August 11, 2025 • 26 mins
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Chrome isn't just shining in Pilot Point this August—it's serving a higher purpose.
Beneath the gleaming hoods and polished fenders of the vehicles at ChromeFest lies a powerful story of community connection. My conversation with Cindy Ferris, affectionately known around town as "Mama C," reveals how a grassroots car show that began in 2016 has transformed into a lifeline for homebound seniors across northern Denton County.
ChromeFest (Saturday, August 30th, 8am-1pm) started as a simple gathering organized by Grace Nazarene Church and local car enthusiasts. Today, it's directing 100% of its proceeds to Meals on Wheels, which delivers daily nourishment to seniors who can no longer drive or prepare meals themselves. But as Cindy passionately explains, these deliveries provide far more than food—they offer crucial wellness checks and often the only human contact recipients receive all day. The volunteers notice when someone doesn't answer their door, following up to ensure their safety with the care and persistence of family.
The program extends beyond home deliveries to include congregate meals at the Pilot Point Community Center, where seniors gather for social activities, games, and companionship. As part of SPAN (transportation services), Meals on Wheels also helps seniors reach medical appointments and even delivers pet food monthly through their Senior Paws program.
What makes ChromeFest's partnership with Meals on Wheels so poetic is the symmetry: vehicles that once represented freedom and independence for many seniors now help support those same individuals when driving is no longer possible. Between admiring classic cars, enjoying live music from New Beginnings, watching the Bearcat Band perform, and cheering on the police vs. fire department tug-of-war, visitors contribute directly to their neighbors' wellbeing.
Cindy's parting wisdom captures the heart of volunteering: "You will get much more out of it than you give." Join us at ChromeFest to celebrate both automotive history and community compassion—or consider becoming a volunteer driver yourself. Your time could become someone's lifeline.
Order your copy today of "Achieve Optimal Brain Health with Nutrition," by Stefan McDermott.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYWMB929
www.stefanmcdermott.com
Would you like Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus to come to your home or office? Contact The Santa Steven at Steven@theSantaSteven.com or book a party on https://www.gigsalad.com/the_santa_steven_aubrey or call 469-230-5956 for more information.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Steven Killfoil (00:04):
Crossroads Podcast.
We'll be right back, but thosewho want to be in the know,
(01:03):
who's your daddy?
Good morning, Cross Roads.
Welcome back.
Friends.
This week we are going todiscuss the voices of Pilot
Point.
I'm your host, Steven Killfoil,and today we're cruising back
into a conversation that hasequal parts of horsepower and
(01:25):
heart.
I am excited to welcome back avery special guest who's been on
our show before and is deeplyinvolved in our community and
helping to make this year'sChromeFest the most meaningful
one yet Cindy Faris.
Cindy, welcome, and thank youso much for joining today.
Cindy Faris (01:48):
Thank you, Steven.
That's almost the same amountof applause I get at the coffee
house or at city councilmeetings.
This is a topic I love talkingabout and I'm thrilled to share
(02:10):
with what's happening in myhometown.
Steven Killfoil (02:14):
Well, let's start talking about Chrome Fest.
She's real fine, my 409.
She's real fine, my 409.
She's real fine, my 409, my 409.
Well, I saved my pennies and Isaved my dimes.
(02:36):
Giddy up, giddy up, 409.
Before I knew there would be atime Giddy up, giddy up, 409
when I would buy a brand new 409.
Giddy up, giddy up, giddy up,409.
Giddy up, giddy up, 409.
(02:58):
Nothing can catch her, nothingcan touch my 409, 409.
Ooh, giddy up, giddy up, ooh,giddy up, giddy up, ooh, giddy
up, giddy up, ooh, giddy up,giddy up.
(03:21):
One of the most beloved eventsin Pilot Point.
For our listeners who might notknow, give us the back story on
how did ChromeFest come to be.
Cindy Faris (03:41):
Absolutely.
Chromefest began as agrassroots idea from a group of
car lovers and local leadersAbout 2016,.
Grace Nazarene Church wasreopened in Pilot Point and
Pastor Dwayne Edwards moved intotown.
These folks wanted to find away to bring some people
(04:01):
together, celebrate the historyand beauty of classic cars and
boost tourism in the downtownsquare.
The first Chrome Fest waspretty small just a handful of
cars, a local band and a fewfood vendors, but the response
was huge.
People loved it.
It's grown every year since,with hundreds of vehicles.
(04:23):
This year, I think Dwayne saidthey had 100 plus vehicles
that'll be on display andthey've had thousands of
visitors coming from acrossTexas.
Steven Killfoil (04:36):
And it's more than just cars, right, it's
music, food trucks, vendors, areal family-friendly vibe.
Cindy Faris (04:47):
Exactly, it's turned into a celebration of
small time sorry, small towncharm and a big time show feel.
