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Hello, September! A new month brings new reasons to gather, learn, laugh, and stay connected.
Inside this month's newsletter, you'll find upcoming activities at The Genesis Community Center, a heart-health Lunch & Learn, our Silver Lining Social trivia gathering, birthdays, community resources, a seasonal recipe, and stories from the people who make Meals on Wheels of Pasco special.
We're also shining a light on the caring volunteers working behind the scenes and on the road, plus sharing a few lighter moments to help welcome the start of fall.
Settle in and enjoy catching up on everything happening around Meals on Wheels of Pasco this September.
Mark Your Calendar
- Sept. 16 — RSVP deadline for Silver Lining Social
- Sept. 17 — Smart Steps for a Stronger Heart, 12–1 p.m.
- Sept. 18 — Silver Lining Social: Trivia, 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.
September Just for Fun
- All month — National Happy Cat Month
- Sept. 2 — World Coconut Day
- Sept. 5 — National Cheese Pizza Day
- Sept. 8 — International Literacy Day
- Sept. 11 — National Hug Your Hound Day
- Sept. 21 — World Gratitude Day
- Sept. 28 — Ask a Stupid Question Day
Stay Connected
Facebook: @Meals on Wheels of Pasco and @Feeding You With Love Food Pantry
Website: www.mealsonwheelspasco.org
Phone: 813-782-7859
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Upcoming Events
Silver Lining Social — Bright Moments, Lasting Connections
Trivia at The Genesis Community Center
Friday, September 18, 1:00–3:00 p.m. — 38112 15th Ave, Zephyrhills, FL 33542
Think you've still got the answers? Join us for a fun-filled round of trivia, laughter, and friendly competition. Bring your best guesses, your sharpest memory, and your sense of humor. Come for the trivia, stay for the fun, and leave with bragging rights.
RSVP by September 16 with Hasetta at 813-616-6967. Bring a friend! Sponsored by Seniors in Service and The Genesis Community Center.
AdventHealth Lunch & Learn
Smart Steps for a Stronger Heart
Thursday, September 17, 12:00–1:00 p.m. — The Genesis Community Center, 38112 15th Avenue, Zephyrhills, FL 33542
Join heart-health experts to learn how to manage cholesterol and keep atrial fibrillation from holding you back. Registration is required. Call 877-534-3108 or register online at AHZephyrhills.com/Events.
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Volunteer Spotlight
Meet Ann Young
Some volunteers find us exactly where they're meant to be. Ann originally applied to become a Meals on Wheels driver, but when there weren't any openings, she joined our kitchen and pantry team instead — and looking back, she's glad it worked out that way.
Her shifts begin around 7:30 a.m., and for the next few hours she jumps in wherever she's needed. She enjoys working every station because it gives her the opportunity to work alongside different volunteers and staff who have become like family.
One thing Ann wishes everyone could see is what happens behind the scenes — how clean, organized, and efficient the kitchen and pantry team are as they work together each day.
Her message to anyone wondering if they have enough experience to volunteer is simple: please do volunteer. She says the team welcomed her, helped her learn, and made her feel useful and appreciated.
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Recipe of the Month
Apple Chicken Skillet
A simple, cozy meal with apples that still feels like a hearty dinner.
Ingredients
- 2–3 boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into pieces
- 2 apples, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
Method: Brown the seasoned chicken in butter or oil. Add onion and apples and cook until they begin to soften. Add broth, honey, and a small pinch of cinnamon, then simmer 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Serve over rice or mashed potatoes.
September tip: Add dried cranberries or chopped pecans for a little extra fall flavor.
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On the Road
Our Favorite Meal Delivery Crew
Susan and Bob are two of our regular volunteers who bring meals, smiles, and a little extra joy to our Meals on Wheels deliveries every week — and they never travel alone.
They're joined by Nugget the Cocker Spaniel and Taffy the Poodle, who are always ready to brighten someone's day.
Of course, Nugget has one very important job before they hit the road: calling shotgun.
Thank you, Susan and Bob, for all you do — and Nugget and Taffy, thanks for bringing the extra wagging tails and happiness along for the ride.
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Laugh Corner
“Put it on my bill.”
Because he saw the salad dressing!
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Birthday Corner
Happy birthday to our wonderful staff, volunteers, and clients — we hope you have a wonderful day!
Staff & Volunteers
Employees: Beth A. — 09/01 · Sabrina P. — 09/02
Volunteers: Cristie B. — 09/19 · Chris C. — 09/13 · Karen H. — 09/11 · Delores H. — 09/22 · Jean L. — 09/16 · Steven M. — 09/06 · Daniel P. — 09/29 · Terry S. — 09/11 · Jeff T. — 09/26 · Bharat T. — 09/10 · Donna T. — 09/23
Clients by Route
Route 1: Eleanor D. — 09/04 · Annie F. — 09/19
Route 2: Kathy D. — 09/12 · Kristie H. — 09/18
Route 4: Josephine P. — 09/09 · Carl W. — 09/13
Route 6: Harold B. — 09/01 · Bruce K. — 09/04 · Troy F. — 09/17 · Marion H. — 09/30
Route 7: Joyce H. — 09/04 · Greg G. — 09/08
Route 8: Donna D. — 09/04
Route 9: Duane L. — 09/04 · Janice W. — 09/05
Route 10: James C. — 09/04
Route 11: Barbara P. — 09/29
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 the time of delivery, please leave a clean cooler with an ice pack out. Drivers will not leave a 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.
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Community & Connection
TelePals
A new friend is just a phone call away. TelePals bring people together with simple phone calls for friendly conversation, support, and social 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” can help connect people with resources, lower stress, and improve health knowledge.
Phone: (813) 492-8931
Email: healthbuddies@seniorsinservice.org
East Pasco Quilters
This group meets each Thursday of the month at The Genesis Community Center, 38112 15th Ave, Zephyrhills, from 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. New members are welcome. Contact MaryAnn at 813-713-0809 for more information.
Feeding You With Love Food Pantry
The pantry is open the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month from 12:00–2:00 p.m., and the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays from 5:30–6:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required through 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.