Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties

Royal Canin Provides Record Donation -- 15 Tons! -- to Our Annual Pet Food Drive

2012-01-23T11:55:00.001-08:00

Royal Canin, a leading worldwide manufacturer of premium pet food products, has once again provided a major boost to Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties by donating 30,000 pounds of product to our annual pet food drive.

It is the third consecutive year that Royal Canin has supported the agency’s efforts. The donation was facilitated by the Banfield Charitable Trust, sponsors of the "Season of Suppers" pet food drive conducted each holiday season by member agencies of the Meals On Wheels Association of America.

The donated food, along with local contributions from residents and businesses in Stark and Wayne counties, will be distributed to Meals On Wheels clients in need of food for their pets.

“Royal Canin’s support has invigorated our annual pet food drive and help us reach unprecedented heights,” said Teresa Barry, CEO of Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties. “We are grateful for their generosity, which helps so many homebound people provide proper care and nutrition for their pets.”

D&S Distribution of Wooster is again assisting with storage of the food. The Banfield Charitable Trust has also provided Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties with funding for additional storage space in Massillon.

Royal Canin, based in St. Charles, Mo., is a store brand carried by Petsmart, which houses Banfield, The Pet Hospital locations inside many of its stores.

Barbecued Chicken, Pasta Fagioli Soup, Chicken Parmesan and More Highlight Our January Menu!

2012-01-03T06:21:00.000-08:00

Our clients will ring in the New Year with delicious meat loaf with mushroom gravy, and later in the month they'll enjoy Turkey Rice Casserole, Swiss Steak, Chicken Parmesan and more! Just click on the image below to see a larger view of our January menu.

We're here to help our homebound neighbors by delivering fresh, nutritious meals right to their door. If you're homebound, or you know someone who is, contact us to see how we can help! Depending upon eligibility and funding availability, reduced costs may be available.

For more information, call us Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 330-832-7220. Or you can email us at info@mow-starkwayne.org.

Timken, Aultman Foundations Provide Funding for New Computers, Software

2011-12-30T11:53:00.000-08:00

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...

2011-12-22T11:39:00.001-08:00

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

2011-12-20T08:53:00.000-08:00

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'

2011-12-13T11:17:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-08T11:19:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-01T13:19:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-12-01T05:57:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-30T13:25:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-29T05:43:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-28T05:22:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-22T13:14:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-18T11:11:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-11-10T12:04:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-11-02T06:36:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-11-01T11:06:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-10-26T06:07:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-25T05:35:00.000-07:00

"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

2011-10-21T12:11:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-10-20T06:17:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-17T10:39:00.000-07:00

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'

2011-10-13T06:16:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-07T11:05:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-04T09:28:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-09-30T12:35:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-29T06:39:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-20T13:14:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-09-16T08:21:00.000-07:00

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'

2011-09-07T12:46:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-02T05:42:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-01T12:22:00.001-07:00

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

2011-09-01T06:16:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-08-31T07:32:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-22T07:59:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-08-19T04:58:00.000-07:00

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.

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

2011-08-16T05:17:00.001-07:00

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

2011-08-03T07:47:00.001-07:00

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!

2011-08-01T06:23:00.000-07:00

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

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

2011-08-01T05:34:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-29T12:40:00.003-07:00

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.

Learn More About Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties in Our Annual Report

2011-07-28T13:21:00.000-07:00

Our 2010 annual report for Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties provides a snapshot of our activities, funding, expenditures, and board members. It also includes an overview of FY2010 from our CEO, Teresa Barry.

Here's an interesting, yet little-known, fact that appears in the report: Since 1974, and through the end of last fiscal year (9/30/10), we had served 10,780,967 meals. The beat goes on in 2011 as we have surpassed 11,000,000 meals served in our history.

To read the annual report, just click on the images below.

March For Meals Grant Awarded to Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties

2011-07-25T05:40:00.000-07:00

Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties was awarded a $1,000 March For Meals grant by the Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) for its promotional activities during the 2011 campaign.

March For Meals is an annual campaign promoted by MOWAA to raise awareness of meal delivery programs and agencies nationwide. The campaign is conducted during the month of March and encourages special activities designed to raise attention, and donations, for member agencies. It includes then annual "Mayors For Meals" delivery date, on which mayors and other civic officials are invited to deliver meals in communities across the country.

This year Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties organized volunteers to help deliver custom door hangers to homes throughout the two-county area. Volunteers from 10 area organizations blanketed neighborhoods on Wednesday, March 23, and dropped off the door hangers (pictured) to individual residences.

That same day, eight area mayors delivered meals to our clients living in their communities. We've appreciated the participation of the mayors in Stark and Wayne counties over the years. It shows their support of our work, while also giving them the opportunity to interact directly with several of their constituents. Mayor Frank Cicchinelli of Massillon (at left in photo) was one of the mayors who delivered meals this year.

We appreciate the leadership of MOWAA in promoting March For Meals each year, and their generosity with the annual grants that help offset costs for member agencies and their clients.

Wayne County Community Foundation Awards Grant to Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties

2011-07-22T05:21:00.000-07:00

We're again the beneficiaries of the generosity and community spirit of one of our local foundations, as the trustees of the Wayne County Community Foundation recently awarded $4,826 to Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties for a refrigerator/freezer unit.

The refrigerator/freezer will be installed at our Wooster nutrition site. We've had a presence there for more than 20 years, and each weekday we deliver more than 100 meals on six delivery routes. The new unit will allow for more versatility with food storage and prep in Wooster.

Meals On Wheels was one of 15 organizations receiving grants from the foundation this spring. The grant was made with funds from the Marjorie B. Newland Memorial Fund and the David and Carol Briggs Unrestricted Fund.

We're grateful to the trustees of the foundation for their support as we continue to serve the needs of homebound individuals in Wooster and Wayne County.

Massillon Area Community Civic Trust Awards Grant to Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties

2011-07-21T06:46:00.000-07:00

The Massillon Area Community Civic Trust announced its latest round of grants in June, and we're pleased to report that Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties was on the list.

The trustees decided to award $1,000 to Meals On Wheels to go toward the purchase of one of two new water heaters needed in our administrative building and commissary in Massillon.

The current heaters are still working, but have been in place for nearly 14 years -- well beyond their normal 10-year lifespan. Anticipating the need to replace them, we have begun the process of seeking grants to offset the anticipated cost.

The Civic Trust helps organizations in Massillon and Western Stark County, meaning "they are usually able to purchase something they wouldn't be able to buy with their own budgets," Judy Miller, president of the Trust, told the Massillon Independent. "That is really important to them."

The Massillon Area Community Civic Trust Fund was established in 1982 as an extension of the Stark Community Foundation and provides funding specifically to the Western Stark County community which encompasses the cities of Massillon and Canal Fulton and Bethlehem, Jackson, Lawrence, Perry, Sugar Creek and Tuscarawas townships.

We congratulate our fellow recipients of grants, and are grateful for the generosity and support of the trustees of the Civic Trust.

Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties Wins New Toyota Highlander in Facebook Voting!

2011-07-18T12:49:00.000-07:00

We're thrilled to report that we came out on top in the Toyota 100 Cars for Good Facebook voting on Saturday, July 16, which means that we will receive a new Toyota Highlander later this year.

Toyota is conducting the program throughout the summer and will give away 100 Toyota vehicles over 100 days as a way to give back to non profit organizations.

