New Dishwasher Is In!

Our new commercial dishwasher arrived last week and is now installed. The former unit had been in use for more than 12 years, two years longer than its expected operating life. With 2,000 meals being delivered daily from our administrative office and outlying sites, the dishwasher is critical to our operations. Thanks again to the Austin-Bailey Health & Wellness Foundation, The Timken Foundation and The Dominion Foundation for their support, which made the purchase of the new dishwasher possible.

Kent State Stark Students Lend a Hand

Fourteen freshman students from Kent State Stark showed up bright and early at Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties on Friday, Aug. 14, ready to lend a hand. Led by Marisa Naftzger, assistant director for first-year experience at Kent Stark, the students participated in a service-learning project designed to involve them in the community.

Some of the students worked in the commissary to help prepare meals for that day's deliveries. Others worked outside, weeding the lawn and flower beds and washing the windows on the administrative office building. Later in the morning, some of the students who have their own cars handled meal delivery routes as well.

An added side benefit of the students' visit, according to Marisa, was the opportunity to get to know one another by working together on the service project.

Kent State Stark, located in Jackson Township, is the largest regional campus of Kent State University, serving 10,000 students annually (5,300 in academic coursework and 4,700 in professional development courses). Fall classes at the campus begin Aug. 31.

Volunteer's Efforts Bring Grant from AEP

Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties has been awarded a $150 grant from American Electric Power (AEP) in honor of AEP retiree Kurt Nestel’s volunteer service with the agency.

Nestel drives a delivery route in Louisville once a month and substitutes for other drivers as needed.

AEP’s “Connects” program recognizes the commitment of AEP employees and retirees to their communities and supports causes that are important to them, according the Michael G. Morris, AEP’s chairman, president and CEO. “The grants made by this program in the names of AEP volunteers will help schools and nonprofit organizations meet the challenges of fulfilling important human needs,” said Morris.

“We’re grateful that AEP supports the volunteer service of its employees and retirees in this way,” said Teresa Barry, CEO of Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties. “Kurt and all of our volunteers make it possible for us to fulfill our mission, and we appreciate their service.”