Elaine Pickerel, 87, has lived in Warren, NJ for 63 years. Her husband, Everett, passed away in January 2022. Mr. & Mrs. Pickerel were very active in the local community, supporting veterans’ groups and many others that needed assistance. 

Mrs. Pickerel is a long-time customer of Woolley Home Solutions based in Maplewood, NJ. She is also a neighbor of Jim Froehlich from American Oil Recovery, a longtime OESP member.

Art Devre from Woolley serviced her boiler this fall and noticed that it was in poor condition and could not achieve more than 55% efficiency. He recommended an upgrade of a new boiler, but being on a fixed income, Mrs. Pickerel could not afford one.

Art reached out to Jim Froehlich, who nominated her for an Oil Heat Cares project at the Garden State October monthly meeting. As usual, hands were raised to donate materials and labor. Dave Bessette, Oil Heat Cares president, notified the board of directors and the installation was approved.

Charley Holmes from Venco Sales reached out to Mike Muzyka, the regional sales manager at New Yorker Boiler and procured a New Yorker steam boiler for the project. The boiler and materials were delivered by WA Birdsall & Co, the local New Yorker dealer. Keith Trowbridge from Universal Supply Group donated a Tiger Loop Ultra with hoses for the job, as well.

The crew of volunteers comprised: Ed Postol, Art Devre, Dave Butler and Joe Feeley from Woolley Home Solutions, along with Paul Cuprewich from JW Pierson, Dick Brandt from Van Doren Oil, Jim Froehlich from All American Oil Recovery and Charley Holmes from Venco Sales.

The new boiler was installed on Saturday November 19, ensuring that Mrs. Pickerel would be safe and warm for Thanksgiving. Oil Heat Cares was among her blessings.