Shirle Ayers' Volunteer Appreciation Award Winner 2009

A rose by any other name may smell as sweet, but when the name Rose is affiliated with Meals-on-Wheels "Volunteers of the Year," the association with exotic fragrance also includes the mouth-watering aroma that announces: "Dinner is served."

Cleburne couple, Bette and Terry Rose, not only enthusiastically participates in a regular route, but the pair is happy to help in a pinch when a route suddenly becomes vacant. 

With her husband Terry at the wheel of their SUV, the Roses tackle the task at hand as a team. "We've made a lot of really good friends and we've met some wonderful people," Terry replied.  Bette explained that she and Terry hear a calling to help the older community and felt that Meals-on-Wheels provided the perfect venue. And, Bette Rose never walks away from a house without first providing a heartfelt hug. 

"You're bringing a meal to them that they normally wouldn't have," Bette said.

The Roses understand their clients' desire for independence in their senior years. If providing a noon time meal helps to ensure that, the Roses are pleased to help make that possible.

"They need to be able to stay in their own homes," Bette added.

In honor of his selfless service, Bette and Terry Rose have been named as this year's recipient for the Shirle Ayers Volunteer Appreciation Award for Johnson County. This is an annual award acknowledging outstanding volunteer service, and is given in memory of Mr. Shirle Ayers, a faithful volunteer for many years. Also, during the week of April 19-15, volunteers were recognized during for their dedication and service to Meals-on-Wheels.

As you can see, the Roses personify this year's theme, "Celebrating People in Action."

Meals-on-Wheels serves more than 700 people on a daily basis with the help of people from the local communities. 

"Volunteers are essential for our program to be successful," said Amy Jackson, director of development. "Without the ongoing dedication of volunteers, we would not be able to impact the lives of the elderly, disabled, and their families. 

"Thank you for the invaluable service you provide to our homebound clients!" she added. Meals-on-Wheels continues to need additional volunteers to help get meals delivered to the homebound elderly and disabled residents throughout the county. 

Those interested in volunteering or who may know of someone in need of services is asked to call Meals-on-Wheels at 817-558-2840 or access the organization's Web site at: www.servingthechildrenofyesterday.org.