BALDWINSVILLE — Most of us have been grumbling at the pump while refueling our vehicles, but skyrocketing gas prices are especially burdensome to volunteer drivers for Baldwinsville Meals on Wheels, according to Executive Director Donna Metz.
B’ville MOW delivers meals five days a week to about 106 clients, many of whom are elderly, disabled or homebound. Metz said many of the organization’s 94 volunteers are seniors themselves.
“A lot of them are on limited income — Social Security,” Metz said. “Some of the younger drivers are looking for other income.”
According to AAA, the average gas price in the United States was $4.325 per gallon (as of March 13). In New York State, the average price on March 13 was $4.453 per gallon. Onondaga County’s average price came in a few cents under the state average at $4.425 per gallon.
A recent survey from AAA found that $4 a gallon was the “tipping point” for many consumers to make changes to their driving habits.
“Over half (59%) said they would make changes to their driving habits or lifestyle if the cost of gas rose to $4 per gallon. If gas were to reach $5.00, which it has in the Western part of the country, three-quarters said they would need to adjust their lifestyle to offset the spike at the pump,” read a March 10 press release from AAA.
Longtime client turns 103
Baldwinsville Meals on Wheels is celebrating the 103rd birthday of its oldest client, Beatrice Burnap.
Mrs. Burnap was born March 21, 1919, and is from Corning, New York, where she was a member of the North Baptist Church. She lives in an apartment in her daughter Gail’s home. Mrs. Burnap had four children, two of whom are still living. She has nine great-grandchildren.
A fervent New York Yankees fan, Mrs. Burnap has been alive for all 27 of the Yankees’ World Series titles. For her 100th birthday, the Yankees scrolled “Happy birthday, Beatrice Burnap” across the field at a game.
Mrs. Burnap loves to read large-print books, do crossword puzzles and collect stickers. Her favorite foods are fried green tomatoes and dandelion greens. She dresses to impress for her meal deliveries and gets along famously with the drivers — especially Larry, who volunteers on Fridays. Mrs. Burnap likes looking at pictures of birds and flowers on Larry’s iPad.
Happy birthday, Mrs. B!
B’ville MOW’s eight routes — soon to be nine — covers 30 miles in the Baldwinsville area as well as Phoenix, Warners and Jacks Reef. B’ville MOW also delivers meals to the Clay Senior Center and is looking into expanding to the Jordan-Elbridge area.
“I’m really scared what these gas prices are going to do to our program,” Metz said.
Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon has proposed a cap on local sales tax on gasoline if the price exceeds $4 a gallon. Assemblymember Pamela Hunter and Sen. John Mannion have introduced legislation at the state level to cap the state gas tax to 25 cents per gallon.
In addition to the strain of gas prices, supply chain issues and the rising cost of food “is killing everybody,” Metz said.
Demand for meals has increased during the pandemic as well.
“The people are just pouring in, calling that they need help with food, and we don’t deny anybody,” Metz said.
With COVID forcing the cancellation of B’ville MOW’s fundraisers, including the 50th anniversary gala in the fall of 2021, Metz said she is hoping the community and local businesses can pitch in. She would like to distribute gas cards to MOW drivers at the volunteer recognition dinner in May.
To learn more about donation and volunteer opportunities at Baldwinsville Meals on Wheels, visit bvillemow.org, call 315-638-2171 or email [email protected].
