BILLINGS MEALS ON WHEELS

MOW Coordinator: Jaime • MOW Assistant: Stacy • 1505 Avenue D • 406-259-9666

Adult Resource Alliance’s Meals on Wheels Program (MOW) offers a hot nutritious meal to those over 60 years of age who are homebound. They are delivered by volunteers, Monday through Friday between 10:00 and 12:30. Meals are available on a short-term basis for persons recovering from a hospital stay or surgery until the person is no longer homebound. If a person is able to prepare their own meals or lives with someone who can prepare their meals you may be denied.

Oh, January and February, the months that usually keep us snuggled in trying to keep warm. What can we do during these months to keep our minds and hearts energized and renewed.

A few ideas…

• Start each day by reading something positive. • Call or write a note to someone who might be lonely. • Engage your inner artist with a fun craft, or possibly a self portrait

In Montana, we GET to enjoy the four seasons including beautiful snow! I hope you look for ways to enjoy the winter!

We really are one big family, and as such, lots of stories are shared:

One of our participants, Elizabeth, sent us a special note describing how she had a nice surprise from her MOW’s driver, Curtis Dye on her 88th birthday. He came back in after delivering her meal and said “I forgot your birthday card”. She quickly responded “I was hoping you’d sing Happy Birthday” which he did and she said, “He sang it perfectly with a very nice voice and it made my day!”.

Another MOW’s driver, Bernadine Harris, talks about her memories owning her 1964 Gran Tourismo Hawk. “I’ve always been car crazy, and I absolutely loved this car. I had no idea how hard it would be to let it go after 45 years. Thankfully, it went to my granddaughter Renee who is thrilled to have it. I obtained the car in 1987 from my Mom when my father passed away. I am thrilled it is staying in the family!

Bernadine Harris, Mow Driver Saying Goodbye

Mike and Diane Boyett are another couple who deliver meals every Monday. I asked them to share their thoughts on why they deliver meals:

• “I can sum up why I do Meals on Wheels in one word: grateful. • I’m grateful for the Adult Resource Alliance staff who prepare tasty, nutritious meals day after day. They are always cheerful and greet everyone with a smile. • I’m grateful for the seniors who receive the meals. They are unfailingly appreciative for the food and the short time I spend with them. • I’m grateful for the other MOW volunteers. It’s been fun to visit with new people and share our stories.

• I’m grateful that I have the health, mobility, and time to give a little back to the Billings community. I have received many blessings in my life, one of which is living here. As other volunteers typically say, I get so much more than I give by delivering Meals on Wheels.” — Mike Boyett, Billings City Council Member

However, you choose to spend your time, I hope you will use the unique gifts you are given to enhance the lives of those around you. I am so grateful to be working with both our Meals on Wheels volunteers and participants. Life is much better because you are in my world!