April 13, 2001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE….
Contact: Candace Ouillette Gaumond: 413.599.4785

CANDARAS SECURES GIFT FOR NEW WILBRAHAM SENIOR VAN

Wilbraham – State Representative Gale D. Candaras (D-Wilbraham) was instrumental in securing a generous gift for the Friends of Wilbraham Seniors’ campaign drive to purchase a new senior van for Wilbraham. On April 13th, Candaras gathered with members of the group and Dorothy Hastings Hooper, Wilbraham Director of Elderly Affairs, at the Wilbraham Senior Center where Mr. Lawrence R. Fountain of Wilbraham presented Deanna Lawrence, President of the Friends of Wilbraham Seniors, a $10,000 donation to assist the group in its goal to purchase a senior van for Wilbraham.

Candaras said, “Mr. And Mrs. Fountain have a long history of philanthropy here in Wilbraham. Their extraordinary gift of more than a quarter of a million dollars enabled the Wilbraham Nature and Cultural Center to purchase from state-owned 144-acre game farm on Tinkham Road in Wilbraham and create what is now known as Fountain Park, a conservation area and home to the Wilbraham Peach Festival. When I told Larry how badly a senior van was needed here in Wilbraham, he said, without hesitation, that he would be happy to help the seniors and immediately committed $10,000. I hope Larry and Carol’s generosity will set the tone for others in the community to give to this worthwhile project. So many seniors cannot drive at night and so much of our community life takes place in the evening that they are, unfortunately, excluded from participating. A senior van, properly equipped is very expensive and we could use several, I’m sure.”

In the past, the Friends of Wilbraham Seniors has been active in expanding activities and opportunities for Wilbraham seniors as well as providing financial assistance for projects and goals that further enhance the quality of the Wilbraham elders’ lives. The Friends have contributed to providing the elderly population with free delivery of the Wilbraham Senior Center’s newsletter. However, the group disbanded for several years. Late last year, several of the former members of the senior group, key staff from the Wilbraham Senior Center and Senior advocates assembled together to revitalize the long, defunct Friends of Wilbraham Seniors organization. The Friends of Wilbraham Seniors meet at 1pm on the first Wednesday of the month at Representative Candaras’ District Office, 17 Main Street, Wilbraham. Seniors interested in participating are welcome to attend.

Since the revitalization of the group, the Friends have focused on purchasing a senior van to be utilized by seniors at the senior center. Deanna Lawrence feels that “this campaign for the van is a great way to ignite the excitement needed to re-energize the Friends and participation. Additionally, this is a terrific fresh start.” The van is not only a symbol of new beginnings for the Friends but the drive also signifies a substantial need in the elderly community. “A new van will help promote independence for seniors and able them to participate in a variety of activities as well as broaden their opportunities for transportation which they don’t currently have,” claims Dorothy Hastings Hooper. The Friends will official launch their senior van drive campaign at a “kick off” event on June 21, 2001 held at Orchard Valley at Wilbraham from 5 pm. to 7 p.m. The event is open to the public.

Individuals interested in donating should contact the office of State Representative Gale D. Candaras and speak with District Aide Candace Ouillette Gaumond. The telephone number is (413) 599-4785.