Pits: Evening entertainment and music against the backdrop of Tiki Lights.

NON-PROFIT AWARENESS BOOTHS: Area non-profits will be allowed to set up awareness booths for the purpose of information distribution and fundraising for their specific organization.

On Thursday, December 23rd, 2010, Mr. Aaron Berthiaume, Chairman of the Public Relations Committee for the Tantasqua Educators’ Association, presented the Sturbridge REAS (Residential Energy Assistance For Seniors) Foundation with a $375.00 donation on behalf of the Tantasqua Junior and Senior High Schools’ staff. This donation will be applied toward the 1K challenge as part of this year’s REAS Foundation fundraising efforts.

In the attached photograph, Mr. Berthiaume is presenting the donation to Detective Sergeant Mark Saloio of the Sturbridge Police Department. Sergeant Saloio is the Chief Community Outreach Officer for the Foundation. The donation was presented by Mr. Berthiaume at the Sturbridge Police Department.

Additionally, the REAS Foundation recently received a $100.00 donation from the Art Students at Tantasqua Regional Junior High School. These funds were raised by the sale of “Compassion Cards” by the students and the profits were donated to a nonprofit organization of the students’ choice. In this case, the students independently selected the REAS Foundation. “Compassion Cards” are student art note cards made by these remarkable kids.

The REAS Foundation wishes to extend to members of the Tantasqua Educators’ Association, the Tantasqua Junior High Art Students and all those who have helped and donated to the REAS Foundation, on behalf of the senior citizens in our community, a grateful thank you and best wishes for the holiday season.

The Tantasqua Jr. High School Student Council in partnership with the REAS Foundation will be conducting a Food Drive to support Sturbridge seniors, at Shaw’s Supermarket and Stop & Shop on Saturday November 6, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Student Council Coordinator Mrs. Debra Donahue highlighted the group’s desire to conduct a community-centered project that would benefit Sturbridge seniors, while cultivating a greater level of awareness and responsibility among students in support of our senior community.

The students will be stationed at the entrance of the stores, presenting flyers with suggested items that can be picked up by shoppers. As shoppers exit, they can deposit food items into awaiting shopping carts, which will be manned by group members at the exits.

Donated items will then be sorted, bundled up into new reusable shopping bags, (with a special note-card attached), and distributed to pre-selected Sturbridge seniors.

This is a great opportunity for all of us to participate in a wonderful project - developed by the Student Council – in hopes of enhancing the important bond between seniors and our youth - a vital component to every community.

In advance of the “official” food drive dates, residents can get a head start by selecting items from the list below, and either setting them aside or contacting Leslie Wong at 774-200-5828 or by email at wonglasjw@aol.com for pick-up alternatives. Residents can also contact the REAS Foundation directly at 774-490-9395 or via email at info@reasfoundation.org to arrange for pick-ups.

Please consider donating a few of the listed items for our seniors, whose daily struggles with energy, medical, and food costs will only escalate as the cold weather sets in. If our list is void of something you think nourishing, please feel free to add it.

Soups - like Progresso/Campbell’s or any of the hearty meal type soups
Canned vegetables and fruits
Canned beans
Canned meats - tuna, chicken, etc.
Canned Beef Stew
Boxed pasta
Pasta Sauce (pre-made)
Apple Sauce
Macaroni and cheese mixes
Pasta/rice mixes (the 90-second microwavable bags are well portioned and convenient)
Rice (same as above)
Peanut butter
Jams/jellies Cereals - Cheerios, Raisin Bran, Kashi, etc.
Hot cereals - oatmeal, cream of wheat, etc.
Crackers
Bottled juices
Coffee/tea/hot chocolate

Your support will be most appreciated by those in need.

An anonymous donor has come forward to issue a 1K Challenge to Sturbridge residents. For every donation of $25.00 or more to the REAS Foundation (specifically in response to this challenge),  this Sturbridge resident - requesting anonymity - will match those donations up to a grand total of $1000. 

