My husband, myself, and our only child, Janna, grew up here and attended public schools.  After a tenure in the service, we began a new adventure.  We opened Cut-Rite Glass and Mirror and both worked there until Jerry passed away in 1996.  Janna lives in Dallas and I have a grandson in college and a granddaughter in high school.  We are a very close-knit family.

I began a new life of being a "professional volunteer" thanks to Charlyn Ocker at Meals For The Elderly.  I had helped do small office jobs and called and asked to come help answer the phone and do small tasks.  This opened the door for me to become active in the community.  I have served on several boards and taken on responsibilities I never dreamed I could do.  In 2002, I was the first ever to receive the Meals On Wheels Association of America Jody Tepedino Nichilo award.  The award was created in honor of a devout volunteer with a passion for Meals On Wheels.  She was killed in the World Trade Center during the September 11, 2001 attacks, and her family started this award for someone who had the same passion as their daughter did.  Having served over 20 years helping the Meals program, I was selected from people all over the U.S.  What an honor and how humbling it was to be chosen.

Meals For The Elderly was and still is a blessing for me.  Our program touches so many different people in many different ways.  We feed people that cannot cook, clients who might not see anyone except our driver, we have found people ill and some that are unable to get up from a fall, and yes, even some who have passed away.  I realize that someday I might need homebound care such as our program, and it warms my heart because I know I will hear a knock on the door, see a smiling face, and receive a warm meal and hopefully a hug.  I will receive a lovely birthday sack with goodies inside, and all the holidays of the year will bring a "special treat" just for me.  I will be blessed to have a "new family" that will take the best care of me that is possible!  God bless our organization, our staff, our volunteers, and the supporters who religiously donate to help us purchase food and last, but NOT least....our precious clients!