LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Meals on Wheels of Jamestown upon the
occasion of its 40th Anniversary of service

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
is reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of organizations
and individuals devoted to the welfare of the community and its citizen-
ry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Meals on Wheels of Jamestown upon the occasion of its 40th Anniversary
of service; and
WHEREAS, For 40 years, Meals on Wheels of Jamestown has served the
greater Jamestown area, working diligently to achieve its mission of
providing well-balanced and nutritious meals to the home-bound, who
might otherwise go hungry; and
WHEREAS, Meals on Wheels of Jamestown and other senior nutrition
programs can trace their origins to England during World War II when the
Women's Volunteer Service for Civil Defense began preparing and deliver-
ing meals to displaced neighbors and canteens to servicemen; and
WHEREAS, Following the war, the idea spread to the United States when
a home-delivered meal program was initiated in Philadelphia at the
request of the Philadelphia Health and Welfare Council in January 1954;
and
WHEREAS, Building on the model and success of the Philadelphia
program, other home-delivered meal programs were undertaken in other
American cities and the Meals on Wheels Association of America, now the
oldest and largest organization in the United States representing those
who provide such service to people in need, was established; and
WHEREAS, Meals on Wheels of Jamestown began 40 years ago when it made
deliveries to a handful of senior citizens in Jamestown, New York;
thereby making the dream of Roland Taft, Vaughn Rudy, Harry Bloom, Russ
Diethrick, and other community-minded leaders a reality; and
WHEREAS, John Alley, an active retiree from Local 338 UAW, served as
the Director of Meals on Wheels of Jamestown; the city and the First
Congregational Church generously provided space for the organization at
322 E. Fourth Street; and
WHEREAS, Roland Taft, executive director of Chautauqua Opportunities,
served as the President of the Meals On Wheels' Advisory Board; joining
him as officers were Reverend John Soneson of the Chandler Street
Baptist Church, Mrs. Robert B. Carlson and Dr. James P.B. Goodell; and
WHEREAS, Within a short period of years, the number of clients
increased, as did the number of meals served; during the next 35 years,
the service area exploded to include more than half of Chautauqua County
- both rural and urban areas - and hundreds of meal recipients; and
WHEREAS, Today, Meals on Wheels of Jamestown delivers five days a
week, and provides meals covering all seven days each week; more than
100 volunteers help deliver meals each week; and
WHEREAS, During its 40 years of outstanding service, Meals on Wheels
of Jamestown has served more than two million nourishing meals to thou-
sands of home-bound seniors, people with disabilities, and others who
otherwise might go hungry or be unable to remain independent in their
homes; and
WHEREAS, On the auspicious occasion of its 40th Anniversary, it is the
sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and commend Meals on Wheels
of Jamestown for significantly enhancing the quality of life of those it

serves and to pay tribute to its volunteers, past and present, for their
dedication and accomplishment; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Meals on Wheels of Jamestown upon the occasion of its 40th Anni-
versary; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Meals on Wheels of Jamestown.