Tag Archives: Meals on Wheels

A lifetime of giving: “Chef O” recognized with Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award

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Chef O (left) with Lisa Wideman, CEO and President of Meals on Wheels Western Michigan (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)



By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


Chef O uses his talents in the kitchen to educate others on healthy meal options (Courtesy, Meals on Wheels)

Chef Oliver Hale, a Grand Rapids resident affectionately known as Chef O, has recently been awarded the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for his 4,028 hours of volunteer community service.

The Presidential Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) Program recognizes the invaluable contributions of volunteers.

They celebrate those who have committed countless hours to the betterment of society and acknowledge volunteers who go above and beyond, giving their time to address critical needs and making significant impact through their efforts.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honor given by the program, recognizing individuals who have dedicated over 4,000 hours of volunteer service.

During his lifetime, the beloved chef has worked with several organizations to serve those around him, including:

“When I first learned about this award, I knew that this was something that Chef O deserved,” said Lisa Wideman, CEO and President of Meals on Wheels Western Michigan. “Nominating him for this was an incredibly obvious thing that I needed to do.”

A life of service

Hale began working with Meals on Wheels in 1993 because he loved the idea of helping people through food.

Chef O has inspired countless people with his positive energy and giving heart (Courtesy, Meals on Wheels)

“I wanted to help people, and I was looking for an organization that I fit into,” said Hale. “Meals on Wheels was providing healthy and fresh food done right. I liked the nutritional value they put into it.”

“He really lights up the kitchen when he comes in and volunteers,” said Wideman. “He brings such an incredible, positive energy with him wherever he goes.

“I know the trials and tribulations he’s been through, and he never talks about himself. It’s always about giving to others. He is true-hearted.”

A beacon of resilience

An award-winning chef with a career that spans over 50 years, Hale is also a two-time kidney transplant recipient.

Because of his own experiences, Chef O is an active advocate for organ donation (Courtesy, Meals on Wheels)

“Chef O is not only a culinary expert, but also a beacon of resilience,” said Wideman. “His determination and tenacity have truly inspired me over the years.”

The receipt of that first kidney on Jan. 28, 1985 is what sparked Hale’s mission to give back. And he hit the ground running.

Hale went back to college and began volunteer work in Toledo. When he moved to West Michigan, he continued to pay it forward by helping those who could not help themselves.

In 1999, Hale was invited to host his own TV show, “Chef O’s Place,” on WKTV Community Media.

“We did 315 shows over 11 years,” Hale said of his time at WKTV. “They were like family to me. We came together once a week…and we had fun taping it. The show was all volunteer, and that’s what I loved about it.”

But that’s not all…

(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

Chef O retired in 2010, but continues to dedicate his time to cooking competitions – through which he has won several awards, judging, speaking engagements, recipe writing and healthy cooking demonstrations across the country.

“I love challenges,” said Hale, adding that he recently checked two items off his bucket list: cooking a nine-course dinner for 10 people, and accepting an invitation to be a guest chef at a five-star restaurant in England.

Since 1987, Hale has participated in the World Transplant Games, traveling to nine countries and winning 35 medals – 19 of them gold medals in track & field, tennis, fencing and pickleball. Hale recently added two more silver medals to his collection at the 2024 National Transplant Games in Alabama.

A profound impact

The Lifetime Achievement Award  ceremony was held at Meals on Wheels Western Michigan in Grandville.

Several members of the community were present at the award ceremony to celebrate Chef O and his accomplishments (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

Wideman began the celebration by reading a message from President Joe Biden:

“You are helping discover and deliver solutions to the challenges we face. We are living in a moment that calls for hope and light and love. Hope for our futures, light to see our way forward, and love for one another. Through your service, you’re providing all three.”

Carly Swanson, Community Engagement Specialist for the Office of Governor, presented a letter from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Edye Evans Hyde (left), popular West Michigan jazz singer, greets Chef O (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

In that letter, Whitmer commended Chef O on his commitment to serving his community:

“Your remarkable achievements and contributions have had a profound impact on the community of Grand Rapids and beyond. Your commitment to service…is nothing short of extraordinary.

“Michigan is great because of individuals like you who embody the spirit of hard work, diversity and perseverance.”

Family values

Hale credits his parents for his many accomplishments – especially his mother.

“My mom and dad were the backbone of my values of what I do and what I learned how to do – especially when it comes to cooking.

“She’s the one who had me in her kitchen at five years old…She planted a seed in me, and I didn’t turn back.”

Chef O enjoyed his time filming “Chef O’s Place” at WKTV Community Media (Courtesy, Meals on Wheels)

But Hale’s mother imparted more than just cooking advice – she also had words of wisdom about life.

