Meals on Wheels honors Older Americans

(ROCKWALL, TX—May 26, 2016) Meals on Wheels Senior Services of Rockwall County recognized local seniors and volunteers today at the Rockwall County Library at the Older Americans Day Celebration.

The 2016 honorees were those who dedicated years to benefiting the community and those who volunteer their time and effort to aid local seniors.

Rockwall County Judge David Sweet opened the ceremony by recognizing the necessity of efforts for senior citizens in a county that is rapidly growing.

“As the numbers continue to grow, the need for advocating for this part of the population will continue to grow,” Sweet said.

Rockwall Mayor Jim Pruitt officially declared May “Older Americans Month” and thanked the honorees for their service.

“We recognize you in May, but we appreciate and celebrate you every day you serve,” Pruitt said.

Pruitt and Sweet presented each of the honorees with an award certificate and posed with them for a photo.

Meals on Wheels Executive Director Margie VerHagen said this year’s theme “Blaze the Trail” emphasized the impact of older citizens on their community.

Kevin Clark, a Rockwall firefighter, received an award in honor of his endeavors for senior community members. Among other notable donations, Clark spoke to doctors on behalf of a hearing-impaired senior and helped her to get hearing aids for the first time free of charge. VerHagen said although Clark was under 60, he embodies the type of wholeheartedness that MOW wanted to celebrate today.

“Kevin commits to serving others and he clearly recognizes the impact that acts of kindness have on the lives of others,” VerHagen said.

VerHagen also recognized First United Methodist Church’s Skills for Christ organization for their construction projects on behalf of seniors. The group has installed ramps for seniors who can’t leave their homes, and taken on other remodeling projects to make it easier for seniors to get around in their homes.

Darryl Bruemmer, who leads Skills for Christ, said their entire church strives to focus on helping the community in any way possible.

“We have a very mission-oriented church,” Bruemmer said. “We just respond to what we can do for the community.”

The 2016 Rockwall County Older Americans Honorees included:

Cruz Angelo

Ernest Kimmons

Dewayne Buggs

Cindy Lindley

Bill Cecil

Richard Cheatham

Louise Parent

Kevin Clark

Dr. Phillip Paul

Millie Coppedge

Jackie Pullen

Bob Cotti

Virginia Rendon

Claire Erdman

Sonnie Scott

Mary Johnson

Cliff Sevier

Lee Gilbert

Nell Welborn

Jim Hardin

John White

Carolyn Holzei

Frank Williams

Royse City Health and Rehab

Tri-County Honor Guard

Jeffrey Sheldon Rowlett SCOR

First United Methodist Church Skills for Christ

VerHagen also announced that Meals on Wheels has a new ducky mascot for the 2016 Rubber Duck Regatta coming up on September 24. The new mascot made his first appearance at the Older Americans Day event, and VerHagen said community members can submit name suggestions for the duck. To suggest a name, contact MOW at 972-771-9514.

Story and photos by Blue Ribbon News reporter Julie Anne White.