Meals on Wheels Holds Harvest Moon Grand Reception

Meals on Wheels celebrated 37 years of service to the Rockland community at its annual Harvest Moon Grand Reception Sunday at the Colonial Inn in Norwood, NJ. 

Former Detective Sergeant of the Clarkstown Police Department Tim O’Neill was this year’s honoree.  Approximately 150 people attended the event.  

“(Tim) He’s a former board member of Meals on Wheels and a former Detective Sergeant of the Clarkstown Police, and he’s always been very supportive of our agency,” said Lynn Jacobs, Development Associate at Meals on Wheels.

Ed McGuinness, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Meals on Wheels Programs and Services of Rockland, introduced O’Neill on stage.  O’Neill told the audience that he and his wife have two relatives using the agency’s Homebound Program.  According to O’Neill, one relative recently had to go to the hospital.  

“Before we were able to stop the delivery of the food, a meal came to the house where they live, and we didn’t pick it up,” O’Neill said.  “And the very next day, the driver came and saw the meal and called right away, and then Meals on Wheels called us.  I think that says quite a bit about the program.” 

“To all the volunteers and workers at Meals on Wheels, you are truly doing God’s work, and you are the ones really deserving of this recognition tonight,” he added.

Jacobs said the format of the event was a change-up from previous ones.  This year, the event started with a 2-hour cocktail/buffet reception where attendees could participate in a Super Raffle and bid on items at a silent auction.  Music was played by Comfort Zone.  Bagpipers then led attendees into a different room for dessert, where O’Neill was introduced.  After the speech, Wide Variety, an A Cappella group, performed.

All proceeds of the event will go to the Meals on Wheels Homebound Program, the agency’s local senior centers and the Bobbi Lewis Adult Day Care Program.  

“Fantastic,” Jacobs said.  “It was very successful.” 

“I like the format; great dessert,” said attendee Kevin Francis.  “Everything moved smoothly; it was very nice.” 

“I thought it was a great event,” said attendee Doug Katz.  “Tim’s a great guy. Contribute to Meals on Wheels; it’s a great cause.”