Timken, Aultman Foundations Provide Funding for New Computers, Software

We are grateful to the trustees of the Timken Foundation of Canton and the Aultman Foundation, respectively, both of whom approved funding in the last quarter of 2011 for Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties to upgrade our information technology systems.

The Timken Foundation provided a $35,000 grant toward the purchase of a new server and new computers for the agency, while the Aultman Foundation provided $6,000 toward new software and data conversion that will improve the agency's record-keeping and data storage.

The ongoing support of local foundations and corporations makes it possible for us to continue our service of providing essential nutrition to homebound individuals in the two-county area. The Timken and Aultman grants will enable us to upgrade important technology and streamline our agency operations for greater efficiency.

Thank you to both of these wonderful area foundations for their generous assistance!

From All of Us at Meals On Wheels...

We are grateful for all of our clients, volunteers, staff and supporters and look forward to a successful year in 2012.

We wish you the happiest of holiday seasons and a warm and wonderful New Year!

Waikem Subaru Helps 'Share the Love' With Our Clients

Waikem Subaru in Massillon once again showed their support for Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties on Wednesday, Dec. 14, as two Waikem associates delivered meals for the agency as part of this year's Subaru "Share the Love" Event.

Waikem Subaru salesman Pat Barthel and employee Sid Bender (L to R in photo) joined our regular volunteers and delivered meals to clients in the Massillon area. They drove a Subaru Forester from Waikem during the delivery.

Waikem and Meals On Wheels have a long-standing relationship and have partnered in a variety of ways over the years, and we appreciate their ongoing support. We're currently working with Waikem to facilitate their involvement with a major fundraising event for the agency in 2012.

Our thanks to the Waikem family and to Bob Russell, sales manager at Waikem Subaru, for their support of Meals On Wheels!

CEO Teresa Barry Tapes Segment for Clear Channel's 'Sunday Morning Magazine'

Teresa Barry, CEO of Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties, visited the studios of Clear Channel Communications in North Canton this morning to tape a segment of "Sunday Morning Magazine."

The public affairs show airs at 7 a.m. Sundays on WHOF-FM (My 101.7) and WRQK-FM (106.9).

Terri was interviewed by host John Amrhein during the 15-minute segment, which touched on the agency's services and background. The program will air on the stations Sunday, Dec. 18, at 7 a.m.

It can also be heard on the stations' websites, at www.my1017.com or www.wrqk.com. Click the "Listen Live" button at the top of the page to hear the programming.

CareSource Foundation Provides Grant to Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties

The CareSource Foundation, based in Dayton, Ohio, has awarded a $5,000 grant to Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties.

The grant will help underwrite the cost of meals to individuals who either have had to discontinue or forego home meal delivery due to cost, or who have had to reduce the number of days per week that they receive service.

"Our Foundation Board is highly impressed with your understanding of the issues, your strategies and your ability to make this initiative a success," said Cathy Ponitz, executive director of the foundation, in a letter to Meals On Wheels. "Your commitment to this population is critical and we are proud to be associated with this important effort."

"We are grateful to the Foundation and excited to receive their generous grant, particularly at this critical time," said agency CEO Teresa Barry. "The economy has created hardships for many people, and this grant will enable more homebound individuals to receive meals who otherwise might have had to go without them."

Economic Woes, Diet Regulations Impact Meals On Wheels Programs

Meals On Wheels programs face a double-whammy as they work to eliminate senior hunger and provide nutritious meals for America's homebound.

Not only do meal delivery programs need additional funds to offset the ongoing economic recession, but Federal guidelines -- meant to help Americans eat more nutritious foods -- are putting a greater strain on those programs.

It's the topic of a recent article by M. Alex Johnson on msnbc.com, "Economy, diet rules curb Meals on Wheels programs."

"Some Meals on Wheels programs in the U.S. support themselves solely through donations and fundraisers, but many...also rely on government funding," Johnson wrote. Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties is among those programs that receive government funding.

When new government regulations take effect, it often changes the way meal programs receiving federal funding can operate -- and those changes can be costly.

Click on the link below to read more:

Economy, diet rules curb Meals on Wheels programs

Ring In the Holidays with December Menu Selections Like Stuffed Cabbage Casserole, Broccoli Cheese Soup, Baked Chicken and More!

The delicious meals just keep on coming as December features a variety of taste-tempting treats! Just click on the image below for a full view of this month's menu. You can also access our menu with a quick click over to our website.

