MEALS ON WHEELS
PLUS, INC.
The Scoop
40th Anniversary Edition
Volume 40, Issue 2
April 2015
I thought you might like to know…..
Meals on Wheels
40th Anniversary
FUN FACTS
ACTIVE CLIENTS
1975
85
TODAY
1160
DAILY ROUTES
1975
10
TODAY
76
ACTIVE VOLUNTEERS
1975
66
TODAY
700
Inside this issue:
Truly Blessed
2
Volunteers of the
2
Meet the Staff
2
Memorials
3
Memorials & Honors 4
Our History
5
40 Anniversary
Celebration
5
Golf Tournament
May 1, 2015
6
Growing up as the oldest of four kids on a
small farm outside of
Saguache,
Colorado,
the elderly were always
an important part of my
life. My grandfather
lived with us. His sister
and brothers, and their
families, made up a funloving extended family.
I have always felt a special connection with older people.
When I moved to Abilene in January 1963, I
fell in love with the people here. But, I missed
my grandfather, aunts
and uncles.
In 1973, I joined Church
Women
United.
I
learned that they delivered meals to the elderly, so I signed up. I
wanted my two young
children, ages five and
two, to experience the
joy of having older people in their lives. I wanted them to learn service.
I had no idea I was
starting a journey that
would be such a blessing to me and my family.
I only have a high
school education and
no special talent. But, I
do have a passion for
people who are older,
and for those who have
health and financial
challenges. I feel led to
try to make a difference.
When the Meals on
Wheels Board of Directors first met on May 28,
1975, I was elected as
an officer. When we
could not find anyone
willing to help establish
funding and a structure,
I was asked if I would
do it. I was terrified, but
felt called to give it a try.
I have had to work very
hard, but it certainly has
been worthwhile. I see
and hear wonderful
things almost every day
that inspire and thrill
me. I have been hon-
Betty Blazier-Bradley in her
office - University Baptist
Church
ored to be part of a ministry that enriches lives.
Clients tell me stories
about how much better
they feel after receiving
meals for a few months,
or about how grateful
they are to the volunteer
who found them on the
floor and saved their
life. They tell me about
a special volunteer who
gives them a hug or
helps them out with
things they can no longer do for themselves.
I have never felt that
this was just a job. I still
feel a call on my life to
work at Meals on
Wheels. I can’t imagine
doing anything else.
Save the Date
Meals on Wheels Sporting Clays Classic
Saturday, August 22, 2015 at Abilene Clay Sports
Page 2
The Scoop
TRULY BLESSED
Editors note: The story below was written by Jessica Melson, a volunteer driver. This is a
wonderful narrative of how one Meals on Wheels volunteer feels about delivering meals.
Tom McAlister
February 2015
Volunteer of the Month
Robert Sledge &
David Klassen
March 2015
Volunteers of the Month
Meals on Wheels is a non-profit here in town that
is absolutely vital to the quality of life for over
1,100 Abilene residents (elderly and disabled.) We moved here in the fall of 2003. I had
always thought about Meals on Wheels (MOW)
and in the summer or 2004 I started a weekly
route with my 3 year old and 1 year old. We were
given a family friendly route and loved it. My
third child was born into Meals on Wheels and all of my children just know
that is what we do on Tuesdays. We have a weekly route and it is near our
neighborhood. My children are in school now but know that if it is summer
or holidays and they are out of school on a Tuesday, then we are doing
MOW.
We have seen all sides of the economy, met clients over 100 years old, gone
to funerals of clients, picked up fallen limbs, visited them in the hospital or
nursing home, put away Christmas decor and much more, as we have been
able to build relationships with them outside of just delivering a warm
meal. Clients love the daily contact of a Meals on Wheels delivery, but
LOVE it when children deliver. We have truly been blessed more than we
can put into words in our partnership with Meals on Wheels over the
years.
MEET THE STAFF
We would like to welcome our new Development Director, Rob Chastain.
Rob is no stranger to the Meals on Wheels family, previously holding positions as Meal Delivery Driver (Volunteer), Special Projects Coordinator
(Volunteer), Assistant Volunteer Coordinator, and Case Manager.