Let me just give you thehighlights off their poster
Chromef est, car Show andCommunity Event.
August 30th from 8 am to 1 pmthat's a Saturday on the Pilot
(05:09):
Point Square.
They're going to have foodtrucks, live music by New
Beginnings, giveaways, BearcatBand and Cheerleaders live and
silent auctions and to top itall off, and to top it all off,
a police and fire tug-of-war.
Steven Killfoil (05:26):
That sounds like a lot of fun.
Cindy Faris (05:28):
Oh yeah, I enjoy that tug-of-war.
Steven Killfoil (05:32):
Who do you root for?
Cindy Faris (05:34):
Both sides.
Steven Killfoil (05:35):
Both sides.
Okay, there you go.
I love them both.
That's kind of like when they have the
Oktoberfest and have the littlewiener dog competition.
Cindy Faris (05:43):
Yeah.
Steven Killfoil (05:44):
You've got to root for all of them.
Cindy Faris (05:45):
That's right, can't pick out one wiener dog.
Steven Killfoil (05:48):
There you go, and what makes it extra special
this year is where all theproceeds are going to something
truly important Meals on Wheelsin Denton County.
This covers Pilot Point, Aubrey, Krugerville, Cross Roads,
Providence Village, Paloma Creekand Savannah.
(06:09):
Let's shift gears and talk alittle bit more on Meals on
Wheels.
Many people know the name, butnot everyone understands just
how vital it is, especially inrural communities like ours.
Can you share a little bitabout its history, Cindy?
Cindy Faris (06:28):
Sure Meals on Wheels concept started in the UK
during World War II to helppeople affected by the Blitz,
and it came to the United Statesin the 1950s.
Our local Denton County officeopened, I believe, in 1974 or 76
and has been serving thecommunity here since then.
(06:50):
The idea was simple deliver hotmeals to homebound seniors and
those with disabilities whocan't cook or shop for
themselves.
In Denton County and in thisarea of our county, meals on
wheels has become an essentialservice.
We serve dozens of clientsright here in our area out of
(07:11):
the pilot point community centeris where the meals are
delivered, monday through friday.
And it's not just food thatgets delivered, it's daily
contact that is so important topeople who are homebound.
Volunteers go to the home,knock on the door, ring the
doorbell, check in with thosehomebound folks, offer a smile,
(07:37):
some conversation and make ourseniors feel safe and cared for
our seniors feel safe and caredfor.
If you don't mind me justtalking for a Steven About, a
couple of times where they havearrived and people didn't come
to the door, we call them.
(07:58):
If they don't come, then wecall back to the office and we
talk to the person who's incharge that day and they try and
call and if they can't get themthey do call either the office
or, if their contact person islisted, we can call them and say
(08:18):
, hey, your mom or your dadisn't opening the door today.
Is there something that wedon't know?
Maybe they didn't call us andtell us they were going to a
doctor's appointment orsomething.
So we're very concerned withthese people and we do
everything we go out of our wayto make sure that they're safe
inside their homes before wewalk away.
Steven Killfoil (08:41):
That's amazing.
That is so powerful.
Sometimes that knock on thedoor is the only human contact
someone gets all day.
Cindy Faris (08:53):
Exactly.
It's not just a meal beingdelivered, you know, hopefully a
nutritious meal that they enjoyeating.
It's a moment of connectionbetween two human beings and I
can't tell you how much thatmatters.
I also want to talk a littlebit about congregate meals.
(09:13):
So a lot of people don't knowabout our congregate meals.
So at the community center at 11o'clock, monday through Friday
we serve a congregate meal and acongregate meal is for people
who are not homebound.
They have to be 60 to get afree meal and they can come to
the community center and sitthere and have a meal, a
(09:35):
congregate meal, in other words,they get to congregate with
other people, have conversations, have some social life.
So all of the community centersor wherever they're served that
are doing the congregate meals,they have programs.
So if you're going to LittleElm, you may have an exercise
(09:57):
program that day In Pilot Pointwhere all the meals come out of
that.
They're delivered to us fromthe Denton office and when they
come out there people can comein exercise on certain days,
come and do crafts, play cards,play dominoes, play games.
Certain days, come and do crafts, play cards, play dominoes,
(10:20):
play games, and then, you know,at 11, we'll serve the meal and
then they can go back and playdominoes or cards or whatever
they feel like doing.
So it's a way of getting peoplewho are still able to get out
but maybe don't have quiteenough social life.
You know, maybe they don't haveany relatives that live right
here in town, so it gets themout.
And I can't tell you.
(10:42):
We have, you know, a group ofwomen who get together Monday
through Friday.
It's not all the same every day, you know it'll grow from 10 of
them to four, but they come andevery day enjoy coming and
having a meal together andplaying cards or dominoes.
So it's it's great and you knowwe love having them that's.
