Story by Lourice Angie
Friendly Visitor Program Chairman Vince Copello reported at the Town of Warwick Board meeting on Thurs., Feb. 13 that from 2018 to 2019 the program saw an impressive and considerable increase in the amount of neighbors and volunteers.
The Friendly Visitor Program has an increase of 73% in the number of volunteer services provided. The total number of volunteer hours has an increase of 66.5%. The current number of volunteers in the program has increased by 50%, and the number of neighbors has increased by 60%.
“It’s a service provided to seniors free of charge. It’s intended to help seniors remain in their homes because if they do, their quality of life is greatly enhanced as opposed to going to expensive institutional accommodations. We are very glad that the program is taking off and commend the entire Friendly Visitor Program Board and Councilman Floyd DeAngelo who also serves as Liaison to the Board,” said Supervisor Michael Sweeton.
Volunteer Training to be Held Mar. 16
The next training session for new volunteers will be held on Mon., Mar. 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Albert Wisner Library, located at 1 McFarland Dr. in Warwick. Reservations are required in order to attend. To make a reservation, call 986-1124 ext. 400.
Police Report
In other business during the meeting, Councilman Floyd DeAngelo reported that the Warwick Police Department handled a total of 1,216 calls for the month of January.
CPF Receipts & Clerks Report
Town Clerk Eileen Astorino announced that the fees collected in the month of January were $6,358.01 and the fees paid out were $2,799.08.
Supervisor Sweeton announced that Community Preservation Fund (CPF) receipts for the month of January were $196,735.38, which brings the total fund balance to $3,741,687.68.
Astorino Appointed Town of Warwick DPW Commissioner
The Warwick Town Board adopted a resolution during the Board meeting to appoint Benjamin Astorino as the Commissioner to the Town of Warwick Department of Public Works. Supervisor Sweeton said that since 2006 Astorino has been the Deputy and acting Commissioner since Commissioner Jeff Feagles retired early due to health concerns.
“Ben has been an exceptional management employee and highway person. It gives us great pleasure to appoint him as the new DPW Commissioner,” said Supervisor Sweeton.
Art Show to Help Benefit Humane Society
Local artist Ashlie Blake will host an art show to help benefit the Warwick Valley Humane Society in reaching their goal for building a much-needed new shelter. The show will consist of original hand drawn animal portraits created with a pen and water-pencil, framed and signed and ready to hang. The cost is $50 per piece. The art show is currently being held at The Grange, located at 1 Ryerson Rd. in Warwick until Mon., Mar. 9. For more information visit www.wvhumane.org or call 986-2473.
Next Town Board Meeting
The next regular meeting will be held on Thurs., Feb 27 at 7:30 p.m. in the Warwick Town Hall, located at 132 Kings Hwy. in Warwick.
