Arnold “Arnie” Rill was recently commended by the Town of Lunenburg and the Board of Selectmen for his 31 years of Meals on Wheels service.

Story & photo by Samual Mackin

When you first meet Arnold Rill you can immediately feel his lust for life.  At 88-years-old, Arnold or "Arnie" still has a tight handshake and an exuberant smile.  

    Rill is a busy man. On top of his volunteer work through the Lunenburg Senior Center, Rill has also spent 50 years as a high school umpire and is very active in his beloved United States Marine Corps. He visits the national cemetery in Arlington, Va regularly to pay respects to fallen soldiers and is involved with the Marine Corps. Ball.  He is also very active with the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program to help economically disadvantaged children at Christmas.

    And for over three decades, he has been an active volunteer with the Montachusett Opportunity Council's Meals On Wheels program.

    Because of his dedication to the Meals On Wheels program, Rill was recently congratulated and commended  by the Town of Lunenburg and the Board of Selectmen for his 31 years of service.   

    "I think my fondest [image of Rill] is his genuine smile, anytime, no matter what. He actually had some physical problems a year ago but he still wanted to serve [the community] and he rose above those physical problems. I think the best thing is that he has a positive attitude,” said Eagle House Senior Center Director Doreen Noble.

    As far as Rill is concerned, becoming a volunteer was a happy happenstance.

    "I came out of church one day and a lady asked me if I'd like to [be a] volunteer for a week and here I am today,” said Rill with a smile.

    The Meals On Wheels program is set up through a private caterer and distributed by the Montachusett Opportunity Council to senior centers around the area where they are then individually packaged and sent out to elderly and home-bound individuals that need them.  Rill's job is to deliver these meals throughout Lunenburg.  

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