August Newsletter

August Newsletter
Happy August from Meals on Wheels of East Pasco and The Genesis Community Center — birthday celebrations, Silver Lining Social Bingo, Wellness Within Reach, a volunteer spotlight, a summer recipe, and all the news for August.
 
 
 
 
 

Happy August! May this month be filled with sunny days, laughter, and lots of love.

As temperatures climb across East Pasco, our kitchen and delivery teams keep right on moving — prepping, packing, and delivering warm meals and warmer smiles to every doorstep on our routes. It’s a great reminder that even in the height of summer, our community shows up for each other.

Inside this month’s newsletter, you’ll find birthday shout-outs for our clients, volunteers, staff, and board members, a look at upcoming events at The Genesis Community Center, a volunteer spotlight, a simple seasonal recipe, and plenty of the small-town flavor you’ve come to expect from us.

Grab a cold glass of something sweet, settle in, and enjoy catching up on everything happening around Meals on Wheels of East Pasco this August.

Mark Your Calendar

  • Aug. 19 — Wellness Within Reach, 12–1 p.m.
  • Aug. 19 — RSVP deadline, Silver Lining Social
  • Aug. 21 — Silver Lining Social: Bingo, 1–3 p.m.
  • Thursdays — East Pasco Quilters, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • 1st & 3rd Tue. — Food Pantry, 12–1 p.m.
  • 2nd & 4th Tue. — Food Pantry, 5:30–6:30 p.m.

“Just for Fun” Days

  • Aug. 1–7: International Clown Week
  • Aug. 3: National Watermelon Day
  • Aug. 8: Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Day
  • Aug. 10: National S’mores Day
  • Aug. 12: Vinyl Record Day
  • Aug. 13: International Left-Handers Day
  • Aug. 20: International Geocaching Day & World Honeybee Day
  • Aug. 25: Kiss-and-Make-Up Day
  • Aug. 31: National Trail Mix Day

Stay Connected

Facebook: @Meals on Wheels of Pasco and @Feeding You With Love Food Pantry

Website: www.mealsonwheelspasco.org

Email: aadmin@mealsonwheelspasco.org

“Together, small steps create big change.”
 
 
 

Upcoming Events

 

Silver Lining Social — Bright Moments, Lasting Connections

Bingo at The Genesis Community Center

Friday, August 21, 1:00–3:00 p.m. — 38112 15th Ave, Zephyrhills, FL 33542

Join us for fun, friends, and food. This month’s activity is Bingo — grab a card, find a lucky seat, and get ready to shout “Bingo!” Whether you win or just come for the laughs, it’s all about having a good time together.

RSVP by August 19th with Hasetta at 813-616-6967. Bring a friend! Sponsored by Seniors in Service and The Genesis Community Center.

Wellness Within Reach — AdventHealth

Preventative Screenings & Wellness Tips

Wednesday, August 19, 12:00–1:00 p.m. — The Genesis Community Center, 38112 15th Avenue, Zephyrhills, FL 33542

Join AdventHealth’s imaging and lab experts as they share tips for preventative screenings and wellness to keep you feeling whole. Registration is required — call 877-534-3108 or register online at AHZephyrhills.com/Events. Lunch is sponsored by Chick-fil-A Zephyrhills.

 
 
 

Volunteer Spotlight

 
Linda Hatley wearing a Meals on Wheels of Pasco shirt

Today we’re shining a light on one of our behind-the-scenes heroes, Linda Hatley — a steady, friendly force in our kitchen and pantry team.

Linda first stepped into the kitchen because she loved the variety of tasks, and it turns out she was a natural from day one. During a typical morning shift, you’ll find her moving between the kitchen and pantry — sorting, chopping, packaging, organizing, and even riding along when needed. She describes the team in three words: organized, helpful, friendly.

One thing she wishes people knew is just how much care goes into every meal before it reaches a senior’s doorstep. Her favorite item to serve is beef stew, because nothing beats a warm bowl of comfort food, especially for our seniors. Her message to anyone thinking about volunteering: “Go for it! There’s always something you can do.”