Steven Killfoil (11:07):
That's an oh, that's wonderful.
So let's make it a littlepersonal for a moment.
How did you get involved withMeals on Wheels?
Cindy Faris (11:17):
Well, I was retired and I was doing volunteer host
work out at Isle de Bois Park atLake Ray Roberts, and I was
also coming into town and doingsome volunteer work for the
Chamber of Commerce with DeniseMorris and she told me about the
(11:40):
Meals on Wheels program at thecommunity center, and so I went
over and I talked to Tammy andshe put me to work right away.
So I started driving back in2015 and delivering to the
Aubrey-Krugerville Cross Roadsarea, and I did that for about a
(12:00):
year and a half until I nolonger was at Ray Roberts.
I moved to a different lake asa host and so then, when I
decided after a bunch of acouple of years that I was going
to move back to Pilot Point, I,through a group of concerned
(12:23):
citizens, we got together and wereopened the community center
and serving Meals on Wheels andMeals on Wheels hired me as
their site manager, so that's mystory and I'm sticking to it as
their site manager.
So that's my story and I'msticking to it.
Steven Killfoil (12:45):
Well, that's a touching story and for folks
listening, if they want tovolunteer or if they ever know
somebody who could benefit fromMeals on Wheels, how do they
contact the program, eitherlocally or in Pilot Point?
Cindy Faris (12:56):
Okay, well, we do have a sign-up process.
So if they want to get someonewho is, let me explain who can
qualify to get our homeboundmeals.
The person has to be 60 yearsold.
They also are not able to driveanymore, so they have to be 60,
(13:20):
and homebound is what weconsider that.
They can reach us at the officenumber at 940-382-2224, or the
website is wwwmowdc.
org, and they will call you backand get some information and
(13:45):
then an assessment is done todecide that you qualify, that
person qualifies for thisservice and then, um, at some
point they'll be put on a rosterfor whatever area they live in.
Now, this is only for DentonCounty.
Each Meals on Wheels has itsown in each county.
(14:08):
So, um, if you want tovolunteer to become a driver and
deliver meals for the homebound, I would appreciate you calling
me and letting me know, andthen I'll let the office know.
The training is on the secondand fourth Fridays at 10 am at
(14:29):
our Denton office and you canreach me, Cindy Faris, and that
last name is F-A-R-I-s at972-838-3259.
Um, if you're in a differentarea than then, um north of 380,
and we go all the way out pastthe lake towards um sanger and
(14:55):
we go all the way to all of thehousing additions that are along
1385.
So we go to the east side andif you're still in Denton County
, if you're in Prosper, we dodeliver to there too.
So we have a very largeterritory and we always need
drivers.
So if you're interested you cansign up for us.
If you're in any other area,just call that 940-382-2224 and
(15:21):
tell them that you're interestedin coming to the training and
and and what area that you livein, so that they'll know where
to assign you later.
Steven Killfoil (15:31):
Well, let's bring this around full circle.
This years Chrome fest isgiving 100 percent of its
proceeds to support Meals onWheels in Denton County.
Yeah, that's incredible.
Cindy Faris (15:58):
It really is, and I just thank my stars and my God
every day that the organizersdecided this year that the event
should honor Meals on Wheelsand that it was a perfect fit.
Every dollar raised, whetherit's from vendor fees to T-shirt
(16:22):
sales, to sponsorships, it'sgoing straight into feeding and
supporting our seniors in ourown backyard.
And I need to just touch basewith you one more second about
something else about Meals onWheels.
We don't stand alone.
We are actually a division ofSPAN, s-p-a-n, which stands for
(16:49):
our transportation services.
So if you are a senior and youqualify, then you can get rides
to doctor's appointments.
You do need to call in advanceand get yourself signed up, and
then you do need to call inadvance to sign up for a
(17:10):
specific date.
I think they need at least twoweeks in advance to get you into
a seat on one of our vans.
So we also have that.
But we have a third program too, and that is our Senior Paws
(17:30):
program, where we deliver foodonce a month to people in need
that have pets in the home, andsince they can't get to the
grocery store and those bags areheavy, we bring the food to
them for their pet, either a dogor a cat, no, horses, pigs et
(17:50):
cetera.
Steven Killfoil (17:50):
I was about to say what about horses.
Sorry.
Cindy Faris (17:54):
You just have to eat the grass in your yard.
Steven Killfoil (17:56):
Load a bale of hay up there in the back of the
truck, okay, okay.
So when you come out toChromefest this year, you're not
just admiring some beautifulmachines, you're fueling a
mission.
You're helping a neighbor eat,smile and feel seen.
Cindy Faris (18:20):
That's right.
We're not just fueling thosethings, we're fueling the whole
body and it's a chance to havefun and give back.
We're hoping the communityreally shows up for both because
, again, this is not about PilotPoint.