With cooler weather upon us and the need for assistance increasing daily, this is a great opportunity for donors to maximize their support for qualifying Sturbridge seniors, knowing that their generosity is doubled through the 1K Challenge. In the past week alone, due to the generosity of Sturbridge residents and businesses, the REAS Foundation has issued nearly $11,000 in energy assistance grants to Sturbridge seniors. These grants of course, are paid directly to the energy providers of qualifying Sturbridge seniors.

With the great excitement that comes in witnessing the remarkable accomplishments that all of us in Sturbridge can take pride in on behalf of our senior community, comes the knowledge that demand is increasing while available funds are decreasing. Your help is needed if we are to ensure our continued ability to provide a safety net for a neighbor down the street, a friend around the corner, or perhaps a senior we pass during our daily commute about town. Most often, these valued members of our community struggle in silence, feeling desperate, and hopeless.

With this opportunity to double the value of your donation, YOU, have a chance to provide immediate support and relief to qualifying seniors within our community. Consider this, $1000 raised through $25.00 donations will result in a total of $2000, (as a result of the match), which will enable us to provide direct energy assistance to a minimum of 4 Sturbridge seniors, or as many as 6 qualifying seniors, depending upon their level of qualification. The beauty of our Sturbridge-based program is that every dollar raised here, stays here, and immediately provides assistance to Sturbridge seniors. Additionally, 99% of every donation goes directly to where you intend it to - Assistance to Sturbridge Seniors, as nearly all administrative costs are absorbed by REAS Foundation Board members.

We hope, just as you have in the past, that you will answer this 1K Challenge, as we continue our efforts on your behalf to provide hope and relief to qualifying Sturbridge seniors. As it is our policy to specifically quantify donations in response to this challenge, for the purpose of providing the Challenger with a tangible measurement of their effort, we ask that gifts in response to this challenge specifically state 1K Challenge.

Thomas R. Creamer - Executive Director

Over the past two years the national economy has deteriorated at an unprecedented rate. Job losses, bank failures, real estate foreclosures, and unemployment figures continue at historic levels; all of this at a time when paychecks and benefits are declining disproportionately. The news continues to indicate increasingly challenging times for all relative to food, fuel and energy costs. Clearly, these challenging times are most difficult for our seniors on fixed incomes whose purchasing power is quickly deteriorating amidst a gathering storm.

The unraveling of our nation’s economic infrastructure has driven more Americans to food pantries, homelessness, and desperation. Many suffer in silence, agonizing each day over basic financial obligations they are now unable to meet. Families, faced with mounting economic pressures find themselves feeling isolated, detached, and hopeless. The most vulnerable among us - our children and our seniors - are witnessing the destruction of confidence within their homes as they and their families try to cope. Read the rest of this entry »

The REAS Foundation announces the launch of its 2010-2011 fundraising season via our 10K Circle of Friends and our 10K Circle of Businesses. These two fundraising appeals form the foundation of our Sturbridge-based charitable efforts each year. As in the past, we hope to raise $20,000 between our two 10K events, thus enabling us to provide much needed assistance to qualifying Sturbridge seniors - the very individuals who built this community.

Through the 10K Circle of Friends our goal is to raise $10,000 by way of $10 donations from 1000 Sturbridge residents. Each year this program serves as a significant catalyst in demonstrating the deep commitment Sturbridge residents have to Sturbridge seniors. It is a source of great comfort to those within our community who most often suffer in silence and the very essence of the REAS philosophy – Sturbridge people helping Sturbridge people. Read the rest of this entry »

Greetings all,

Please forgive the length of this post as we are attempting to express our gratitude to all of those who helped ensure a successful event. I know I will miss someone and for that I am eternally regretful. I will make every effort to correct as soon as I become aware of any omissions. In the days ahead we should have a complete tally of the proceeds to be donated and will provide a final update related to this year’s FEAST & FIRE.

On behalf of the REAS Foundation, the Merchants of Sturbridge, and the Town of Sturbridge, I would like to extend our gratitude for the overwhelming support we witnessed at our first Independence Day celebration. With over 2000 attendees, 74 parade vehicles, 152 marching individuals, and some great entertainment, the day was truly a success; that of course due to the support of those who attended and participated.

