News, People

A FOOD PANTRY RECEPTION FOR CAROLE AND NORMAN RICKER

5 Comments
The Buffet Table
The buffet table

What a busy week it’s been in Winthrop.

On Monday night, the officers (I’m the secretary) and the volunteers of the Winthrop Food Pantry hosted a reception in honor of Carole and Norman Ricker.  For 14 years, the Rickers have been instrumental in running the food pantry, but they both decided the time had come to retire. Carole had been the executive director, and Norman did so many things for the food pantry that it’s impossible to list them all. He made many of the shelves and all of the carts. When something was broken, Norm fixed it. He stocked shelves. He kept the food organized, an important task all year round but especially so at Christmas, when the food pantry distributes its Christmas baskets.

As for Carole…over the years I found her to be steady, tenacious, persistent, tireless, organized, fair, stern, but compassionate, and understanding. She had a keen sense of how people suffered when they lived on the edge of financial stability and how some people are mysteriously more resilient than others. I once had a conversation with Carole about the probable age of a food pantry recipient. Old or middle age? We couldn’t tell, and Carole noted, “Many of the people who come here look older than they really are. They are just worn down.”

The reception was held at the Winthrop Middle School so that it could coincide with the town council meeting, where Carole and Norman would be officially honored.  First there was a buffet, and I must say that we food pantry volunteers certainly know how to throw a tasty shindig. There were finger rolls, salads, cole slaw, homemade crackers and cheese spread (guess who made the crackers?), potato chips, and a whole table devoted to desserts. Then came the town council meeting, where Kevin Cookson, the chairman, thanked the Rickers for their many years of service.

Carole Ricker Speaking at the Reception (Norman Ricker is the man on the left.)
Carole Ricker speaking at the reception. Norman Ricker is the man sitting to the left of Carole.
Marie Pettengill Reading a Poem She Wrote for Carole and Norman
Marie Pettengill reading a poem she wrote for Carole and Norman

The Winthrop Food Pantry is now in the capable hands of JoEllen Cottrell, our new executive director, and Mike Sienko, our new president. They are both energetic and compassionate, and even in the short time that JoEllen and Mike have been at the food pantry, they have done a terrific job during very tough economic times that show no signs of getting better in the near future.

Still, we will always remember Carole and Norman and all that they did for the food pantry.

 

5 thoughts on “A FOOD PANTRY RECEPTION FOR CAROLE AND NORMAN RICKER”

  1. Nicely said, Laurie. The towns of Winthrop and Wayne owe a debt of gratitude to Norman and Carole for their many years of service. And … it was a very nice party!

    1. JoEllen, it was a nice party, and you’re right about Winthrop and Wayne’s debt of gratitude to Carole and Norm, who worked so hard for the food pantry.

  2. It was a wonderful party and a geart tribute to the love felt for Caroe and Norm. God has truly blessed us by letting us be a part of their lives, helping in their work of helping others.

  3. Your description of Carole and Norman’s work and dedication is an inspiration to all who volunteer with food pantries and banks. And best wishes to JoEllen and Mike as they take up the tasks of leadership.

    1. Thanks for the good wishes, Debbie. Our food pantry, like other food pantries, is going through very difficult times right now. More people need to come to the food pantry while at the same time affordable food is harder and harder to find.

Comments are closed.