Earlier this year, Toyota invited applications from non profits across the country, eventually narrowing the field to 500 finalists. Each day for 100 days, five finalists are eligible for voting per day.

Our voting day was Saturday, July 16. Voting began at 6 a.m. EST, and, in true nail-biting fashion, continued until 12 midnight EST. Although we knew from percentages posted on Toyota's 100 cars Facebook page that we were holding a lead late on Saturday, it wasn't until mid-day on Sunday that Toyota confirmed that we had come out on top (see image above).

We want to thank all of our Facebook friends, along with friends in the business community, the national Meals On Wheels Association of America office and our colleagues at member agencies nationwide for their votes and their help promoting our effort. We're grateful for your support!

Vote for Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties in the Toyota 100 Cars for Good Program; Here's How to Get a Head Start!

2011-07-01T10:49:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year we published a post on this blog titled "Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties is One of 500 Finalists for Toyota's 100 Cars for Good Program."

What we're asking our readers and friends to do is to vote for us, via Facebook, on July 16 -- the only date you can vote for us -- to help us win a new Highlander Hybrid from Toyota. On that day, we'll be vying for the vote against four other non-profit agencies from around the country. Whoever gets the most votes that day gets the car.

You can get a head start right now on casting your vote on the 16th -- here's how:

While you're logged in to Facebook, go to: http://apps.facebook.com/carsforgood/
Click "view contestants"
Click on the letter M
Scroll down to "Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties," click on our name
Our date will come up, along with profiles of our agency and the other non-profits up for the vote that day.
Click on the "remind me to vote this day" button.
You'll be asked for permission to have Toyota email you a reminder to vote on July 16.

Upon your approval, Toyota will email the reminder to you, and all you have to do is go back to the page on July 16 and vote for us!

Please vote for us on on July 16, and spread the word so others do the same!

Vote for Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties on July 16 in the Toyota 100 Cars for Good Program.

Hawaiian Chicken, Cheesy Johnny Marzetti, Four-Cheese Pasta Bake and More - All On Our July Menu

2011-07-01T07:27:00.000-07:00

The July menu is hot -- click on the image below and see for yourself! (You can also access our menu online at http://www.mow-starkwayne.org/menu.aspx.)

Fun Fest a HUGE Success, Benefits Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties

2011-06-28T07:16:00.000-07:00

Whew! What a great day for Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties on Saturday, June 25, as about 1,000 people -- including corporate teams, agency volunteers, and the general public -- enjoyed the sights, sounds and attractions at Sluggers & Putters during our inaugural Meals On Wheels Fun Fest, sponsored by Avalon Foodservice, Inc., of Canal Fulton.

The day began with our corporate challenge, as 15 teams competed in a series of fun-filled events that included go-cart races, bumper boat basketball, miniature golf, the rock climbing wall, and the closest-to-the-pin contest on the golf driving range.

The team representing the Akron-Canton Connection radio show, featuring the Pro Football Hall of Fame Queen and her court (shown at right), won first-place honors in the corporate challenge. Second place went to the Finney's Pharmacy team, and third went to the team representing Kathy Catazaro-Perry, Democratic candidate for mayor in Massillon.

A picnic lunch for all participants followed the events, and trophies were awarded at that time.

Beginning at 1 p.m., our Volunteer Appreciation luncheon, sponsored by Diebold, got underway at the pavilion. Volunteers were also provided with free admission to all attractions at the park during the afternoon.

From 12 noon to 6 p.m., the park was open to the public for just $10 a person. More than 700 people came out to enjoy the discounted price and support Meals On Wheels, making it one of the largest one-day crowds in the park's 20-year history.

We're indebted to all our sponsors and corporate teams for making the event a rousing success, and to our guests from throughout Northeast Ohio who came out to enjoy a great time for a great cause! See you next year!

Saturday Is The Day: Our Big Fun Fest at Sluggers & Putters, and More That Night!

2011-06-24T05:58:00.000-07:00

Saturday is shaping up to be a big day for Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties!

Our inaugural Fun Fest at Sluggers & Putters kicks off at 8:30 a.m. with the corporate challenge, featuring teams from area companies competing in a series of fun activities at the park's venues.

The big part of the day, from a public standpoint, begins at 12 noon, when admission will be just $10 a person -- for unlimited access to the park's attractions! Come out and enjoy miniature golf, bumper boats, batting cages, the rock climbing wall, the driving range, the Monkey Jump trampoline, bumper cars and more. The concession stand and game arcade will also be open. The special pricing will be good until 6 p.m. So come one, come all, and enjoy an affordable afternoon of fun in the sun!

Later that night, the Church of the Lakes will be hosting a benefit dance featuring their dance band playing favorites from the Swing Era. The dance begins at 7:30 and the donation is $10 per person. Proceeds will benefit both Meals On Wheels and the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank.

There's something for everyone on Saturday. Make plans now to have a great time and support a great cause, at the Fun Fest at Sluggers & Putters or the benefit dance at the Church of the Lakes.

Enter to Win a Buehler's Grocery Shopping Spree and Help Meals On Wheels!

2011-06-22T13:10:00.000-07:00

The folks at the Akron-Canton Connection radio show are at it again, this time partnering with Buehler's Grocery Store in Jackson Township to help raise money for Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties and The Meals On Wheels Fun Fest Challenge.

Today, June 22, through Friday, June 25, Rick Mirenzi and Berry Carter, hosts of the Akron-Canton Connection on 1480 WHBC-AM, and several of their sponsors, are manning the tables at Buehler's from 2 to 8 p.m. each day. Patrons can take advantage of the chance to win a shopping spree by purchasing $5 raffle tickets (3 for $12) at the Meals On Wheels/Akron-Canton Connection table in the store lobby.

The winner of the raffle will receive a 90-second shopping spree on Tuesday, Aug. 23. They'll be able to race through the store and load up their cart with as much as they can (some store restrictions apply) in 90 seconds -- and it's their's to keep.

If you live in the Canton-Massillon vicinity and would like to enter for a chance to win the Buehler's shopping spree, stop in between now and Friday, 2 to 8 p.m., and purchase your raffle ticket! The winner will be notified and need not be present at the drawing.

Also this month, you can make a donation at the Jackson Township Buehler's to Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties. PLU coupons are available at the registers in different amounts; you just take the amount you want to give, hand it to the cashier, and they'll scan it and add it to your grocery bill.

We appreciate the wonderful support of Buehler's in Jackson Township, and our friends Rick and Berry from the Akron-Canton Connection. Buehler's is located in the Nobles Pond Shopping Center, 7138 Fulton Dr. N.W.

Be sure to tune in every Wednesday morning at 9:10 on 1480 WHBC for the Akron-Canton Connection with Rick and Berry!

Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties Featured in The Suburbanite

2011-06-16T05:15:00.000-07:00

The Suburbanite, a weekly paper serving southern Summit and northern Stark counties, profiled Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties in its June 15 edition.

The article, by reporter Ann Kagarise, also includes information about The Meals On Wheels Fun Fest Challenge, coming up Saturday, June 25, at Sluggers & Putters fun park in Canal Fulton.

"The fluctuating gas prices affect the bottom line costs, but the trucks still deliver the meals to the sites every day, going from Alliance to Wooster to Uniontown to Waynesburg," wrote Kagarise.