Remember, if you're homebound, or know someone who is, we can provide meal delivery every weekday, all year-round. Just call us at 330-832-7220, or toll-free at 1-800-466-8010, for more information. We provide more than a meal -- we offer peace of mind for clients and their loved ones when we stop in each day for our deliveries

Give us a call -- we're here to help!

Help Meals On Wheels Association of America Earn More Dollars in the Subaru 'Share the Love' Campaign

With a quick Facebook vote, you can help support Meals On Wheels on a national level!

As part of their annual "Share the Love" campaign, Subaru will donate $1 for each vote that a charity receives, up to a maximum of $250,000 per charity. The Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) is one of five charities eligible.

Vote for Meals On Wheels on the Subaru "Share the Love" Facebook page, and Subaru will donate a dollar to MOWAA -- it's that easy!

Proceeds from the Subaru “Share the Love” campaign have provided millions of dollars to MOWAA in recent years. The funds have been used to provide grants and conference stipends and to offer professional development opportunities to member agencies, including Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties.

Please vote today, and share this information with your Facebook friends list and anywhere else you can help spread the word. Thank you!

Did You Know? Learn About Meals On Wheels Services in This YouTube Video

Here's a brief, one-minute video that explains who we are and what we do at Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties.

For home delivery, or to volunteer to deliver meals to your homebound neighbors, call us at 330-832-7220 (or toll-free at 1-800-466-8010).

Tips at Picciano's Will Benefit Meals On Wheels on Tuesday, Dec. 13

Ring in the holidays at Picciano's Martini Lounge on Tuesday, Dec. 13, and help support Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties!

Board members Pat Corcoran of Huntington Insurance and Josh Best of The Karcher Group will be the celebrity guest bartenders from 5 to 7 p.m. that evening. During their shift, all tips given at the bar will be donated to Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties.

It's part of Picciano's ongoing "Tips for Charity" program, through which they support area non-profits by donating tips during happy hour on designated Tuesday nights throughout the year.

So join us at Picciano's on Dec. 13 and enjoy the spirit of the season while supporting a good cause. They're located at 410 Market Avenue North (in the Foundation Centre) in Downtown Canton.

Click on the image above for details; feel free to print it out and share it to help spread the word. We hope to see you there!

Employees of Progressive Chevrolet and Progressive Chrysler, Jeep & Dodge Support Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties

Once again this year, we extend a big "thank you" to the employees of Progressive Chevrolet and Progressive Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge in Massillon.

Through their respective employee civic funds, the dealerships donated $2,000 each -- a total of $4,000 -- to Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties!

The employees at Progressive have supported us in this way for many years, and we are grateful for their generosity. "This year's contributions were particularly generous, and it couldn't have come at a better time," said CEO Teresa Barry. "Our expenses have risen due to the ever-changing prices of food and gasoline, so this donation was a real boost for us."

Terri accepted the donations in person at the dealerships on Nov. 21.

Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties Recognizes Toyota USA, Cain Toyota

Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties presented a plaque of appreciation to Brian Cain, vice president of Cain Toyota in North Canton, for the 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid that the agency recently won in Toyota's 100 Cars for Good program

The presentation was made by Dave Grimm, board president, during a luncheon following the board meeting on Nov. 16 at our administrative office in Massillon. (Pictured: CEO Teresa Barry, Brian Cain, Dave Grimm.)

"It's remarkable, what Toyota has done to support non-profits across the country," Dave said during the presentation. "On behalf of the board, staff and volunteers of Meals On Wheels – and, most important, our clients – we want to thank Toyota USA and Cain Toyota for their gift, and we present this plaque as a small token of our appreciation for your generosity and friendship."

Dave also acknowledged Cain Toyota's additional donation of $2,500 to the agency, which will be matched by an equal contribution from Toyota USA.

Mr. Cain accepted on behalf of his dealership and Toyota USA. "We're glad to help, and glad that the Highlander will be put to such good use serving the community," he said.

Meals On Wheels Clients Give a Big Thumbs Up!

Recent feedback from Meals On Wheels clients is overwhelmingly positive, according to the National Survey of Older Americans Act Program Participants, conducted by the U.S. Administration on Aging.

With favorable numbers ranging from 85 percent to 93 percent, clients surveyed said that Meals On Wheels helps them eat healthier, helps improve their health, makes them feel more secure, enables them to continue living in their homes, and consider the service to be good or excellent. (Click on the photo for details.)

