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Opinion

Duter: Sun City Meals on Wheels off to new start

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What a year 2021 has started out to be!

We began the new year with a new meal service provider.

The Banner Rehabilitation Center did not renew our contract this year. Their mission is changing, and we hope that it will be positive for those who worked so hard on our meals for so many years. As a result, we have turned to the Sun Valley Lodge, located just down the street from our office, to be our new partner in providing meals to the residents of Sun City and Youngtown.

We transitioned to Sun Valley Lodge Jan. 4 and they did an amazing job of stepping up to the task of ensuring our meal delivery service continued uninterrupted.

As you can imagine, there have been many challenges accompanying such a major change in operation. There have been the inevitable moments of drama and trauma inherent in shifting gears instantly without the luxury of a “trial run.” And I’m proud to say that our volunteers stepped up to the plate and adapted to the changes in their routine with awesome flexibility.

As for our clients, the change has not gone without the expected complaints and welcome compliments. However, with steady service now under our belts, we have begun receiving positive feedback on the variety and taste of the meals.

Sun Valley Lodge is currently offering a five-week repeating menu cycle. Some substitutions may occur, but for the most part, it is a solid menu. This allows us to actually distribute the menu to our clients in advance, something we were never able to do before, giving them the benefit of being able to review it, and if they find a planned meal they don’t like or want, they can call the office with advance notice and we will stop their meal for that day.

I am proud to be representing our faithful volunteers once again as their president. I don’t need to tell you that 2020 was a challenging year in so many ways, not the least of which was COVID-19, plus weather patterns breaking all records, world changes that are affecting us on a local level and, sadly, the loss of several wonderful volunteers.

I am approaching 2021 with faith that no matter what challenges the new year brings, the Sun City Meals on Wheels volunteers will rise up to meet them as we always have and continue to serve through all trials and tribulations!

Please stay well, safe and happy, and let us join together in making 2021 the best year for all of us!

Editor’s Note: Ms. Duter is Meals of Wheels of Sun City president.