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DRIVING MISS PHYLLIS
Linda drives; I ride shotgun, and Phyllis lounges in the back
of the SUV as it speeds along the Atlanta Highway: we're on a
mission from Meals. Actually, I'm just along for the ride. This
is Linda's weekly delivery for Meals on Wheels, and I've been
invited to see what it's like. It's fascinating, really. Here's this
college sophomore taking time out of her Wednesday morning
to deliver hot meals to people who for various reasons can't
get out to pick up their own food or prepare it at home.
We've all heard of Meals on Wheels, and the image that
springs to mind is the gray-haired old lady gratefully accepting
delivery from another gray-haired old lady who still has wheels.
It's a lot more diverse than that. Some of the recipients are
young, as are some of the drivers, like Linda. I don't know how
many drivers take their dogs along, but Phyllis is a lab/golden
retriever in training to become a seeing-eye dog, and she goes
Linda Ladaga and Phyllis run a Meals on Wheels route every
morning.
everywhere with Linda. Linda keeps her for a year, socializing
her and teaching her some basic commands. At the end of
the year Phyllis goes on to her Seeing Eye training, and Linda
hopes to get another dog. She's philosophical about having
to give Phyllis up, since Linda plans to enter the Peace Corps
after she graduates and couldn't take Phyllis with her for that
two-year commitment, anyway.
Linda is one of 135 volunteers in Athens who drive 16
hot-meal routes a week, Monday through Friday, with some
additional evening and weekend deliveries. Their efforts
are coordinated by Home Delivered Meals, Sarah McKinney
Director—a program of Athens Community Council on Aging.
And I must say it is an impressive sight at mid-morning to see
all the volunteers arrive at the old railroad station that houses
the Council on Aging. With a minimum of greeting friends,
they get their route lists, pick up their food in big orange and
yellow coolers, load them into their vehicles and take off on
their routes.
Our first stop was the home of Myrtis Brown, who had the
company of her granddaughter Brittany and her great-grandson
Messiah. Linda has been delivering to Ms. Brown for over two
years now, and they're old friends. You quickly see that Linda
and Phyllis are delivering more than just food, as they pause
for a quick visit before continuing their route.
The Home Delivered Meals program, even though it has
a waiting list, is always looking for more eligible people to
receive meals. If you think you or someone you know might be
eligible to receive meals, you can call (706) 549-4850 to see if
the meals are available. The meals program can also use more
volunteers who are willing to make a five-month commitment,
can pass a background check and have reliable transportation.
Anybody interested can call that same number to volunteer.
The Meals on Wheels Association of America is trying to
eliminate senior hunger by the year 2020. You can go to their
website to find out more about this effort and also pledge to
help them reach their goal. As of last week, Athens had the
most pledges of any city in the country. Check it out at www.
mowaa.org/takethepledge, and while you're there, pledge to
help.
Remember, also, that in addition to drivers, Athens Council
on Aging has all kinds of opportunities for volunteers. Seeing-
eye dogs in training are welcome, too; tell 'em Phyllis sent you.
Peis WcCommont editor@flagpote.com
The R.E.M. 30 Celebration
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THIS WEEK’S ISSUE:
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A little more dirt on dirt, and Paul Broun, Jr.’s Krazy Komer.
ACTION Speaks Louder 10
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ARTS & EVENTS
Art Notes 11
Not Yo' Mama’s Oil Paintings
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Movie Pick
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The excellent new film from Comeliu Porombotu. Police. Adjective, relies on black humor.
CITY DOPE 5
CITY PAGES 6
CITY FOOL 7
CAPITOL IMPACT 8
ATHENS RISING 9
ACTION INC 10
ART NOTES 11
MOVIE DOPE 12
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GRUB NOTES 15
THREATS & PROMISES 16
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