The article can be found on the Suburbanite website: "Meals on Wheels doing more in tough economy."

Meals On Wheels Fun Fest Challenge Featured in Canton Repository

2011-06-15T06:23:00.000-07:00

Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties and The Meals On Wheels Fun Fest Challenge received wonderful coverage in today's edition of The Repository, the daily paper in Canton, Ohio.

Gary Brown, editor of the paper's "Your Life" section, ran a story titled "Event to help raise funds for Meals on Wheels." The story provides the details of the event, which will take place on Saturday, June 25, at Sluggers & Putters fun park in Canal Fulton. The morning will feature a corporate challenge, with teams from area sponsoring companies competing in good-natured, fun events, beginning at 8:30 a.m.

The park will be open to the public from 12 noon to 6 p.m. Admission during that time will be just $10 per person, for unlimited access to all park activities -- miniature golf, go karts, bumper boats, the Monkey Jump, bumper cars, the batting cages, the rock climbing wall, and the golf driving range. All proceeds will benefit Meals On Wheels.

The article details how Rick Mirenzi and Berry Carter, hosts of "The Akron-Canton Connection" on WHBC-AM in Canton, had Meals On Wheels CEO Teresa Barry on their program.

"We didn't realize that Meals on Wheels reaches 2,000 people a day," the article quotes Mirenzi as saying. "And she told us what a difficult time volunteers were having when gas prices started to spike."

From that, the idea for the Fun Fest was born. Click on the image to the left to see the clipping of the Repository story.

For more information on the Fun Fest, see "Enjoy Sluggers & Putters Fun Park for Just $10 and Support Meals On Wheels, Saturday, June 25!" on our agency blog, or call us at 330-832-7220.

Enjoy Sluggers & Putters Fun Park for Just $10 and Support Meals On Wheels, Saturday, June 25!

2011-06-13T12:06:00.001-07:00

An afternoon of family fun at Sluggers & Putters in Canal Fulton, all for just $10 a person?

Absolutely!

Bring your family to The Meals On Wheels Fun Fest on Saturday, June 25, from 12 noon to 6 p.m. and enjoy unlimited access to the rides and activities at Sluggers & Putters, all for just 10 bucks!

Play miniature golf. Play again. And again, if you want to.

Enjoy the bumper cars, batting cages, and driving range. As much as you want, as many times as you want.

Try the rock climbing wall, or strap yourself in for the Monkey Jump. Test your skill on the bumper boats, or the go cart raceway. Go back and do it again.

It's all just $10 a person! And it's all for a good cause, as proceeds will go to Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties.

The park's concession stand will be open. So will the game arcade, where you can cool off and play a few games while you rev up for another shot at the outdoor attractions. And Auntie Em's ice cream stand is at the north end of the park.

What a day for family fun -- and for helping our homebound neighbors receive nutritious meals from Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties.

Come one, come all! See you at Sluggers & Putters on Saturday, June 25, from 12 noon to 6 p.m.

Don't miss it!

(You can help spread the word! Click on the flier image below to "Save As" onto your computer, and then email to friends and coworkers.)

Story of Fallen Veteran, Meals On Wheels Volunteer, Gains National Attention

2011-06-02T10:57:00.001-07:00

All of us at Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties were saddened to learn of the passing of James Catron, a volunteer at our Brewster site. Jim, a decorated Korean War veteran, died on Memorial Day while attempting to replace the U.S. Flag on the TV tower outside of his home in Richville, Ohio.

Jim had used a safety belt to tie himself to the tower as he worked on replacing the flag. Paramedics lowered him to the ground, and it was later determined that he had died of natural causes.

In a touching show of respect, local firefighters later returned to the Catron home to replace the flag. "It was Memorial Day, and he was trying to be patriotic," firefighter Larry Sedlock told a local reporter. "It was the only thing we could do to help out."

The story first appeared in The Independent in Massillon, Ohio, and then was picked up nationally by FoxNews.com and other outlets via an Associated Press report.

Jim, 83, had been a volunteer with Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties for 15 years.

"Jim was very kind-hearted and was the kind of person who would do anything for anybody," said Linda Spielman, volunteer coordinator for Meals On Wheels.

"Not only did he volunteer with us, but he was a family friend going back well over 40 years," said Tom Delamater, public relations administrator for the agency. "He was a kind and gentle soul and will be missed."

We are grateful for his service to Meals On Wheels, and extend our condolences to the Catron family.

The story in The Independent: "Perry veteran dies while changing flag"

The story on FoxNews.com: "Korean War Veteran Dies While Replacing Flag at Ohio Home on Memorial Day"

Television report from WKYC-Ch 3 in Cleveland: "War veteran dies replacing flag"

MOWSW Staff Member Receives Community Service Award from Masons

2011-06-02T08:04:00.000-07:00

Sally Fusek, coordinator of our site in Shreve, just south of Wooster in Wayne County, was recently awarded the Grand Master of Masons of Ohio Community Service Award for the 20th Masonic District.

Nominated by the Brethren of Garfield Lodge No. 528 in Shreve, Sally was praised by Shreve Mayor Jacki Chamberlain as the community's "go-to person."

"I don't know what I, as mayor, or the village would do without her," Chamberlain told a reporter from The Daily Record in Wooster. "She takes care of so many concerns or problems that would usually fall through the cracks. We are blessed to have her watching over our village."

We salute Sally, not only for her dedication to Meals On Wheels, but also her example of service in her community.

Read more in the article "Shreve resident receives honor from Masons," published in the May 23 edition of The Daily Record.

Italiano Patty w/Alfredo...Swiss Steak...and Hungarian Pork Chops? Just Another Month of Delicious Cuisine with An International Flair!

2011-06-01T05:58:00.000-07:00

If you thought Meals On Wheels delivered a sandwich and an apple...think again! Our monthly menus feature delicious entrees prepared fresh daily in our commissary, and delivered with care to our clients' doors by our friendly, dedicated volunteers. This month's menu includes mouth-watering meals that always meet 1/3 the daily recommended allowance for nutrition. Click on the menu below to see a larger image. If you're interested in home delivery, call us at 330-832-7220!

Your Team Can Team Up to Help Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties at Our Inaugural Fun Fest!

2011-05-26T07:29:00.000-07:00

Ropes courses? Role playing? Group hugs?

Those are all forms of team building that you could use to improve employee morale and build cooperation and teamwork at your company.

Or, you could enter a team of five in the Corporate Challenge events at The Meals On Wheels Fun Fest Challenge, Saturday, June 25, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Sluggers & Putters Fun Park in Canal Fulton!

For an entry fee of $250, you can enter your company's team in a good-spirited, fun round of competitive events, including miniature golf, go cart races, the rock climbing wall, bumper boat basketball, and a closest-to-the-pin contest on the golf driving range.

Benefit #1 to you: You can reward some of your staff and provide them with a fun activity that will strengthen their bond inside and outside the office.

Benefit #2 to you: The satisfaction of helping Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties with our mission of providing meals to our homebound neighbors who are nutritionally at-risk -- and the pride your employees can take in knowing that you are making a difference in the community.

The Meals On Wheels Fun Fest Challenge will be an all-day event on June 25 that is designed to raise funds for, and awareness about, the agency and the very real -- and urgent -- needs of our homebound neighbors. In addition to the corporate events in the morning, we will open the park to the public from 12 noon to 6 p.m. that day at a discounted admission price of just $10 for unlimited access to the park's activities! It's the bargain of the year, and all proceeds from the day will benefit Meals On Wheels.