As it was our first event, we are cognizant of the fact that though there were many strengths in our planning and execution, we recognize that there were shortcomings as well. Both will be addressed in our upcoming planning sessions as we will be meeting in two weeks to begin the process of planning next year’s event. To that end we welcome any feedback from those who attended, which can be provided at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/768NHNR.

We have already received some great suggestions from attendees and parade/booth participants alike and are working to incorporate them into our event for next year. Rest assured, we take every suggestion seriously as we view this as your event and we want to ensure that we produce a product that you can be proud of. Next year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, July 2nd, and we hope that you will mark your calendars now so that we might share in the honor of your attendance.

In terms of photos or video, we were so committed to providing a high level of service that we were simply unable to produce any photos or video footage of the event but you can find a short story and some pictures on the Narragansett website. http://www.narragansettbeer.com/2010/07/weekend-recap-feast-fire-parade-in-sturbridge-ma.

Personally, I wish to extend my deepest gratitude to the following individuals who worked feverishly over the past 3 months to produce this event:

• Maryann Thorpe - Chief Marketing Officer, REAS Foundation
• Leslie Wong - REAS Foundation
• Jennifer Lundwall - Chief Administration Officer, REAS Foundation
• Jasmine Bell - Sadie Green’s, Merchants of Sturbridge
• Jeannine Creamer - Sturbridge Resident
• Mike Thorpe - REAS Foundation
• Linda Cocalis - REAS Foundation Chairman of the Board
• Chris Rovezzi - Rovezzi’s Ristorante, Merchants of Sturbridge
• Mike Harrington - Publick House, REAS Foundation
• Lenny Petrillo - Annie’s Country Kitchen, Merchants of Sturbridge
• Joe Wong - Executive Chef, Sole Proprietor Worcester
• Pia Rogers - Sturbridge Coffee House, Merchants of Sturbridge
• Lisa Kosinski - Park Place Salon, Merchants of Sturbridge
• Craig Moran - Sturbridge Service Center, REAS Foundation
• Karin Rokicki - Sturbridge Resident
• Patti Affenito - Sturbridge Country Inn, Merchants of Sturbridge
• Jeff Tasse - REAS Foundation
• Rich Paradise - REAS Foundation
• Annie & Steve Chojnicki - Solely responsible for the participation of the Narragansett Promotional Team
• Denise LaChapelle - REAS Foundation
• James Rokicki - REAS Foundation
• Brian Treitman - BT’s Smokehouse - Provided the Pork Ribs at wholesale cost
• Piccadilly Pub - Donated the Corn on the Cob

A very special note of thanks to Mike Harrington (Publick House), Chris Rovezzi (Rovezzi’s Ristorante) and Lenny Petrillo (Annie’s Country Kitchen); who donated all of the food (chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, roles, potato salad, pasta salad, cole slaw, Italian sausage, desserts) and support at absolutely no cost as a way of giving back to the community for the support tendered them throughout the year by your patronage. Please consider offering your thanks the next time you stop in to enjoy a meal with them.

As well we are grateful for the outstanding support provided by the Sturbridge Police Department, whose service and support prior to and during the event were vital to a safe, smooth, and enjoyable experience. Chief Ford and his personnel are to be commended for their outstanding service to our community.

We recognize as well the assistance and support of the Sturbridge Fire Department under the leadership of Chief Lenny Senecal. Their assistance and support with logistics and event participation were a key component of the days activities and success. They proudly and professionally represented the Town of Sturbridge.

So too, we are indebted to Tom Chamberland for his tireless efforts in producing a spectacular, safe, and memorable Bonfire that capped the day’s celebration. It is not lost on the Event Planning Committee, the great deal of advance planning necessary to produce such an element, nor the amount of work required to make it a success. Tom did an outstanding job in producing, managing, and ultimately extinguishing the Bonfire.

