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Shelton Mason County Journal
Shelton, Washington
February 4, 1999     Shelton Mason County Journal
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February 4, 1999
 
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What's Cookin'? Darlene manages food program and volunteers with enthusiasm By MARY DUNCAN Darlene Blazo, site manager fi)r the Community Action Coun- cil Senior Nutrition Program and CAC's summertime chil- dren's lunch program, has found work which meshes her talents and inclinations. "I love being able to be really close to the seniors. I didn't know that I would tind it so appealing," she admits. "And I feel like my job is the very best of both worlds because I get the children in the summer and seniors year- round. "Many times I get to put them together and that's really fun. Sometimes we'll have our youth volunteers go out with our volun- teer drivers and hell) deliver meals to our seniors. They re- member them from summer to summer," Darlene continues. Meals-on-Wheels for home- : bound seniors are prepared in addition to the lunches served at the Mason County Senior Activi- ties Center four days a week, she explains. "WE'VE GOT college kids that will come home now and will pop in at Christmastime and want to go out and do a route. The seniors will remember them. Isn't that just wonderful?" she observes. A Girl Scout troop and a 4-H club sponsor food drives and help out any time she asks, Darlene adds. "l think we have 22-23 volun- teer staff now. I'd say probably three-quarters of my staff are re- tired and the other are getting to that point to()," Darlene says. In the summer, her workforce swells to include students with a state youth program and volun- teers. "We need them because we're popping out approximately 125 hot meals per day for the seniors and we're doing approximately 200 sack lunches per day for the chil- dren,,' she reports with a smile. Last year was the second for the summer lunch program, with meals distributed at Kneeland Park, through Shelton Parks and Recreation day camp and at the B.oys and Girls Club of Mason County site in Shelton. Darlene has first-hand knowledge of what it's like to be a volunteer. "This is almost my sixth year with the senior nutri- tion program. I did four years as a vohmteer and then one of my sons went back to college and I thought, 'Well, I need a part-time job,' " she recalls. "So I inquired and sure enough, something had become available here. I'd been kind of substituting ...so it was kind of an easy shoe in for me, actually." DARLENE THE Volunteer began by delivering meals and now she oversees the program for which she has developed a spe- cial tbndness. "We take care of probably 100 to 125 homebound. We have two routes within the city that run about 70 to 75 on a daily basis, and then twice a mt)nth, every two weeks, we do a county route," she explains. "It encompasses approximately 200 miles. We have two lovely gals now who deliver those meals to NOW THE SITE manager, Darlene Blazo began her as- sociation with the Senior Nutrition Program six years ago as a volunteer driver. She observes that the per- sonal contact with homebound seniors is just as im- PO rtant to them' aslthe food. those people. "I just saw a need about a year ago, because we have a lot of pet:)- pie out there who are isolated anti had no families and they needed food. Sometimes I wonder if their visits and hugs aren't better for them then the actual fi)od," Dar- lene ponders. She and staff work out of rent- ed space, the kitchen in the se- nior center. "We're an organi- zation with the umbrella of the Community Action Council over us. My director is Robert Colt," she adds. "It's been very nice since they've taken over." Another easy fit for Darlene the Manager was her back- ground. For many years she worked "mid-management cor- porate," she notes. "And then af- ter that got real sick of that st) started managing doctors' offic- es. Then I kind of retired Ibr awhile. I remarried 10 years ago so I just kind of sat back and we traveled. "THEN I STARTED h)oking for things to do, volunteer work, because I've always volunteered since I was about 19, I guess," she says of her stint delivering meals. But her management background, she says, makes the management aspect of her cur- rent job "easy for me." In addition to volunteers, she