Erie County Legislator Bob Reynolds, today announced the donation of a county passenger van to the Town of Evans for use in their county sponsored Going Places Senior Van Service.

Legislator Reynolds with Erie County Commissioner
of Senior Services, Pam Krawczyk

"By donating this van to the Town of Evans, Erie County is providing an excellent example of the positive things that can happen when governments partner in creative means of problem solving." Reynolds stated. "The Evans Parks Department voiced a need to replace their Going Places Van. Erie County was preparing to retire this van from active service. So, through the efforts of former Erie County Legislator Jeanne Chase Ebersole and myself we made a connection that ultimately led to a donation agreement that benefited both organizations."

According to Erie County Senior Services Commissioner Pam Krawczyk, the van donation is part of an ongoing county program. "With almost 3,000 Evans residents being over the age of 60, we are aware there is a definite need for transportation assistance. County-wide, the Going Places program has provided up to 93,000 trips per year, and we are happy to assist the residents of Evans in maintaining their independence."

The Going Places van will be used to transport independently active Town of Evans Seniors to destinations such as medical and health centers, retail and grocery stores and banks throughout Erie County. Town of Evans Park Crew Chief Wayne Conrad, administrator of the Going Places Program, notes specific ridership requirements. "Any senior age 60 or older who wishes to take advantage of this "Going Places" van service must be physically able to enter and exit the van under their own ability. If they qualify both age wise and physically, they can contact our parks department at 549-0970 and we will provide them with the necessary information to initiate the van service."

In announcing the van donation Reynolds acknowledged the impact of the current county fiscal crisis "We are facing a challenging economic situation in Erie County that has forced the Legislature to make a number of difficult budget and program cuts. Many of those cuts have hurt programs such as Going Places, which in turn has made life more challenging for many senior citizens in Erie County, especially those residing in our rural villages and towns. So, I am pleased to be able to sponsor the donation of this van knowing that it will help to improve the quality of life for seniors here in Evans."

Evans Deputy Supervisor Karen Erickson acknowledged the impact that the donated van will have within the community. "On behalf of the Evans Town Board and the seniors living in our community I am very appreciative of the efforts of former Legislator Jeanne Chase Ebersole, present Legislator Bob Reynolds and Senior Services Commissioner Krawczyk in securing this van. Anytime the county and local municipalities work together to give service to our constituents it is a wonderful benefit of tax dollars and in this case a great helping hand to those in need of transportation."

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