After 34 years with Millersville Area Meals on Wheels (MAMOW), Esther and Roy Hess have taken the keys out of the ignition and passed their driving route on to a new deliverer, Bill Archibald. Located at 121 N. George St., Millersville, MAMOW was founded in 1988 with the mission of delivering meals to people who live in the Penn Manor School District and are temporarily or permanently ill or handicapped, are elderly and living alone or homebound, or are convalescing.

Before MAMOW began its operation, Esther was a deliverer for Lancaster Meals on Wheels, which she began in 1985. Roy, an elementary school teacher for the Penn Manor School District, rode along with Esther when he was available. They even took their kids with them from time to time. Ever since Roy retired in 1997, he has been fully involved with MAMOW as a driver with Esther. The Hesses met at Messiah College in 1959 and were married in 1963. Although Esther was born and raised in Ohio, she and Ray decided to settle down in Lancaster County and have been here ever since.

"I think one of the things that is extremely important is we got into homes where people were living alone and they probably didn't get very much company, so we may have brought them some joy by delivering meals," explained Roy. "I think my wife has done a fantastic job taking responsibility all of these years for getting drivers and their cooperation. She has been relentless in pursuing the responsibilities she has been given, and I admire her."

Esther coordinated the route they drove to deliver the meals, which covered the townships of Manor, Martic, Pequea, and Conestoga. "I liked getting out into the community in the Southern End," said Esther. "It's beautiful down there. We've met really lovely people and super friendly dogs over the years."

The Hesses' last day was Feb. 11. Archibald rode along with them to learn the route.

"We're going to miss our clients, (MAMOW executive director) Joanne and (MAMOW assistant director) Cheryl, and the people in the kitchen," stated Esther. "The Friday cook, Sally Stratigos, always made extra of her recipe for pastitsio - that's a Greek dish - and gave it to us. We will miss that!"

Esther noted that they don't have any big plans at the moment, but Roy suspects that they will do some vacationing with their family.

"Meals on Wheels is a fantastic organization that has touched the lives of many people," commented Roy. "The meals are well prepared, delicious, and nutritious. We commend them very highly."

Anyone who is interested in volunteering or is in need of meals for a loved one may call 717-872-2415 or email office@mamow.org. The office is open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon. For complete information about MAMOW, visit https://mamow.org/.