Weather watcher
, Staff
03-14-2007
Retired meteorologist talks about Meals-on-Wheels
“Meals-on-Wheels has been a lifesaver,” said Warren Culbertson, 87 year-old Meals-on-Wheels recipient. “I love the meals. They have helped me live and get well.” Warren Culbertson is just one of the 575 people Meals-on-Wheels of Johnson and Ellis Counties serves everyday, and like many, Warren has had an eventful and interesting life.
Culbertson, an Ellis County native, was not destined for an ordinary life. After graduating from Waxahachie High School in 1935, he attended Trinity University and then the University of Texas in Austin, completing a degree in meteorology. He then served in WWII on the European front. He was a major in the Army Air Corps where he forecasted weather for bomber flight routes flying out of North Africa into Italy and France.
After his service, he returned home and attended CalTech, graduating with a master’s degree in meteorology. Upon receiving his degree, he began working for WBKB in Chicago. While with WBKB, Culbertson was well-known for his coverage of a 1957 hurricane in the Caribbean. He flew into the eye of the storm reporting the conditions for national television, which was broadcasted on the ABC network.
Being homesick, he decided to move his family back to north Texas. In Dallas, he was the staff meteorologist for WFAA-TV, and then KRLD, bringing the weather to homes each evening. He also was part of the KVIL radio team reporting the weather with the long-time radio personality, Ron Chapman.
“Ron and I are still good friends,” Culbertson said. “He sent me 87 helium-filled balloons for my birthday this year!”
In addition to his career in the media, he octagenarian wrote a handbook entitled The Way of the Weather as an everyday guide to the weather.
“I wrote the book to better explain the weather to the public. At that time, many people did not understand how the weather worked,” Culbertson commented as he proudly displayed his book. He also taught at the Hockaday School for Girls and Arlington College. Recently, he received the “Distinguished Alumni Award” from the Waxahachie High School Ex-Students Association.
After 35 years of radio and television, Warren retired and settled in Waxahachie. When he is out of his home, he is often recognized. Culbertson chuckled and said, “At the grocery store, people often ask me: ‘Are you the old weather guy?’ I think most people know me best by my rain gauge and thermometer outside my home. You wouldn’t believe how many stop to look at it!”
Like many, Warren has had a busy life, but now cannot get around as much as he used to.
“As I said before, Meals-on-Wheels has been great for me – a real lifesaver,” he said. “I also love the Meals-on-Wheels volunteers. They are the bright spot of my morning.”
Culbertson, too, was a Meals-on-Wheels volunteer for 10 years.
“So, I definitely understand the need for more volunteers,” he added.
Culbertson’s story makes it obvious the impact that Meals-on-Wheels has had on one person’s life, and is available to help other homebound elderly and disabled live more productive and independent lives, in their own homes – where they want to be. Meals-on-Wheels volunteers deliver noontime meals Monday through Friday in most of the communities, covering over 1,700 square miles.
“We encourage anyone who would like to help to get involved anyway that you can; whether that be through volunteering, donating, or telling others about our services. Who knows, when you are out delivering, you might just meet a local celebrity!” said a Meals-on-Wheels spokesperson.
“A route takes no more than an hour to deliver, and provides the daily contact for those we serve. We continue to need volunteers to help get meals delivered, as well as local monies to support our organization,” she added.
During the month of March, Meals-on-Wheels of Johnson and Ellis Counties along with other meal programs nationwide, participate in the March for Meals Campaign. This year’s slogan is “So No Senior Goes Hungry.” The Campaign has three primary goals: (1) raise awareness of senior hunger, (2) recruit new volunteers to help address the issue, and (3) raise needed funds to be used at the local level. Meals-on-Wheels is promoting the local program through media outlets, “Mayors for Meals”, and a barbecue benefit.
“Mayors for Meals” is scheduled for March 21 where 20 mayors from both counties will be delivering meals in their respective communities. The “BBQ Benefit” will be held on March 31 at the Loma Linda Events Pavilion in Rockett with a barbecue dinner and live entertainment.
For more information about the benefit meal, volunteering, or services, contact the Meals-on-Wheels office at 972-351-9943, or on the web at www.servingthechildrenofyesterday.org.
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