Equally, we thank Phil Cambo of Northern Tree for supplying the equipment and wood necessary for the Bonfire. Phil is an extremely generous individual who consistently provides volunteer support and services to our community with little fanfare. He is an integral component behind the scenes of many successful endeavors within our community.

Finally, the Event Planning Committee would like to extend its sincere thanks to the following whose participation made the event a success:

Our Grand Marshals

• Lt. Governor Tim Murray
• Senator Steve Brewer
• Representative Todd Smola
• Sturbridge Selectman & Chairman of the Board - Ted Goodwin and his daughter Rita
• Sturbridge Town Administrator Shaun Suhoski and his sons
• Sturbridge Selectwoman Mary Blanchard
• Tantasqua School Committee Chairwoman Kathy Neal
• Brimfield Selectmen Steve Fleshman and Tom Marino
• Southbridge Town Councilor Rich Logan
• Wales Selectman Mike Valanzola
• Holland Selectman Mike Kennedy

Our Parade Components

• Ron Guerard and the Harley Owners Group (HOG) Chapter 2148 - Motorcycle Strike Force
• The Fabrycki Brothers - Bagpipes
• Old Sturbridge Village - Costumed personnel provided by Jim Donahue
• Derek Heidemann and The Oxford Light Infantry - Grand Marshal Excort and Ceremonial Musket Firing
• Town of Wales Police Chief Dawn Charette
• Rip Pellaton - Town Crier
• George Berry, Sturbridge Resident who supported the parade with 5 Vintage Vehicles
• David Simpson - Sturbridge resident who supported the parade with a Vintage vehicle
• Cpl. Forcier - Holland Police Department
• Narragansett Brewing Company
• Congressional Candidate Jay Fleitmen - 2 Vintage Vehicles
• Paul Loranger - Sturbridge Resident who supported the parade with a Vintage Vehicle
• Chris Damon - Hyland Orchards who supported the parade with a Tractor Hayride
• Buddy Soper - Sturbridge Resident who supported the parade with a Tractor Hayride
• Bill and Nancy Cormier - The Bird Store and More, who supported the Parade with a Tractor Hayride
• Jim Leaming and the staff at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park for securing the participation of Yogi Bear himself.
• Jim Allard and the staff from Clowing for Kidz
• Peggy and Kate from Children’s Crossing for their incredible float
• The Tantasqua Regional High School Cheerleaders
• Dan Matte of M&M Cleaning
• Linda and Clay Cocalis for providing our Parade Escort Miss Piggy Sue
• Steve MacGregor and the staff at McCoy’s Action Karate
• Craig Moran for the incredible support with providing military vehicles as well as shuttling equipment to and from the parade.
• Donald Gorczynski Manager of Old Navy in Sturbridge, and his staff.
• Chuck St.Pierre for supplying a vintage fire truck
• Brimfield Fire Chief John Sherris for providing two fire trucks
• Holland Fire Chief John Couzins for providing a fire truck
• Charlton Fire Chief Charles Cloutier for providing a fire truck
• Wales Fire Department for providing a fire truck
• Livestock - the Bluegrass Band
• The Sturbridge Boy Scouts
• Gordie Holstrom for providing a vintage fire truck
• Ralph Harris for providing a vintage fire truck
• Sturbridge MOM’s Club and for providing their great parade float
• Erin Perrault and the Sturbridge Cub Scouts
• Brimfield Selectman Steve Fleshman and the AU 13 Girls Basketball Team for their great float
• Karen and her husband from Charlton, MA who provided a 1973 Javelin
• Brian Yacino for his efforts in securing participation from members of his Vintage Auto Club

Our Entertainment Components

• Samantha Stagis - Sturbridge TRHS Graduate who sang the National Anthem
• Emma Thorpe - Sturbridge Resident and TRHS Freshman who sang “Proud to be an American”
• Teri Gordon and the Mass Motion Dance Troupe
• Livestock Bluegrass Band
• Hayloft Steppers Square Dance Club
• Dan Lafleure - Acoustics Band
• Tammy Casavant - Vocalist
• Jabooda - Rock, Reggae Band
• McCoy’s Action Karate
• Bill Ryan Jr. for providing outstanding technical assistance and direction with our sound needs
• Brian Kearsley our evening DJ
• Dennis McCurdy for the amazing Firewalk
• RRI who provided the widely popular Bounce House
• Sturbridge Recreation Committee for providing games and logistical support
• Aerial Adventures for providing the Hot Air Balloon
• Doug Quigley and the Sturbridge Militia
• The Sturbridge Fire Department for providing the Extrication Demonstration