has a cook and a dietitian on her staff. "I don't do anything as far as the menu goes. We have de- tailed listings," Darlene says. "The dietician sets what our dai- ly menus will be so that every- body gets a nutritionally bal- anced meal." I don't think there's anything as brave as bulbs. Give them a little warmth and up they come, never worrying about weather forecasts calling for freezing blasts or windstorms er hail. Granted, there's good reason tulip buds are pointed at the top and snowdrops hang like bells to What has been her motivation to volunteer over the years? "I had read William F. Buck- ley, and I don't remember the name of the book now, but he does state you must at some point start giving back," she responds. "If you really are grateful for living in a good country, you must start giving back at some point or another. And I guess I thought, 'Okay, this is a good idea.' "And I love living here," Dar- lene proclaims. "I've lived over- seas and it's nice. I've been in Mexico and countries where it's not-so-nice. We do live in a good country." She adds that her first husband was in the military and they lived all over the United States and in Europe. SO HOW DOES Shelton com- pare? "I love it," declares the six- year resident. "I was born in Or- egon but raised in Arizona so my high school years and college years were down at the border, kind of. I think it's let me see a lot and it's made me really grateful. "I grew up on a farm for the first five years so I'm used to small community and then I've lived in major cities around the world. I think that the appeal is there's so much diversity here," she observes. "First we come here because the air is so clean; we come here because the envi- ronment and politics aren't so harsh. You know, we make choices, many of us, to come from other areas to live here. "We have some of the finest restaurants in Western Wash- ington in this goofy little town. We have the cleanest theater there is probably in half the state," she suggests. "We've got nice people and they just really pull together as a community." Aside from work, this devoted woman manages to find time for youth. "I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mormons," Darlene begins. "I teach an early morning semi- nary class for high-schoolers. We meet at our chapel up on 12th and Connection. We just do reli- gious studies, every single morning for 50 minutes. I start teaching at 6:00, we're done at 6:50 and then I'm down here working in my office at 7. I only do this four days a week so I have Fridays off. "I HAVE A lot of interests. I always have. I find myself get- ward off the worst of the deluges. In fact, maybe they're not as optimistic as I think they are. The canny crocuses, for instance, fold up like little umbrellas if the sun's not shining. They've been furled tight for the last week. I wonder if they'll ever open. Pollination Power from WILDLIFE ATTRACTIONS We have Mason Bees! Also supplies,-- books and nest blocks for a variety of pollinators Don't forget we have a full --line of quality Wildlife feeders, housing, . feeds and gifts 426 4926 61 E. Agate Road Open Wed.-Sat. 10 a.m.-S:30 p.m. ting real bored and I don't like being bored," she concedes. "I read a lot and we travel a lot. "Just a few addictions," she adds straight-faced. "I quilt; I garden." Darlene says there's one place left she would like to visit - New Zealand. That is the spot those who travel extensively say is their favorite, she adds. "My husband wants to go to Australia so some day we're going to save our pennies up and see both for a month or two." As an afterthought she notes, "I wanted to go to mainland Chi- na for a while, but it's become so westernized that I'm not too sure that appeals to me any more." BABY BOOMER Darlene openly confesses, "I turn 50 in March and hope to retire at age 55. What is it they call it? We have to do the 'croning rights' now." She laughs easily and blushes slightly. "I'm thinkin' I don't even have a wart. To do the croning rights, you have to have a wart. When I get that wart on my nose, we'll work on that," she explains with more smiles. "I love getting older. I really do. It's never been anything that's been of concern to me." Changing caps once again, Manager Darlene appeals, "We're always looking for vol- unteers. We always need in- kitchen help, clean up, and then we always need drivers." Her