CHESTER – The Chester Council on Aging is announcing a partnership with Highland Valley Elder Services (HVES) to serve as one of the region’s community dining centers, offering meals to seniors at the COA.
Next Thursday, February 9, there will be a sample meal offered at 11:45 AM. This will give seniors a chance to try the food and learn more about the program. There is no charge for the meal, though a confidential donation is accepted if it is within your means.Transportation for those in Chester will be available. Those from neighboring towns who need transportation should arrange it through FRTA van service. Anyone 60 or over is welcome. Reservations are required by 12 pm, Tuesday, February 7. On the menu is Yankee Pot Roast, whipped potatoes, steamed peas, whole wheat bread, chilled peaches and milk, coffee, or tea. Please call the COA at 354-7735 to make your reservation, request a ride (Chester), or get more information. Diners are also invited to stay for the weekly matinee movie afterwards, which starts at 1PM. The movie will be Sully starring Tom Hanks. The movie tells the story of the “Miracle on the Hudson” when Captain “Sully” Sullenberger glided his disabled plan onto the frigid waters of the Hudson River in 2009.
The Community Dining Center meals program will open officially on Monday, March 6, and serve a meal every Monday at 11:45 AM.
“I am really excited to be able to offer this program to our seniors”, said Sue Kucharski, Director of the Chester COA. “We have wanted to get this program off the ground for a long time. So many seniors eat alone every day, or because of chronic illness, don’t have the energy to cook. It can also be hard to cook for just one or two when you’ve been used to cooking for a family for so many years.” The program provides seniors an opportunity to get out of the house and socialize with others over a meal.
The dining center will be run by volunteers who have been trained in the operation of the program, including the administrative facets, food safety and sanitation. “One of the things that I believe will guarantee our success, is our team of dedicated volunteers”, said Ms. Kucharski. The volunteer team responsible for launching the program consists of Peggy Graveline, Marge Laurie, Ann Daley, and Barbara Shippee. The more volunteers that sign on, the more days we can offer meals. “We are starting slowly, with one day a week”, notes Ms. Kucharski. “I am hoping that as the program catches on, more folks will step up to volunteer some time so that we can expand the service. Volunteers will be asked to commit to about 2 hours on the days they volunteer, starting at 11 AM. They can volunteer according to their own schedule, whether it be once a week, or once in a while. Contact the Chester COA at 354-7735 if you are interested in volunteering.