Thank you, Linda, for bringing kindness, capability, and calm to our kitchen every week. We’re grateful for you.

 
 
 

Recipe of the Month

 
Easy pineapple dessert topped with whipped topping and fresh mint

Easy Pineapple Dessert

Time: 15 minutes, plus chilling

Ingredients

  • 1 can crushed pineapple
  • 1 package dry pudding mix
  • 1 cup whipped topping

Method: Mix pineapple and pudding, then stir in whipped topping. Chill for one hour before serving.

 
 
 

Laugh Corner

 
Why are crabs so bad at sharing?
Because they’re all shellfish.
Why did the tomato blush?
Because it saw the salad dressing.
 
 
 

Paw & Pictures

 
Heather, Client Services Administrator, with her Catahoula Great Dane, Piper

Heather, our own Client Services Administrator, poses with her 8-year-old Catahoula Great Dane, Piper. Piper loves to give kisses and go for rides.

Heather says the best part of her day is coming home to that big goofy grin waiting at the door.

Whether it’s a ride with her head out the window or a lazy afternoon nap, Piper reminds us that the simple joys are often the best ones — something our clients and volunteers know well too.

 
 
 

Birthday Corner

 

Happy birthday to our wonderful staff, volunteers, board members, and clients — we hope you have a wonderful day!

Staff, Board & Volunteers

Employees: Mike F. — 08/18

Board Members: Rodney R. — 08/19

Volunteers: Cathy M. — 08/03 · Cindy J. — 08/16 · James T. — 08/18 · Leon C. — 08/21 · Jeffrey B. — 08/22 · Ken S. — 08/27 · Mary S. — 08/28 · Gina S. — 08/28

Clients by Route

Route 1: Hugh B. — 08/19

Route 2: Karetha R. — 08/16 · Joel W. — 08/22

Route 3: Sharon R. — 08/01

Route 5: Dee S. — 08/11 · Gloria L. — 08/27

Route 6: Terry B. — 08/20

Route 7: Dorothy M. — 08/14

Route 8: Kathleen S. — 08/15

Route 9: Rosemary C. — 08/10

Route 10: Alice B. — 08/27 · Anna M. — 08/28 · Pat D. — 08/30

Please note that the menu is subject to change.

Important Info

Meal preparations begin the day before. Please contact the office 24 hours ahead of any meal changes.

If you will not be home at time of delivery, please leave a cooler with an ice pack out. Our drivers will not leave your meal if a clean cooler is not set out.

Regarding changes to meal service, please contact the office directly rather than sending messages through volunteers. Thank you for your understanding — 813-782-7859.

 
 
 

Community & Connection

 

TelePals

A new friend is just a phone call away. TelePals commit to calling each other weekly for friendly conversation, support, and connection.

Phone: (813) 819-0725
Email: TelePals@seniorsinservice.org

Health Buddies

Encouraging better health through social connection. Weekly friendly calls and health coaching from a “buddy” over 12 weeks.

Phone: (813) 492-8931
Email: healthbuddies@seniorsinservice.org

Feeling lonely or would you like some healthy living advice? Seniors in Service and Meals on Wheels are here to help. Contact Sabrina, Heather, or Beth at 813-782-7859 to get signed up with a phone companion.

East Pasco Quilters

This group of ladies meets each Thursday of the month at The Genesis Community Center, 38112 15th Ave, Zephyrhills, from 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. The Zephyr Bees Sewing Club is taking the summer off. Both groups welcome new members — don’t be shy, come sew along! Contact MaryAnn at 813-713-0809 for more information.

Feeding You With Love Food Pantry

Follow us on Facebook @Feeding You With Love Food Pantry. The pantry is open the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month from 12:00–1:00 p.m., and the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays from 5:30–6:30 p.m. You must pre-register on the Meals on Wheels of Pasco website. Questions? Contact the office at 813-782-7859.

Drivers & Riders Needed

Meals on Wheels of Pasco needs drivers or riders to deliver meals to our Zephyrhills community. If you are interested, please call 813-782-7859.