This is everything from thecounty line north of Pilot Point
(18:42):
all the way through the county,so anything in the county.
This is going to benefit, butme specifically.
I'm trying to raise that moneyso that my seniors have the
benefit of having food on theirtable.
Steven Killfoil (19:04):
Absolutely, and we have a few of them that show
up on Tuesdays at sessions.
They're sweet folks.
Yes, we do yes we do,definitely, definitely we won't
name any.
Cindy Faris (19:15):
Oh yeah, we won't name any names.
No I started to say her name,but we won't name it.
Steven Killfoil (19:20):
They just have a very favorite song about a
Mustang Sally.
Cindy Faris (19:24):
Yeah
Steven Killfoil (19:26):
All right.
Well, as we start to wrap up,Cindy, what would you say to
someone who's never attendedChromefest or volunteered with
Meals on Wheels?
Cindy Faris (19:40):
Well, as far as Chromefest, I'd say come out
once and you'll probably be yeah, stuck on it, yeah that would
be a good way.
You know, the cars are beautiful.
I can't.
I mean, there's so manydifferent colors of cars too.
It's like looking at a jewelout in this parking lot area.
(20:02):
You know, the blues, the reds,the yellows.
They're truly beautiful carsand I'm not I'm not a car
aficionado, but I enjoy justwalking around and seeing how
people have fixed these oldtimers up and what they look
like.
And, and you know, I can't sayenough about the colors.
That it's just, it's beautiful.
Steven Killfoil (20:22):
Oh, yeah, definitely
As far as volunteering, ittakes a little time to make a
huge difference.
Even one delivery a week canbrighten a life, and I guarantee
it'll brighten yours.
You will get much more out ofit than you give.
Absolutely.
I remember growing up, when mymother and father first got
(20:45):
married, the first car that theyhad was an old 1956 Chevy Bel
Air.
Cindy Faris (20:55):
I had that car.
That was my very first car.
Steven Killfoil (20:57):
Beautiful car Aqua, blue and white.
Cindy Faris (20:59):
That was my car.
Steven Killfoil (21:01):
It was amazing.
Yeah, then about 1969, dad, mombought their first brand
spanking new car.
It was a 1969 Comet GT and thatthing was as blue as the sky
and as fast as good Lord.
I mean, the thing was fast andit was the old three-column
(21:22):
shift.
Cindy Faris (21:24):
Oh yeah, I remember those.
Steven Killfoil (21:25):
One of my cousins actually wound up
getting that car and that's theone he drove around in high
school and then when I got intohigh school I had an old 66 Ford
Fairlane.
Uh, it was a lot of fun and andfast and those cars just these
kids nowadays have no idea.
(21:45):
They'll never know the pleasureor feel of punching the pedal
to the floor and feeling thatG-force as that horsepower kicks
in and just pulls that car upto an amazing speed.
Cindy Faris (22:00):
Well, maybe if we start a bike fest in Pilot Point
or here in the area, maybethey'd feel it if they got on
Steven Killfoil (22:10):
Well, they tied a rope to the bumper and let
them pull it.
Yeah, they could.
Cindy Faris (22:13):
Yeah,
Steven Killfoil (22:15):
I think the parents might be a little
apprehensive about that, but
Cindy Faris (22:20):
And, if you don't mind my telling you, there's a
few other things coming up inPilot Point that people might be
interested in.
You've been involved in this.
The theater at Pilot PointCommunity Opera House
Steven Killfoil (22:33):
Absolutely.
Cindy Faris (22:35):
Our next play is called Death Trap and it's going
to be at 7.30 pm on September12th and 13th, 19th and 20th
those are Friday and Saturdaysand then at 2.30 pm on Sunday,
the 14th and Sunday the 21st.
On 9-27, which is a Saturday,we have Oktoberfest coming up,
(23:02):
big celebration there, and thenon Saturday the 11th of October
we have our famous Bonnie andClyde days and then, you know,
in December we'll have Christmason the Square.
Oh, I forgot, we also haveScare on the Square in October.
Steven Killfoil (23:23):
Oh, yeah,
Cindy Faris (23:24):
yeah, we can't forget that.
Steven Killfoil (23:26):
Well said, all right folks.
October oh yeah.
Yeah, we can't forget that.
Well said, all right folks.
Chrome fest Pilot PointSaturday rolling into , August
30th, from 8 am to 1 pm.
Mark your calendars, bring yourfriends and remember that every
dollar raised supports Meals onWheels of Denton County.
If you can't attend, considerdonating or signing up to
(23:50):
volunteer.
All the info is at theM-O-W-D-C dot O-R-G or call
what's your number, Cindy
Cindy Faris (24:01):
972-838-3259.
Steven Killfoil (24:06):
Call
Cindy Faris (24:07):
Or you can call the main office at 940-382- 2224.
Steven Killfoil (24:12):
There you go.