In order to gather information on the performance of its program, the Administration on Aging surveys the participants in its Older Americans Act programs. These national surveys provide a portrait of who receives these services and how they assess the quality of the services received.

If you or someone you know would benefit from home meal delivery, we're just a phone call away: 330-832-7220, or toll-free at 1-800-466-8010.

Our Sixth Annual Pet Food Drive Is Underway!

At Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties, we welcome donations of pet food from area companies, organizations and individuals toward our sixth annual pet food drive. The pet food we collect is provided to our homebound clients for their pets.

“This program makes a tremendous difference in the lives of our clients, all of whom are homebound,” said CEO Teresa Barry. “They are deeply grateful to have food delivered for their pets along with their own meals.”

Collection bins are available at:

• Banfield, The Pet Hospital, inside Petsmart on Dressler Rd. in North Canton
• Banfield, The Pet Hospital, inside Petsmart on Lincoln Way East in Massillon
• PBS Animal Health, 2780 Richville Dr. S.E., Massillon
• Surbey Feed & Supply, 9 Canal St. W., Navarre
• Tractor Supply, 4020 Erie Ave. S.W., Massillon
• Belloni Foods, 258 S. Wabash Ave., Brewster

Donations of dog or cat food may also be dropped off Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at our office building, located at 2363 Nave St. S.E. in Massillon, near The Legends golf course.

We've collected more than 46,000 pounds of pet food over the past five years. Over the last 18 months, the program has grown to the point that we were able to provide pet food for the entire year. Year-round, climate-controlled storage is provided by D&S Distribution of Wooster.

The pet food drive, which runs through Dec. 31, is part of the “Season of Suppers” campaign, sponsored in part by the Banfield Charitable Trust of Portland, Ore.

Roast Turkey, Just In Time for Thanksgiving! Plus Sloppy Joes, Barbecued Riblets and More -- All On Our November Menu!

It's November, so turkey, dressing, sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie must be on the menu -- and they are, on Nov. 23! But there are so many more delicious meals featured, too. Just click the image below for the complete list, or visit us online at http://mow-starkwayne.org/menu.aspx to see the complete menu.

Home meal delivery is available Monday through Friday for homebound individuals in the Stark and Wayne counties area. Call us at 330-832-7220 for more information, or visit http://mow-starkwayne.org/delivery.html.

Our New Toyota Is Here!

Tuesday was a banner day for Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties. During a ceremony at Cain Toyota in North Canton, we were presented with our new 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which we won in July as a result of Facebook voting in the Toyota 100 Cars for Good program.

Brian Cain, vice president of Cain Toyota, and Brad Briede from Toyota's regional office in Cincinnati were on hand to present the Highlander to Meals On Wheels. In attendance from the agency were Teresa Barry, CEO; board members Dave Grimm, Dan Plumly and James Pritchard; Nora Logsdon, program manager and dietitian; and Tom Delamater, public relations administrator.

Mr. Cain had another surprise in store during the ceremony. After explaining a new "dealer match" donation program recently initiated by Toyota, he presented the agency with a check from Cain Toyota for $2,500 -- which Toyota's corporate office will match, netting a $5,000 gift to Meals On Wheels.

The Highlander will be used for food deliveries to our sites, client meal deliveries, and other agency business as needed. Included with the donation of the vehicle was a free extended warranty package from Toyota.

"We are grateful beyond words for Toyota's generosity," Terri said. "Not only for the Highlander, but also for the financial donation from Cain Toyota and their corporate division.

"Toyota's support for non-profits through the 100 Cars for Good program and the dealer match donation program is an incredible gesture of community support, not just locally, but nationwide," she said. "What they are doing for organizations around the country is truly amazing."

You can read more about the presentation ceremony in an article in today's Canton Repository.

(Pictured above, L to R: Board members James Pritchard, Dave Grimm and Dan Plumly; CEO Teresa Barry; Brian Cain, VP of Cain Toyota; and Brad Briede of Toyota's Cincinnati regional office.)

Giving Wisely This Holiday Season

"How you give — and not just what you give — to a charity matters."

So begins a story published in the Canton Repository about giving to non-profit organizations, particularly during the approaching holiday season.

The article quotes H. Art Taylor, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance, who says that despite tough economic times "people are still looking for creative or small ways that they can give back and support those who are even less fortunate over the holidays."

Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties welcomes contributions from individuals and corporations who are looking to have a direct impact in the community. Regular donations are used to underwrite the cost of providing meals to seniors and other homebound individuals who might otherwise be unable to afford them.

For example, a donation of $25 provides a week's worth of home-delivered meals to a neighbor right here in the local Stark-Wayne area. A $100 gift provides a person with meals for an entire month.

Our meals are prepared fresh daily in our commercial commissary in Massillon, and delivered by our dedicated volunteers to residents of communities from Wooster to Alliance and all points in between. (Visit the "Delivery & Dining" page of our website to see all of our locations.)

As Mr. Taylor says in the article, "it's important...to make sure that your dollar stretches the farthest it can in this tough economy."

Your dollar will indeed make a difference in providing nutritious meals to homebound individuals who need them, especially during the coming holiday season.

As the article also points out, "In today’s tight economy, you may not have money, but you can always give a little bit of your time to help support a worthy cause."

We are always in need of volunteers to help deliver meals in the two-county area. Most volunteers help once a week, for about 90 minutes. We'll train you and provide stop-by-stop directions for your delivery route. Mileage reimbursement is also available.

If you'd like to mail a donation to us, please send it to: Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties, 2363 Nave St. S.E., Massillon, OH 44646. To donate by credit card, or for information about volunteering, please call us at 330-832-7220.

New Center on Nutrition and Aging an Important Step in the Fight Against Senior Hunger

A new national resource center being established by the Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) is an important step in addressing the problem of senior hunger in America.

The National Resource Center on Nutrition and Aging will provide MOWAA member agencies and other organizations—such as national, state and regional agencies involved with aging—with the research and resources needed to effectively maintain community-based nutrition programs for older adults.

A $315,000 grant from the U.S. Administration on Aging (AoA) provided initial funding for the center.

“The AoA grant recognizes MOWAA and its network of member nutrition programs across the country for our leadership in addressing the serious problem of senior hunger in America,” said Teresa Barry, CEO of Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties and a board member for Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA), based in Alexandria, Va.

“In addition to providing critical information and needed resources for current nutrition providers, the National Resource Center will be a focal point for making certain that Meals On Wheels and other senior nutrition programs will be ‘future ready’ to meet the demands of an increasingly older population in this country,” said Enid Borden, President and CEO of MOWAA (pictured at right).

The Center will become a clearinghouse of resources designed to connect senior nutrition, health and the provision of nutrition services. This information will be available to assist local meal providers with the resources needed to provide nutritious meals more efficiently now and in the future, and will enable the public to obtain important information about nutrition and health.

Barry also sits on the board of the Meals On Wheels Research Foundation, which works to eliminate hunger and malnutrition among America’s seniors through research, education, fundraising and community awareness.

“We continue to sound the alarm about the growing problem of senior hunger in this country,” said Barry. “Slowly but surely the message is getting out, and we’re seeing growth in donations, corporate and foundation support, and volunteerism.

“Working together with the Administration on Aging, MOWAA and its member programs will be a more powerful and effective advocate for seniors and other Americans who are nutritionally at-risk.”

********************

For more information:

News release from the Meals On Wheels Association of America

News release from the U.S. Administration on Aging

Food, Gasoline Prices Jump Again - But Meals On Wheels Must Keep On Rolling!

Food and gasoline prices rose again in September, putting an added strain on consumers and businesses, according to a report by the Associated Press.

Food prices rose 0.4 percent, pushed up by big increases in the dairy, cereals, and fruits and vegetables categories. Gas prices rose 2.9 percent.

Dairy prices alone have jumped 10.2 percent in the past year. Gasoline prices have soared 33.3 percent.

These increases have placed an added strain on the operating budgets of Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties and other meal delivery programs around the country. With the vast majority of our clients on fixed incomes and/or structured federal or state assistance programs, we are not in a position to pass higher costs on to our consumers the way a traditional business would -- nor would we want to.

How can you help? One way is to volunteer to deliver meals to your homebound neighbors. It makes a difference for them, and for us, and it will enrich your life in the process. Right now we are in need of volunteers at many of our sites in the two-county area. Volunteers typically help one morning a week for 60 to 90 minutes.

We also gratefully accept donations throughout the year. Contributions help us underwrite the cost of meals for seniors who otherwise might not be able to afford them. Donations also help offset rising operating expenses and maintain office equipment, commissary equipment (all of our food is prepared fresh daily), and our delivery trucks, each of which log more than 30,000 miles a year delivering food to our sites.

