Sings praises for Mid-Valley

To the editor:

The Mid-Valley Senior Center has my most sincere thanks for the genuine quality of the prepared foods in its Meals On Wheels home delivery program.

As I have experienced other senior centers’ Meals On Wheels programs over the passed years, Mid-Valley dietetic cook Jeanna Lemon, who prepares the hot trays for daily delivery meals, is by far the finest home-style dietetic cook. She takes real care and thought of the people she is sending these meals to. As this is the one meal for the day, she makes sure that it is plentiful, tasty and wholesome.

The evening dinners are prepared by Sylvia McKinney, and being the only senior center that serves supper Monday through Friday, she is in her own right an excellent cook who prepares dinners with different menus that show quality preparation and presentation. She takes time to give the dinners a real home-cooking experience with exceptional healthy entrées and portions to satisfy and share the joy of having a great dinner.

Jennifer Froschen, who is the kitchen supervisor, prepares the cold tray portions of the home delivered meals, with fresh salads and awareness for balanced nutrition.

Mid Valley’s executive director Lorie Rounds also encourages me. She is a rare person in a demanding business. Lorie has the ability to find the best way to process the many and different needs of her clients and staff, and together they make the reputation of Mid-Valley as a center for the benefit of its seniors as stellar as it is now.

Cindy Turner, the administrative assistant, is another important part of this well-run organization, working with Lorie to make sure that all the issues that need to be addressed on a daily basis get done. This success did not happen overnight, it took Lorie and a dedicated staff that requires the best of itself, treating all as a whole unit, working to what the real purpose of a senior center is — to serve those in need, to show and share respect and give compassion to each individual, not because they might be termed needy and disabled. Seniors are treated as whole persons.

I hear from many that Lorie and staff will do all they can to give hope and a place of encouragement where seniors all feel welcome. I am proud and pleased to say in the last 10 years, I am finally actually eating, enjoying the food and finding my plate empty. My body is full, my medications work better and my doctors are pleasantly surprised at my improving general health.

I and many others have stated that we owe and give heartfelt thanks to Lorie and her dedicated staff for the rapidly improving reputation for Mid-Valley Senior Center’s home delivery program.

Let’s not forget the home delivery driver, Nick. He is always wanting to know if his clients are alright, a visual check as some are alone most of the day. It’s a welcome comfort to those who depend on the collective efforts of all these individuals for persons such as myself.

The second driver, Cecil, delivers the other half of the route. I am pleased to say that all of us on this home program thank Lorie and all the time and effort it has taken to put her professional and personal self into the center.

I signed up because of her work ethic and her reputation as a builder of quality support systems aimed at the seniors’ needs in our community. I’m proud to be a Mid-Valley Senior Center supporter.

Sunny Radebaugh

Big Lake