The pavilion at the Palmerton Memorial Park was the setting for the Palmerton Meals on Wheels annual picnic.

The gathering was given to honor the 26 active volunteers. Each person gives their time, energy and the use of their vehicle to deliver weekday meals to senior citizens all year-round in the Palmerton and Bowmanstown area.The meal, along with a decorated cake for the picnic, was prepared and donated by the Blue Mountain Health Systems-Palmerton Campus.A short program was held by Darlene Nothstein, Meals on Wheels president of the board."I want to thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart for all that you do throughout the whole year," Nothstein said.She expressed her gratitude and appreciated the fact that all the drivers still carried on during the especially harsh winter.An announcement was made of the retirement of the Rev. Canon Doris Bray.Nothstein thanked her for her many years of dedicated service. Bray was a volunteer for the Meals on Wheels for over 20 years."Many years ago I became aware of the people who needed Meals on Wheels, and knew I had to help out. There was a big need back then and it is God's work," she said.Nothstein also asked that everyone say a prayer for the Cyr family. Dr. Howard Cyr Jr. recently passed away and had been a devoted and active member for many years in the Meals on Wheels.He held positions on the board and held an office as well as delivered meals.During the past Christmas season the Times News ran the Christmas wish list in which the Meals on Wheels shared a request to the readers to donate to the organization.The wish list was for more volunteer drivers, gas cards and postage stamps.Nothstein said the response from the community was overwhelming and the group is grateful for the donations. The donated gas gift cards were given out to members whose names were drawn during the program.At the conclusion of the program, member Dick Nothstein presented each volunteer with a Claude's Creamery gift card and a live plant in appreciation for their service over the past year.The Palmerton Meals on Wheels began in 1972 and was organized by Dr. Jane Goplerud.The program contributes to the overall well-being of seniors by providing regular nutrition and daily contact by caring volunteers.For more information on how to donate to the organization or to become a part of Meals on Wheels call the Blue Mountain Health System at 610-826-1163.