Meals on Wheels Natrona Heights

Mission: End Senior Hunger

Meals on Wheels at  965 Burtner Road, Natrona Heights delivers hot meals to 100 - 150 mobility-limited senior citizens, three times a week. 

The Volunteers

A huge team of 60 volunteers keeps the wheels turning. Many are drivers, who send the meals directly to the doorstep of recipients, while others help cook, portion and ready the meals for delivery. 

Almost all the volunteers are retirees. They range in age from 56 to 95 years of age. Yes, there's a 95 year old lady who helps out. Volunteers help in whatever capacity and as their schedule permits. Some come once a month, some every other day. 

Volunteers are always needed.

A Morning at The Meals on Wheels Kitchen

I've helped out on occasion, filling in for the regular volunteers who could not make it. Last week I went to fill in for Shirley who had to accompany her husband out of state. 

I arrived at 7 am. Those of you who know me, know that I am no early bird. 

However, Audrey had been working since 4 am. She is a long-time volunteer who went full-time a few years back. She practically lives there. She prepares the menu based on what foods are received from the Food Bank and what was bought cheap or on sale (often using coupons). She also cooks all the food.  Audrey is amazing!

The modern food preparation facility with two three bowl sinks, commercial ovens and gas ranges, walk in freezer and fridge, food prep tables.  That's my dream kitchen right there.

Drivers (the men) help pack the food if they arrive early. Awesome volunteers!

Cold food is kept in coolers and delivered directly to the mobility-limited senior citizens subscribed to the meals

To find out more about how to participate in this worthwhile cause, visit Meals on Wheels Association of America.

The Harrison Hills Park at Natrona Heights

In my opinion, this is one of the best things about where I live in Natrona Heights.

I LOVE the Harrison Hills Park (map here).  It's a nature lover's haven, and I love the trails. There are 14 miles of color blazed trails to run, bike or ride horses on and I've run all of them and attempted to mountain bike a few too. Some parts of the Green Trail don't get a whole lot of traffic or maintenance (, which is done by volunteers), so these can sometimes be overgrown with poison ivy.

The Green Trail Blazer - wait is that poison ivy hehe

On the 500 acre park there are old growth woodlands, open meadows, streams and ponds, which form several different natural habitats for wildlife, and are wonderful to explore. There's decent fishing at the Pond along the Pond Loop.

There's a soccer field, picnic areas with gazebos (some have electric and water) that can be booked for parties and gatherings (book with the Allegheny County Parks Department).  Bookings for shelters or groves are super affordable, starting at $25!

The Friends of Harrison Hills Park maintains an awesome Environmental Learning Center 'ELC' that houses a neat collection of specimens (birds, small mammals, insects, etc) and is the epicenter of activity especially in the summer months, with programs held every week for all the family. You can sign up for their email list to be sent the schedule of events for the year. I give lectures on bugs and volunteer to lead bug hikes every year.  It's a lot of fun!



Well, hope to see you at the Park!

World Earth Day 2012 at Harrison Hills Park

We had a low key but memorable celebration of World Earth Day this year at Harrison Hills Park. The Friends of Harrison Hills Park organized various events including an invasive species clean up hike, sprucing up the outdoor classroom, and trail cleanup.

I was surprised and tremendously encouraged to see so many people turn up. Entire families with kids showed up in full force despite the dreary weather.

Spencer and I joined Joe and Paul in trail maintenance. I think the guys did a great job.

After that we helped Patrick lay some pavers in the outdoor classroom.

Finally we fortified ourselves with cookies, ice cream and tiramisu. :)

Happy Earth Day everyone!

Peace.