To make a donation, please call 330-832-7220. Or you can mail it to:

Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties, 2363 Nave St. SE, Massillon, OH 44646

Thank you!

Congress Must Reauthorize the Older Americans Act; Here's How You Can Make Your Voice Heard

Did you know that one in three older Americans is economically insecure, living just one bad break away from an economic crisis? Or that one in nine is at-risk for hunger?

Meals On Wheels and other programs supported by the Older Americans Act (OAA) help vulnerable seniors avoid hunger and financial crisis. This groundbreaking legislation, signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson in 1965, strengthened the economic and health conditions of senior citizens in the United States.

As Congress debates OAA funding and reauthorization this fall, we must raise our voices in support of this critical legislation. Our CEO Teresa Barry voiced her concern in an opinion piece that ran in The Repository, the daily paper in Canton, Ohio, in June 2010. As Terri wrote:

"The flexibility of the Older Americans Act enables it to assist a segment of the population that does not qualify for Medicare or Medicaid. However, since it is not an entitlement program as those are, and as Social Security is, it is not guaranteed funding by Congress."

That is why Congress must be reminded of the importance of the OAA and the programs it supports.

For more information on the campaign to support the Older Americans Act, visit the One Away website.

MOW Volunteer: '...A Lot of Unexpected Benefits to My Experience'

If you've thought about volunteering in the community, consider the experience of Susie, a Meals On Wheels volunteer.

"I always knew I'd enjoy volunteering for Meals On Wheels, but there were a lot of unexpected benefits to my experience," she said.

"The more I got to know the seniors on my delivery route, the more comfortable I felt -- and the more I looked forward to seeing them again. It was as if I'd knocked on my own grandmother's door; she lived alone and would have loved it if someone stopped by to bring a meal and chat. I'm proud to be part of a network of volunteers that provides a much-needed service and builds lasting relationships with seniors in our community."

Susie's experience is featured in a promotional campaign created by the Meals On Wheels Association of America to help raise awareness about the issue of senior hunger in America -- and what meal delivery programs from coast to coast are doing to solve the problem.

Right now there is an urgent need for volunteers in Stark and Wayne counties. Most of our volunteers deliver meals once a week. Deliveries start at 11 a.m. and take between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on the route. We have 21 sites in the two-county area, and we'll match you to a location that is most convenient to where you live or work.

We provide training, step-by-step route directions, and mileage reimbursement. If you'd like to help, call 330-832-7220 -- or click here to complete our online volunteer application.

For many of our clients, Meals On Wheels volunteers are the only people they see during the day. We offer peace of mind for them and their loved ones by checking in on them on a regular basis. Your service as a Meals On Wheels volunteer will brighten their days and make a huge difference in their lives.

Please join us!

Listen to Our CEO, Program Manager on WHBC's 'Health Matters' Radio Program

CEO Teresa Barry and Dietitian/Program Manager Nora Logsdon of Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties appeared on this morning's edition of "Health Matters with The Medicine Center Pharmacy" on Newstalk 1480 WHBC in Canton.

Terri and Nora were interviewed by hosts Paul White and Brad White of the Medicine Center. "Health Matters" airs every Friday morning on WHBC. They discussed the history and mission of our agency, along with information about how we plan and prepare our meals and how people can begin home delivery.

To listen to the entire interview, follow this link to the WHBC program archives: Health Matters with The Medicine Center Pharmacy. Scroll down to the audio of the Oct. 7 program.

Video Illustrates How Meals On Wheels Addresses Senior Hunger in America

Here's a cool video infographic that demonstrates the problem of senior hunger in America, and what we're doing about it at Meals On Wheels:



For home delivery, or to volunteer to help us in our cause, call 330-832-7220.

From Stuffed Pepper Casserole to Fettucini Alfredo with Chicken, or Minnesota Wild Rice Soup to Sweet & Sour Pork, Our October Menu Has It All!

Our October menu is certain to delight the tastebuds! Click on the image below to see a larger image, or go to our website to view our menu online.

For information on how to begin home meal delivery, call 330-832-7220 any weekday between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Meals On Wheels, RLTV Partner for New TV Series; Video Segments Available Online

Selected segments are available online of a new television series presented by Meals On Wheels and Retirement Living Television (RLTV).

