GOOD CAUSE

6

Summer Edition 2016

BlueRibbonNews.com

Meals on Wheels Senior Services of 
Rockwall County recently recognized local 
seniors and volunteers during the Older 
Americans Day Celebration at the Rockwall 
County Library. 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.

“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
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 duck 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, call MOW at 972-771-9514.

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

 

Older Americans honored for 

their commitment to community

Virginia Rendon
Claire Erdman
Sonnie Scott
Mary Johnson
Cliff Sevier
Lee Gilbert
Nell Welborn
Jim Hardin
John White
Carolyn Holzei
Frank Williams

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