As Development Director, he will work closely with the Executive Director
to plan, coordinate and implement fundraising and public relations activities. He is also responsible for both Social Media and the Meals on Wheels
Website.
Pat & Morgan Phillips
April 2015
Volunteers of the Month
Rob is originally from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and after high school, joined
the United States Air Force. What he had originally planned as a 4 year adventure, turned into a
24 ½ year career. After retiring early from a local communications company, he took a couple of
years off. As he puts it, “then one day I walked into Meals on Wheels to volunteer, and just fell in
love with the organization and what it does to help the people of Abilene.” That was six years
ago.
Rob is married with six children/step children and nine grandchildren. He and his wife, Pat, like
to travel and visit tropical places whenever possible.
Volume 40, Issue 2
Page 3
The Scoop
In Loving Memory
Memorials for January 21, 2015 through March 17, 2015
Jerry Allan Anderson
Scott Dueser
Leona Jean Jakob Anderson
Scott Dueser
Earnest Henderson "Mac"
Andrews
Scott Dueser
Dwayne & Louise
Hargesheimer
Frank & Della Herring
Gilbert & Dottie Korman
Mary & Jim Ballard
Barbara Seidel Swagerty
Mary Liddell Ballard
Scott Dueser
Seymour Beitscher
Delbert & Aletta Allred
Hubertina "Tina" Bolders
Ace Air Conditioning
Lucile Kubena
Van Boozer
Evelyn & Grady Dorsett
Barbara Seidel Swagerty
Karen Bowker
Dr. A. E. Hall, Jr.
Stella Boyll
Morgan & Pat Phillips
Gary Mace Brown
Ron & Leta Holmes
Travis Bruton
Wayne & Nancy Jowers
Richard Buzard
Mary Frost
Charles Byers
M/M Weldon Gann
Eudell C. Campbell
Pat Addison
Jay S. Campbell
Pat Addison
J. Donald "Don" Capra, M.D.
Scott Dueser
Mrs. Wayne “Joanne” B.
Carson
Scott Dueser
Froncie Foote
Gilbert & Dottie Korman
John Casey
Dick & Hazel Casey
Maudene Gilbreath
Clara Lively
Pierce Morris Sunday School
Class - Pioneer Drive
Baptist Church
John Chaney
Dwayne & Louise
Hargesheimer
Pamela Christoferson
Tom & Marian Boecking
Stephanie, Todd, Ava & Sam
Slobin
Amy E. Smith
Bernie & Joan Taylor
Betty Lou Corn Clark
Bill Shelton
Laverne Clark
Otis & Jane Jones
Stan & Dorothy Whisenhunt
Ralph Cochran
Onella Snow
Louise Connally
Ace Air Conditioning
Budd & Jane Hoff
Lucile D. Kubena
Mario Cortesano
Janice F. Lyons
Shirley Criswell
Scott Dueser
H. T. Crum
Lou & Darlene Dorich
Clara Darby
Dr. James & Susan Wray
Noe Davila
Dorothy Presswood
Jean Dawson
Ace Air Conditioning
Mr. & Mrs. Sam T. Day
Jack Q. Frizzell
Mrs. Gary “Joy” Storey
DeShazo
Abilene Community Band
Mike Alexander
Suzanne Alexander
Maedene & Bill Armer
Mr. & Mrs. Richard F. Bacon
Harriett Barbee
Roger & Mary Bauernfeind
Sue Behrens
Jane & Dennis L. Bell
Jo Bright
Joe & Rose Cannon
Virginia & Dewayne Chitwood
Joy & Glen Churchill
The Corbin Family
Weeze Daniel
Billie & Joe Davis
Joe Bob & Jeannine Davis
Ruby Jo Day
Linda Dehlinger
Bob & Laurie Eagle
Jim & Margie Eaton
Dr. & Mrs. B. J. Estes
Roy & Marilyn Flournoy
Lawson & Jane Hager
Tom & Dianne Hawkins
Ella Haynes
Mrs. Gary “Joy” Storey
DeShazo, Cont.