"Good Food, Good Deeds," a groundbreaking half-hour series co-hosted by TV icon Florence Henderson and nutritionist Joy Bauer, debuts tonight at 8 p.m. EST on Retirement Living Television (RLTV).

Each episode of “Good Food, Good Deeds” features a celebrity guest who experiences the fast-paced, inspiring, and fulfilling work of a Meals On Wheels volunteer. The show also features segments in which co-hosts Henderson and Bauer have fun preparing a delicious and nutritious meal. Joy plans each menu, offering guidance on which foods to buy, which to avoid, and serving up meals that are tasty and easy to prepare.

RLTV provides information and entertainment geared to viewers age 50 and above. Although it is currently unavailable here in Northeast Ohio, segments of "Good Food, Good Deeds" are available for viewing on the program's section of the RLTV web site.

The program is presented by RLTV and the Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA). Enid Borden, MOWAA president, appeared on a segment with actress Linda Gray (right) that is posted online. Enid also commented on the program and its purpose in her regular column on the Huffington Post website.

New Logo and Slogan Highlight National Association's Emphasis for Meal Delivery Programs Nationwide

The Meals On Wheels Association of America unveiled a new logo and slogan at the national conference in Chicago in late August.

"We Are Meals On Wheels...so no senior goes hungry" is the new emphasis of the campaign. Ready made marketing materials were shared with individual member agencies in attendance. Teresa Barry, CEO, and Nora Logsdon, dietitian and program manager, attended the conference on behalf of Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties.

We will continue to roll out individual items from the campaign via this blog, as well as on our Facebook and Twitter pages. (If you haven't already, now would be a great time to "like" us on Facebook, and become a follower on Twitter!)

Please help spread the word in your community about Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties, and how we can help seniors and other homebound individuals get the nutrition they need. We can be reached Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 330-832-7220.

Canton Chapter of Antique Automobile Club of America Delivers!

Members of the Canton chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America brought some of their classic cars to Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties on Thursday, Sept. 15, to help our volunteers deliver meals to our clients in Massillon.

Clients were in for a surprise when their meals arrived in a 1948 Buick; a 1952 Ford Victoria; a 1953 Chevy Bel Aire convertible; a 1963 Chevy Impala convertible; a 1972 Olds Cutlass convertible; and a 1973 Chevy Caprice Classic convertible.

It was a fun day of memories for our volunteers and our clients! See the highlights condensed into two minutes in this video:

View a photo album of the morning on our Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties Facebook page.

'We Are Meals On Wheels'

Thought about volunteering? Want to make a difference in the lives of your neighbors? Take a look at the newest PSA from the Meals On Wheels Association of America, then give us a call at 330-832-7220. Most volunteers deliver once a week. We'd love to have you lend a hand at Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties!

United Way Day of Caring Volunteers Make a Difference for Meals On Wheels

Volunteers from area companies came out in full force to support Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties on Sept. 1, as part of the annual Day of Caring, sponsored locally by the United Way of Greater Stark County.

A total of 119 people from 12 employers descended on our administrative office and 14 of our sites to help prepare and deliver meals and complete other projects.

One group of employees from the Timken Company painted the lobby and hallways of our administrative office building (lower right). We're grateful to Harrison Paint for donating the paint, and The Wooster Brush Company for donating the rollers, extensions and brushes needed to complete the job.

Other organizations that assisted at Meals on Wheels were: The Health Plan; Union Metal; Suarez Corporation; Massillon Independent; Smith Barta; Atkinson Feucht Hare Funeral Home; Krugliak Wilkins Law Office; PolyOne; Leonard Insurance; United Parcel Service; and Brown Mackie College.

According to an article in today's Independent, almost 1,200 volunteers from 53 area workplaces helped during the Day of Caring. The event is part of the kickoff of the United Way's annual fund drive.

Our thanks to the United Way and the participating employers for their help!

Congratulations to Nicholas Singer of Massillon, Winner of Our Buehler's Shopping Spree Promotion

During June and July, Rick Mirenzi and Pastor Berry Carter of the Akron-Canton Connection radio show on WHBC helped spread the word about a shopping spree promotion at Buehler's grocery store in Jackson Township.

Tickets were available for $5 each for a chance to win a 90-second shopping spree, with proceeds going to Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties. Nicholas Singer of Massillon was the winner as the result of a drawing that took place live on the air during Rick and Berry's show on July 27.

