York Town News
Former senator and selectman to serve on YCSA board
By Jennifer L. Saunders
CAPE NEDDICK - York Community Service Association has announced the election of Scott Berger as its new vice president and the addition of former Maine Sen. Mary Black Andrews and former Selectmen Chairman Stanley Wilson to the board.At a meeting of the YCSA Board of Directors on Jan. 25, the association accepted the resignation of long-time director Elizabeth Bardwell, who served most recently as the board's vice president.
In announcing the changes earlier this week, the directors noted the acceptance of that resignation came with regret from the board, citing Bardwell's years of service.
"She has been wonderful for this organization," said Gerald Turner of the YCSA Board of Directors.
Berger was elected to replace her as vice president while Andrews and Wilson were elected to serve on the board.
Turner said Berger, too, has been a great help to the board in recent years, and added the current membership, with the addition of Andrews and Wilson, appears to be one that will continue to be very active in the community.
The YCSA's commitment to helping residents in need is accomplished with partnerships across the local community, including connections with churches, schools, town resources and other agencies.
As Family Service Director Lorna Ryan has put it, "York Community Service Association has a unique and privileged opportunity to work with many organizations in the York area to support any resident who needs support throughout the year."
That effort is illustrated most visually, perhaps, in the annual holiday baskets program.
"This past holiday season we distributed over 300 food baskets through the generosity and volunteer work of so many in the community," Ryan said. "We look forward to a continued partnership with all York residents."
And to those ends, the YCSA Thrift Shop is currently in need for clothing donations. At the Jan. 25 meeting, a review of Thrift Shop operations was presented and it was stated clothing donations have decreased recently. The Thrift Shop is looking for all types of winter and spring clothing and, while space constraints have limited acceptance of donations in the past, the YCSA board is working with Thrift Shop Directors Jon and Cheryl Werner to streamline donations.
In addition to evaluating the Thrift Shop space in Cape Neddick, the board members discussed ways to work with the York Food Pantry and such YCSA services as assisting residents with scholarships, fuel expenses and medial equipment.
Established in 1959, YCSA serves the people of York through donations from individuals and businesses in the York community. YCSA provides help throughout the year to the many families and individuals who would otherwise go without proper food, shelter and essential medical care through private donations from individuals and businesses and funds raised by Thrift Shop sales.
"This generosity has been the backbone of the association during its many years of service," the directors said in their announcement of the most recent meeting.
For additional information on YCSA, call 363-5504. To contact the Thrift Shop for directions, hours of operation or information about donations, call 363-2510.
