Bonham -- After spending the past 25 years making sure that senior citizens in the Bonham area have at least one warm, nutritious meal a day, and after watching Bonham SNAP Center develop into a full-fledged activities center that is the envy of the area, Mae Knight retired this week as manager of the new Bonham Senior Center.
Mae Knight
This was a special party indeed, with a custom-designed cake and music provided by local songstress Donna Hennard.
As was only fitting for someone who has dedicated a large portion of her life to enrich the lives of others, a large crowd was on hand for this special occasion, including former Meals on Wheels of Texoma (MOWOT) Executive Director Kathey Scott, Bonham Mayor Roy Floyd, new MOWOT Executive Director Greg Pittman, Bonham City Manager Corby Alexander, the man responsible for initiating the drive for a new modern facility, Jay Tarwater, a room full of friends and several family members.
Mae Knight, surrounded by her family
"I thoroughly enjoyed it," Mrs. Knight said as friends gathered around to watch her open a beautiful glass plaque to commemorate the tens of thousands of meals for area seniors that were prepared under her direction. "We've had a ball."
The retiring Bonham Senior Center manager paused to thank all the employees who worked beside her and then Mrs. Knight introduced the new Senior Center manager, Joan Robbins.
"Be just as good to her as you were to me," was the final order Mrs. Knight gave to her crew.
(L-R) Joan Robbins and Mae Knight
Then she took a moment to look around the spacious new facility.
"I'm so proud of this Center," Knight said.
Mrs. Robbins has spent the last four years learning the ropes as assistant manager and that should ensure a seamless transition.
“Mae Knight has spent that past 25 years helping senior citizens and disabled persons maintain their independence," stated Greg Pittman, Executive Director, Meals on Wheels of Texoma. "Meals on Wheels of Texoma has benefited from her hard work, dedication, and sense of community spirit. Mae has been instrumental in building the Bonham Meals on Wheels program into what it is today, and we owe her a debt of gratitude for everything that she has done.”
"Mae has been a great asset for senior nutrition throughout out region, but especially in Bonham where she has become an icon," remarked Bonham Mayor Roy Floyd. "She is one of the reasons this program is so successful. And besides that, Mae is a wonderful and nice lady."
Mae Knight and Bonham Mayor Roy Floyd
"I want Mae to know how much we appreciate just how much she has put into this program," stated Linda Jay. "She has put her blood, sweat and tears into this."
"I just hope I don't have to set my alarm in the morning!" Mrs. Knight said with a laugh.