A Special Thanks to our Support Components

• John Degnan - Sturbridge Resident and Board of Health Member who assisted with Parade Staging and Event Management, while also providing communications and safety equipment
• Marita Tasse for her day long support and assistance during the event
• Autumn and Sylvia Wong, Savvy Lundwall, Meak Parkman, and the incredible group of youth volunteers they gathered (Jessica Bodish, Jeremy Allen, Erin Henn, Maddie Creamer, Amanda Sosik, Trey Allen, and Narrisa Trembley) who provided invaluable support throughout the day and evening of FEAST & FIRE. The assistance of these youth volunteers was critical to our success and we are most grateful to all.
• The Sturbridge Library for providing a staging area for equipment
• Waste Management for contributing the trash receptacles
• The Burgess PTO for providing logistical support
• McGrath Insurance Agency for providing their site for Post Parade Staging

We also extend our gratitude to our event sponsors:

• Annie’s Country Kitchen
• BT’s Smokehouse
• Curves
• Dennis McCurdy and the McCurdy Group
• Jellystone Park
• John Argitis Jr.
• Hometown Bank
• Merchants of Sturbridge
• M&M Cleaning
• Narragansett Brewing Co.
• Old Sturbridge Village
• Park Place Salon
• Pioneer Oil
• Publick House Historic Inn
• REAS Foundation Inc.
• Rovezzi’s Ristorante
• Sadie Green’s
• Sturbridge Coffee House
• Southbridge Savings Bank
• Sturbridge Service Center
• Sturbridge Times Magazine
• Tasse Fuel Corp
• Yankee Spirits
• Piccadilly Pub

We also extend our thanks to the non-profit organizations who participated in this non-profit event:

• Sturbridge Nursery Co-op
• Sturbridge Advanced Learning
• Caitlin Raymond International Registry
• Sturbridge Worship Center
• AU 13 Basketball Team
• Relay For Life
• Center for Hope
• Boy Scouts
• Residents for Alternatives to Trash Solutions (R.A.T.S.)
• American Legion Baseball
• Sturbridge Girls Softball
• Friends of Sturbridge Seniors
• RainBowKidsTieDye
• CactusCliff
• TED Foundation
• Tantasqua Music Association (TMA)
• Desai Temporary Tattoo

As I stated earlier, I am confident that I have neglected to address all of those whose support was crucial to this event and for that I offer my apologies and stand ready to correct any omissions.

That said, all of us extend our gratitude to those of you who attended and made this event the memorable experience it was for all.

The REAS Foundation is pleased and honored to announce the expansion of it partnership with the Sturbridge Service Center. As a long-time Sturbridge business resident providing vital, often life-saving emergency services to travelers throughout the region, the Sturbridge Service Center is no stranger to helping those in need.

Last year, just weeks after the REAS Foundation was established, the Sturbridge Service Center stepped forward to partner with REAS in support of Sturbridge seniors. Again this year, Craig Moran and his son Craig (CJ) have come forward to continue that relationship with another $1,000 donation to the REAS Foundation in support of Sturbridge seniors. 

During a check presentation conducted on-site, CJ Moran stated that the “Sturbridge Service Center Inc. is happy to contribute to such a worthwhile cause. We owe a debt of gratitude to our seniors; we are thankful that the REAS Foundation is there to allow us a local avenue to give back”. Craig went on to indicate that “Sturbridge Service Center is currently formulating an in-house program designed to provide additional services to qualifying Sturbridge seniors”. Details are forthcoming.

