Paula Simpkins, Hopkinton’s Recreation Director, and Marilyn Ceriello-Bresaw, Hopkinton’s Human Services Coordinator, were recognized recently at a special senior lunch/cookout at Elm Brook Park “for getting us through COVID-19.”
Hosted jointly by the town’s Senior Recreation Council and Human Services Advisory Committee, this was the first in-person lunch for the town’s older citizens since restrictions started 16 months ago. Participants wanted to express their overwhelming appreciation for all that these two extremely dedicated, caring women did without the help of the usual cadre of volunteers.
Simpkins and Ceriello-Bresaw provided weekly drive-through meals and communication for seniors when in-person Wednesday lunches had to be discontinued. They maintained the ongoing assistance from the Food Pantry that a number of individuals and families rely on. They also organized Hopkinton Helps, providing an option for seniors to have volunteers do their grocery shopping.
The townspeople of Hopkinton are blessed to have been supported through COVID-19 by these two women of wisdom and devotion.