SENIOR MOMENTS
brought to you by
Meals on Wheels and
Senior Outreach
Services

925-937-8311
www.mowsos.org
IN THIS ISSUE
Welcome New Volunteers
Words We Live By
We Need You!
MOWSOS is Hiring
AmazonSmile
Media
Leave A Legacy
Upcoming Events
Available Resources
Awards and Recognition
Fall Prevention
MOWSOS Anniversary Gala
Fall Prevention
A Habit of Giving
C. C. Café
Healthy Bites
About Town
WELCOME NEW VOLUNTEERS

Meals on Wheels


Vera Barnard
Remson Barnard
Nicola Burton
Jessenia Cordova
Steve Derby
Jean Edwards
Susan Herstein
Luman Hughes
Veronica Kincaid
Mary Jan Loewenberg
Philip Noel
MaryAnn Vorhauer

C. C. Cafés

Ronnie Chavez

Friendly Visitors

Marianne Ryan
Mia Burdelova
Susan Louie


WORDS WE
LIVE BY


"As a recent retiree and a new volunteer meal delivery driver, I am really enjoying my conversations with seniors, learning a little about their lives, and finding out how they have been able to continue living in their homes as they age - a future goal I have for myself.  (The fresh, ready-to-eat meals help a lot!)  

I feel a little more connected now to my own community (vs. when I was working and only lived here!)."

May Shih, MOWSOS office volunteer and Meals on Wheels volunteer driver.


East County -
We Need You!

East County cities of Antioch, Bay Point and Pittsburg are in dire need of regular and substitute Meals on Wheels volunteer delivery drivers!

If you have two hours/one day per week, you can make a difference in the life of an East County senior. 

Meals are picked up in Antioch weekdays around 10am, and routes typically take about 2 hours to complete. You can pick the day that works best for you! 

To learn more about volunteering for MOWSOS, please contact Volunteer Specialist Tracey Blackmore at 925-954-8736 or at tblackmore@mowsos.org.
 
Click here  to go to the MOWSOS website.

Click here to complete an online volunteer application.
 
 Thank you so much for your support!


MOWSOS is Hiring
 
Our Meals on Wheels program is hiring for the position of Outreach Associate.

This is a part time position, Monday - Friday,
8am -  2:30pm.

Contact Nancy Raniere, Meals on Wheels Program Manager at nraniere@mowsos.org.

No phone calls please.

Please see attached
for full job description. 

AmazonSmile


When completing your shopping on Amazon, use Amazon Smile and pick Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services as your charity of choice. Amazon will donate 0.5% of eligible purchases to our organization.

Make your purchases count, visit smile.amazon.com!



Media

ViewPoints by Laura Hoffmeister: Proposed Federal Cuts Hurt Needy Seniors, Families

Our Nonprofit Recipients

Senior Symposium in Lafayette Offers Support to Older Adults

  The Press  
Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services Offers Caregiver Support Classes 


Bequests

As a 501(c)3, we are eligible to receive bequests.

Please contact Erica Marcus at emarcus@mowsos.org
or 925-937-8315.
 

Upcoming Events



Tuesday, September 26
1:30pm-3:30pm
Brentwood Senior Center
193 Griffith Lane,
Brentwood


Friday, September 29
9:00am-3:00pm
John Muir Medical Center
Walnut Creek

Fall Prevention Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser and Health Fair

Sunday, October 1
8:30 am - 11:00 am
233 Gregory Lane,
Pleasant Hill


Available Resources

Contra Costa County Information & Assistance

 
Contra Costa Crisis Center
  
Advisory Council on Aging
 
 Get Your Vaccinations

 Contra Costa Health Services Department
 
www.cchealth.org
 
Contra Costa Crisis Center
 
www.211database.org



Awards and Recognition




If you have suggestions for our newsletter or would like to contribute a quote, photo, or story, please contact:

Susannah Meyer

Community Engagement Officer

Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services

925-937-8311 x104

smeyer@mowsos.org

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

1300 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94596

925-937-8311
mowsos.org

Issue 5, Volume 8
August 2017
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"Together, we can make a difference!" I say that a lot because it is true - change is powerful when people work together. This month we were honored by Subaru of America and Meals on Wheels America for the coordinated work we are doing connecting meals for homebound seniors and reducing social isolation. We were also recognized by the Home Depot Foundation for the work we are doing around making homes fall-safe.

Although we were honored, the work includes hundreds of volunteers and staff, donors, and partners like the Ombudsmen of Contra Costa, Senior Legal Services, John Muir Health, JFK Family Counseling, Area Agency on Aging, City, County, State, and Federal officials, and hundreds of others.

This month, as Congress is on recess and meeting with constituents, let them know how much you appreciate and honor their commitment to supporting older Americans by voting to increase funding for the Older Americans Act programs.

