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| By Lori O'Brien, Correspondent HOLYOKE Rita Kane and Marion Jerusik have long since retired but their connection to their former employer remains strong through a unique volunteer program called Verizon TelecomPioneers. The Verizon TelecomPioneers are active and retired employees who are dedicated to building healthy communities across the country. In 2007, the Verizon Foundation notes there are 130,000 volunteers who contribute millions of hours of community service each year in their communities. Employees are eligible to become a member of the TelecomPioneers as soon as they begin working at Verizon. Kane and Jerusik are members of the Northampton chapter and work closely with Joan Carney who coordinates local projects including a Hug-A-Bear program. Both women originally worked for New England Telephone & Telegraph Co. which after divestments and acquisitions over the years became Verizon New England Inc. Kane and Jerusik clearly loved their jobs as was evident during a recent sewing session at Providence Place as they shared stories from their past. Kane worked for the phone company for almost eight years while Jerusik was employed for 31 years. For the past six years, Kane and Jerusik, both residents of Providence Place, have encouraged others at the site to join them as they create "Hug-A-Bears" for local hospitals, nursing homes, day care centers, fire and police departments, and hospice programs. Hug-A-Bears have also traveled great distances, including an orphanage in Afghanistan, according to Runa A. Skar, director of marketing at Providence Place. "Bette Kelliher, a Providence Place resident, had a personal connection with Jack Mosher, a colonel in the U.S. Army who had been serving in Afghanistan, and Hug-A-Bears were sent to an orphanage through those channels," said Skar during an interview with Reminder Publications. "He said both boys and girls hugged the bears at night in their makeshift home," she added. Most recently, the women donated Hug-A-Bears to children in Iraq with a label reading in Arabic, "From the children of America to the children of Iraq." The Iraq project was conducted in conjunction with the South Hadley Council on Aging, according to Skar. Barbara Wall, also a resident of Providence Place, organizes the Wednesday morning sessions which encompasses stuffing bear patterns already cut, ironing on labels that indicate who donated them, sewing them up and tying them with color-coordinated ribbon. All bears have a smiling face and heart painted on them. "These cuddly bears provide comfort for both young and old," said Skar. Wall echoed those sentiments and noted that she enjoys coordinating the efforts of the women since it is for a good cause. "We have a congenial group who gets along well," said Wall. For inquiries about the Northampton chapter of the Verizon TelecomPioneers, contact Carney at (413) 584-1328. |