Meals on Wheels Senior Services honors local champions during Older Americans Day celebration

ROCKWALL, TX (May 11, 2026) — Meals on Wheels Senior Services of Rockwall County celebrated the spirit of service, compassion, and healthy aging during its Older Americans Day Award Celebration held May 8 in recognition of Older Americans Month.

This year’s national Older Americans Month theme, “Champion Your Health,” focuses on prevention, wellness, informed choices, preventive care, and self-advocacy. During the event, community members who have made a meaningful impact on the lives of local seniors and the aging population were recognized for their dedication and service.

The program opened with a welcome from Dorothy Kaplaneris, followed by an invocation and pledge led by Stephen Straughan. Dennis Lewis, MOWSS Board Chair and Rockwall City Councilman, shared an update on Meals on Wheels Senior Services of Rockwall County, and County Commissioner John Stacy presented a proclamation in honor of the occasion.

Awards were presented by Ariana Kistner, Brenda Cross, Maureen Cook, and Dorothy Kapleneris. Margie Verhagen, MOWSS CEO and President, delivered closing remarks.

Honorees recognized during the 2026 celebration included:

• Aretha Strambler
• Ryan Curtis
• Laura Gardner
• Ronny Hale
• Avanell Gardner
• Sylvia Sotelo Kidd
• Debbie Branch
• Coleman & Sara Taylor
• Dan & Jennifer Montgomery
• LakePointe Church
• Leslie Riggs
• Kim Pryor
• Stacie White
• Luis Canales
• Terry Don Roberts
• Karen Coughlin

Meals on Wheels Senior Services of Rockwall County remains committed to supporting senior independence and enhancing quality of life through compassionate care and connection.

“We’re committed to delivering independence — one meal, one visit, and one meaningful connection at a time,” the organization shared in its program. “By providing seniors with the nourishment and care they need, we help them maintain dignity, health, and the freedom to live independently in the place they call home.”

For more information about Meals on Wheels Senior Services of Rockwall County, visit RockwallMealsOnWheels.org.