Cindy Faris (24:15):
Well, I hope to see everybody on the square.
I know I'll see you, Steve,
Steven Killfoil (24:21):
Definitely,
Cindy Faris (24:22):
And I will be manning a table or walking
around.
You know talking to the crowds,as I always do.
You know, I do have a newnickname in Pilot Point.
Steven Killfoil (24:35):
Oh, what's that ?
Cindy Faris (24:35):
Mama C,
Mama C,
Mama and C for Cindy, yeah, okay.
So I've kind of, you know,gotten so many children that
have, you know, either adoptedme or I've adopted them, and so
now I'm Mama C and come hungry,bring your camera and be ready
to be inspired by those cars andby donations.
Steven Killfoil (24:58):
Well, thanks again, Cindy, for joining me
today and thank you, listenersout there for tuning in.
This is Steven Killfoilreminding you to stay connected,
stay compassionate and keepsupporting the people who make
our town great.
Until next time, take care, andwe'll see you at Chromefest and
(25:19):
I'll see you at the top!Crossroads Podcast.
For those who want to be in theknow, who's your daddy.
Crossroads Podcast.
We'll be right back, but thosewho want to be in the know,
(01:03):
who's your daddy?
Good morning, Cross Roads.
Welcome back.
Friends.
This week we are going todiscuss the voices of Pilot
Point.
I'm your host, Steven Killfoil,and today we're cruising back
into a conversation that hasequal parts of horsepower and
(01:25):
heart.
I am excited to welcome back avery special guest who's been on
our show before and is deeplyinvolved in our community and
helping to make this year'sChromeFest the most meaningful
one yet Cindy Faris.
Cindy, welcome, and thank youso much for joining today.
Cindy Faris (01:48):
Thank you, Steven.
That's almost the same amountof applause I get at the coffee
house or at city councilmeetings.
This is a topic I love talkingabout and I'm thrilled to share
(02:10):
with what's happening in myhometown.
Steven Killfoil (02:14):
Well, let's start talking about Chrome Fest.
She's real fine, my 409.
She's real fine, my 409.
She's real fine, my 409, my 409.
Well, I saved my pennies and Isaved my dimes.
(02:36):
Giddy up, giddy up, 409.
Before I knew there would be atime Giddy up, giddy up, 409
when I would buy a brand new 409.
Giddy up, giddy up, giddy up,409.
Giddy up, giddy up, 409.
(02:58):
Nothing can catch her, nothingcan touch my 409, 409.
Ooh, giddy up, giddy up, ooh,giddy up, giddy up, ooh, giddy
up, giddy up, ooh, giddy up,giddy up.
(03:21):
One of the most beloved eventsin Pilot Point.
For our listeners who might notknow, give us the back story on
how did ChromeFest come to be.
Cindy Faris (03:41):
Absolutely.
Chromefest began as agrassroots idea from a group of
car lovers and local leadersAbout 2016,.
Grace Nazarene Church wasreopened in Pilot Point and
Pastor Dwayne Edwards moved intotown.
These folks wanted to find away to bring some people
(04:01):
together, celebrate the historyand beauty of classic cars and
boost tourism in the downtownsquare.
The first Chrome Fest waspretty small just a handful of
cars, a local band and a fewfood vendors, but the response
was huge.
People loved it.
It's grown every year since,with hundreds of vehicles.
(04:23):
This year, I think Dwayne saidthey had 100 plus vehicles
that'll be on display andthey've had thousands of
visitors coming from acrossTexas.
Steven Killfoil (04:36):
And it's more than just cars, right, it's
music, food trucks, vendors, areal family-friendly vibe.
Cindy Faris (04:47):
Exactly, it's turned into a celebration of
small time sorry, small towncharm and a big time show feel.
Let me just give you thehighlights off their poster
Chromef est, car Show andCommunity Event.
August 30th from 8 am to 1 pmthat's a Saturday on the Pilot
(05:09):
Point Square.
They're going to have foodtrucks, live music by New
Beginnings, giveaways, BearcatBand and Cheerleaders live and
silent auctions and to top itall off, and to top it all off,
a police and fire tug-of-war.
Steven Killfoil (05:26):
That sounds like a lot of fun.
Cindy Faris (05:28):
Oh yeah, I enjoy that tug-of-war.
Steven Killfoil (05:32):
Who do you root for?
Cindy Faris (05:34):
Both sides.
Steven Killfoil (05:35):
Both sides.
Okay, there you go.
I love them both.
That's kind of like when they have the
Oktoberfest and have the littlewiener dog competition.
Cindy Faris (05:43):
Yeah.
Steven Killfoil (05:44):
You've got to root for all of them.
Cindy Faris (05:45):
That's right, can't pick out one wiener dog.
Steven Killfoil (05:48):
There you go, and what makes it extra special
this year is where all theproceeds are going to something
truly important Meals on Wheelsin Denton County.