Accepting the donation on behalf of the REAS Foundation, Jennifer Morrison – Chief Administration Officer thanked Mr. Moran for “his deep sense of commitment to Sturbridge seniors and his unwavering support of the REAS Foundation in its efforts to assist those in our community who are most vulnerable”. Echoing Ms. Morrison’s sentiments, REAS Foundation Chief Marketing Officer - Maryann Thorpe who accompanied Jennifer during the presentation said that “Our community is most fortunate to have the support and partnership it enjoys with Sturbridge Service Center”. She went on to say that “Craig and his staff have been integral to the success of the REAS Foundation in its efforts to provide energy assistance to Sturbridge seniors; we are honored by their continued partnership”.

REAS Foundation Executive Director Thomas R. Creamer highlighted “the extensive support Sturbridge Service Center has provided our senior community as well as its efforts in support of local public safety agencies”. Mr. Creamer added that “our community is privileged to have such compassionate and caring corporate neighbors”.

The Board of Directors of the REAS Foundation has announced a major donation from Southbridge Savings Bank. Southbridge Savings Bank’s generous support of a $2,500 will help the organizations goal of raising $20,000 to help assist Sturbridge seniors with energy costs.

The REAS Foundation is built upon the belief that the greatness of a community is ultimately judged not so much by the beauty or magnificence of its structures, but rather, by its compassion, contributions, and care for its most vulnerable members. Rising energy costs, which in turn drive the costs of many associated items, coupled with fixed incomes, have placed many of our seniors in difficult,and dangerous predicaments. Their incomes are now fast outpaced by escalating energy prices. Choices between fuel, food, and prescriptions medications are becoming all too common for many of our seniors.

“The Board of Trustees and I are happy to help contribute to such a worthwhile organization,” the Bank’s president and CEO, Phil Pettinelli, said on offering Southbridge Savings’ donation. “Our Bank is committed to helping those in need in the areas that we serve.”

REAS Foundation Executive Director, Thomas Creamer, said, “To date this is the most generous donation our organization has received. The support provided by Southbridge Savings Bank to our senior community has and continues, to dramatically change the lives of local seniors.”

If you want to find more information about the REAS Foundation’s visit them at www.REASFoundation.org. Inquiries may be sent to info@REASFoundation.org or to P.O. Box 737, Fiskdale, MA 01518.

For more information about Southbridge Savings Bank, call 800-939-9103 or visit them on the Web at www.southbridgesavingsbank.com.

Fiskdale and Sturbridge seniors have long been the beneficiaries of great service, support, and assistance from the Friends of Fiskdale-Sturbridge Seniors. Inspired by their organizational bylaws to “…encourage, initiate, and sponsor programs and services…” [that] “…enhance the dignity and well-being of senior citizens…”, and to “…institute fundraising projects and activities for the services not provided for by the Town of Sturbridge…” the Friends have always been a source of hope for local seniors.

Recently, the Friends of Fiskdale-Sturbridge Seniors demonstrated yet again their comprehensive approach to supporting our seniors by way of a significant donation to the REAS Foundation. Citing the growing need among seniors within our community, Friends President Josephine Kaitbenski said that ” The board members of the Friends of the Sturbridge/Fiskdale Seniors are pleased to have donated $500 to the REAS Foundation.  We feel that this is what community is all about, people helping people”.

Friends Treasurer Claire Cook echoed Ms. Kaitbenski’s comments saying that “The Friends of the Sturbridge/Fiskdale Senior Center count it a privilege to help our seniors in whatever way we can.  We appreciate what the REAS Foundation is doing to provide essential energy funds to seniors.  REAS is filling a need in our community and this kindness has a great impact on all Sturbridge and Fiskdale citizens”.

Jennifer Morrison - REAS Foundation Chief Administration Officer - thanked the Friends for their “generous contribution to the health and welfare of Sturbridge seniors and their tireless efforts on behalf of our senior community”.

REAS Foundation Executive Director Thomas R. Creamer conveyed his “deep gratitude on behalf of the REAS Foundation for the generosity and support of the Friends of Fiskdale-Sturbridge Seniors” citing the “significance of Seniors helping Seniors”.