Why not think out of the box and do something different to reward employees and build morale? Sponsor a team at The Meals On Wheels Fun Fest and help make a difference for our homebound neighbors in Stark & Wayne Counties!

For more information contact Tom Delamater at 330-832-7220 or by email at delamater@mow-starkwayne.org.

Key Bank Volunteers Make a Difference for Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties

2011-05-24T11:16:00.000-07:00

As part of Key Bank's "Neighbors Make The Difference" day, four representatives of Key in our region volunteered this morning at our commissary in Massillon.

Greg Endres and Janet Deierling (top photo) and Lesa Nicholson-Jackson and Marsha Cain-Reed (bottom photo) worked in our commissary from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon and helped prepare food items that will be used in meal deliveries to our clients.

According to a statement about Neighbors Make The Difference day on the Key Bank website, "Senior management, managers and staff come together in groups, support Key's volunteer spirit and go to work as community servants. By volunteering, employees become aware that they are part of a company that believes strongly in the importance of community and see first-hand the positive impact of Key's activities in the places where we live, work and conduct business."

"We appreciate Key's commitment to community and the help they have provided to our agency," said Teresa Barry, CEO of Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties. "It means a lot to know that businesses like Key Bank are willing to step in and help us fulfill our mission of providing nutritious meals for homebound individuals in the two-county area."

Revenue from Church of the Lakes Dance Will Benefit Meals On Wheels

2011-05-23T12:21:00.001-07:00

June 25 is shaping up to be quite a day for Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties. In addition to our Fun Fest at Sluggers & Putters during the day, we will also benefit from a dance later that evening.

The Church of the Lakes Dance Band will play a benefit dance that night beginning at 7:30 p.m. Donation is $10 per person, and proceeds will be divided between Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties and the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank.

The band includes 17 instrumental musicians and one vocalist. They play mostly "Swing Era" music.

The dance will be held at Church of the Lakes, located at 5944 Fulton Dr. NW (corner of Fulton & Brunnerdale) in Canton. Snacks, coffee and punch will be provided. The event is scheduled until 10 p.m.

If Swing Era music and dancing is your cup of tea, come out to Church of the Lakes on Saturday, June 25, at 7:30 p.m, and enjoy a great time for a great cause! For more information, call Denny at 330-499-6626.

Diebold Foundation Offers a Tip of the Cap to Our Volunteers!

2011-05-20T10:23:00.000-07:00

The Diebold Foundation has stepped up to the plate again, this time to help us recognize the dedication of our volunteers. The foundation provided funding for our Volunteer Appreciation Day at the Meals On Wheels Fun Fest Challenge, Saturday, June 25, at Sluggers & Putters theme park in Canal Fulton.

From 12 noon to 6 p.m. that day, Meals On Wheels volunteers will be admitted free to the park to enjoy all activities, including miniature golf, go carts, bumper cars and more. It's our way of saying thanks for their hard work throughout the year.

"In past years we had an appreciation picnic on the lawn of our building in Massillon, but the big tent we used every year was damaged by wind, so we've been looking for another way to thank our volunteers," said Teresa Barry, CEO. "With the funding from the Diebold Foundation, we can now conduct our volunteer appreciation event during the Fun Fest in June."

A complimentary lunch will be available between 12 noon and 2 p.m. for those volunteers who RSVP by June 17.

The Meals On Wheels Fun Fest Challenge will feature a corporate challenge competition in the morning. Teams will participate in good-natured competition in five different activities before enjoying a picnic lunch afterward. The entire park will be opened to the public from 12 noon to 6 p.m., and admission for the afternoon will be just $10 for unlimited access to the park.

For complete information, see our full article about the subject: Join Us As Avalon Foodservice Presents 'The Meals On Wheels Fun Fest Challenge.'

Banfield Grant to Provide Additional Storage Space

2011-05-17T06:19:00.001-07:00

Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties has been awarded a grant by the Banfield Charitable Trust of Portland, Ore., to provide a storage shed that will house pet food collected each year in our annual pet food drive.

Over the years Banfield has been a generous partner with our agency, helping to build our pet food collection program into the largest among Meals On Wheels agencies in the country.

"We're grateful for Banfield's generosity," said Teresa Barry, CEO of Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties. "They have facilitated the growth of our pet food program and made a tremendous difference in the lives of our clients who have pets."

Based on a recommendation from Banfield, Royal Canin donated eight pallets of pet food to our agency in 2009, and followed that with a whopping 36 pallets of food in 2010. (See the WKYC-TV report from January 2011, "Meals on Wheels feeding furry friends too.")

The bulk of the food collected is stored at a warehouse facility in Wooster owned by board member Bill DeRodes. However, we typically keep several hundred pounds of food on hand just inside our shipping dock in Massillon. A new shed will allow for such storage while freeing up space for equipment and regular shipments that arrive for our commissary.

Once the grant check is received, we plan to have the new shed in use by fall.

Make Plans Now for the Meals On Wheels Fun Fest Challenge, June 25

2011-05-16T11:11:00.000-07:00

If you haven't already, make plans to join us for an event that truly promises to be one of the highlights of the summer -- as Avalon Foodservice, Inc. presents "The Meals On Wheels Fun Fest Challenge," Saturday, June 25, at Sluggers & Putters Wild World of Fun in Canal Fulton.

Corporate teams will participate in spirited, good-natured competition in the morning, after which the park will be open to the public from 12 noon to 6 p.m. For just $10, you can enjoy all of the park, all you want, all afternoon.

For companies interested in sponsorships or entering a team, click on our previous blog article, Join Us As Avalon Foodservice Presents 'The Meals On Wheels Fun Fest Challenge,' for complete details.

Recent sponsorship commitments include Aultman Health Foundation, Canal Fulton Provision, Community One Credit Union, Communication Exhibits, Inc., and Affinity Medical Center. We appreciate their enthusiasm and support.

We hope to see you at the Meals On Wheels Fun Fest Challenge on June 25!

Oops! Better Late Than Never -- Our May Menu!

2011-05-06T13:19:00.000-07:00

We're well into our May menu -- click on the image to see a larger version.

Meals On Wheels Receives Grant from Heinz Frozen Food

2011-05-04T08:41:00.000-07:00

Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties has received a grant for commissary equipment from Heinz Frozen Food in Massillon.

Jeannie Jones, HR Trainer/Supervisor Operations at Heinz, and members of the grant committee visited the agency on May 4 to present the award and tour our facilities.

CEO Teresa Barry greeted the group when they arrived and took them through the commissary, where they saw first-hand the scope of the work that takes place there every day.

Jeannie then presented Terri with two checks totalling $1400, from Heinz North America and the H.J. Heinz Company Foundation, to cover the cost of purchasing several equipment items that will streamline operations for the commissary staff.

"We appreciate the support of Heinz for our mission and our operations," said Terri. "It means a lot to have local companies show interest in what we do, particularly a partner like Heinz who is also in the food business."

Heinz Frozen Food in Massillon is a division of the H.J. Heinz Company.

Click on the photo for a larger image. Pictured are (L to R): Stan Houtz, Heinz; Teresa Barry, Meals On Wheels; and Jeannie Jones, Dee Smith and Dana Derrow, Heinz.