This covers Pilot Point, Aubrey, Krugerville, Cross Roads,
Providence Village, Paloma Creekand Savannah.
(06:09):
Let's shift gears and talk alittle bit more on Meals on
Wheels.
Many people know the name, butnot everyone understands just
how vital it is, especially inrural communities like ours.
Can you share a little bitabout its history, Cindy?
Cindy Faris (06:28):
Sure Meals on Wheels concept started in the UK
during World War II to helppeople affected by the Blitz,
and it came to the United Statesin the 1950s.
Our local Denton County officeopened, I believe, in 1974 or 76
and has been serving thecommunity here since then.
(06:50):
The idea was simple deliver hotmeals to homebound seniors and
those with disabilities whocan't cook or shop for
themselves.
In Denton County and in thisarea of our county, meals on
wheels has become an essentialservice.
We serve dozens of clientsright here in our area out of
(07:11):
the pilot point community centeris where the meals are
delivered, monday through friday.
And it's not just food thatgets delivered, it's daily
contact that is so important topeople who are homebound.
Volunteers go to the home,knock on the door, ring the
doorbell, check in with thosehomebound folks, offer a smile,
(07:37):
some conversation and make ourseniors feel safe and cared for
our seniors feel safe and caredfor.
If you don't mind me justtalking for a Steven About, a
couple of times where they havearrived and people didn't come
to the door, we call them.
(07:58):
If they don't come, then wecall back to the office and we
talk to the person who's incharge that day and they try and
call and if they can't get themthey do call either the office
or, if their contact person islisted, we can call them and say
(08:18):
, hey, your mom or your dadisn't opening the door today.
Is there something that wedon't know?
Maybe they didn't call us andtell us they were going to a
doctor's appointment orsomething.
So we're very concerned withthese people and we do
everything we go out of our wayto make sure that they're safe
inside their homes before wewalk away.
Steven Killfoil (08:41):
That's amazing.
That is so powerful.
Sometimes that knock on thedoor is the only human contact
someone gets all day.
Cindy Faris (08:53):
Exactly.
It's not just a meal beingdelivered, you know, hopefully a
nutritious meal that they enjoyeating.
It's a moment of connectionbetween two human beings and I
can't tell you how much thatmatters.
I also want to talk a littlebit about congregate meals.
(09:13):
So a lot of people don't knowabout our congregate meals.
So at the community center at 11o'clock, monday through Friday
we serve a congregate meal and acongregate meal is for people
who are not homebound.
They have to be 60 to get afree meal and they can come to
the community center and sitthere and have a meal, a
(09:35):
congregate meal, in other words,they get to congregate with
other people, have conversations, have some social life.
So all of the community centersor wherever they're served that
are doing the congregate meals,they have programs.
So if you're going to LittleElm, you may have an exercise
(09:57):
program that day In Pilot Pointwhere all the meals come out of
that.
They're delivered to us fromthe Denton office and when they
come out there people can comein exercise on certain days,
come and do crafts, play cards,play dominoes, play games.
Certain days, come and do crafts, play cards, play dominoes,
(10:20):
play games, and then, you know,at 11, we'll serve the meal and
then they can go back and playdominoes or cards or whatever
they feel like doing.
So it's a way of getting peoplewho are still able to get out
but maybe don't have quiteenough social life.
You know, maybe they don't haveany relatives that live right
here in town, so it gets themout.
And I can't tell you.
(10:42):
We have, you know, a group ofwomen who get together Monday
through Friday.
It's not all the same every day, you know it'll grow from 10 of
them to four, but they come andevery day enjoy coming and
having a meal together andplaying cards or dominoes.
So it's it's great and you knowwe love having them that's.
Steven Killfoil (11:07):
That's an oh, that's wonderful.
So let's make it a littlepersonal for a moment.
How did you get involved withMeals on Wheels?
Cindy Faris (11:17):
Well, I was retired and I was doing volunteer host
work out at Isle de Bois Park atLake Ray Roberts, and I was
also coming into town and doingsome volunteer work for the
Chamber of Commerce with DeniseMorris and she told me about the
(11:40):
Meals on Wheels program at thecommunity center, and so I went
over and I talked to Tammy andshe put me to work right away.
So I started driving back in2015 and delivering to the
Aubrey-Krugerville Cross Roadsarea, and I did that for about a
(12:00):
year and a half until I nolonger was at Ray Roberts.
I moved to a different lake asa host and so then, when I
decided after a bunch of acouple of years that I was going
to move back to Pilot Point, I,through a group of concerned
(12:23):
citizens, we got together and wereopened the community center
and serving Meals on Wheels andMeals on Wheels hired me as
their site manager, so that's mystory and I'm sticking to it as
their site manager.
So that's my story and I'msticking to it.