“When I got ready to leave home to travel…she looked at me and said, ‘Oliver, who you are is God’s gift to you. What you do from this point on is your gift back to God.’ That has stayed with me for all these years when I go to do things.”

Hale was notified that his mother had passed away 24 hours before he received the phone call informing him of the Lifetime Achievement Award. Though moved by news of the award, Hale said it took two months for it to truly penetrate the grief surrounding him.

“I am moved beyond belief,” said Hale. “This has been an unbelievable journey that I’ve had for the last several months.”

Simply…living

Terri Lynn Land, former Michigan Secretary of State, chats with Chef O (Courtesy, Deborah Reed)

Hale encourages community members to consider being an organ donor.

“I’m standing here because of that day on January 29, 1985. If you are not an organ donor, if you don’t have a heart on your driver’s license, please consider it.”

When asked what he considers to be his biggest accomplishment, Hale’s answer is simple: “Living.”

And he has no plans to stop.

Carol Glanville, State Representative – 84th District, with Chef O (Courtesy, Deborah Reed)

“God has blessed me with two transplants, and I’m very happy that I can continue showing the world what organ donation can provide,” said Hale.

“I’m not stopping here. I’m going to keep doing what I’m doing because God gave me an opportunity. I believe in everything I do.”

Wideman says Hale has inspired countless people to volunteer within the community, and she urges everyone to get involved somewhere: “It can fulfill your heart just by giving back.”

Michigan seniors want more in-home care, but funding is needed

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By Sarah Atwood
Capital News Service

Many seniors want to “age in place” with help from family and/or friends. (pxhere.com)

LANSING – Funding for in-home care and other state senior services is not increasing proportionally to the number of seniors in Michigan, according to Melissa Seifert, the associate state director of AARP Michigan.

“Michigan is one of the most rapidly aging states in the nation,” Seifert said. “But we’re also one of the worst states when it comes to adequately addressing the needs of our senior population.

 

“A large amount of taxpayer dollars go to nursing homes, but not enough go to at-home care,” she said.

Many seniors have a desire to stay at home

Most senior citizens want to “age in place,” staying at home and being cared for by family or friends, said Seifert, whose organization provides seniors with information and services. But that is impossible for most people with current funding.

The one-time federal funding under the American Rescue Plan Act offers the opportunity to better care for the state’s elderly population, she said.

Though the money is an important step, Seifert said ongoing support is needed. The goal is to bring about structural changes in at-home care funding that will make a positive difference without creating additional financial obligations for taxpayers, she said.

A growing senior population

The two most pressing issues for seniors are unnecessary institutionalization and overcrowded senior care facilities, Seifert said.

These problems are likely to get worse as more people get older and are no longer able to care for themselves the way they used to, advocates say.

 

The proportion of Michigan seniors is expected to reach 22% by 2050, said Cathleen Simlar, the communications manager for AARP Michigan. And the proportion of people 85 and older in Michigan is expected to reach 4.8% by the same year.

“We are incredibly unprepared for the amount of people who will be needing senior services in the coming years,” said Rep. Laurie Pohutsky, D-Livonia, who is a member of the House Committee for Families, Children and Seniors.

The need for more funding

“We’ll need more funding for them, especially for their health care. Although there are options to help people with paying for health care, it should be expanded,” Pohutsky said.

Seifert agrees. “Not only is there a lack of government funding in health care, but there’s a shortage of direct care workers to serve those who want to stay at home,” she said.

Michigan needs 34,000 more home caregivers than the 165,000 it has, Seifert said. But “noncompetitive pay, low job satisfaction, unpredictable schedules and the absence of benefits” make it difficult to attract and retain them.

That turnover costs Michigan $684 million per year, she said.

Coming up with creative solutions

Services provided by the Tri-County Office on Aging have been strained during and after the COVID-19 pandemic as more people are choosing to age at home rather than move into a senior care facility, said Casey Cooper, the community engagement and fundraising director for the agency serving Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties.

 

“For example, we do a Meals on Wheels program for our seniors and community members with disabilities,” Cooper said.

“Our services were definitely strained during the pandemic, and we had to get creative in order to serve everyone. Although qualifications for who could request our services were expanded, funding was not,” Cooper said.

There was not enough funding for one hot meal a day for everyone, she said. So, instead, seven frozen meals were delivered once a week. Now, the program has gone back to one hot meal a day, but people can still request frozen meals.

More creative solutions will be needed as the population of Michigan’s seniors grows, Cooper said.

 

There is a need for volunteers as well

“Right now, we have a shortage of funding and volunteers,” she said. “If funding is not increased along with the increase of seniors, people will not be able to access all of the services we would be able to provide them.”