Join Us As Avalon Foodservice Presents 'The Meals On Wheels Fun Fest Challenge'

2011-04-26T10:14:00.001-07:00

Don't miss this fun-filled event designed to raise awareness and funds for Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties!

On Saturday, June 25, the inaugural Meals On Wheels Fun Fest Challenge, presented by Avalon Foodservice, Inc., will take place at Sluggers & Putters Wild World of Fun theme park in Canal Fulton.

Beginning at 8:30 a.m., corporate teams will participate in good-natured, spirited competition in such events as miniature golf, rock climbing, the stock car challenge, volleyball, and bumper boat basketball. Afterward, all participants will meet under the park pavilion for a picnic-style lunch and the presentation of awards. Entry fee for corporate teams is $250, with all proceeds benefiting Meals On Wheels. For complete details about the team competition, see our article "Your Team Can Team Up to Help Meals On wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties at Our Inaugural Fun Fest."

At 12 noon, the park will be open to the public until 6 a.m. UPDATE: admission for the day is just $10! Guests will be able to enjoy unlimited access to the various rides and attractions at Sluggers & Putters-- as much as you want, for as long as you want, from 12 noon to 6 p.m. (Note: The park's normal age and height restrictions will apply to rides).

Avalon Foodservice, Inc., based in Canal Fulton, is the prime event sponsor for the day. Additional sponsorship levels are available, for the entire day, individual activities, and more. Call 330-832-7220 for more information or click on the brochure images at the bottom of this article. You'll get great exposure throughout the day and make a difference for the homebound clients of Meals On Wheels!

We also want to acknowledge Diebold,

Inc., for their generous sponsorship of our Volunteer Appreciation Day activities on the day of the event.

Remember to tune in to The Akron-Canton Connection radio program every Wednesday at 9:10 a.m. on NewsTalk 1480 WHBC in Canton, with hosts Rick Mirenzi and Berry Carter (pictured). They're helping promote the event and will provide weekly updates along the way.

To learn more about Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties, visit our website at http://www.mow-starkwayne.org/.

We hope you'll make plans to join us -- and, most important, help us as we provide more than 2,000 meals to the homebound and elderly every day -- by participating in The Meals On Wheels Fun Fest Challenge, presented by Avalon Foodservice, Inc., on Saturday, June 25!

Companies/Organizations: Click on the images below for complete information about the event, including details of sponsorship opportunities.

For a quick overview of the scope of Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties, watch this brief video (under 2 minutes):

Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties is One of 500 Finalists for Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good Program

2011-04-21T06:46:00.000-07:00

Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties is proud to announce we’ve been selected as a finalist in Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good program. Now we need your support!

Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good program will award 100 vehicles over the course of 100 days to 100 deserving nonprofit organizations based on votes from the public. A total of 500 finalists were selected based on their application as reviewed by an independent panel of judges who are experts in the fields of philanthropy and social responsibility.

As a finalist, we are vying for the opportunity to win a new Toyota vehicle to help expand our reach and mission within the community. Each finalist has been assigned a designated voting day on which people can vote for us online. Our designated voting day (along with four other finalists) is Saturday, July 16, 2011. On that day, you'll be able to vote for us at www.facebook.com/toyota.

Please continue to watch for future posts, and help spread the word!

Vote for Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties on July 16 in the Toyota 100 Cars for Good Program.

Fishers Shoppers: It's the Final Weekend!

2011-04-15T14:39:00.000-07:00

If you've signed up for the Fishers Foods Rewards Card program and have designated Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties as your charity of choice, be sure to shop this weekend and use your Rewards Card. It's the final weekend for the Community Rewards program, through which Fishers is designating a portion of shoppers' receipt totals to area charities.

If you haven't signed up for a Rewards Card, or you have one but haven't designated a charity of choice, you can do so at the Fishers website, http://www.fishersfoods.com/, or by calling 1-888-866-9186.

Thanks again for your support of Meals On Wheels! The Fishers Community Rewards Program runs through Sunday, April 17.

Acknowledging Our Dedicated Volunteers During National Volunteer Week

2011-04-11T11:31:00.001-07:00

Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties gratefully acknowledges the dedicated service of our volunteers, in honor of National Volunteer Week, April 10-16.

With more than 60 routes to cover daily, we depend on a volunteer staff that numbers well over 300. Included in that are people of various ages who volunteer on a regular basis, substitute drivers who help us when there's an immediate need, and corporate volunteer teams, who perform a valuable community service by delivering to clients near to their office or factory location.

Our volunteers not only deliver meals, they provide peace of mind for our clients and their loved ones by providing that daily check to make sure everyone, and everything, is OK. Often, our volunteers are the only people our clients see during the day.

On behalf of all of us at Meals On Wheels, we offer a big thank you to our volunteers for making a difference in the lives of our homebound neighbors.

Diebold Foundation Provides Support for Meals On Wheels

2011-04-07T11:49:00.000-07:00

Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties has received a grant from the Diebold Foundation to purchase equipment for our commissary in Massillon.

The foundation awarded our agency the grant to purchase a number of items that for our commissary that will enable us to better prepare meals for the special needs of many of our clients.

"We accommodate specialized diets for those who require them, such as mechanical soft diets, liquid diets, pureed meals, and more," said Teresa Barry, CEO. "We are grateful to the Diebold Foundation for their timely support."

The Diebold Foundation is the charitable giving arm of Diebold, Inc., a North Canton, Ohio-based provider of self-service and security delivery systems.

Massillon Independent Feature Puts the Spotlight on Meals On Wheels

2011-04-06T05:19:00.001-07:00

Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties was in the spotlight in a major news feature published Wednesday by the Massillon Independent.

Under the headline "Meals on Wheels keeps rolling," reporter Flo Lynn provides background and news of the agency based on an interview with Nora Logsdon, our program manager and dietitian.

Meals On Wheels "serves more than 2,000 meals a day, five days a week to shut-ins and clients of congregate centers," Lynn writes. She describes our commissary as a facilty "where meals are prepared and delivered regardless of weather conditions."

Click here to read the entire story on the Independent web site.

Spring Is In The Air -- and Sliced Ham, Wedding Soup, Chicken Baked Steak and Turkey & Dumplings Are In The Works For Our Clients!

2011-04-01T05:25:00.000-07:00

The April menu is out, and it features another great variety of delicious, nutritious food.

Remember, all of our meals are planned by Nora Logsdon, our program manager and dietitian, and meet 1/3 the RDA for nutrition. Food is prepared fresh daily in our commercial commissary and delivered hot and ready to eat by our volunteer drivers.

To see the menu, click on the image below or visit http://mow-starkwayne.org/menu.aspx.

Our Thanks to the Massillon Rotary Foundation for Their Support

2011-03-31T19:47:00.001-07:00

The Massillon Rotary Foundation Trust has awarded a grant to Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties to help purchase a number of small equipment items.

The foundation board approved a request for $2,000 for the purchase of 50 new Rubbermaid coolers, along with a number of smallware items for the commissary. The coolers will be used by volunteers in the Massillon area for meal deliveries to clients.

Teresa Barry, CEO of Meals On Wheels, attended the Rotary's March 31 meeting to receive the grant check.

The trust provides grants, primarily for health and wellness purposes, to organizations that serve the Massillon and Western Stark County areas.

