(above) SAGE Eldercare has named Bev and Ray Casarico of New Providence “Sweethearts of the Year” for 2020. “We’ve gotten to experience the good work SAGE does and are so happy to be a part of it,” said Bev. To learn more about becoming a Meals on Wheels volunteer, please call 908-273-5554.
New Providence Couple Named 2020 “Sweethearts of the Year”
Submitted by Cindy Potters
SAGE Eldercare has named Bev and Ray Casarico of New Providence “Sweethearts of the Year” for 2020. Each year a “couple” of standout Meals on Wheels volunteers is awarded the Sweetheart honor.
Originally from the Pittsburgh area, the couple met through mutual friends when Bev was a nursing student and Ray was studying for his CPA. They tied the knot in 1967 and have been married for 52 years. Their daughter, Pamela lives in Chatham and their son, Paul resides in Montville. Together they have 5 grandchildren, ages 12-20.
The couple began volunteering at SAGE after Bev retired from Schering Plough Pharmaceutical in 2014. Ray retired a few years earlier from his post as CFO at Ebasco Services in New York. “I was driving on Broad Street and saw the sign at SAGE,” Bev said. “I thought it would be a nice thing for Ray and I to do together.” The couple delivers meals in the Springfield area every Friday.
Asked what they enjoy most about being volunteers, the couple replied that they are happy to give caregivers one less thing to worry about, like cooking a meal. They’re also glad to provide a watchful eye for those clients living alone who may not have another visitor all day. “We’ve gotten to experience the good work SAGE does and are so happy to be a part of it,” Bev said.
Other places the couple volunteers include the surgical family waiting area at Morristown Medical Center (Bev) and the Literacy Volunteers of Morris County (Ray). For fun, Bev and Ray like to attend their grandchildren’s sporting events. There are a lot of them: soccer, softball, track and basketball. “We go to all of them,” said Bev with a big smile. They also enjoy eating out with friends (Huntley Tavern in Summit and Ancona Bistro in Gillette are two of their favorites). Their annual trip to Aruba every winter is something they look forward to as well.
SAGE is thrilled to honor the Casarico’s and thanks them for all they do. To learn more about becoming a Meals on Wheels volunteer, please call 908-273-5554.
Since 1954, SAGE Eldercare has been helping make the communities it serves amazing places to age. The organization provides a wide array of information, support, and services designed to help individuals lead the most independent and active lives possible. From helping with errands, to exercise classes, community programs, care planning, and home health care, SAGE’s expertise helps older adults remain independent in their own homes. SAGE is committed to being the leading provider of programs and services to meet the changing needs of older adults, their families, and caregivers throughout Union, Essex, Morris, and Somerset Counties. For more information, please call 908-273-5550 or visit sageeldercare.org.