office number is 426-9726. "We do pay mileage and they do get a free meal on the days they work, in or out of the house, and lots of hugs and kisses. It's very rewarding whether you're volunteering or working," she continues. "It's almost a calling because you get to take care of a whole community and make sure they're nutritionally okay." FINALLY, WITH equal en- thusiasm, she confesses, "I take a nap every afternoon when I get home. I'm up at 5 and I'm usual- ly home by 2. There's an hour nap and a book to be read." She giggles as the roses cross her cheeks. The recipe which Darlene shares is one she says can be made for a family or a crew. For the senior nutrition program it's tripled and baked in sheet-cake pans. Pumpkin surprise 1 pkg. yellow cake mix 1/2 C. soft butter 1 egg Mix until creamy. Reserve one cup. Spread the remaining batter in a 9xl3-inch pan. 1 lg. can pumpkin 2+ tsp. cinnamon 2/ C. evaporated milk 3 eggs V2 C.granulated sugar Mix until smooth and spread on cake batter. 1 C. reserved cake batter d2 C. melted butter 1/2 C. brown sugar Mix and spread in pan. Top with chopped pecans. Bake at 350" for one hour. You Are Invited GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION SUN., FEB. 14, 1999 • at 00ity 153 Johns Court Clowns Balloons Music and Refreshments JOIR US as we For more Information call: open our doors 427-2575 iin • e to -the community" or SHa ,:c|a'e Admission fine 490-56B8 Adopt-a-Pet Adopt-a-Pet is a nonprofit volun- teer group whose placement services, kennels and spay-neuter assistance program are financed through month- ly garage sales. To list pets with the placement-assistance program or to list lost and found pets, call before 8 p.m. Sunday for publication. All pets from Adopt-a-Pet kennels are vet- checked. Call 426-2610 to set up a kennel visit or to donate items. Or visit the Web site at www.aap- wa.org TESS, A DOBERMAN cross with short black hair, is a very gentle, lov- ing dog, according to her caretakers. She is 4 years old, current on all shots including rabies and spayed. SAMANTHA, A 5-YEAR-OLD, spayed greyhound/black Lab cross, is a beautiful, very active dog. AT 2 YEARS old, Cookie, a spayed black Lab cross, is described by her caretakers as being a little on the timid side but she is a dog who warms up quickly. WITH STAND-UP EARS, Foxy looks like a medium-sized red fox but is a neutered, German shepherd cross. This 3-year-old loves attention, according to his caretakers. GENTLE, LOVING Buddy was found in the Shelton Airport area. A black-and- white border collie cross, he's 1 to 2 years old and neu- tered. Accustomed to being an outdoor dog, he'd make a great pet, says the person who found him. A fenced yard is required. Call 427. 5838 or 943-7966 to meet him. Happy Birthday, Jason You had hair then. Love Mom & John p.m. Saturday. Here's a listing of some of the d0 available this week: LAB, female, black. SHEPHERD, male, bi-colored, years old. Australian shepherd, male, tered, 3 years old. Free Pets KIT KAT, A beautiful, large, o U door male cat, has medium-lengr$, black and white hair and amber eye 426-8711.  AS4 I at lur City of Shelton de, joil Animal Shelter I Adoptions cost $25 plus $5 for l city license. New dogs are brought ft. all the time. Call 427-7503 or visl the shelter at 902 West Pine Street. the Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. bl0n:[ so( day through Friday and 9 a.m. to 11 bl01 G get a handle on /oye Tg/efloro.'5 Cup 4  8o, $29.50 Your Valentine will love you even more when this charming gilt arriveS, The flowers are gorgeous, the heart" themed ceramic mug is adorable, and the miniature book on the joys of Ioee is absolutely irresistible. To send t s: unique gift anywhere in the U.S. or Canada, call or visit our shop, Lynch Cree00 Floral 4th and Railroad 426-8615 Free delivery Feb. 10, II, 12 within Shelton city limits OPEN SUNDAY, FEB 14fit , TeleIlora" WOMEN'S CLOTHING 50% February 8-12 }  Starting Monday. February 8th. the first 1 O0 people to buy jewelry or a Valentine's Day item will receive a coupon for a FREE" RED CARNATION from Lynch Creek F00ral * A minimum total purchase of $5, Including at least one Valentine's or ,. ,. jewelry item, ..j.., Is T00ASUSES THmrr 30S W. Railroad Avenue. Downtown SheltO0 427-3858 Volunteers needed. Accepting donations. rotnaAnON Proceeds benefit the Mason General Hospital toll let tra, vice