Our thanks to our friends at the Massillon Rotary Club, and to the board of the Massillon Rotary Foundation Trust!

Listen to Our CEO on WHBC's "Akron-Canton Connection" Radio Program

2011-03-30T05:18:00.000-07:00

Teresa Barry, CEO of Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties, and our program manager, Nora Logsdon, will appear on this morning's "Akron-Canton Connection" program on WHBC radio, 1480 AM in Canton. The program begins at 9:10 a.m. EST and runs until 10 o'clock.

To listen to the program live, or to access their archive of shows to listen to it later, click on this link.

Terri was scheduled to appear in February, but severe winter weather required her attention that morning at the agency. She ended up appearing on the program via a brief phone interview. Her full appearance was rescheduled for today.

The Akron-Canton Connection, with hosts Rick Mirenzi and Berry Carter, focuses on encouraging stories about people and organizations who strive to make a difference in the community. It airs Wednesdays at 9:10 a.m. They have their own web site at www.akroncantonconnection.com.

Austin-Bailey Foundation Awards Grant to Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties

2011-03-28T05:12:00.001-07:00

The trustees of the Austin-Bailey Health and Wellness Foundation have approved a grant of $15,365 to Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties, to purchase a new stackable oven for our commercial commissary.

We began the grant writing process last fall and submitted our proposal in early December. The foundation's board met earlier this month to review proposals. Nineteen nonprofit organizations received grants in this cycle.

"We greatly appreciate the foundation's support," said Teresa Barry, CEO. "They have been a generous partner over the years.

"We don't use fryers, broilers, grills, stove tops or microwave ovens in our food preparation," said Terri. "We utilize only ovens and kettles to ensure the utmost in quality and nutritional integrity. Our previous stackable oven was 13 years old and needed regular repairs, so replacing it will make us more efficient and even more productive."

The Austin-Bailey Health and Wellness Foundation, based in Massillon, supports programs that promote the physical and mental well-being of individuals in Holmes, Stark, Tuscarawas and Wayne counties.

Fishers Shoppers: Double Funding from Rewards Card Program This Weekend

2011-03-24T07:34:00.000-07:00

We've publicized our participation in the Fishers Community Rewards Program a couple of times already, and now we have exciting news about a special promotion this weekend.

Fishers will double the percentage of customers' purchases that they'll donate to charity this weekend, March 25, 26 and 27, when shoppers present their Fishers Rewards Card at the time of purchase.

If you've signed up for the program and have designated Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties as your charity of choice, be sure to shop this weekend and use your Rewards Card. Fishers' donation to us on your behalf will automatically double -- it's as simple as that!

If you haven't signed up for a Rewards Card, or you have one but haven't designated a charity of choice, you can do so at the Fishers website, http://www.fishersfoods.com/, or by calling 1-888-866-9186.

Thanks again for your support of Meals On Wheels! The Fishers Community Rewards Program runs through Sunday, April 17.

Big Day! Lots of Help from Mayors For Meals and March For Meals

2011-03-23T06:57:00.000-07:00

Today is a busy day for Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties!

Eight mayors from communities in the two-county area are helping as part of the national Mayors For Meals initiative, sponsored by the Meals On Wheels Association of America. Mayors helping deliver meals in their cities today are: Dave Handwerk, Orrville; Bob Breneman, Wooster; Ed Tucker, Hartville; William Healy, Canton; Patricia Fallot, Louisville; Frank Cicchinelli, Massillon; Jacki Chamberlain, Shreve; and Bob Leach, Magnolia. Also helping in Massillon today is safety service director Michael Loudiana. We appreciate the participation of our city officials during today's activities!

Also assisting us today are a number of groups participating in our March For Meals. They'll be delivering door hangers with our contact information to residential areas in Stark and Wayne counties. Volunteers are helping from the following companies and organizations: American Electric Power; The Bridge; Brookdale Place; Malone University; Ramsburg Insurance; Westminster Presbyterian Church in Wooster; St. John's Church and the Westpark Neighborhood Association in Canton; Union Ave. Methodist Church in Alliance; and the University of Mount Union.

We are grateful for the assistance of our elected officials and friends from the two-county region in helping to spread the word and raise awareness of Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties!

There Are Thousands of Homebound Individuals in Stark & Wayne Counties; Help Us Help Them!

2011-03-17T09:13:00.000-07:00

Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties delivers nutritious meals for homebound individuals five days a week. National census figures tell us there are a lot of people who need that service.

Based on the U.S. population, and calculated for the demographics of our two-county region, there are an estimated 6,000 homebound individuals in Stark and Wayne counties.

Part of our mission is to help those people remain independent and living in their own homes, rather than having to move to a nursing home or assisted living community. A key component of that is proper nutrition, and that's where we come in.

If you are homebound, or you know someone who is, please don't wait -- give us a call and let us show you how we can help. Our social services department assesses every inquiry on an individual basis. Delivery can usually begin within two business days.

If you're age 60 or older and can access transportation, you might enjoy our congregate dining program. Click here for a guide to the 14 sites where we offer congregate dining.

We also have need for volunteer drivers to help deliver meals to our clients. If you've been looking for a way to help in the community and make a difference in people's lives Meals On Wheels is the perfect opportunity.

U.S. Life Expectancy Surpasses 78, A New Record

2011-03-16T11:25:00.001-07:00

Several months ago, Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties CEO Teresa Barry authored an opinion column for The Repository, the daily paper in Canton, Ohio, about the impact that retiring baby boomers would have on social service agencies over the next two decades.

In her column, Terri referred to the increasing life expectancy in the United States. That fact has again been confirmed by a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which reveals that life expectancy in the U.S. has now surpassed 78, an all-time high.

As Terri pointed out in her article, when Social Security was created, life expectancy in the country was 65. The system was designed to help people for a few years of retirement. Now, with life expectancy approaching 80, there is a greater strain on Social Security -- and other entitlement programs -- than ever before.

As people age, they need greater levels of health care and social services. At Meals On Wheels, we're here to help those who are homebound by providing proper nutrition. That may be the difference for many people between remaining in their own home or requiring an assisted living facility or nursing home.

If you are homebound, or you know someone who is, we're here to help. If you're a senior who is not homebound, but who would enjoy having a meal in a social setting, we have a congregate dining program, with sites at churches, senior centers and community centers throughout the two-county area.

For more information on home-delivered or congregate programs, call us at 330-832-7220, or visit our web site at www.mow-starkwayne.org.

Volunteers' Struggle with Gas Prices Highlighted in The Repository

2011-03-11T04:39:00.000-08:00

Media coverage of the battle that Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties volunteers are waging with rising gas prices is ongoing.

The Repository, the largest metro newspaper in our two county area, included a full sidebar article on the topic in this morning's editions, accompanying a lead story about rising gas prices in general.

Reporter Diana Rossetti interviewed Tom Delamater, the agency's public relations administrator, earlier this week. "Retirees carry much of the load for Meals on Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties," she wrote, and pointed out that using as much as two or three gallons a week has affected enough volunteers to the point that five resigned last week alone.

Click here to access the main story on The Repository's web site. Look for the sidebar about Meals On Wheels in the gray column to the right of the screen.

