Meals on Wheels employee Glenda Brandon signs up a new participant for the Oldtimers Foundation program on Thursday, July 12. COMPTON—The next chapter in the Meals on Wheels program arrived in the Hub City on Sunday, July 1, as the Oldtimers Foundation began its service to the community at 600 N. Alameda Ave.

The foundation replaces the Dickison Community Lighted Schools program, which lost its county funding over late paperwork.

Oldtimers Foundation Director Jose Solache said the group is off to a great start in the city.

“I spent the first week in Compton, and most seniors did not even know about the change,” he said. “That was a good thing because it allowed us to be proactive with people who immediately expressed concerns.”

Solache said many people offered feedback about the foods they want on a regular basis.

“They suggested menu favorites like fried fish and turkey wings,” he said. “I also doubled checked our home-served meal

Newly promoted Compton Manager Lori Watkins makes seniors feel welcome at Dollarhide. Photo byJose Solache Bulletin photo by Chris Frost

program, and found no issues.”

Solache dispelled menu change rumors while seniors enjoyed a lunch featuring traditional favorites.

“Someone told them it would be Mexican entrees, sandwiches and hot dogs all the time,” he said. “We served chicken, roast beef with barbecue sauce, and rib-tips during the first three days. I asked them if they considered the lunch improper, and no one had any problems. It is unfortunate they received inaccurate information, but the proof is in the food.”

Participants received a festive treat on July 4, when cake and fruit were the featured desserts.

“We like doing special things on holidays,” Solache said. “There will be more events in the future.”

Dollarhide participants believed that donations were required, Solache said, and he cleared up that concern, as well.

“We post a suggested donation, based on county requirements, but it is not required,” Solache said. “Nobody gets turned away, regardless of their financial means.”

Supervisor Lori Watkins has a remarkable recipe for unhappy participants.

“We show everyone compassion and kindness, and that helps them,” she said. “This is a new program in Compton, but once everyone gets to know the Oldtimers Foundation, they will love us. Seniors are my top priority.”

The foundation retained nine former Dickison staff members, Solache said, and the transition has been seamless.

“We welcomed them with open arms, and the group has been very receptive,” Solache said.

The group enjoys keeping up with community issues, Solache said, and attends City Council meetings regularly.

“We missed the last meeting, but watched the video on the city’s website,” he said. “There were political comments made between people who have differences of opinion about the current and former program at a location, and we made it clear that people should not come here and express them. We manage adult issues when they occur. ”

Discussions continue with the city about gaining Community Development Block Grant money allocated to the Dickison program.

“That money goes into the program,” Solache said. “There were concerns raised that we are not a local program, but if that were the case we would not receive money from any cities. Hopefully we can work that out.”

The group still has move-in issues pending.

“We asked for office space, and will move in as soon as it becomes available,” Solache said.

Call 323-582-6090 for information about the Oldtimers Foundation.