Steven Killfoil (12:45):
Well, that's a touching story and for folks
listening, if they want tovolunteer or if they ever know
somebody who could benefit fromMeals on Wheels, how do they
contact the program, eitherlocally or in Pilot Point?
Cindy Faris (12:56):
Okay, well, we do have a sign-up process.
So if they want to get someonewho is, let me explain who can
qualify to get our homeboundmeals.
The person has to be 60 yearsold.
They also are not able to driveanymore, so they have to be 60,
(13:20):
and homebound is what weconsider that.
They can reach us at the officenumber at 940-382-2224, or the
website is wwwmowdc.
org, and they will call you backand get some information and
(13:45):
then an assessment is done todecide that you qualify, that
person qualifies for thisservice and then, um, at some
point they'll be put on a rosterfor whatever area they live in.
Now, this is only for DentonCounty.
Each Meals on Wheels has itsown in each county.
(14:08):
So, um, if you want tovolunteer to become a driver and
deliver meals for the homebound, I would appreciate you calling
me and letting me know, andthen I'll let the office know.
The training is on the secondand fourth Fridays at 10 am at
(14:29):
our Denton office and you canreach me, Cindy Faris, and that
last name is F-A-R-I-s at972-838-3259.
Um, if you're in a differentarea than then, um north of 380,
and we go all the way out pastthe lake towards um sanger and
(14:55):
we go all the way to all of thehousing additions that are along
1385.
So we go to the east side andif you're still in Denton County
, if you're in Prosper, we dodeliver to there too.
So we have a very largeterritory and we always need
drivers.
So if you're interested you cansign up for us.
If you're in any other area,just call that 940-382-2224 and
(15:21):
tell them that you're interestedin coming to the training and
and and what area that you livein, so that they'll know where
to assign you later.
Steven Killfoil (15:31):
Well, let's bring this around full circle.
This years Chrome fest isgiving 100 percent of its
proceeds to support Meals onWheels in Denton County.
Yeah, that's incredible.
Cindy Faris (15:58):
It really is, and I just thank my stars and my God
every day that the organizersdecided this year that the event
should honor Meals on Wheelsand that it was a perfect fit.
Every dollar raised, whetherit's from vendor fees to T-shirt
(16:22):
sales, to sponsorships, it'sgoing straight into feeding and
supporting our seniors in ourown backyard.
And I need to just touch basewith you one more second about
something else about Meals onWheels.
We don't stand alone.
We are actually a division ofSPAN, s-p-a-n, which stands for
(16:49):
our transportation services.
So if you are a senior and youqualify, then you can get rides
to doctor's appointments.
You do need to call in advanceand get yourself signed up, and
then you do need to call inadvance to sign up for a
(17:10):
specific date.
I think they need at least twoweeks in advance to get you into
a seat on one of our vans.
So we also have that.
But we have a third program too, and that is our Senior Paws
(17:30):
program, where we deliver foodonce a month to people in need
that have pets in the home, andsince they can't get to the
grocery store and those bags areheavy, we bring the food to
them for their pet, either a dogor a cat, no, horses, pigs et
(17:50):
cetera.
Steven Killfoil (17:50):
I was about to say what about horses.
Sorry.
Cindy Faris (17:54):
You just have to eat the grass in your yard.
Steven Killfoil (17:56):
Load a bale of hay up there in the back of the
truck, okay, okay.
So when you come out toChromefest this year, you're not
just admiring some beautifulmachines, you're fueling a
mission.
You're helping a neighbor eat,smile and feel seen.
Cindy Faris (18:20):
That's right.
We're not just fueling thosethings, we're fueling the whole
body and it's a chance to havefun and give back.
We're hoping the communityreally shows up for both because
, again, this is not about PilotPoint.
This is everything from thecounty line north of Pilot Point
(18:42):
all the way through the county,so anything in the county.
This is going to benefit, butme specifically.
I'm trying to raise that moneyso that my seniors have the
benefit of having food on theirtable.
Steven Killfoil (19:04):
Absolutely, and we have a few of them that show
up on Tuesdays at sessions.
They're sweet folks.
Yes, we do yes we do,definitely, definitely we won't
name any.
Cindy Faris (19:15):
Oh yeah, we won't name any names.
No I started to say her name,but we won't name it.
Steven Killfoil (19:20):
They just have a very favorite song about a
Mustang Sally.
Cindy Faris (19:24):
Yeah
Steven Killfoil (19:26):
All right.
Well, as we start to wrap up,Cindy, what would you say to
someone who's never attendedChromefest or volunteered with
Meals on Wheels?
Cindy Faris (19:40):
Well, as far as Chromefest, I'd say come out
once and you'll probably be yeah, stuck on it, yeah that would
be a good way.
You know, the cars are beautiful.
I can't.
I mean, there's so manydifferent colors of cars too.
It's like looking at a jewelout in this parking lot area.