Photo courtesy of The Repository

Massillon Independent Profiles Volunteer Drivers' Struggle With Higher Gas Prices

2011-03-10T05:22:00.000-08:00

The Independent, the daily paper here in Massillon, ran a front-page story on Wednesday about the impact of higher gas prices on our volunteers and our agency.

"Meals On Wheels Hits a Bump In the Road" read the headline, and the story, by reporter Erin Pustay, featured interviews with volunteer John Vondriska and CEO Teresa Barry.

A sidebar featured three ways readers could lend a hand during these tougher economic times.

Click here to read the article at the Independent web site.

Photo courtesy of The Independent.

Video of the Channel 3 News Report About the Impact of Higher Gas Prices on Meals On Wheels

2011-03-09T05:04:00.002-08:00

Eric Mansfield's report on the impact of higher gas prices on Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties aired Tuesday on WKYC's Channel 3 News in Cleveland.

The report features CEO Teresa Barry and volunteer Margaret Fowler.

Click below to watch the report. It is also available on the WKYC web site.

WKYC-Ch. 3 To Air Story On Impact of Rising Gas Prices on Meals On Wheels

2011-03-08T12:30:00.000-08:00

Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties will be featured on tonight's evening newscasts on WKYC-Ch. 3, the NBC affiliate in Cleveland.

Reporter Eric Mansfield visited our agency today to interview CEO Teresa Barry about the effect that increased fuel prices have on agency operations. He also spoke to Margaret Fowler, who has been a volunteer for us for more than 20 years, about the impact of rising prices on our drivers.

Eric posted a written story on the WKYC web site early this afternoon. The report is scheduled to air on their 6 and 7 p.m. newscasts tonight and will later be available at wkyc.com.

Volunteers Needed Throughout Stark & Wayne Counties -- Can You Or Your Organization Help?

2011-03-08T08:32:00.000-08:00

We always welcome new volunteers at Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties, but right now there's an even greater need than usual.

For some of our dedicated volunteers, rising gas prices make it difficult to keep helping. Some have already had to step aside, and others have indicated that they may have to do the same, especially if prices keep going up. Those hardest hit are retirees on a fixed income who simply can't afford prices that are 20, 30 or even 50 percent higher than they were just a few months ago.

That may seem like an unusual time to ask new people to volunteer, but we're doing just that. We provide more than 2,000 meals a day, five days a week, and our volunteers cover 64 routes in the two-county area.

If you're in a position to help, and can handle the cost involved despite the rising gas prices, we would welcome your participation. We offer mileage reimbursement, training, and provide a detailed route book that takes you stop-by-stop to each client's residence.

We also have a number of companies and organizations that help deliver routes once a week. Individuals sign up and then take turns driving their designated weekly route. The more people who sign up, the less frequently any one individual is asked to drive. It's an easy, yet effective, way for a company or organization to be involved in an important community service -- and it's a huge help to our clients.

Click on the image above for more information. You can also call 330-832-7220, or visit us online at http://www.mow-starkwayne.org/.

There's Still Time to Support Meals On Wheels Through the Fishers Foods Rewards Program

2011-03-07T08:09:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder that Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties is one of the charities registered for the Fishers Foods Community Rewards Program.

If you have a Fishers Rewards Card, you can designate us as your charity of choice. Then, one percent of everything you spend at Fishers between now and April 17 will go to Meals On Wheels. If you haven't already done so, you can designate us at www.fishersfoods.com, 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 site.

The more cardholders who participate and select us as their charity of choice, the greater donation we'll receive from Fishers. It's that simple!

Thanks for your support of Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties.

Roast Beef...Broccoli Cheese Soup...Meatball Subs...Chicken Parm...Our March Menu Is Sure to Tantalize the Taste Buds!

2011-03-01T05:27:00.000-08:00

Our March menu is published and available. Click on the image below for a larger view. You can also view our menu on our website at www.mow-starkwayne.org/menu.aspx.

Are You Homebound? Do You Know Someone Who Is? We Can Help!

2011-02-28T08:30:00.000-08:00

If you're homebound (or know someone who is) Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties can ensure proper nutrition and daily personal contact through our home meal delivery program.

We're the largest, most dependable provider of nutrition in the two-county area. Home-delivered meals are available for homebound individuals and supports their choice to remain or recuperate in the comfort of their own home.

Meals can be contracted on a short-term or long-term basis. Individuals recovering from illness or injury find the nutritional support provided by our meals to be an important part of their recuperative progress, and that it assists in an optimum recovery.

Be sure to visit our website at http://www.mow-starkwayne.org/ to learn more, or call us at 330-832-7220 to find out how to start home meal delivery.

Meal Deliveries Cancelled Today

2011-02-25T06:21:00.000-08:00

For the second time this month, Mother Nature has hit Stark and Wayne counties -- and all of Northeast Ohio -- with a severe winter storm. As a result, we have cancelled meal deliveries for today.

It's the first time in our history that we've had to cancel deliveries twice in the same year. However, the roads are too hazardous for our volunteers to be out driving.

If you have a loved one who normally receives their meal from us on Fridays, please check in with them to make sure they're doing okay and have heat, water, and other necessities.

Call for Volunteers In the Alliance, Wooster Areas

2011-02-16T07:03:00.000-08:00

Meals on Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties is seeking additional volunteers to help deliver meals to homebound individuals in Wooster and the surrounding area.

“We currently have a number of openings for volunteer drivers in the Alliance and Wooster areas,” said Teresa Barry, CEO. “Often our volunteers are the only people our clients see during the day, so the volunteers deliver more than just a meal when they visit. They also provide peace of mind and a friendly smile to those who are alone.”

Each weekday, we deliver about 100 meals on five routes in the Alliance area, and 120 meals on six routes in the Wooster area. Volunteer drivers typically deliver meals one day a week, and routes takes anywhere from an hour to 90 minutes to complete. The agency provides training and mileage reimbursement to all volunteers.

For information on how to volunteer, call Meals on Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties at 1-800-466-8010, or visit their Web site at http://www.mow-starkwayne.org/.

Photo courtesy of The Independent

CEO Comments On New Economic Realities for Nation's Seniors

2011-02-10T11:22:00.000-08:00

On Friday, Jan. 14, a letter to the editor from CEO Teresa Barry was published in The Repository, the daily paper in Canton. We're posting it here because of the importance and relevance of the topic.

____________________

Seniors will need all the help they can get in coming years

Recent figures released by the U.S. Census Bureau reveal a shocking economic reality for seniors in our country.

A new formula that takes into account out-of-pocket medical expenses indicates that one in six people age 65 and older—16 percent—are living in poverty. Even Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits can’t offset the devastating financial impact being felt by older Americans.

This is a major issue that is only going to become more serious in the years ahead. Record numbers of people are about to enter their retirement years as the Baby Boomer generation ages. The strain on entitlement programs and our health care system, already great, will continue to snowball.

We must not look away while our parents and grandparents struggle with the new economic realities. There are many resources available to assist older Americans, particularly those who are disabled or homebound.

As a community, we need to be aware of the issues facing our seniors, and ready to lend a hand wherever possible. We should also raise these issues with our state and federal representatives, to insist that they provide the means for older Americans to continue to live with dignity.

TERESA L. BARRY, MASSILLON
CEO, MEALS ON WHEELS
OF STARK & WAYNE COUNTIES

____________________

The letter stirred interest in media circles; following its publication, Terri was invited on the "Golden Opportunities" television program in Cleveland to talk about the issues it addressed with host Armand Budish, who is also the minority leader in the Ohio House of Representatives.