a8 [visi B Fell Cot ten wit] thei him CARINGF()R iH()S[ (()LICARFABOUT Page 6 - Shelton-Mason County Journal - Thursday, February 4, 1999 What's Cookin'? Darlene manages food program and volunteers with enthusiasm By MARY DUNCAN Darlene Blazo, site manager fi)r the Community Action Coun- cil Senior Nutrition Program and CAC's summertime chil- dren's lunch program, has found work which meshes her talents and inclinations. "I love being able to be really close to the seniors. I didn't know that I would tind it so appealing," she admits. "And I feel like my job is the very best of both worlds because I get the children in the summer and seniors year- round. "Many times I get to put them together and that's really fun. Sometimes we'll have our youth volunteers go out with our volun- teer drivers and hell) deliver meals to our seniors. They re- member them from summer to summer," Darlene continues. Meals-on-Wheels for home- : bound seniors are prepared in addition to the lunches served at the Mason County Senior Activi- ties Center four days a week, she explains. "WE'VE GOT college kids that will come home now and will pop in at Christmastime and want to go out and do a route. The seniors will remember them. Isn't that just wonderful?" she observes. A Girl Scout troop and a 4-H club sponsor food drives and help out any time she asks, Darlene adds. "l think we have 22-23 volun- teer staff now. I'd say probably three-quarters of my staff are re- tired and the other are getting to that point to()," Darlene says. In the summer, her workforce swells to include students with a state youth program and volun- teers. "We need them because we're popping out approximately 125 hot meals per day for the seniors and we're doing approximately 200 sack lunches per day for the chil- dren,,' she reports with a smile. Last year was the second for the summer lunch program, with meals distributed at Kneeland Park, through Shelton Parks and Recreation day camp and at the B.oys and Girls Club of Mason County site in Shelton. Darlene has first-hand knowledge of what it's like to be a volunteer. "This is almost my sixth year with the senior nutri- tion program. I did four years as a vohmteer and then one of my sons went back to college and I thought, 'Well, I need a part-time job,' " she recalls. "So I inquired and sure enough, something had become available here. I'd been kind of substituting ...so it was kind of an easy shoe in for me, actually." DARLENE THE Volunteer began by delivering meals and now she oversees the program for which she has developed a spe- cial tbndness. "We take care of probably 100 to 125 homebound. We have two routes within the city that run about 70 to 75 on a daily basis, and then twice a mt)nth, every two weeks, we do a county route," she explains. "It encompasses approximately 200 miles. We have two lovely gals now who deliver those meals to NOW THE SITE manager, Darlene Blazo began her as- sociation with the Senior Nutrition Program six years ago as a volunteer driver. She observes that the per- sonal contact with homebound seniors is just as im- PO rtant to them' aslthe food. those people. "I just saw a need about a year ago, because we have a lot of pet:)- pie out there who are isolated anti had no families and they needed food. Sometimes I wonder if their visits and hugs aren't better for them then the actual fi)od," Dar- lene ponders. She and staff work out of rent- ed space, the kitchen in the se- nior center. "We're an organi- zation with the umbrella of the Community Action Council over us. My director is Robert Colt," she adds. "It's been very nice since they've taken over." Another easy fit for Darlene the Manager was her back- ground. For many years she worked "mid-management cor- porate," she notes. "And then af- ter that got real sick of that st) started managing doctors' offic- es. Then I kind of retired Ibr awhile. I remarried 10 years ago so I just kind of sat back and we traveled. "THEN I STARTED h)oking for things to do, volunteer work, because I've always volunteered since I was about 19, I guess," she says of her stint delivering meals. But her management background, she says, makes the management aspect of her cur- rent job "easy for me." In addition to volunteers, she has a cook and a dietitian on her staff. "I don't do anything as far as the menu goes. We have de- tailed listings," Darlene says. "The