Pickens County Meals on Wheels Newsletter/April 2016

The Pickens County Community has placed great confidence in the Meals on Wheels organization over the last thirty-five years. Each contribution of time, talent and treasure has made a profound difference in the lives of so many. During this time, a total of 973,300 hot meals have nourished the bodies, minds and spirits of thousands of seniors throughout Pickens County. Today, we have never been more confident in our ability to fulfill our mission of eliminating hunger, isolation and loneliness for our senior neighbors in Pickens County.

Donors to the “Step up to the Plate” capital campaign have provided the catalyst needed to establish the McKissick Center for Senior Wellness. Serving as a focal point for senior services, the McKissick Center is the home of the newly established Meals on Wheels kitchen, our home-delivered meal program and the Young at Heart dining and activity program. There is no question that this facility will serve to strengthen the largest safety net for seniors in our community.

Ultimately, it is our desire to give thanks and recognition to all of our donors and volunteers who dedicate so much to make Meals on Wheels great. We are proud to announce that two unique donor recognition walls are being designed for display at the McKissick Center. The first

will commemorate the generous contributions for the “Step up to the Plate” capital campaign, and the second will commemorate both our annual donors and volunteers. Construction is underway. Please stay tuned as more details will follow in the coming weeks

Your ongoing support means that our community will remain a place where seniors can age with the dignity they deserve. On behalf of our board, staff and those we serve, thank you for your unwavering support.

Sincerely,

E. Drake CurryPCMOW Capital Campaign Chairman

In Grateful Appreciation

Today, we have never been more confident in our ability to fulfill our mission of

eliminating hunger, isolation and

loneliness for our senior neighbors in

Pickens County.

WINGS&WHEELSMEALS ON WHEELS

April 23 • 10 am – 3 pm • PICKENS COUNTY AIRPORT

pROCEEDSTO SUPPORT

pICKENS COUNTYMEALS ON WHEELS

Airplane Rides • Classic & custom Car show • Giveaways • Food • Family Fun

Circle of Independence: $5,000+

Duke Energy FoundationMrs. Meta Bowers Mr. Michael Brown – The Cincinnati BengalsMr. and Mrs. Drake and Ada Curry

Circle of Dignity: $1,200+

Mr. and Mrs. Harry and Judy CurtisMr. and Mrs. Alex and Amy DyeMr. and Mrs. Robert and Lane DyeMr. and Mrs. Kent and Chris DykesMr. Jerome Richardson – The Carolina PanthersMr. and Mrs. Andy WestbrookSouth State BankRobinson Funeral Home

Quality of life Circle: $10,000+

AnonymousBi-Lo Winn-Dixie FoundationMr. Harold Hix, Sr.Dr. and Mrs. Daniel and Janice LeeMr. and Mrs. Sam and Jane WychePickens County United Way

Circle of Security: $2,500+

Mr. and Mrs. William Clay Ford – The Detroit LionsJim and Judi EarnshawMr. and Mrs. Dwayne and Aime GoodwinL. Lesesne Hendricks, Jr., Esquire   Mr. and Mrs. Lynn and Ann SoenenDr. and Mrs. Henry and Amy Wilson

Lounge Furnishings made possible by Members of the Reserve at Lake Keowee

Kitchen Furnishings made possible by The Grumpy Old Men and members of the Six Mile community

Humanitarian: $500,000+

Pickens County Council

Patron: $250,000+

The McKissick Family FoundationAppalachian Council of Governments

South Carolina Lt. Governor’s Office on Aging

McKissick Center for Senior Wellness

Making an Impact Across Pickens County2015 Program Outcomes

Home-delivered meals: Routes operated 22+1 transporter | Meals Served 61,777 | Non-duplicated clients 462

Young at Heart Dining and Activity CenterMeals Served 4,551 | Non-duplicated clients 74