MOW Featured at Kent Stark Student Leadership Seminar

2011-02-09T13:18:00.000-08:00

Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties was featured at a Student Leadership Academy seminar sponsored by Kent State Stark in North Canton, Ohio, on Feb. 9.

About 50 students from Kent Stark and from Stark State College attended the session, which featured speakers from three area agencies who talked about volunteer opportunities with their organizations. All students participating in the Academy are required to perform volunteer work during the spring semester.

Tom Delamater, public relations administrator for Meals On Wheels (at right in photo), commented to the group briefly about servant leadership. Tom was adviser to student leadership clubs at a university in Texas for several years, and complimented the Kent Stark students on their involvement with the Academy program. He then presented information about the agency and our volunteer opportunities.

Also pictured in the photo (from left) are Cherie Barth, Stark State student activities coordinator; Kristi Yerian, Kent Stark student activities coordinator, and Eric Smer of the Stark County Hunger Task Force. The Task Force and the United Way also presented information about volunteer opportunities with their organizations.

NewsChannel5's Report On Meals On Wheels and Our Faithful Volunteers

2011-02-04T05:29:00.000-08:00

Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties was in the news again on Thursday. Bob Seeley of NewsChannel5, the ABC television affiliate in Cleveland, filed this report for their Feb. 3 newscasts:

The Cleveland television stations provided exceptional coverage of this week's winter storm and its paralyzing effect on Stark County. We're grateful that Meals On Wheels was included in their reports on how our community dealt with the crisis.

Rubbermaid Donates Extra Coolers, Kitchen Utensils for Our Commissary

2011-02-03T13:15:00.000-08:00

Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties received a donation of kitchen items on Feb. 3 from the Newell Rubbermaid facility in Mogadore, Ohio.

Nora Logsdon, dietitian and program manager, had been referred to Lisa Lucci of Newell Rubbermaid, who was able to arrange a donation of five full-sized coolers and a box of rubber spatulas for use in our commissary in Massillon.

Sonny Sonnhalter, our commissary manager, picked up the items at the Newell Rubbermaid plant on Feb. 3. He is pictured here with Lisa as he prepared to load the donation onto one of our agency trucks. Our thanks to Newell Rubbermaid for their support of Meals On Wheels!

NewsChannel5 Visits for Story on How We're Helping Clients Cope With the Winter Storms

2011-02-03T08:32:00.000-08:00

Bob Seeley, long-time videographer for NewsChannel5 in Cleveland, visited Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties this morning to tape segments for a report on how we're helping our clients cope with the effects of the winter storm that hit Northeast Ohio this week.

Seeley shot footage of meal preparation in our commissary, and also interviewed CEO Teresa Barry and long-time volunteer Margaret Fowler.

He also accompanied Margaret as she delivered meals to clients in the Massillon area.

The report is scheduled to be on tonight's evening newscasts.

NewsChannel5, with the call letters WEWS-TV, is the oldest in the Cleveland market, having signed on in December 1947. Seeley has been with the station for 45 years, having joined them in 1966.

19 Action News in Cleveland Includes MOWSW in Report on Weathering The Storm

2011-02-02T10:05:00.000-08:00

Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties will be featured in a story about how the Stark County community is dealing with the effects of the winter storm, airing this evening on 19 Action News in Cleveland.

Reporter Bill Safos visited the area to include coverage of a shelter being provided for residents without heat, at the Canton Civic Center, along with coverage about how Meals On Wheels forged ahead with deliveries despite the ominous conditions.

Safos visited our site at Mayfield Manor, a senior residential complex in Canton. He interviewed Tom Delamater, our public relations administrator, before heading out on a delivery route with Jennie and Emmanuel Nbobi, two of our volunteers.

He interviewed two of our clients as well, and did a stand-up for insertion in his report in a residential area of Massillon.

19 Action News is the newscast aired on WOIO-TV, Channel 19, the CBS affiliate for the Cleveland market. Bill's report is scheduled to air during tonight's 4 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. newscasts.

CEO Teresa Barry to Appear This Morning on WHBC's "Akron-Canton Connection"

2011-02-02T05:31:00.000-08:00

Teresa Barry, CEO of Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties, will be a guest on the "Akron-Canton Connection" radio program this morning, Feb. 2, on WHBC, 1480-AM in Canton.

Terri will be interviewed beginning at 9:45 a.m.

"Akron-Canton Connection" debuted on WHBC in September and focuses on organizations and individuals who "pay it forward" by assisting the community. Hosts Rick Mirenzi and Berry Carter feature positive stories designed to help and encourage listeners and those in need.

Past programs are available for listening on the "Akron-Canton Connection" section of the WHBC website.

Meal Deliveries CANCELLED for Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2011

2011-02-01T05:13:00.000-08:00

Due to the icy conditions on area roads and highways, Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties made the decision to cancel deliveries for Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2011.

There will be no meal deliveries to any of our clients in the two-county area. All of our sites are closed.

Our volunteers not only deliver meals to our clients, but they're able to check in on them daily to make sure everything is fine. If you have a family member who receives our meals, we recommend that you check in on them to make sure they're doing OK. This is especially true if any power outages occur because of the freezing conditions.

Massillon Senior Center Chorus Brightens Day for Local MOW Clients

2011-01-27T05:12:00.000-08:00

Since 1960, the Massillon Senior Center has sponsored a choral group that performs a number of programs throughout the year. But one activity stands out above the others for clients of Meals On Wheels of Stark and Wayne Counties.

The Jan. 26 edition of The Independent, the daily newspaper here, featured a story about one of the chorus's annual tradition -- creating gift bags for Massillon-area Meals On Wheels clients.

The chorus calls it "Christmas in January." It's a way to extend holiday cheer to fellow seniors who are a little less fortunate, with gifts of fruit, trinkets, cards and other items intended to brighten the day for our clients.

Our thanks to director Nancy Johnson and all of the members of the senior center chorus for their thoughtfulness, and their support of our clients.

Photo courtesy of The Independent

WKYC-Ch. 3 Airs Story On Pet Food, Royal Canin Donation

2011-01-26T05:16:00.000-08:00

Amanda Barren's report on our pet food program and the Royal Canin donation aired this morning on "Channel 3 News Today," the morning news program of WKYC-TV, the NBC affiliate in Cleveland.

Amanda interviewed CEO Teresa Barry, along with client Wilma Dillon and volunteer David Cottrill.

You can access the web story and the video at the WKYC website.

Thanks to the Students of Sauder Elementary!

2011-01-25T12:53:00.000-08:00

Once again, students at Sauder Elementary School in Jackson Township collected pet food during the holidays to contribute to the Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties pet food drive.

The students collected about 300 pounds of dog and cat food this year. It was the third consecutive year Sauder students have participated, and in that time they've collected more than 1,000 pounds of pet food.

Pictured with this year's donation are Jackson students (from left) Reed Bailey, McKenzie Quartz, Schuyler Crumpler and Peyton Crumpler. The collection effort is coordinated by Mrs. Koch, the librarian at Sauder.

Every year we are inspired by the generosity of the Stark and Wayne communities during our holiday pet food drive. We offer a big "thank you" to the students at Sauder, who continue to demonstrate their concern for the less fortunate in our area.