Beverly & Dennis Hill
Billie Hoefer
Ron & Leta Holmes
George & Patsy Jones
Mr. & Mrs. Conway Jordan
Gilbert & Dottie Korman
Tony & Julie Korman
Ira O. & Inge Laird
Cathy & Peter Lauve
Raymond & Gloria McDaniel
Maxey & Jeanne McKnight
Louise Mohr
Rick & Michelle Morzak
Dr. Bill & Karen Pierce
Billye Proctor Shaw
Betty Ralls
Jack & Becky Rentz
Terry G. Riddle
Ann Rode
Lynn & Carl Roeder
Lavern & Joe Roeder
Cal & Barbara Sanford
Scott & Michelle Senter
Debbie & Steve Senter
Sue & Bobby Siltman
Randy & Kay Spiva
Frank J. Spiva, Jr.
Billy Standly
Mrs. James "Carolyn" Strain
Bill & Tril Stratton
Dennis & Kim Tarrant
Bernie & Joan Taylor
Dub & Monty Vinson
Maurice A. Warner
Bill & Myrna Woods
Mary & Allen Wright
Opal Dial
Maurice & Charlene McLeod
Don Dillabaugh
Froncie Foote
Matthew Dokey
Girls SS Class - Second Baptist
Church
Bob Eckard
Ace Air Conditioning
William A. Everheart
Dr. A. E. Hall, Jr.
Ruth Fambrough
Scott Dueser
Wendell A. "Speedy" Farrell
Cal's Auto Sales
Cheryl & Wendell Farrell
J. T. Fletcher
Barbara Seidel Swagerty
Lane Frizzell
Scott Dueser
Dr. A. E. Hall, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. David Holley
Dr. Oneta Furr
Barbara Seidel Swagerty
Emily Ruth Gage
Paul & Annette Zimmerman
Joe Gaines
Ed & Sue Patton
Martha Robinson
Tina & Howard Spitzenberger
Craig Gann
Dorothy Varner
Marilyn Gibbs
Wanda Sanders
Norbert Gobbels
Barbara Nielsen
Shirley Goggans
Cathy Goggans
Wayne & Nancy Jowers
Patsy Gordon
Scott Dueser
Donald Gorr
Foye & Jeannette Flood
Sherry Graham
James Greek
Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Monroe
George Grounds
Cris Grounds
Sonoma Elouise Hagler
Scott Dueser
Adelene "Addie" Hargett
St. James United Methodist
Church
Cora Harris
Keith Wishon
Mary Louise Hearn
Scott Dueser
Opal J. Hokanson
Charles & Eunice Brownfield
Dr. Bennett Hutchinson
Dr. & Mrs. Robert Hamner
Nancy J. Lewis-Means
Ben & Melissa Pilcher
Chuck Jacobs
Scott Dueser
Gerald Jennings
Jesse & Anita Jacques
Susan Sanford Johnson
Cal & Barbara Sanford
Dalton Jones
Georgia De La Vega
Peg Kennedy
Gilbert & Dottie Korman
Cearley Read Kinard
Richard & Betty Bacon
Patsy Lee
Fred B. Oakes
Mardie Lewis
Mr. & Mrs. Joe F. Estes
Page 4
The Scoop
Volume 40, Issue 2
In Loving Memory, Cont.
Alice Long
Glenda Gentry
Donald Ludlum
Bobby Melson
Betty Joy Maule
Scott & Charlotte Carey
Ron & Linda Halder
Brad Maule
Maule Family
Pam McFadden
Nalene Hughes
Earle & EuAlice McMillan
Morgan & Pat Phillips
EuAlice D. McMillan
Scott Dueser
Sammie Pepper
Cal & Barbara Sanford
Dalene McMinn
Barbara Seidel Swagerty
Sally Ann "Annie" Melton
Pat Chastain
Lewis Miller
Carol McClellan
Marjean Mitchell
Ella Haynes
Bill Morrison
Ace Air Conditioning
Mr. & Mrs. Joe F. Estes
Mary Frost
Kay Nadeau
Mel & Betty Nelson
Lt. Col. Frank V. Norwood
Billy & Jeanie Mitchell
Mr. & Mrs. Jay Swonger
Patsy Oden
Gilbert & Dottie Korman
Virginia Orgon
Tom & Dianne Hawkins
Bunny Penkert
Jami & Bailee Bunnell
Betty Casteel
Bob & Barbara House
Muriel Percy
Vance Goddard
Cecil Peterson
Lisa Snow
Jeri Pfeifer
Kay & Steve Fullerton
Mrs. Hugh “Betty” Fern
Pittman
Cheryl & Jim Holmes
Barbara Seidel Swagerty
Cal Sumrall
Dr. D. G. Porterfield
Loretta Alexander
Everett & Nancy Ferguson
Dr. A. E. Hall, Jr.