Fellow: $50,000+

Walmart Foundation

Partner: $25,000+

Ms. Virginia McCoy

Nalley Charitable Trust

349 EDGEMONT • LIBERTY, SC 29657 • 864-855-3770 • WWW.PCMOW.ORG

PCMOW StaffMeta Bowers, Executive

Director

Marsha Robertson, Program Coordinator

Rosa Seay, Volunteer Coordinator

Melissa Poole, Client Service Coordinator

Valerie Meador, Nutrition and Wellness Coordinator

Booker Pryor, Chef

Libby Rogers, Sous Chef

Calvin Rogers, Transporter

Mary Mansell, Transporter

2016 Board of Directors

Dwayne Goodwin, Chairman

John Wade, Vice-Chairman

Tripp Martin, Treasurer

Henry Wilson, Secretary

Debbie Baughman

Drake Curry

Melanie Fee

Anna Goodwin

Les Hendricks

1979

Planning begins for Pickens County Meals on WheelsMary P. Batson, Anne Brazil, Bob Bruce, Lib Chappell, Eunice DeLoach, Hazel Finch, Evelyn Kennemer, Ken Shull, and Jean Watson begin the process for Meals on Wheels. The projected budget was $30,000 dollars for the first year of meals. Grace United Methodist Church housed Meals on Wheels. Meals were to be prepared at Cannon Memorial Hospital.

35 Years and Growing

1980

First meals are served to ten recipients on October 1, 1980

1981

Gayle Gettys, PCMOW’s first director, is delivering a warm meal in the snow.

41 people being served by Pickens County Meals on Wheels

1983

1992–1995Toyota donates to MOWToyota of Easley donated $100 to Meals on Wheels for every car sold during the month of May. A total of $67,900 was raised from 1992 to 1995.

20 Year Anniversary of Meals on WheelsMeal Recipients and those impacted by Meals on Wheels wrote letters thanking PCMOW for their incredible services as a celebration of Meals on Wheels 20th Anniversary.

2000

Sam Wyche Oyster Roast

2003

Annual Golf Tournament The Pickens Ladies Golf Association hosted a golf tournament to raise funds for PCMOW. Nearly $20,000 was raised in the two years the event was held.

2008

Increasing Capacity in EasleyThe Easley 8 route was created in response to a longstanding need. The Reserve of Lake Keowee’s Outreach Committee and the Easley Junior Women’s Club Driving Team, form the anchors of the Easley 8 route. The Easley Junior Women’s Club contributed $5,000 to form the new route.

The Reserve at Lake Keowee Charitable Foundation Since 2006, The Reserve has raised over $402,000.00 for local organizations.  In 2015, the charitable contributions totaled a record amount of $110,000.  The five benefiting local organizations for 2015 were Pickens County Meals on Wheels, Pickens County’s Feed a Hungry Child, Pickens County Senior Center, Safe Harbor and Helping Hands of Clemson.

Expand Route to Central As many MOW programs were changing or reducing services due to severe operating constraints the economic crisis, PCMOW was able to build a new route in the underserved area of Central thanks to a $10,000 MOWAA/Wal-Mart Foundation Cure Grant.

The Sam Wyche Meals on Wheels Food Fight BowlHarnessing the intense rivalry between Easley and Pickens High School foot ball teams, student bodies

raised money in support of Meals on Wheels. A total of $206,701 from 2008-2015. The equivalent of

41, 340 meals.

2009 2010 2013 2014 2015

Over the last 35 years, Meals on Wheels have delivered over of 973,300 hot meals that have nourished the bodies, minds and spirits of thousands of seniors throughout Pickens County.

McKissick Center for Senior Wellness Opens

(July 24) Pickens County Meals on Wheels (PCMOW) held celebrated the grand opening

of The McKissick Center for Senior Wellness; the home for

the newly established PCMOW kitchen, home-delivered meal

program and the Young at Heart dining and activity center. We are now more seniors than ever before and will reach over 600 individuals this year.

Office moves to EasleyPCMOW hosted an open house to showcase new Easley location.

2010: First Annual Wings & Wheels EventFamilies enjoy airplane rides, helicopter rides, a classic car show, food, and games at the first annual Wings & Wheels for Meals, hosted at the Pickens County Airport. The Wings & Wheels event has raise $71,850 over the past six years.