(20:02):
You know, the blues, the reds,the yellows.
They're truly beautiful carsand I'm not I'm not a car
aficionado, but I enjoy justwalking around and seeing how
people have fixed these oldtimers up and what they look
like.
And, and you know, I can't sayenough about the colors.
That it's just, it's beautiful.
Steven Killfoil (20:22):
Oh, yeah, definitely
As far as volunteering, ittakes a little time to make a
huge difference.
Even one delivery a week canbrighten a life, and I guarantee
it'll brighten yours.
You will get much more out ofit than you give.
Absolutely.
I remember growing up, when mymother and father first got
(20:45):
married, the first car that theyhad was an old 1956 Chevy Bel
Air.
Cindy Faris (20:55):
I had that car.
That was my very first car.
Steven Killfoil (20:57):
Beautiful car Aqua, blue and white.
Cindy Faris (20:59):
That was my car.
Steven Killfoil (21:01):
It was amazing.
Yeah, then about 1969, dad, mombought their first brand
spanking new car.
It was a 1969 Comet GT and thatthing was as blue as the sky
and as fast as good Lord.
I mean, the thing was fast andit was the old three-column
(21:22):
shift.
Cindy Faris (21:24):
Oh yeah, I remember those.
Steven Killfoil (21:25):
One of my cousins actually wound up
getting that car and that's theone he drove around in high
school and then when I got intohigh school I had an old 66 Ford
Fairlane.
Uh, it was a lot of fun and andfast and those cars just these
kids nowadays have no idea.
(21:45):
They'll never know the pleasureor feel of punching the pedal
to the floor and feeling thatG-force as that horsepower kicks
in and just pulls that car upto an amazing speed.
Cindy Faris (22:00):
Well, maybe if we start a bike fest in Pilot Point
or here in the area, maybethey'd feel it if they got on
Steven Killfoil (22:10):
Well, they tied a rope to the bumper and let
them pull it.
Yeah, they could.
Cindy Faris (22:13):
Yeah,
Steven Killfoil (22:15):
I think the parents might be a little
apprehensive about that, but
Cindy Faris (22:20):
And, if you don't mind my telling you, there's a
few other things coming up inPilot Point that people might be
interested in.
You've been involved in this.
The theater at Pilot PointCommunity Opera House
Steven Killfoil (22:33):
Absolutely.
Cindy Faris (22:35):
Our next play is called Death Trap and it's going
to be at 7.30 pm on September12th and 13th, 19th and 20th
those are Friday and Saturdaysand then at 2.30 pm on Sunday,
the 14th and Sunday the 21st.
On 9-27, which is a Saturday,we have Oktoberfest coming up,
(23:02):
big celebration there, and thenon Saturday the 11th of October
we have our famous Bonnie andClyde days and then, you know,
in December we'll have Christmason the Square.
Oh, I forgot, we also haveScare on the Square in October.
Steven Killfoil (23:23):
Oh, yeah,
Cindy Faris (23:24):
yeah, we can't forget that.
Steven Killfoil (23:26):
Well said, all right folks.
October oh yeah.
Yeah, we can't forget that.
Well said, all right folks.
Chrome fest Pilot PointSaturday rolling into , August
30th, from 8 am to 1 pm.
Mark your calendars, bring yourfriends and remember that every
dollar raised supports Meals onWheels of Denton County.
If you can't attend, considerdonating or signing up to
(23:50):
volunteer.
All the info is at theM-O-W-D-C dot O-R-G or call
what's your number, Cindy
Cindy Faris (24:01):
972-838-3259.
Steven Killfoil (24:06):
Call
Cindy Faris (24:07):
Or you can call the main office at 940-382- 2224.
Steven Killfoil (24:12):
There you go.
Cindy Faris (24:15):
Well, I hope to see everybody on the square.
I know I'll see you, Steve,
Steven Killfoil (24:21):
Definitely,
Cindy Faris (24:22):
And I will be manning a table or walking
around.
You know talking to the crowds,as I always do.
You know, I do have a newnickname in Pilot Point.
Steven Killfoil (24:35):
Oh, what's that ?
Cindy Faris (24:35):
Mama C,
Mama C,
Mama and C for Cindy, yeah, okay.
So I've kind of, you know,gotten so many children that
have, you know, either adoptedme or I've adopted them, and so
now I'm Mama C and come hungry,bring your camera and be ready
to be inspired by those cars andby donations.
Steven Killfoil (24:58):
Well, thanks again, Cindy, for joining me
today and thank you, listenersout there for tuning in.
This is Steven Killfoilreminding you to stay connected,
stay compassionate and keepsupporting the people who make
our town great.
Until next time, take care, andwe'll see you at Chromefest and
(25:19):
I'll see you at the top!Crossroads Podcast.
For those who want to be in theknow, who's your daddy.
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