Turn of the Card: A Community's Heartbeat

In the heart of the White Mountains, in the quaint town of Show Low, you’ll find the Turn of the Card Community Center. Known for its warmth, sense of community, and the best breakfast deal in town, this place is a lifeline for many. Every Friday, I’m drawn here, not just for the food, but for the stories and the sense of community that thrive within its walls.

In 1983, a woman named Gertrude Mae “Trudy” Bartlett began a humble mission. With a heart as vast as the mountains, Trudy started serving sack lunches to seniors in need from her own kitchen. She rallied friends and neighbors who shared her compassion and respect for the elderly to deliver these meals, creating a legacy.

Today, this legacy lives on at the Turn of the Card Community Center, where White Mountain Meals on Wheels operates. Guided by the mantra "Leave no one hungry in the White Mountains," they ensure Trudy's vision is at the heart of everything they do.

Gerty's Kitchen, named in Trudy’s honor, opens its doors every weekday from 7 am to 10 am. Here, you find not just food, but a true sense of community. Jessica, the Kitchen Manager, oversees a bustling kitchen where Mike cooks up delicious meals, James preps food and washes dishes, and Tina coordinates Meals on Wheels deliveries. Karen, the on-site Administrator and Manager, ensures everything runs smoothly. She says, "There is not a thing I could do without the rest of my wonderful co-workers. We help each other do what we do. That is what makes us good."

The story doesn’t end with breakfast. Elderly residents who rarely leave their homes often feel forgotten. These folks find comfort and food through the community center's efforts. Every day, White Mountain Meals on Wheels drivers deliver hot meals, warm smiles, and conduct daily well checks. The grateful eyes of these seniors tell a story of hope and connection, a lifeline in a world that can often feel isolating.

Every Wednesday, veterans and active-duty members gather for free donuts and coffee thanks to Fishers of Men for Veterans. These gatherings offer a space to connect and support each other, providing a break from routine and a chance to bond with others who understand their experiences.

The center also provides breakfast and lunch to children at the Nacog Head Start school and offers affordable lunches to seniors through the Congregate Meal Program. Each meal purchased supports the White Mountain Meals on Wheels program, which also delivers essential food supplies to those 60 and above through its partnership with the United Food Bank.

Turn of the Card Community Center relies on generous donations and grants to keep things running. For example, a grant from Nourishing Neighbors, Safeway, and Albertsons provided 100 $50 food cards for seniors. Sparklight’s $7,500 donation helped the center upgrade and add new tables and chairs. Additionally, a grant from Del E. Webb replaced old kitchen equipment, including a stove, a grill, and a salad bar. Last year, the kitchen served over 26,000 meals, including 400 free meals at Thanksgiving, all made possible by community donations, especially from the City of Show Low, Walmart, and Safeway.

To keep these services running, the center participates in fundraising events too. This June, they'll be at the Cruzin’ the Rim classic car show, the 4th of July Freedom Fest, and later, a golf fundraising event at Torreon. These events are crucial, sustaining the center's mission of providing food services to those in need.

Turn of the Card is more than just a place to eat. If you have a little time to spare and a heart willing to help, why not join the White Mountain Meals on Wheels family? And wherever you are, look for a community center like Turn of the Card in your area. By supporting these vital lifelines, we can ensure no one in our communities goes hungry or feels alone, keeping the legacy of people like Trudy alive.