Six Mile A and Central Transporter Route Established

Wonderful Spring Foods to Improve Your BrainFood for Thought Provided by: Rachel Krancj, Senior Nutrition Student, Clemson University; PCMOW Volunteer

A diet that is lower in fat and higher in fruits and vegetables will benefit your body and your brain.• Lots of fruits and vegetables• Whole grains• Low-fat or non-fat dairy• Lean protein such as poultry, fish, and nuts • Try to limit red meats• Less solid fat, sugar, and salt; replace butter with healthy fats like

olive oil• Proper portion sizes• Adequate fluid

Foods that encourage blood flow to the brain can help improve your memory. • Vegetables, especially cruciferous ones like broccoli, cabbage, and

leafy greens• Berries, especially dark ones like blackberries, blueberries, and

cherries

Omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA and EPA, have been shown to improve memory and decrease risk of Alzheimer’s. • Fish containing the most DHA include wild salmon, albacore tuna,

mackerel, herring, farmed trout (baking and grilling are better than frying)

• Vegetarian sources of DHA include seaweed and supplements• Other plant-based sources of omega-3s include flax seed, canola

oil, broccoli, cauliflower, and red kidney beans; however, our bodies use the omega-3’s in fish better than those in plants

Throughout the month of March, Pickens County Meals on Wheels participated in the 14th Annual March for Meals. This was a month-long, nationwide celebration of Meals on Wheels organizations and the homebound and vulnerable seniors who rely on its vital safety net. A variety of activities took place as the community rallied in support.

On February 22, the Mayors from all Pickens County municipalities signed a proclamation declaring March 2016 as March for Meals Month.

The 1st Annual Pancake Breakfast was held on March 19 at the McKissick Center for Senior Wellness. Many came to enjoy delicious pancakes and helped to raise $1500 for the seniors in our community.

Representative Gary Clary; Representative Davey Hiott; Sheriff Rick Clark and Six Mile Mayor, Roy Stoddard

The third week of March was declared Community Champions week, where notable figures in our community generously donated their time to package meals, deliver meals, and speak out for seniors while raising awareness for the power of Meals on Wheels. Over 20 prominent figures and organizations in the surrounding areas took the time to support Meals on Wheels.

March 21, 2016: We kicked off our Community Champion’s Week with meals packaged in partnership with Congressman Jeff Duncan’s office.

Extra special deliveries were made by: Easley Police Department; St. Jude Medical; Mayor Roy Stoddard of Six Mile and Senator Larry Martin, Congressman Jeff Duncan’s office; David Whittemore and Kent Dykes; Pickens Rotary Club, Jeannie Gilstrap

March 22, 2016: Thank you to Tuesday’s Community Champions: Representative Neil Collins; City of Pickens: Mayor David Owens, Carlton Holley, Fletcher Perry, Patricia Welborn and Bobby Abercrombie for packaging over 300 meals; Sheriff Rick Clark Pickens County Sheriff’s Office (SC) for going the extra mile in Dacusville; The Reserve at Lake Keowee members, and Harold Lunsford.

Representative Neil Collins; City of Pickens

The Reserve at Lake Keowee; Harold Lunsford

Rick Clark, City of Pickens

March 23, 2016: Thank you to: Easley City Councilmen: Kent Dykes, Terry Moore and Thomas Wright; and Magistrates Michael Baker and Ben Dow. Together they packaged 300 meals and weekly bread bags!

Kent Dykes; Terry Moore; Thomas Wright

Ben Dow & Michael Baker; City of Easley

Extra special deliveries were made by: Easley First United Methodist Circle 7; Kudzu Staffing, Sean Thornton; South State Bank, Melissa Owen and Ortec employees, Sherry Anthony and Jennifer Dunigan.

Kudzu Staffing; South State Bank; Ortec

March 24, 2016: Thank you to: Pickens Fire Department: Chris Elrod; City of Liberty: Mayor Eric Boughman; City Of Liberty Fire Department: Chris Roland, Jimmy Powell, and Elijah Reynolds; TD Bank; Patriot Hospice; Fort Hill Natural Gas Authority; and Domino’s Pizza of Liberty for responding to the needs of our seniors.

City of Liberty; Fort HIll Natural Gas; TD Bank; Pickens Fire Department

Also, special thanks to: Animal Clinic; City of Easley Fire Department; Liberty Lions Club and Easley Rotary Club for Marching with us!

