Celebrating 30 years of community service, the Senior Care Ministry of Princeton is hosting a “Taste of Italy” on November 5, 2015, 6 to 9 pm, at the Tre Piani Restaurant in Forrestal Village. Guests will enjoy Italian wines and regional delicacies as well as a Silent Auction of Italian products. Honorees include founders Sister Mary Ancilla of the Sisters of Mercy and Princeton Council 636 of the Knights of Columbus, as well as community volunteer Eleanor Nelson.
The Senior Care Ministry, formerly known as the Health Care Ministry of Princeton, was established in 1984 under the aegis of St. Paul Church, Princeton.
“We were pioneers in the ‘aging in place’ movement: our mission was, and is, to help people remain safely in the comfort of their own homes as long as possible,” says Joe Bendas, SCM Board member and a member of the founding Knights.
Volunteer-driven, the SCM provides simple supportive services free of charge to the homebound and the elderly throughout the greater Princeton community. Former Mayor of Princeton Township Jim Floyd observes that the SCM is “a true friend that I rely on…I sincerely appreciate the kindness and concern demonstrated by staff and volunteers alike.”
The SCM carefully matches some 70 volunteers with roughly the same number of clients for transportation to health and medical-related appointments, food shopping, and friendly visits. SCM Board member John Clearwater notes that “the SCM is unique in its focus on simple neighborly acts of kindness that can make a tremendous difference to the homebound elderly.” Adds volunteer Diane McKee, “The personal connection has been priceless…the people I help have a lifetime of history to share.”
Honoree Eleanor Nelson, who has volunteered and supported the SCM since its inception, epitomizes the importance of volunteers to the organization’s work. Over many years, she has given countless hours to the SCM and other organizations in the community, helping them achieve their goals and inspiring others along the way by her example. Honoree Sister Mary Ancilla, now retired, worked for many years at St. Paul Church to help the elderly of the community, and with the support of the Knights of Columbus built a grass-roots organization into what is now the SCM.
The SCM’s services are available without charge to individuals in the wider Princeton area over the age of 65. Funded mainly by private donations, the SCM is a non-denominational 501(c) (3) tax-exempt organization. Proceeds from the November 5 event will benefit the ongoing work of the SCM. For further information on tickets and sponsorships, contact the SCM offices, [email protected], (609) 921-8888.
PHOTO CAPTION: The Benefit Committee for the Senior Care Ministry’s “Taste of Italy” 30th Anniversary Celebration on November 5: standing left to right, Pat Giallella, Brigitte Sabar, Donna Murray, Diane McKee, and Merrill Biancosino; Seated, Cathy Vanderpool and John Clearwater, chairs. Absent: Vicki Barry, Lucille Doviak, and Barbara White
