Wednesday's Internet Edition, September 08, 2010.
19 years serving senior citizens of Van Horn
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| Irma Rivera (center) and Maricela Garcia (right) are beginning their daily routine of delivering some130 Meals on Wheels to people who are not able to come to the Nutrition Center to eat. At left is Nutrition Center Director Hortencia Sanchez |
- It was some eighteen years ago that a vision of Judge John Conoly became a reality. The senior citizens of Culberson County who need a helping hand with making sure that they have at least one good, nutritionally-balanced meal a day have had that help since the Culberson County Senior Citizen’s Nutrition Center opened it’s doors on April 1, 1988.
Program Director, Hortencia Sanchez, has been overseeing the operations of the Center since it’s opening 19 years ago. However, she was not entirely new to the food industry. Mr. Gene Van Horn introduced her to that career when he was General Manager of the Holiday Inn (now Ramada Inn) here in Van Horn. She began as a waitress and worked her way up to Food & Beverage Manager in the 12 years she worked there. Before becoming Program Director for the Nutrition Center, she worked two years in Child Protective Services for the county.
The Nutrition Center did not start out in the nice facilities that it currently enjoys. The small buildings located next door was the first home to the center. The current building was opened nine years ago and consists of a spacious dining room, large kitchen with ample storage areas and office space. Since it is also a recreation area for seniors, a pool table is available, as well as some exercise equipment. Seniors are encouraged to use the facility as a place to visit, play games and relax with friends.
There were about 21 meals prepared at the beginning. Six of those were taken to homes and 15 congregate meals. Those numbers have increased by leaps and bounds over the past 19 years. They now prepare about 182 meals - 52 congregate and 130 taken to those not able to come to the center. Yes, 130 Meals on Wheels each day are delivered to senior citizens who find it a hardship to get out of their homes.
The Meals on Wheels began to grow when Hortencia became acquainted with Mrs. Gallego, the mother of our State Representative. She was working for a Home Health Primary Care organization out of Alpine which gives personal assistance to seniors who qualify for this service. She expressed the need of many others in our community to have meals taken to their homes. Mrs. Sanchez began making contacts and the Meals on Wheels program grew to what it is today. This organization eventually offered a supervisory position to Hortensia, which she feels gives her even more contact with elderly citizens and their needs.
If you are wondering where the funds come from to operate our county’s Nutrition Center, it is primarily state and federal grants through the Area Agency on the Aging. The county does supplement at times, as well as furnishing the facility, all utilities and maintenance of the property. These grants have to be applied for yearly. The meals are offered on a donation basis, so that those who are able to pay a small amount are encouraged to do so.
Besides the Program Director, three are employed in the kitchen and two who deliver the meals. Mrs. Sanchez stated that there is little waste from those who receive the meals, which says something for how well they are prepared. The center uses the services of a Dietician from the Agency on Aging for meal planning.
Although Hortencia has had 19 years of experience operating the Nutrition Center, she continues to learn as much as she can. Just recently she attended a Meals On Wheels Conference held in New Braunfels. It was a packed 3-day learning experience with some great speakers covering everything from Hospitality Habits, Nutrition Education, Home Health Care and even how to spot elder abuse and identifying Dementia. Hortencia stated that there is always something new to learn in this field and she is open to new ways of doing things for this extremely important segment of our society.
In a time when there seems to be so much careless spending of our tax dollars, this is one way that we can see a real need being met and our tax money is at work in a very positive way here in our town and county.
Unemployment in region appears to be stabilizing
Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande released the latest unemployment statistics for the 6 county region last Friday. The statistics seem to show that the unemployment rate within the region is stabilizing.
Here in Culberson County, our unemployment rate was reported at 4.2%. Only one county in the region had a lower rate.
Other counties within the region reported the following unemployment rates: Brewster County - 4.3%; El Paso County - 8.2%; Hudspeth County - 4.9%; Jeff Davis County - 4.1%; and Presidio County - 15.8%.
Within the state of Texas, unemployment stood at 6.7% while nationally, the unemployment rate stood at 9%.
And, the report additionally showed that within the region, a total of 1,100 jobs was gained for the March reporting period.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
April 23rd - The Van Horn Eagle baseball team is scheduled to play Midland Trinity in Midland today beginning at 6 p.m.
April 24th - Van Horn Eagle track team regional qualifiers will take part in a Regional Qualifiers Meet in Iraan today. The Regional Meet is next Friday and Saturday in Levelland.
April 25th - Nothing scheduled at press time.
April 26th - Attend the church of your choice.
April 27th - Members of the Van Horn Lions Club are slated to meet this evening at 7 p.m. at the Sands Restaurant.
April 28th - Members of the Van Horn Rotary Club are slated to meet today at noon at Chuy’s Restaurant.
April 29th - Nothing scheduled at press time.