A March for Meals 2016 Recap

Eliminated the waiting list through a partnership with Greenville Meals on Wheels.

2011

2012

PCMOW is given former Liberty Middle School kitchen and cafeteria and launches Step Up to the Plate capital campaign to refurbish the building.

New Volunteers 1st Quarter 2016

Sally Barnes

Tracy Barnes

Danny Carpenter

Lisa Carpenter

Albert L. Cronk

Lauren Evans

Emily Farmer

Sheila Gold

Annemarie Gleason

Tyler Harris

Donna Harrison

Cynthia Holmes

Kimberlee Brady-Jones

Richard T. Jones

Marga Metty

Brenda Mullins

Karen Parkinson

Hannah Ranson

Sabrina Ruiz

Alexis Skelnik

Brooke Steese

Zakiya Tompkins

Rebecca Vlahos

Catherine Wade

Bruce Watson

Tiffany Wilkes

Volunteer News• Volunteer needs – Drivers specifically for Central, Pickens and Meal

packaging/prep• Young at Heart Wish List – Electronic keyboard; presentation easels; 

exercise weights/stretch bands;  portable CD player; flat screen TV, music books for activity center

• April 10-16: National Volunteer Week Celebrating our volunteers for their smiles, dedication, flexibility and

commitment to the seniors of Pickens County – we are grateful.

Sugar Snap Pea and Berry SaladPrep15 min | Cook 2 min | Ready In 50 m “A delicious summer salad made with your favorite berries.”Ingredients

Directions1. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Place snap peas in pot, and cook 1 to 2 minutes. Drain, rinse under

cold water, and set aside.2. Place about 1 1/2 tablespoons raspberries in a strainer over a bowl, and crush with a wooden

spoon. Discard pulp. Mix vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper with the strained raspberry juice.

3. In a large bowl, gently toss the dressing with the snap peas, remaining raspberries, and blueberries.

Cover, and chill at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Toss with greens just before serving.NOTE: for a full meal add grilled salmon and whole grain bread or a roll.

• 1/2 pound sugar snap peas, trimmed • 1 cup fresh raspberries • 2 tablespoons raspberry vinegar • 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 pinch sugar • salt and pepper to taste • 1 cup fresh blueberries • 2 cups torn mixed salad greens

1979 2016

2014 PCMOW expands services to include both home-delivered meals as well as group dining and activities

PCMOW Recipe for 35 Years of GrowthCombine generously• Time of hundreds of volunteers• Talents of community partners• Treasure of thousands of donors

Spread with ample amounts of love• Pound of compassion• Cup of Cheer• Ounce of Humility• Dash of Hope• Pinch of Humor• Heap of concern

Add to taste: tears, laughter, kindness and joy

Meals on Wheels has a proven recipe for keeping our senior neighbors healthy, safe, and

independent and where they want to be most…. In their own homes.

First Quarter (January 1–March 31) Honorariums and Memorials can be viewed at pcmow.org

349 Edgemont • Liberty, SC 29657ph.864-855-3770 • www.pcmow.org

Stay Connected @pcmow

SOUTH CAROLINA2016

Visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/takeaction to learn more about how you can help in your state and community today.

TOO MANY SENIORS IN SOUTH CAROLINA ARE LEFT BEHIND, ALONE AND HUNGRY, STRUGGLING TO STAY INDEPENDENT AND HEALTHY.

MEALS ON WHEELS DELIVERS THE SUPPORT THAT KEEPSSENIORS IN THEIR OWN HOMES, WHERE THEY WANT TO BE .

SENIORS REMAINING AT HOME, OUT OF HOSPITALS AND NURSINGHOMES, SAVES BILLIONS IN MEDICARE & MEDICAID COSTS.

Meals on Wheels decreases the rate of falls, which cost our nation $34 BILLION each year.

We can provide a senior Meals on Wheels for 1 YEAR for roughly the same cost as 1 DAY in a hospital.

Investing in Meals on Wheels is a WIN-WIN for our families, our communities and our nation.

