“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.” So reads the first sentence of the REAS Foundation Mission Statement, as it is one of the core values held by members of our organization. It is apparent as well, that “…care for its most vulnerable members”, is an overwhelming value shared by the members of this community.

In just eight weeks of “passive fundraising”, Sturbridge residents and businesses have demonstrated their amazing sense of kinship and generosity by contributing over $13,000 in support of energy assistance for Sturbridge seniors. Since the announcement of the REAS Foundation 10K Circle of Friends and 10K Circle of Businesses on July 16, 2008,  the commitment and devotion of this community has enabled us to reach the 63% mark of our fundraising efforts.   

This is nothing short of incredible, and clearly speaks to the compassion of Sturbridge residents and businesses, who each day are demonstrating their deep concern for the well-being of their neighbors.

Each day, as the temperature drops and we consider adjustments to our energy usage, we are reminded that members of our senior community may not have the means to offset the coming challenges between fuel, food, and energy costs. These residents, who for decades, have contributed to our society are now faced with costs that are quickly outpacing their limited incomes and cost of living adjustments, for those who may be so fortunate to have such.

Most of these senior members of our community are unwilling to reach out for help, as many have lived their lives giving, as opposed to receiving. Seeking assistance for themselves, is a concept that contradicts many of the core beliefs held by these individuals, who have spent their lives making do with what they had, regardless of its limitations.

Now however, the crushing costs of food, health-care, and energy, coupled with taxes and escalating costs across the boards, have placed many of our seniors in a perilous predicament. For many, the future looks bleak.

Yet, here in Sturbridge, these same individuals are now experiencing a renewed sense of hope, as they lay witness each day, to the incredible generosity and devotion of their neighbors within this community. Each of you who have given thus far, and certainly those of you who will give in the future, are the ones responsible for introducing hope back into the lives of these residents. It is your generosity, your compassion, your sense of community, that is reducing the sense of desperation some of our seniors are experiencing.

We at the REAS Foundation, are grateful to be a vehicle for the generosity of Sturbridge residents and businesses, and are humbled, that you have allowed us to be a part of the success, this endeavor has enjoyed thus far.

We do recognize though, that all signs point to a very difficult winter here in the northeast, and it will surely “take a village”, or in this case an entire community, to soften the blow on our most vulnerable residents. The continued support of each of us within the community is critical, if we are to be successful in reaching all of our seniors needing assistance.

Thomas R. Creamer - Executive Director

The following tips should, according to the NSTAR website, “save you energy and help your budget as the weather cools down”. More information can be obtained directly from the NSTAR website at: http://www.nstar.com/residential/energy_efficiency/fall_winter.asp.

• Set your thermostat no higher than 68 degrees when you are home and lower the temperature when you go to bed or when you are not at home. This will ensure optimal home heating and save energy.
• For every degree you lower your thermostat you save about 2 percent off your heating bill.
• Cut annual heating bills by as much as 10 percent a year by turning your thermostat back 10 to 15 percent for eight hours a day.
• Weatherize your home by caulking and weather-stripping all doors and windows. Also use locks on your windows to make them tighter and draft resistant.
• Insulate or increase the amount of insulation in your attic, basement and outside walls. Also cover through-the-wall air conditioners to prevent cold air from leaking into your home.
• Reducing air leaks could cut 10 percent from an average household’s monthly energy bill. The most common places where air escapes homes are: floors, walls, ceilings, ducts, fireplaces, plumbing penetrations, doors, windows, fans, vents and electrical outlets.
• Keep shades and curtains open during the day on the south side of your home to allow solar heating. Close them at night to retain heat.
• Don’t block your radiators or heating vents with furniture or draperies. Keep your radiators, registers and baseboard heaters dirt and dust free. Close vents and doors in unused rooms.
• Have your heating system serviced once a year and regularly replace furnace filters. During the heating season, change or clean furnace filters once a month.
• Close the fireplace damper when not in use.
• Turn your water heater down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to save money on your energy bill. If you have children in the house, this is also a safety measure
• Install water-flow restrictors in showerheads and faucets.
• Place a sheet of aluminum foil between the radiator and the wall to reflect heat back into the room.

The following story was published in today’s  Telegram and Gazette.

Drop expected in federal aid

WORCESTER— Just in time for the $3.93 per gallon home heating oil season — a 30 percent decrease in federal fuel assistance to needy Massachusetts residents.

Yesterday, about 35 people, including Gov. Deval L. Patrick, attended the third hearing on the state Winter Energy Costs Task Force, held in Hebert Auditorium at Quinsigamond Community College. Mr. Patrick predicted that the rapid increase in the price of heating oil is going to affect more than just low-income people.