Nicholas' big day came on Tuesday, Aug. 23, as he was greeted at Buehler's by Rick and by Teresa Barry and Nora Logsdon of Meals On Wheels, and Dave Allen of Buehler's Community Relations.

Not only did Nicholas gain a basketful of food, but Meals On Wheels raised more than $500 thanks to the promotion! We congratulate Nicholas and thank Buehler's and the Akron-Canton Connection for their support of Meals On Wheels.

Roast Beef, Creamed Chicken, Breaded Fish and More! Here's Our September Menu

September gets off to a rousing start at Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties, as Roast Beef & Gravy headline our menu for Thursday the 1st.

Our menu appears on our website, or you can click on the image below for a larger view.

For information on home delivered meals, call us at 330-832-7220.

Fishers Promotes Community Rewards Program With Newspaper Ad; Please Register Your Card to Support Meals On Wheels!

If you haven't designated Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties as your charity of choice in this round of the Fishers Foods Community Rewards program, the local grocer has upped the ante, in the local newspaper ad shown below (click for larger image).

In a repeat of their charity fundraiser from last spring, Fishers is offering rebates on shoppers' grocery receipts to local nonprofits -- but only if the shopper has a Fishers Rewards Card and has designated a nonprofit to receive the rebate. The program is good at all Fishers locations in Stark County.

A charity must have at least 50 cardholders on board in order to receive their eventual rebate donation. The current program is running through Oct. 31, so there is still plenty of time for you to register your support for Meals On Wheels!

Remember, though, that even if you registered on our behalf earlier this year, you must register again for your purchases to benefit Meals On Wheels. Just go to http://www.fishersfoods.com/ and click on the "Register Your Rewards Card!" button to register now!

As an added incentive, all charities with 50 cardholders registered by Monday, Sept. 5, will be eligible to win an additional $100 gift card from Fishers, as shown in the ad above. The ad ran last weekend in The Repository. As the ad shows, we were only halfway to the necessary total as of last weekend -- we really need your help to qualify with 50 cardholders as supporters!

Please go to the Fishers website, or call 1-888-866-9186, to register your Rewards Card and apply a percentage of your grocery purchases to help Meals On Wheels!

Our Friends From the Massillon Target Store Lend a Hand

Our thanks to volunteers from the local Target department store for volunteering with Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties last week.

Seven Target associates delivered meals on Friday, Aug. 19. They arrived early to learn the details of our delivery process, then delivered meals to clients on three of the routes from our administrative office building in Massillon.

We appreciate the help and look forward to working more with Target in the future. It's great to know we can count on local businesses to help make a difference in the lives of our homebound friends and neighbors!

Watch Our Video Review of the Meals On Wheels Fun Fest; Make Plans to Be a Part of Our 2012 Event!

In June, Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties was host to our inaugural Fun Fest Challenge. It took place at Sluggers & Putters in Canal Fulton and was sponsored by Avalon Foodservice.

We've put together a brief video retrospective of some of the sights and activities of the day, which began with a corporate challenge competition in the morning and continued when the park was open to the public in the afternoon. Along the way, we enjoyed our Volunteer Appreciation activities under the park pavilion.

The event featured 15 corporate teams and more than 700 people who passed through the gates in the afternoon to enjoy the park's many rides and attractions. We're already planning next year's event, scheduled for Saturday, June 23, 2012.

Corporate sponsors make the event possible, and we're already rounding up sponsors for 2012. Many sponsorships include team entries in the fun-filled corporate challenge events, and we expect many of this year's teams to return next summer. If you're interested in a corporate sponsorship, please call us at 330-832-7220. (UPDATE March 2012: Due to scheduling conflicts with park management, the 2012 Fun Fest has been cancelled.)

To view the video, follow this link to our YouTube channel.

More Coverage of the Meals On Wheels Fun Fest, From The Suburbanite in Jackson Township

With the memory of our highly successful Meals On Wheels Fun Fest still vivid in our minds, we were reminded once again of the wonderful support from the community when The Suburbanite ran a story summarizing the event in this week's Jackson Township edition.

Staff writer Emily Gaffney attended the Fun Fest and interviewed several key individuals involved in the event, including: Teresa Barry, Meals On Wheels CEO; Rick Mirenzi, co-host of The Akron-Canton Connection on WHBC radio; Ted Watko, human resources director at Diebold, Inc., one of the key sponsors; and Tom Delamater, PR administrator at Meals On Wheels.