Together, we can make a difference!

Sincerely,
 
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Making A Difference
Subaru - 50 Cars for 50 Years

We are proud to announce that MOWSOS will receive the donation of a 2018 Subaru Outback as part of a partnership between Meals on Wheels America and Subaru of America in celebration of the '50 CARS FOR 50 YEARS' campaign.


The new Outback will be used to provide direct service in response to rising issues of isolation among seniors, and will allow for an increased number of meals delivered to those who are most vulnerable. Ground breaking programs created to address the significant health risks associated with hunger and isolation will be possible because of this generous donation and this innovative partnership.

"Meals on Wheels is the only senior-serving organization invited into people's homes every day.  As such, we are in a unique position to recognize when older adults are lonely or isolated and in need of friendship," says MOWSOS CEO, Elaine Clark. "We are so thankful to Meals on Wheels America and Subaru for recognizing the work we are doing to combat isolation, and for giving us a vehicle to use for wellness visits to check on frail, home-bound seniors and to increase the number of meals we are able to deliver.  Together, we can make a difference!"

For more information about the Subaru '50 Cars for 50 Years' campaign and the donation to MOWSOS, contact Susannah Meyer, Community Engagement Officer, at (925)239-2487 or smeyer@mowsos.org.
MOWSOS 50th Anniversary Gala
Fall Prevention

For more information about sponsorships or to purchase raffle or event tickets, please visit the MOWSOS website,  mowsos.org .

For more information about the Fall Prevention Program, please contact Alayne Balke at 925-891-4761 or abalke@mowsos.org.
A Habit of Giving
Linden's Freestyle Birthday Donation

Linden T. is starting first grade this year and she is already a committed philanthropist. Some kids sell lemonade on a hot summer day or collect pennies when they Trick or Treat on Halloween. But Linden, who has been swimming laps since the age of 4, dedicated her 6th birthday swim party to seniors and told her friends to donate to Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services. 
Linden celebrates her 6th birthday.

The six-year-old's favorite stroke is freestyle an d she has been on the Dewey Park Swim Team for the last two years. "I am so happy when I am swimming with friends so I didn't need presents," Linden explained. "I wanted to make sure that old people are happy too and that they have enough food to eat."

Linden's mom explained that her youngest daughter is blessed with six grandparents and two great grandparents. "They all shower her with love and inspire her in different ways. Her 85-year-old Great Grandma Galvin has spent her life helping others and has given Linden an early appreciation of the importance of giving and how good it makes you feel."

So how do Linden and her friends feel about the money that was raised for Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services? Well, as the Dewing Park Swim Team cheer goes... "We feel good oh we feel so good!"

For more information about investing in MOWSOS, contact Erica Marcus at emarcus@mowsos.org or 925-937-8315.
Meals on Wheels
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Concord Church Group Serves
as it Delivers


During the 1970's Dave Clegg and Thelma Bryson of the Concord United Methodist Church (CUMC) started volunteering for Meals on Wheels. Over the years, many congregational members have volunteered to deliver meals to Concord seniors. According to church member Kathy Evans-Butler, the group saw a need and stepped in to fill it.

Pictured at right, Chuck Rogers, Suzie Faulk, Delores Loague, Kathy Evans-Butler, Nancy Bergman, Carole Lucido and Pat Martin (not pictured) continue this CUMC tradition by  delivering meals on Route C1 each Wednesday of every month of the yea r.

"I've been delivering for 8 years and some have been delivering for 25 years!" says Kathy. "I look forward to it and enjoy visiting my seniors. When they're not on my delivery list or they're ill, I'll pray for them."

Last fall, the church heard that the MOWSOS Birthday Ladies needed shampoo, lotion, soap and other personal items for their birthday gift bags. Kathy notified the CUMC members and friends of the need for these items. Within 4 weeks' time, more than 250 of the items requested were collected by CUMC and delivered to the MOWSOS office in Walnut Creek.

"Our ministry is serving," shares Kathy, "It's what we do!"

For information about starting a Meals on Wheels delivery route for your company or community group, contact Meals on Wheels Program Manager, Nancy Raniere at (925) 937-8606 or nraniere@mowsos.org.
C. C. Café
Aloha to Aloha

For fourteen-and-a-half years, Aloha Baker shared her days with senior guests of the Pittsburg C.C. Cafe. Prior to her work with MOWSOS, Aloha worked in low-income property management for seniors. She brought to her position of Cafe Manager her compassion, her knowledge of the needs of seniors, and her desire to serve. 

Sharon Fitzgerald, Nutrition Services Manager and Bonnie Paulson, C.C. Café Program Specialist thoroughly enjoyed working with Aloha. Says Sharon, "Aloha had great leadership skills and was always in control of the cafe. Bonnie and I could always count on Aloha!"

