Chautauqua County Executive Pays Tribute to Meals on Wheels Leader

Sinclairville, NY -- Chautauqua County Executive Gregory J. Edwards paid a visit to the dining site of the Sinclairville 76ers today to honor a man who was instrumental in the start of the Meals on Wheels program of Southern Chautauqua County.

Vaughn Rudy served Meals on Wheels of the Jamestown Area for more than a decade, helping to make sure senior citizens received these essential home-delivered meals.

In a ceremony at the Sinclairville 76ers site, Edwards presented Vaughn's son Jack with a plaque in honor of his father's accomplishments.

"In 1970, Vaughn helped Rolland Taft, Meals on Wheels Chairman, secure funding for Senior Aide positions to help expand Meals on Wheels," Edwards said. "Vaughn's efforts were a key component of making Meals on Wheels the long term success it is today."

Edwards said that Vaughn continued with his unofficial Meals on Wheels capacity until June of 1974, where at the Annual Meeting of Meals on Wheels, Vaughn was elected to the board as a Member-At-Large. The motion was passed unanimously.

Through the end of his term on the Board of Directors in 1986, Vaughn continued to improve the Senior Aide program, and was able to ensure Meals on Wheels continued, even through financially tough times.

"Through his many years of service to Meals on Wheels, Vaughn Rudy served as a tireless volunteer, helping to ensure the viability of Meals on Wheels in Chautauqua County," Edwards concluded.

Pictured left to right: Chautauqua County Office for the Aging Director Dr. Mary Ann Spanos, Jack Rudy, Chautauqua County Executive Greg Edwards

e-mail from Joel Keefer