Barry & Linda Hoefer
Ralph & Mary Mattern-Pope
Oren & Letha McGrew
Dr. D. G. Porterfield, Cont.
Jim B. Porterfield Family Janet, Don, Amanda,
Byron,Chelsea & Cailyn
Mr. & Mrs. Jack Ridlehoover
Guy & Norma Saunders
Sharon Hooks Siewert
Dr. & Mrs. James T. Walker
Clara M. Wilson
Beatrice "Betty" Portillo
Jim & Susan Wilson
Linda Powell
Dan & Brenda Davis
Buddy Price
Ann Fry
Mary Pritchard
Stephen Pritchard
Dale Pruitt
Margie Beach
Patricia Pearcy Pruitt
Anthony & Erin Bennett
Linda Hammond
Morgan & Pat Phillips
Region 14 ESC
Tamara Lombard Essley
Rhyan
Jerry & Nell Carter
Scott Dueser
Tom & Dianne Hawkins
Ron & Leta Holmes
Bobby & Doris Melson
Cal & Barbara Sanford
Bernie & Joan Taylor
John A. Ruzinsky
Nancy Ruzinsky
Teresa Sayas
Papa "C" Lloyd Couch
Herbert A. & Bell Seidel
Barbara Seidel Swagerty
Marie Sherrod
Ace Air Conditioning
The Spirit Group
E. A. Shults
Wanda Shults
Robert Simmons
Nelda Thomas
Gerry & Scott Slaughter
Doyle & Iris Nash
Margaret Chaney Smith
Froncie Foote
Mozelle Smith
Sterling & Linda Robertson
Dr. Roy Sonntag
Barbara Seidel Swagerty
Holly Nash Spencer
Gilbert & Dottie Korman
Mary Steward
Ace Air Conditioning
Herb Stokes
Eugene Goltz
Molly Lucille "Lou" Ritter
Raymond Stovall
Karen & Joey Light
Mary Nell Strebeck
Scott Dueser
Frances Stroop
Judith Busch
Nell Stucker
Debbie Senter
Alan Swagerty
Barbara Seidel Swagerty
Missy Thomas
Mike & Jean Herald
Frances Thomson
Roy & Barbara Ringwald
Surrey Square Home Owners
Ass'n
Orbon Tice
Gilbert & Dottie Korman
Nora Lee Tolar
Davis Kinard & Co.
Jean Ruth Troyer
Virginia Duffel
Marshall & Anna Dell
Turnbull
Barbara Seidel Swagerty
Jenneane Watson
Wanda & Donna James & Family
Lyman Watson
Ron & Leta Holmes
Edna Welch
Cal & Barbara Sanford
Oscar Wheat
Donna & Victor Hrncirik
Peg Kennedy Wheeler
Scott Dueser
Barrie Jo Williams
Billy & Yodit Jones
Owen L. Willis
George C. Willis
Gene Wisdon
Bonnie Wisdon
Milton Wolford
Cal's Auto Sales
HONORS
Bill Alexander On His
Birthday
Bill & Suzy McMaster
Betty Bradley On Her
Birthday
Ken & Tammy Baker
Leslie Ellis
Mike & Julie Denny
Barbara Seidel Swagerty
Sylvia Dickey
Bettie Sylvanus
Cliff Howell On His Birthday
Shirley Stephenson
Barbara LePoris
Patsy F. Lacy
Mary Moore On Her Birthday
Wanda Shults
Ron Perkins On His Birthday
Barbara Seidel Swagerty
Susan & Curtis Pittman
Barbara Seidel Swagerty
Darrell Shults On His
Birthday
Wanda Shults
Dr. Mark Sivley
Dr. James T. Walker
Shirley Stephenson On Her
80th Birthday
Eulalia Browning
Joy Cassell
Sid & Doris Harp
Guy & Norma Saunders
Anita L. Walton
TransAtlantic Brides &
Parents
TransAtlantic Brides
Marie Turney On Her
Birthday
Wanda Shults
Joy Varrone On Her Birthday
Nannie (Evlyn Allen)
Volunteers Who Deliver My
Meals
Bobye Eagleston
LIVING HONOR MEMORIAL GIFTS
Living Honor Gift - pays
tribute to a well-loved or
respected person.