Left to right, Sharon Fitzgerald, Bonnie Paulson, Recreation Coordinator Joy Walker, Aloha Baker, MOWSOS C.E.O. Elaine Clark, Pittsburg Mayor Merl Craft, and Diane Gibson-Gray join to celebrate Aloha's retirement!


Aloha's retirement celebration cakes
At her retirement party, held at the cafe, Aloha shared that she will truly miss all of the seniors and also the
routine of her position. 

Aloha, we wish you a happy retirement, and we will miss  you too!


For more information about enjoying lunch at a C.C. Café, please contact Bonnie Paulson at bpaulson@mowsos.org or 925-357-9706.
#SaveLunch
Hand-written note by Antioch senior, Candice.
MOWSOS Taking Part in National Campaign to #SaveLunch!

You may have heard that MOWSOS is taking part in the national #SaveLunch campaign. This campaign was created by National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP) and Meals on Wheels America (MOWA) to draw attention to potential cuts affecting grants that fund programs like Meals on Wheels. The hashtag #SaveLunch, protesting the possibility of seniors facing empty plates, is gaining attention through social media outlets across the nation, and voices are being heard.

"Meals on Wheels is more than food: It's people caring for people, as caring Americans should. It's resources for the resourceless. It's Hope for the Hopeless. It's a means by which to cure hunger in the AGED, and served with a kind word too!  To Think: we could be your Mom, your Dad, or even one day - YOU.  Act now: you have a chance to do what's right to do!" Jacqueline, Antioch MOW client.

This month, MOWSOS and other Meals on Wheels programs across the country will be delivering paper plates covered with hand-written messages like the ones above to members of Congress. 
Hundreds of paper plates with hand-written messages from MOWSOS clients across the county.



You can help by telling Congress how you feel about seniors facing empty plates!  Email individual Members of Congress with a pre-populated message defending the value of Meals on Wheels. You can use Meals on Wheels America's Find Your Elected Officials tool to identify your Members of Congress' contact information.

You can 'like' MOWSOS on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to show your support and stand behind this campaign. Use the hashtag #SaveLunch to make sure your voice is heard by Congress, and learn more at SaveLunch.orgTogether, we can #SaveLunch so no senior has to face an empty plate!

MOWSOS staff bringing attention to the #SaveLunch campaign.

If you have any questions about the #SaveLunch campaign, please contact Susannah Meyer, Community Engagement Officer, at (925) 239-2487 or  smeyer@mowsos.org .
Healthy Bites
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Healthy Eating Made Interesting

Healthy eating becomes much more interesting when unique and fresh fruits and vegetables are added to the menu.
Trying new flavors and combinations can keep boredom at bay AND add new vitamins to your daily intake.

For tips about introducing new fruits and veggies into your diet, check out this article from the United States Department of Agriculture

Click here to read the ChooseMyPlate.Gov article from the USDA.
Click here for a directory of local farmers markets and other sellers of fresh fruits and vegetables.
 About Town

Alayne Balke, Fall Prevention Program Manager (at left) is joined by Linda Meneken, Physical Therapist (at right), and Coalition members from Hillendale Home Care, Live2b Healthy, BrightStar Care, Visiting Angels, Tender Heart Home Care, Safe at Home, and Jewish Familiy and Community Services East Bay at the Fall Prevention Resource Fair, Orinda Rite Aid.

Left, Rossmoor Rotary Foundation Representative awards grants to Larry Sly, Executive Director, Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, Elaine Clark, Chief Executive Officer, MOWSOS, and Grace Liu, East Bay Site Director, Alzheimer's Association.
Sharon Fitzgerald, Nutrition Services Division Manager (at left), greets volunteers from Do Cool Things That Matter summer camp in Danville. These 12-14 yr olds visited MOWSOS's Concord C.C. Cafe to help serve and visit with guests.
Susannah Meyer, Community Engagement Officer (left) and Tom Guarino, PG&E East Bay Public Affairs Team at the unveiling of PG&E's new Gas Innovation and Safety Center.
Gabrielle Comfoltey, MOWSOS Board Treasurer (left), and Tracey Blackmore, Volunteer Specialist, attend a Chamber Mega Mixer in Concord.
Elaine Clark (center) joins panelists Anne Ornelas, Lamorinda Village and Kate Burkart, Merrill Gardens, at the Lafayette Senior Symposium to discuss information, services and facilities available to area seniors.
Members of Concord Life Church donate their iServe Community Service Day to taking on a variety of projects at the MOWSOS office.
Tracey Blackmore attends National Night Out, hosting a booth at the Concord library.
Susannah Meyer (left) and Health and Wellness Division Manager, Cynthia Black, attend the annual Contra Costa County Mayors' Healthy Cook Off.