By GEORGE KUNKE
The Pacific County Senior Center is inviting the public to stop in for lunch, visit with friends, and perhaps partake in a game of BINGO. Guests have been down in recent weeks and they could use a shot in the arm from the public.
The Senior Center took over the lunch program about a year and a half ago from the defunct PACE organization. The center looks great inside and underwent a new paint job on the outside.
The Senior Center prepares meals for 30 guests per day, Monday through Friday. Last week the guests ranged from 4 to 21. The center also offers Meals on Wheels for home delivery on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
“The suggested donation is $3.50, but we won’t deny someone a meal if they can’t afford it,” said head cook Monica Riley. “People think that were just for low income, but actually we’re for all seniors. Baby Boomers don’t think they qualify.” The $3.50 suggested donation is for those 60 and over. The cost is $8 for those 59 and under. “Each meal costs us $8,” Riley noted. “Our meals are just to assist them to remain healthy and independent.”
Government funding, grants, donations and the lunch program support the center.
Riley said a new BINGO activity is in the works. “We’re starting free BINGO after lunch, every other week starting October 17,” Riley said. “We will give away gifts of whatever people donate.
“We’d love to see some new faces,” Riley said. “We’re also looking for someone to come in and do an activity, and for people to donate gifts for BINGO. Please come and join us for lunch.”
Stop by for a visit, get involved with an activity and enjoy a quality lunch at an economical price.
The Senior Center is located at 324 Jackson Street in Raymond. Lunch is served at 11:45. For more information about the center or do make a donation, please telephone 942-5739.
Squashtoberfest Oct. 12
The Pacific County Senior Center is hosting Squashtoberfest Oct. 12 from 10-4. The public is cordially invited to have a cup of hot cider and check out the local vendor tables. Squashtoberfest will have two contests open to the public with cash prizes.
A squash dessert contest is one of the highlights of the event. Bring a whole squash dessert and recipe to the contest. Squash must be in the dessert to compete. Dessert sampling will be available to the public. Judging begins at noon and desserts need to be here by 11 a.m.
Have fun with the scarecrow contest will have displays set up by contestants. Contestants must bring supplies to make scarecrow. Best scarecrow display wins. Scarecrows will be displayed until Nov. 1 at senior center. Judging begins at noon, and displays must be completed by noon.
All ages are invited to participate in both events. There is a $5 entry fee for each entry. Proceeds benefit Senior Nutrition. Vendor tables are available for $15 each. For more information, call 942-5739.