dietician sets what our dai- ly menus will be so that every- body gets a nutritionally bal- anced meal." I don't think there's anything as brave as bulbs. Give them a little warmth and up they come, never worrying about weather forecasts calling for freezing blasts or windstorms er hail. Granted, there's good reason tulip buds are pointed at the top and snowdrops hang like bells to What has been her motivation to volunteer over the years? "I had read William F. Buck- ley, and I don't remember the name of the book now, but he does state you must at some point start giving back," she responds. "If you really are grateful for living in a good country, you must start giving back at some point or another. And I guess I thought, 'Okay, this is a good idea.' "And I love living here," Dar- lene proclaims. "I've lived over- seas and it's nice. I've been in Mexico and countries where it's not-so-nice. We do live in a good country." She adds that her first husband was in the military and they lived all over the United States and in Europe. SO HOW DOES Shelton com- pare? "I love it," declares the six- year resident. "I was born in Or- egon but raised in Arizona so my high school years and college years were down at the border, kind of. I think it's let me see a lot and it's made me really grateful. "I grew up on a farm for the first five years so I'm used to small community and then I've lived in major cities around the world. I think that the appeal is there's so much diversity here," she observes. "First we come here because the air is so clean; we come here because the envi- ronment and politics aren't so harsh. You know, we make choices, many of us, to come from other areas to live here. "We have some of the finest restaurants in Western Wash- ington in this goofy little town. We have the cleanest theater there is probably in half the state," she suggests. "We've got nice people and they just really pull together as a community." Aside from work, this devoted woman manages to find time for youth. "I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mormons," Darlene begins. "I teach an early morning semi- nary class for high-schoolers. We meet at our chapel up on 12th and Connection. We just do reli- gious studies, every single morning for 50 minutes. I start teaching at 6:00, we're done at 6:50 and then I'm down here working in my office at 7. I only do this four days a week so I have Fridays off. "I HAVE A lot of interests. I always have. I find myself get- ward off the worst of the deluges. In fact, maybe they're not as optimistic as I think they are. The canny crocuses, for instance, fold up like little umbrellas if the sun's not shining. They've been furled tight for the last week. I wonder if they'll ever open. Pollination Power from WILDLIFE ATTRACTIONS We have Mason Bees! Also supplies,-- books and nest blocks for a variety of pollinators Don't forget we have a full --line of quality Wildlife feeders, housing, . feeds and gifts 426 4926 61 E. Agate Road Open Wed.-Sat. 10 a.m.-S:30 p.m. ting real bored and I don't like being bored," she concedes. "I read a lot and we travel a lot. "Just a few addictions," she adds straight-faced. "I quilt; I garden." Darlene says there's one place left she would like to visit - New Zealand. That is the spot those who travel extensively say is their favorite, she adds. "My husband wants to go to Australia so some day we're going to save our pennies up and see both for a month or two." As an afterthought she notes, "I wanted to go to mainland Chi- na for a while, but it's become so westernized that I'm not too sure that appeals to me any more." BABY BOOMER Darlene openly confesses, "I turn 50 in March and hope to retire at age 55. What is it they call it? We have to do the 'croning rights' now." She laughs easily and blushes slightly. "I'm thinkin' I don't even have a wart. To do the croning rights, you have to have a wart. When I get that wart on my nose, we'll work on that," she explains with more smiles. "I love getting older. I really do. It's never been anything that's been of concern to me." Changing caps once again, Manager Darlene appeals, "We're always looking for vol- unteers. We always need in- kitchen help, clean up, and then we always need drivers." Her office number is 426-9726. "We do pay mileage and they do get a free meal on the days they work, in or out of the house, and lots of