TOGETHER, WE CAN DELIVER. TM

The number of seniors in our country will grow exponentially over the coming years. Meals on Wheels is a proven public-private partnership that effectively addresses the challenges of aging by promoting health and improving quality of life for our nation’s most vulnerable seniors. By leveraging the existing Meals on Wheels network, we have the opportunity to not only keep seniors at home, but also save billions in tax dollars by keeping them out of more costly healthcare settings.

239,293 are isolated, living alone

172,699 are threatened by hunger

320,559 are living in or near poverty Nationally, 1 IN 6 seniors struggles with hunger

1 YEAR 1 DAY

=$34

BILLION

say it makesthem feel moresafe and secure

87%say it enablesthem to remainliving at home

92%83%say it improves their health

Meals on Wheels is best known for its work to end senior hunger, but the program is much more than just a meal. PCMOW provides crucial services that help hundreds of seniors each year “age in place” while maintaining their nutritional health, independence and quality of life.

Home Delivered Meals: Home-delivered meals are crucial to helping people maintain their nutritional health, feel connected in the community and continue living safely in their own homes. Each delivery provides a nutritious meal, a friendly visit and safety-check.

Eligibilty: A person must be homebound, be unable to prepare a nutritious meal, and not have anyone able to prepare a nutritious meal on a regular basis. Eligibility is based on need; there is no age or income criteria. Clients are encouraged to contribute toward the cost of their meal, but no one is ever turned away because they are unable to pay.

Young at Heart Dining and Activity:Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important. The Young at Heart Dining

and Activity Center provides the perfect place for active seniors to dine for lunch and participate in a variety of planned activities such as structured fitness; computer, music and dance classes as well as educational and nutritional programs.

Membership is $20/individual & $30/couple. Eligibility for the dining program is based on need; there is no age or income criteria. Clients are encouraged to contribute toward the cost of their meals and activities, but no one is ever turned away because they are unable to pay.

Case Management & Referrals:PCMOW serves as the “hub of the wheel” for our clients. We employee a licensed social worker who provides initial face to face assessment, annual face to face reassessments and ongoing case management for each client served. Assessments factor in each client’s physical, medical, mental, social, nutritional and financial condition. By developing strong relationships with our clients, we are able to connect them and their caregiver(s) to the services they need, when they need them.

Programs Offered

Q: What is a bequest? A: A bequest is a distribution from your estate through your will. A bequest allows people-both those of modest means and great wealth-to distribute assets to loved ones and to charitable organizations like Pickens County Meals on Wheels

Q: Why is it important for me to create a will?A: Without a will, the state determines the distribution of your assets. Having an outdated will might result in your current intentions not being honored. Everyone should execute a will and review it regularly as changes occur in their life.

Q: What are the types of bequests?A: Specific Bequest–a gift of a particular thing or asset. This could be a specified sum of cash or an object (such as a home, a piece of art, a car, etc.)Percentage Bequest–a gift of a percentage of the overall estate.Contingent Bequest–a gift that is dependent on something else happening first. For example, Pickens County Meals on Wheels might receive 10 percent of someone’s estate if their spouse predeceases them.Remainder Bequest–a gift of anything that is left after all specific distributions are made.

Q: What if I already have a will and would like to add Pickens County Meals on Wheels as a beneficiary?A: If you have a will already, a simple amendment can be added to your existing document to allow Pickens County Meals on Wheels to benefit as well.

Q: I have named Pickens County Meals on Wheels as a beneficiary. What are my next steps?A: If you have chosen to include Pickens County Meals on Wheels as a beneficiary in your will but have not notified us, please give a call so we can recognize you as a member of Pickens County Meals on Wheels Legacy Circle.

L. Lesesne Hendricks, Jr.Carolina Law and Mediation, LLCPost Office Box 665Easley, SC 29641 (864) 859-7160LHendricks@CarolinaLawandMediation.com

Q&A: Do You Have an Updated Will?Everyone needs a will, but an estimated 70 percent of Americans do not have one. Not only does establishing a will allow you to take care of your loved ones but it also affords you an opportunity to provide for your legacy.

Your legacy is more than just a sum of your possessions. By naming Pickens County Meals on Wheels as a beneficiary of your estate you will ensure that you make a meaningful and lasting impact on your community.