Lyon County commissioner makes special deliveries

Lyon County Commissioner Chuck Roberts got to meet some of the recipients of the Meals on Wheels program Monday while riding with driver Brenda Hill.

"I know there is a large aspect to Lyon County Human Services," Roberts said. "This is a way to learn about all the services of the area."

Roberts rode with Hill as she delivered more than two dozen meals in the Dayton area. March is "March for Meals" month, which encourages local officials to go on route deliveries and meet the people who receive meals.

The Meals on Wheels program provides a hot, healthy meal to homebound senior citizens, or those who qualify under the Division of Aging Services requirements. Lyon County delivers about 100 meals a day, including weekends.

Among the recipients were Al and Ida Taylor of Dayton.

"I was a little surprised," Taylor said of the commissioner showing up on his doorstep. "It looks like he's taking an interest in the community. It sounds like they're (officials) doing their job in the community, which is important."

Roberts said riding with Hill gave him a little bit different perspective of the program.

"It's very obvious, at the least, a percentage (of the recipients) need this for their exposure and well being," he said. "It's a welfare check and visitation. Brenda has compassion and cares for the folks. She gave me a briefing on all of them."

The Lyon County commissioners enter budget meetings Wednesday for 2009-2010. Roberts said it's essential for the county, in part, to continue its funding of the program, which is included in the county's senior services budget.

"Absolutely would I do this again," Roberts said of his service to the senior citizens on Monday.

Senior centers that participate in the Meals on Wheels program must comply with Division of Aging Services standards, which require them to serve one DAS-approved meal per week in order to receive funding. Like many senior centers, Lyon County senior centers also receive funds through donations.

- Contact Rhonda Costa at rcosta@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.