Seniors Lunch Organizers Hold Membership Drive
Betty Gingerich told the
Community News that Culbertson senior and congregate meals organizers are holding a membership drive. The group meets Mondays and Fridays at noon. Meals are hosted at the Town of Culbertson building on Broadway Avenue. Gingerich said that attendance has been down since the pandemic, and down further still as the community continues to open up.
“Out numbers are way down since reopening from COVID-19,” said Gingerich.
According to Gingerich, who is a volunteer and a board member, there was an initial uptick in takeout meals with the onset of the pandemic. She speculated that many of those contributing to the increased takeout numbers were new participants in the program. As the community has reopened, said Gingerich, takeout numbers have dropped and the membership rolls are dwindling. As of now, takeout is restricted to homebound individuals. Gingerich said some members have died or moved away but said she hopes people will return to the mealtimes.
“It’s a social gathering,” she said. “It’s mainly about socializing for most people.”
Cook/volunteer Carol Rasmussen offers salads and beverages with meals rotating on a monthly schedule. Virginia Mcginnis is also a regular feature in the volunteer landscape at the lunches, as are LeEtta Waldhausen and Sharon Matney.
Lunch for seniors costs $5 and there is an annual $5 membership fee, which includes a complimentary lunch. Diners under 60 are expected to pay $9 for the meal.
Julie Bach from the Roosevelt County on Aging visits regularly with staff, helping seniors sign up for healthcare and other necessities. For more information about the council, visit rooseveltcounty. org. To contact Gingerich, call 406-480-5091.
