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Betty Flayer: February's Meals on Wheels Volunteer of the Month

Series Note: Through Wayne County Senior Services, the Detroit Area Agency on Aging and The Senior Alliance deliver about 6,000 meals daily to eligible seniors age 60 and older via Meals on Wheels. More than 800 volunteers power the operation, many of whom personally deliver the meals each week. This monthly series will highlight just a few of the volunteers who make it happen.

When asked what she likes about volunteering for Wayne County's Meals on Wheels, 90-year-old Betty Flayer said, "I like to help out. Working through church is a good outlet for me. I live alone and my days are quiet, so when I come on Friday morning I have friends and we share and it gives me a lift in my life."

A retired teacher who is originally from Buffalo, New York, Ms. Flayer has lived in Flat Rock for 65 years. She has volunteered with Meals on Wheels in Flatrock for the past two years only on Fridays, usually for two and a half hours each day.

She and her late husband, also a teacher, raised four sons and a daughter. She also has eight grandsons, three granddaughters, four great granddaughters and one great grandson.

Suzann Holtschlag, her supervisor, said she nominated Ms. Flayer as a Volunteer of the Month because of her willingness to do whatever needs doing.

"I have found her on her hands and knees cleaning the shelves. If I need someone to work an extra day, Betty always volunteers. She always has a hug for anyone she sees," she said. "At the end of the day, Betty always thanks me for allowing her to work. She says it keeps her mind clear, and she loves talking to people."

Ms. Flayer does not dispute that she enjoys giving hugs.

"To last in this world, you need at least 10 hugs a day."

For more information on Wayne County Senior Services, visit:

https://www.waynecounty.com/departments/seniorservices/home.aspx