The Meals On Wheels Fun Fest took place on Saturday, June 25 at Sluggers & Putters family fun park in Canal Fulton. Fifteen corporate teams participated in morning challenge events, and more than 700 people packed the park in the afternoon, all to raise money for Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties.

To read Emily's story, follow this link to the Suburbanite's web site.

The Power of One - A Powerful Difference for Our Homebound Neighbors in Need

We've all heard about "The Power of One" -- how one individual can make a difference in the lives of others. That's especially true at Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties.

However, there's more to The Power of One than just one individual -- because if you can spare just one hour a week...and one gallon of gas...just one day a week...then you can make a difference in the lives of homebound people who are nutritionally at risk.

The people we speak of are your neighbors, and friends. People whose life circumstances have left them at risk for hunger and, in some cases, neglect -- unless someone steps in to fill the void.

Will that be you? You can brighten someone's day by volunteering with Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties. We deliver meals Monday through Friday, right in your neighborhood. Think about it -- delivering meals and a smile to people who aren't able to provide for themselves. Making a difference, close to home.

We'll train you, and we offer mileage reimbursement to make your travels easier. Call 330-832-7220 for more information or to volunteer -- or go to our website at http://www.mow-starkwayne.org/.

The Power of One can make a powerful difference for a neighbor in need. Can we count on you to help fill the void?


(Want to help spread the word? Print the flier below and distribute it to others. Volunteers are needed at most of our 21 sites in Stark and Wayne counties.)

The Fishers Community Rewards Program Is Back - Register Your Card Today to Help Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties!

Our friends and neighbors can once again support Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties by using your Fishers Rewards Card every time you shop at any of the seven Fishers Foods locations in Stark County.

The new Fishers Community Rewards program starts on Monday, Aug. 1 and runs through Tuesday, Nov. 1. All you have to do is designate Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties as your charity of choice, and every time you use your Rewards Card at Fishers, 1% of your purchase will be donated back to Meals On Wheels.

You'll need to designate us as your preferred charity first -- even if you did so during the last promotional period (Jan-April this year). You can do it online at this Community Rewards web link, or by phone at 1-888-866-9186. If you don't have a Rewards Card, you can apply for one online at the Fishers web site.

There is no cost to you for designating Meals On Wheels as your preferred charity, and doing so will not affect the Rewards Points you earn by shopping at Fishers.

Important: We'll need at least 50 cardholders to designate us as their preferred charity in order for the program to generate funds for Meals On Wheels, so please register now and encourage other loyal Fishers shoppers to do the same.

Here are the Fishers locations in Stark County:

• Corner of Fulton Drive and Frank Ave., Jackson Township
• Corner of Cleveland Ave. & 44th St. NW, Plain Township
• N. Cleveland Ave. (N. of Applegrove), North Canton
• Cherry Ave. north of 12th St. in Canton
• Harrison Ave., just north of Rt. 30, in Canton
• West Tuscarawas in Perry Township (near Canton Centre Mall)
• Lincoln Way E. in Massillon

Register your card today on behalf of Meals On Wheels of Stark County, and keep shopping at Fishers!

Roast Beef Au Jus, Hawaiian Chicken Salad and More; Here's Our August Menu

Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties has released the August menu, and there are more mouth-watering entrees featured. There's something for everyone, from pancakes and syrup on Aug. 1, all the way to Salisbury Steak on Aug. 31. In between, lots of delicious, nutritious meals!

For information on receiving home-delivered meals, call 330-832-7220. To see a larger version of the menu, just click on the image below.

Kent Stark, Stark State Freshmen Volunteer As Part of Orientation Activities

For the third consecutive year, freshmen students from Kent State Stark are volunteering at Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties.

As with past years, it is part of a service learning project designed to help integrate the students into the local community.

This year, students from Stark State College of Technology, located adjacent to Kent State Stark, are also participating in the project. Students help assemble meals in the commissary, and then go out on our Massillon routes to deliver meals to clients.

So far student groups have volunteered on July 22 and 29, and will continue the following two Fridays as well.

Kent State Stark, located in Jackson Township, is the largest regional campus of Kent State University, serving 10,000 students annually -- more than half of those in academic coursework and the rest in professional development courses.

With approximately 15,000 students, Stark State College is the largest of five colleges and universities in Stark County, and is the sixth largest of Ohio’s 23 public two-year colleges in the University System of Ohio. The College offers more than 230 associate degrees, options, and one-year and career enhancement certificates.