Chet Edwards For Congress

Apr 9, 2008
Congressman delivers meal

Burleson-Crowley Connection
By Danielle Novy | Staff writer

When 93-year-old J.W. Wimberly opened the doors of his Burleson home to the delivery man for Meals-on-Wheels of Johnson and Ellis Counties on March 28, he found himself face to face with U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco.

Edwards delivered Wimberly’s tray of food for Meals Awareness Month, a nationwide celebration of the impact Meals-on-Wheels has had on society.

Members of Congress delivered food throughout March, said Amy Jackson, director of development for Meals-on-Wheels of Johnson and Ellis Counties.

“A lot [of congress members] have been doing it these past couple weeks because they are home in their districts for Easter,” she said, adding she was glad to have Edwards on board.

After handing Wimberly his meal, Edwards slipped into a warm conversation with him, discussing topics such as the impact of computers and Meals-on-Wheels.

“People aren’t just delivering food; they are delivering friendship and love,” Edwards said. “In many cases, Meals-on-Wheels allows people to stay in their own homes where they have so many fond memories rather than go to nursing homes.”

Wimberly agreed, saying with a laugh, “The food keeps your belt buckle from your backbone.”
Conversation soon turned to the collage of photographs covering the walls of Wimberly’s home, reflecting the decades he has lived through.

“I was married for 70 years and two days,” Wimberly said, gingerly holding a picture of his late wife.

He also discussed a common thread between Edwards and himself: Both men have histories in politics. Wimberly was mayor of Hubbard years ago.

“This was great,” Jackson said of how the Meals-on-Wheels event unfolded.

Vinsen Faris, executive director of Meals-on-Wheels of Johnson and Ellis Counties, said elected officials’ involvement in the program proved fun and effective in increasing awareness.

“The people that saw all the elected officials got a kick out of it,” he said. “And we’ve also raised community awareness.”