Turning up the heat
The following article was written by Taryn Plumb of the Tantasqua Town Common and published in this week’s edition. Our thanks to Turley Publications and Taryn for an outstanding story about the REAS Foundaton. Here then is the article.
Fundraisers begin for elder energy assistance
By Taryn Plumb
Turley Publications Reporter
STURBRIDGE - It all started with an oil bill. The last one of the winter, it was high, certainly higher than what Selectman and local business owner Scott Garieri was used to. It made him think:“Boy, if it keeps going like this, there are going to be a lot of people hurting this year,” he explained, “namely the elderly.”
That concern in mind, a group of residents have banded together in an attempt to alleviate the pressure on Sturbridge seniors from the seemingly unceasing climb of gas, oil and utility prices. The newly formed Residential Energy Assistance for Seniors (REAS) Foundation is comprised of locals from various backgrounds, including elder advocacy, administration, community outreach and government.
The foundation has applied for non-profit status. It kicked off its efforts on Tuesday by launching the first of its many fundraisers, 10K Circle of Friends.
With that endeavor, the foundation intends to raise $10,000 by soliciting $10 donations from 1,000 Sturbridge homes by November. The Foundation also plans to hold a fundraising yard sale on Aug. 2, and has mulled raffling off gas cards or certificates for home heating oil. The foundation has already received gifts from the Sturbridge Police Patrolmen’s Association and Tasse Fuel Corporation.
All told, the group hopes to raise $20,000 in its first year. Still, officials stressed, services will go beyond gas, oil and utilities. REAS organizers have considered working with Tantasqua students to provide minor home repairs and other carpentry or electrical services to seniors. “We have a whole shopping cart full of stuff that we’re moving forward with,” said Garieri, who initially got the program rolling with planning board member Thomas Creamer.
It’s unclear at the moment how many seniors will require assistance, according to Mark Saloio, a public information officer for the Sturbridge Police Department and chief informational officer for REAS. Saloio did note that there are 40 seniors in town who get daily assistance from Meals on Wheels; many more are in Hospice care.
“The majority of seniors are on a fixed income,” he said, explaining that he became involved with the program because police and fire departments have much more contact with senior citizens that the community at large.“Many have not had a raise or change in that fixed income in several years.We know
there will be a need, we have absolutely no doubt.” Because seniors have “paid their dues,” said Saloio, the last thing they should have to worry about now is “how can I pay my bills?” REAS members have set up an account with Southbridge Savings Bank; all donations will be funneled directly into that.
The majority of monetary assistance will then be provided directly to utility or oil companies. To ensure a fair allotment of funds, REAS’ board of directors has set up a criteria committee. That group is charged with developing a consistent, non-intrusive way to determine who qualifies for assistance. That will likely be based on several factors, including whether the individual has savings and insurance and whether they or their spouse is ill and/or receiving care, Saloio explained.
He was quick to note that although there are town officials involved with the program, REAS is completely apolitical. And that shows in the numbers: Volunteers are “growing everyday,” according to Garieri. Roughly 20 are involved now.“It’s 100 percent volunteer, all local people raising money for local seniors,” said Garieri. “It’s really been a team effort.”
Saloio, meanwhile, quoted long-time politician Tip O’Neill: “All politics is local.” “If we can plant this seed in Sturbridge, we hope it rolls into other communities in the state,” he said. Added to that will be the fulfillment in philanthropy. “It’s going to make everybody feel better about the economy by assisting seniors in town,” he said.“It’s not going to fix things instantaneously - but it’s a start.”
For more information, visit www.reasfoundation.org.