VIN'S PEOPLE: Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee celebrates 50th anniversary
A salute to Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, celebrating its 50th anniversary with an open house Monday at its Bradenton headquarters, 811 23rd Ave. E.
Since 1972, it has delivered more than 11 million meals to homebound seniors, distributed tens of millions pounds of food to area families and provided social services for seniors.
Originally founded to provide hot meals to the elderly and disabled, the organization has grown in response to community needs, adding the “PLUS” to represent additional services offered.
It also hosted additional food distributions in high-need areas after Hurricane Ian through its Food Bank of Manatee program.
An advocate for the isolated, hungry, alone and those in need of hope, it has impacted thousands each year through programs and services that are a lifeline to babies, children, families, adults and seniors.
President and CEO Maribeth Phillips’ executive team includes Chief Financial Officer Tim Schaefer, and vice presidents Amy Towery (Development), Ava Ehde (Strategic Client Services), Frank Perry (Strategic Food Bank Services), Judi Bjork (Outreach and Nutrition Center Programs) and Bill Grenier (Finance).
• That’s 40 years of wedded bliss for Wayne and Carol Beck.
The secret to their admirable longevity?
“Compromise,” Wayne said, adding with a chuckle, “As hard as it is for me to admit, I’m not always right.”
• The one-and-only Darryl Davis is 53 years young.
• A bow to the 2023 Class of Manatee High’s Athletic Hall of Honor. Their august names are Coach Tom Orehowsky (1960), track and cross country; athlete Andy Torgeson (1967), football, basketball, baseball; athlete Richard Pearson (1976), golf; athlete Kenny Bowers (1984), soccer; athlete Daniel Gilmore (1985), wrestling; and Principal Wesley Chad Choate.
• Uh, oh! Jeff Phillips hit the Big 6-0!
• Well done to Charlie Kennedy, closing out eight years of service on the Manatee school board.
• And big ups to Reese Hamilton, Layla Williams and Emmie Canada, who finished 1-2-3, respectively, in Miss Manatee Softball’s Eight-and-Under Home Run Derby.
• That’s 25 years with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office for Lieutenant Sean Felton, Sergeant Richard McClain and Deputies Justin Yero, Angela Jones and Mark Pearson as well as Hilleary Price, a transcriptionist in the Professional Standards Section.
• Julie Eberly is 39. Again.
• Katie Warren, too.
• Auburn alum and birthday boy Jay Romine (62) knows exactly who he wants to see as its next head football coach: Ol’ Miss head coach Lane Kiffin.
Vin’s People runs Sundays. Email Vin Mannix at vinspeople@gmail.com. Or call 941-962-5944. Twitter: @vinmannix.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: VIN MANNIX: A major salute to Meals on Wheels PLUS on 50th anniversary