In a hearing chaired by Energy Secretary Ian Bowles, the governor applauded the Legislature for appropriating $10 million to supplement the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, but he said the state may have to do more. LIHEAP money to Massachusetts will drop 30 percent from about $115 million last winter to $80 million this year, state officials said. Read the rest of this entry »

Senior Center Open House 
              
Monday, September 8   10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A Showcase of Services and Programs Available at the Sturbridge Senior Center

You are welcome to take part in all of the following demonstrations 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  

Service and activities tables, Sponsor Tables, 

Free Blood Pressure by Overlook VNA 

Screenings by Harrington Hospital

10 a.m.  Regular Exercise with Rebecca Allard
10:30 a.m. Arthritis Exercise with Rebecca Allard
11 a.m.  Functional Fitness with Eva Pittsinger
11:30 a.m. Fitness for Life with Eva Pittsinger
12 p.m.  “Controlling Cholesterol” sponsored by CVS
1 p.m.  Tai Chi with David Masera
1:30 p.m.  Yoga with Linda Davis
1:30 p.m.  Warm up exercises for the Senior Chorus with Jim Dehls

Free Lunch provided by our Sponsors:
Meadows of Leicester
Christopher Heights Assisted Living
Radius HealthCare

Donations this past week have brought the REAS Foundation to the 50% milestone of its fundraising efforts. This is remarkable, and we are grateful to each donor who has come forward to support this cause. A more detailed post will follow shortly.

Our sincere thanks.

Thomas R. Creamer - Executive Director

CROWLEY FUEL TO HOST ‘BRACING FOR THE COLD: A HOME HEATING SEMINAR”

North Brookfield, MA – Crowley Fuel Company, Inc., of North Brookfield, will host a public forum to address the high cost of home heating fuel on Tuesday, September 16, beginning at 7 p.m. in the Haston Public Library in North Brookfield.

“The forecast is difficult to predict because there are so many unknown variables,” said Crowley Fuel owner, Bob LaFlamme. “Some say the cost of home heating fuel may be higher than last year, but the possibility always exists that prices could come down. That’s why it’s important to understand the playing field and plan accordingly.” Read the rest of this entry »

From: Detective Mark Saloio - Sturbridge Police Department

August 26, 2008

The Sturbridge Police Department would like to make the public aware of a scam being attempted on area residents. Various residents have received phone calls from an automated system identifying themselves with either the Southbridge Credit Union or the Sturbridge Credit Union, and are asked to enter or provide their respective ATM, debit or credit card information. THIS IS NOT LEGITIMATE, and is in no way affiliated with any financial institution in Sturbridge. Residents are cautioned not to provide any type of information to this calling party, and are asked to notify the Sturbridge Police at  508-347-2525 , or their local police agency if not in Sturbridge, should they receive any calls. 

The following article is taken from today’s (08-24-08) Sunday Telegram.

Communities brace for spike in winter fuel

By Ellie Oleson CORRESPONDENT

The coming winter is likely to be a chilly one inside many homes, prompting concerns that the high cost of heating could result in health, safety and widespread economic problems, local and state officials say.

“No matter how you heat your home, you will pay more this year. The outlook is grim,” said Michael D. Goodman, director of economic and public policy research at the University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute.

The institute predicts that fuel oil will cost Massachusetts residents $1.4 billion more this year than last year. 

“Every dollar spent on fuel is one less spent on the local economy,” he said. “This strain on spending at local restaurants, grocery stores, movie theaters and so on will slow the state’s economy, while sending our money overseas to those who sell us the fuel,” Mr. Goodman said. Read the rest of this entry »

The following article was written by a reporter from the Worcester Telegram & Gazette and published Friday, August 22, 2008. It is surely most telling.

Service agencies get calls for aid

By Paula J. Owen CORRESPONDENT

People working with area seniors say they are experiencing a record level of requests for help with fuel costs this year.

They are hoping the state will expand its fuel assistance program and get the word out sooner than in previous years on what is available and who is eligible.

Ashburnham Council on Aging Director Mary Lee Muessel said she is getting many more calls much earlier about the state fuel assistance program and she does not have any answers to give.

“You call the number they have listed and you hear the same recording from last year,” she said. “I just keep telling them I am trying to find out.” Read the rest of this entry »

Today, we are extremely pleased to announce that the REAS Foundation has surpassed the 20% milestone in our fundraising efforts. In fact, we have reached 22% of our overall goal for a total of $4,400 raised in just the first few weeks of fundraising.  

Clearly, this is a tribute to the residents and businesses of Sturbridge who have thus far stepped forward to join hands among the REAS 10k Circle of Friends. With each passing day and each new member, our ability to provide assistance to Sturbridge seniors strengthens, as does our message of hope to those who see despair on the horizon.

We at the REAS Foundation extend our deepest gratitude to those of you - who despite your own burdens - have somehow found the ability to extend yourselves.  One donor, a senior herself, provided a gift of $2.00. She indicated her concern for those who might be less fortunate than her.

It’s really true, as the old proverb states, in that it does “Take a Village…”

Thomas R. Creamer
Executive Director