Memorial Gift - A way to
show love, respect and
sympathy when death
has come.
If you would like to
make a Honor or
Memorial gift, please
use the enclosed
envelope or call us at
325-672-5050
Meals on Wheels Plus, Inc. does
not discriminate on the basis of
age, color, financial status, race,
national origin, sex, creed, disability, religion or political belief. Special emphasis is given to homebound seniors and/or adults with a
disability. Meals on Wheels Plus,
Inc. receives partial funding from
the Texas Department of Aging &
Disability Services.
Meals on Wheels Plus is classified
as a charitable 501(c)(3) organization by the IRS. All contributions
are tax deductible.
Volume 40, Issue 2
The Scoop
Page 5
40 Years and Going Strong
May 28, Meals on Wheels Plus, Incorporated
Board of Directors met for the first time. There
were 85 people receiving meals. The office was in
the Executive Director’s home with meals being
obtained from three different places: Barton’s
Cafeteria, Rose Park Senior Citizens Center, with
special diets purchased from Hendricks Hospital.
1975
1977
University Church of Christ donated property for
construction of a new building at 949 Mesquite St.
The new facility opened on March 16th with
3,750 square feet of kitchen and office space.
There were 358 meals prepared per day.
1987
2002
The property across the alley was acquired and a
9,573 square foot building, designed to provide
up to 2,000 meals per day was built. Meal on
Wheels Plus moved into the debt-free modern
kitchen and office facility at 717 N 10th St.
on June 15th.
April 11, Meals on Wheels Plus opened its first
kitchen at University Baptist Church. The program used rent free kitchen and office space in
the church basement. The program grew from
85 to 358 clients over the first 12 years.
The program had grown to serving more than
725 meals out of a kitchen designed to
provide up to 600 meals per day. The need
for a larger building was urgent.
2004
2015
Served
6,057,283 meals since 1975
40th Anniversary Celebration Dinner
Celebration Sponsors
May 28th, 2015 - 6:30 PM
Abilene Civic Center
Dian Graves Owen
Foundation
Dodge Jones Foundation/
Tejon Exploration Company
Guest Speaker: Dr. Ben Carson
Gifted Hands
For Table Sponsorship information contact:
Betty Bradley at 672-5050 or
Email [email protected]
Signature Sponsor
Greathouse Foundation
Driving away hunger one meal at a time.
Page 6
The Mission of Meals on Wheels is to enhance the quality of life
for seniors and other eligible adults by providing nutritionally
balanced meals and supportive services.
717 North 10th St.
P.O. Box 903
Abilene, Texas 79604
Phone: 325-672-5050
Fax: 325-672-6870
NON-PROFIT
U.S. POSTAGE
PA I D
PERMIT NO. 356
ABILENE, TX 79604
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Website: mealsonwheelsplus.com
E-mail: bbradley@mealsonwheels
plus.com
mealsonwheelsplus1975
2015 CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT
Friday, May 1, 2015 - Diamondback Golf Course
4 Person Scramble - For more information: [email protected]
or register on-line at mealsonwheelsplus.com/golf
Meals on Wheels 40th
Anniversary Celebration
Guest Speaker:
Dr. Ben Carson
May 28, 2015
Abilene Civic Center
(see page 5 for more info)