Seifert said the coronavirus pandemic highlighted many holes in services for seniors.

“These issues were overlooked before and, hopefully now, increased funding and resources will be allotted to us and allow us to serve our senior communities how they want to be served,” she said.

Sarah is a junior at Michigan State University double majoring in Social Relations & Policy and Journalism. She is interested in writing about how politics affects local communities and making information accessible for everyone. In her free time, she likes boxing, yoga, and spending time with friends, family, and her dog.

Consumers Energy Foundation delivers grants to local organizations to continue COVID-19 community support

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Meals on Wheels of West Michigan received a grant from the Consumers Energy Foundation. Shown is an undated photo of a Meals on Wheels prep kitchen. (Meals on Wheel)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The Consumers Energy Foundation today announced $135,000 in grants to assist 14 Michigan nonprofit organizations, including several in West Michigan which serve Wyoming and Kentwood, to help the organizations “meet critical needs as they serve residents the COVID-19 pandemic has affected.”

The latest round of grants is part of more than $3.6 million in donations made since March, according to a July 13 statement from Consumers Energy.

Among the local groups to benefit from the grants are the Meals on Wheels Western Michigan of Grandville, the Boys & Girls Club of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth of Grand Rapids, and the Women’s Resource Center of Grand Rapids.

“We want to do our part to help people, businesses and communities that will continue to feel the pandemic’s effects for months,” Brandon Hofmeister, president of the Consumers Energy Foundation, said in supplied material. “These nonprofits are meeting some of the most critical and urgent needs of Michigan’s people and communities hit hardest by the impact of COVID-19.”

The new grants will help nonprofit organizations in various ways, allowing them to “provide food and personal supplies to clients, buy cleaning supplies, and meet equipment and furniture needs as organizations change how they serve the public,” according to the statement.

Among the other statewide organizations gaining Foundation grants are: Family & Children’s Services of Mid-Michigan of Midland, Housing Resources Inc. of Kalamazoo,  the Foundation for Mott Community College of Flint, Bethesda Lutheran Communities of Frankenmuth, Charitable Union of Battle Creek, Muskegon Rescue Mission of Muskegon,  Clothing INC of Mount Pleasant, Ministry with Community of Kalamazoo, Eastside Community Action Center of Lansing, Family Counseling & Children’s Services of Lenawee County/Catherine Cobb Safe House of Adrian, and Love Thy Neighbor Grand Traverse Region of Traverse City.

The Consumers Energy Foundation is the charitable arm of Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider. For more information about the Consumers Energy Foundation visit ConsumersEnergy.com/foundation.

City of Kentwood reopens, seeks donations for Little Free Pantry; senior meals also available

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The City of Kentwood’s Kentwood Activities Center, located at 355 48th St. SE, is the home to the Little Free Pantry. (City of Kentwood)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood has reopened its Little Free Pantry by appointment and is also in need of donations to support community members who may be struggling to keep food on the table, the city announced June 11. Through the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, a partnership with Meals on Wheels also has senior meals available.

Located within the Kentwood Activities Center at 355 48th St. SE, the pantry typically serves hundreds of people each year, but that is expected to increase due to the financial hardship some individuals may be facing as a result of the coronavirus and associated closures, according to the city’s statement.

“Even before COVID-19, the demand for our pantry goods had been steadily growing and the shelves were becoming empty on a weekly basis,” Val Romeo, director of Kentwood Parks and Recreation, said in supplied material. “We’d like to be able to continue to fill the immediate and local need we have here in our community.

“In order to do that, we need the help of individuals and organizations who are able to give financially or provide tangible donations, such as canned goods, shelf-stable food and personal items like toilet paper, shampoo and toothpaste.”

The City of Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry is in the Kentwood Activities Center. (City of Kentwood)

Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry is available by appointment from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Those who would like to utilize the pantry are asked to call ahead to 616-656-5270 and set up a time to come in. Upon arrival to the Kentwood Activities Center, a staff member will allow the individual in to take the items they need.

In addition to bringing donations to the Kentwood Activities Center, businesses, community organizations and other groups may partner with the city to better stock the pantry by accepting a Kentwood Little Free Pantry collection bin for canned goods and other non-perishable items at their facility. More information, including the application for a collection bin, can be found at: kentwood.us/littlefreepantry.

Meals on Wheels also available

The Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department has also partnered with Meals on Wheels Western Michigan to bring back the Senior Meals program in a grab-and-go format for residents who are age 60 or older.

Participants can do curbside pickup at the Kentwood Activities Center on Mondays between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. However, the meals must be reserved ahead of time by calling 616-656-5270 no later than the Friday before. There is no cost to participate, but donations are accepted. More information is available at mealsonwheelswesternmichigan.org.