Community Caregivers will present Elaine Nichols the Joseph A. Bosco Community Service Award at its 12th annual gala. The award recognizes the contributions made by Nichols and her family through volunteering and community service. The theme of the of the gala, to be held on Nov. 17 at the Albany County Club, is Families Creating Community.
Nichols is the owner of Nichols Market, which she founded with her late husband, Jim Nichols, in 1995.
`(Nichols) and her family have done so much for the Voorheesville community and Greater Guilderland area by choosing to run an independent grocery,` said Diane Cameron, executive director of Community Caregivers. `It’s an extraordinary example of a family choosing to make a contribution to a community.`
Don Stauffer, the publicity chair for Community Caregivers said the organization looks for someone who is an example in his or her community and who embodies the ideals of the service organization, such as helping neighbors in various ways.
`It’s quite a long list of various things she’s done,` said Stauffer.
Among Nichols’ many projects is the construction of the copper roof for the gazebo in the Voorheesville Hotaling/Evergreen Park to commemorate 75 years of Kiwanis service to the community. Each year, the Nichols family pays for the fireworks display at the close of the Voorheesville Memorial Day block party, in addition to contributing to the Memorial Day Celebration at the American Legion following the parade.
`She has supported a whole variety of community events and organizations,` said Stauffer. `(Nichols) is someone who provides for the kind of organizations and services that Community Caregivers stands for.`
The family has also made significant contributions to the Relay for Life event, which raises money for the fight against cancer, and to the efforts of the Voorheesville Community and School Foundation, which supports numerous community programs.
The recipient of the award is chosen by a committee and selections are based on nominations from the organization, as well as from the community. Cameron said this year there were a dozen nominees.
`Elaine stood out because she is some-one who is deeply interested in building community,` said Cameron, who added that, on a more personal level, Nichols contributes with `grace and humility.`
This is the third year the awards have been handed out, and Cameron said the intent is to celebrate the values of community and of service.
In addition to Nichols, the Mary Breslin family will receive an award for public service at the gala.
Community Caregivers was founded in 1996 and provides services that enable individuals of all ages residing in their service area to maintain their independence, dignity and quality of life in their own homes and communities.
The service area is bounded roughly by I-90 on the north, Duanesburg on the west, the Albany city line on the east and Route 443 on the south.
Volunteers with the organization help older residents, people with chronic illnesses, single and teen parents, and caregivers who need respite.
Services provided by Community Caregivers volunteers include transportation to doctors and other appointments, assistance with shopping, assistance to family caregivers, light housekeeping, yard work, visits to the homebound and library book home delivery.“