hugs and kisses. It's very rewarding whether you're volunteering or working," she continues. "It's almost a calling because you get to take care of a whole community and make sure they're nutritionally okay." FINALLY, WITH equal en- thusiasm, she confesses, "I take a nap every afternoon when I get home. I'm up at 5 and I'm usual- ly home by 2. There's an hour nap and a book to be read." She giggles as the roses cross her cheeks. The recipe which Darlene shares is one she says can be made for a family or a crew. For the senior nutrition program it's tripled and baked in sheet-cake pans. Pumpkin surprise 1 pkg. yellow cake mix 1/2 C. soft butter 1 egg Mix until creamy. Reserve one cup. Spread the remaining batter in a 9xl3-inch pan. 1 lg. can pumpkin 2+ tsp. cinnamon 2/ C. evaporated milk 3 eggs V2 C.granulated sugar Mix until smooth and spread on cake batter. 1 C. reserved cake batter d2 C. melted butter 1/2 C. brown sugar Mix and spread in pan. Top with chopped pecans. Bake at 350" for one hour. You Are Invited GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION SUN., FEB. 14, 1999 • at 00ity 153 Johns Court Clowns Balloons Music and Refreshments JOIR US as we For more Information call: open our doors 427-2575 iin • e to -the community" or SHa ,:c|a'e Admission fine 490-56B8 Adopt-a-Pet Adopt-a-Pet is a nonprofit volun- teer group whose placement services, kennels and spay-neuter assistance program are financed through month- ly garage sales. To list pets with the placement-assistance program or to list lost and found pets, call before 8 p.m. Sunday for publication. All pets from Adopt-a-Pet kennels are vet- checked. Call 426-2610 to set up a kennel visit or to donate items. Or visit the Web site at www.aap- wa.org TESS, A DOBERMAN cross with short black hair, is a very gentle, lov- ing dog, according to her caretakers. She is 4 years old, current on all shots including rabies and spayed. SAMANTHA, A 5-YEAR-OLD, spayed greyhound/black Lab cross, is a beautiful, very active dog. AT 2 YEARS old, Cookie, a spayed black Lab cross, is described by her caretakers as being a little on the timid side but she is a dog who warms up quickly. WITH STAND-UP EARS, Foxy looks like a medium-sized red fox but is a neutered, German shepherd cross. This 3-year-old loves attention, according to his caretakers. GENTLE, LOVING Buddy was found in the Shelton Airport area. A black-and- white border collie cross, he's 1 to 2 years old and neu- tered. Accustomed to being an outdoor dog, he'd make a great pet, says the person who found him. A fenced yard is required. Call 427. 5838 or 943-7966 to meet him. Happy Birthday, Jason You had hair then. Love Mom & John p.m. Saturday. Here's a listing of some of the d0 available this week: LAB, female, black. SHEPHERD, male, bi-colored, years old. Australian shepherd, male, tered, 3 years old. Free Pets KIT KAT, A beautiful, large, o U door male cat, has medium-lengr$, black and white hair and amber eye 426-8711.  AS4 I at lur City of Shelton de, joil Animal Shelter I Adoptions cost $25 plus $5 for l city license. New dogs are brought ft. all the time. Call 427-7503 or visl the shelter at 902 West Pine Street. the Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. bl0n:[ so( day through Friday and 9 a.m. to 11 bl01 G get a handle on /oye Tg/efloro.'5 Cup 4  8o, $29.50 Your Valentine will love you even more when this charming gilt arriveS, The flowers are gorgeous, the heart" themed ceramic mug is adorable, and the miniature book on the joys of Ioee is absolutely irresistible. To send t s: unique gift anywhere in the U.S. or Canada, call or visit our shop, Lynch Cree00 Floral 4th and Railroad 426-8615 Free delivery Feb. 10, II, 12 within Shelton city limits OPEN SUNDAY, FEB 14fit , TeleIlora" WOMEN'S CLOTHING 50% February 8-12 }  Starting Monday. February 8th. the first 1 O0 people to buy jewelry or a Valentine's Day item will receive a coupon for a FREE" RED CARNATION from Lynch Creek F00ral * A minimum total purchase of $5, Including at least one Valentine's or ,. ,. jewelry item, ..j.., Is T00ASUSES THmrr 30S W. Railroad Avenue. Downtown SheltO0 427-3858 Volunteers needed. Accepting donations. rotnaAnON Proceeds benefit the Mason General Hospital toll let tra, vice a8 [visi B Fell Cot ten wit] thei him CARINGF()R iH()S[ (()LICARFABOUT Page 6 - Shelton-Mason County Journal - Thursday, February 4, 1999