The following is from SAGE Eldercare
Zoia Mateeva & Don Mackinson
SAGE Eldercare has named Don Mackinson and Zoia Mateeva as their “Sweethearts of the Year.” The “Sweethearts” met in a bagel shop in South Orange where Zoia was working, and have been married five years. Don started volunteering with Meals on Wheels as part of the program’s Millburn Red Cross partnership more than 10 years ago, and after they married, Zoia joined him at SAGE. He is active in the Springfield Volunteer First Aid Squad, and Zoia has volunteered planting marigolds around Springfield.
“It is very fitting that Don and Zoia are our 2017 Sweethearts of the Year. They come in hand-in-hand, looking forward to their weekly Meals on Wheels deliveries, sharing smiles and hugs,” said Amy Stuart, SAGE’s Volunteer Coordinator.
Sage’s second Valentine this year is Summit-based Home Again Design which won “Secret Admirer” for 2017. Home Again Design, a consignment and resale store of fine furniture, home décor, jewelry, and custom upholstered items, offers ever-changing merchandise to the SAGE Resale Shop, located at 31B Chatham Road, Summit. When the items are sold at the Resale Shop, the funds help provide programs and services at SAGE Eldercare.
“We’re thrilled to have Home Again Design and owner Kathy Collier as a partner to the SAGE Resale Shop. Kathy gives generously and weekly, just because she is a genuinely kind person, and delivers items to us for free. It keeps our inventory fresh. We are very grateful for Home Again Design,” said Rose Rittweger, Resale Shop Manager.
Their partnership began seven years ago when Home Again Design opened in New Providence. The store moved to 333 Springfield Ave., Summit, in April 2016. Collier said she noticed that many of her customers were benefiting from services at SAGE so she wanted to find a way to help.
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 www.sageeldercare.org.
