Senior Nutrition Program cooks in Empire

By Helen Westie
Sun contributor
“A complete dinner for two dollars?” someone asked. “Where? When?” At the Empire Township Hall at noon on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays is the answer. The catch is that one must be at least 60 years old to qualify for the Senior Nutrition Program, which offers an entré, salad, vegetables, bread and butter, dessert and coffee, tea and milk. This program is under the auspices of the Northwest Michigan Human Services Agency in Traverse City (NWMHSA). Vi Brott of Traverse City heads the nutritional part of this agency. She says, “this program is the original Wellness Program before Wellness became so popular in recent years in communities and businesses.” It encompasses activities and friendship as well as nutrition. Fifty-three percent is funded by a grant from the federal government under the Department on Aging. Thirty-seven percent is provided by fees and donations for the meals. The department has contracted through Goodwill via paid workers who prepare and deliver the hot meals from Traverse City to Empire.

In Empire the volunteer heads of the program, Conley and Marion Addington of Burdickville, have been leading it for 12 years. They make reservations, collect fees, unpack the hot food as it arrives, and serve it. Bette and Les Haney of Empire assist in the whole process. They have attended senior dinners for 25 years.
Some of the ladies can be seen playing cards at 11:30 on dinner days. “Kings Corner” seems to be the popular game. At noon the group gathers at the tables for the blessing by Conley and the dinner is served by Marion and Bette. “Attendance is not what it has been in the past,” says Conley. “So many have passed away and newcomers to the area do not know about the program. Our people come not only for the dinner, but for the fellowship.”
Sometimes a birthday is celebrated. Goodwill sends over a large, decorated cake. Ice cream comes from our local fund. Recently, Betty Haney was honored for her 90th birthday.
“I think the program is wonderful,” said Marcella Bodoh. “I started coming when I turned 60.”
Doris Larsen of Empire gave this opinion: “Some elderly people should not be sitting at home eating crackers and cheese when they could be having a good, warm dinner. In the past, we had more people. We often stayed until 3 or 4 in the afternoon playing Pinochle or Euchre.”
Betty Haney commented, “The senior program is a fine one. If you do not like an item, there is always another one. I like the friendship.”
Dorothy Lanham of Glen Arbor said she likes the social aspect. “You learn what is going on.”
Geri Valentine, a member of the board of the Commission on Aging, was a recent dinner visitor. She came to answer questions about all the senior citizen programs and helps offered senior citizens in the area.
Marion Addington came with Conley for socializing 12 years ago. “Conley had to retire and we had to get out of the house. You may not need us but we need you,” she said.
“We have our own piano. Now we need a piano player. Some sing-a-longs would be nice,” said Mary Beaird from Empire.
Barbara Gerndt of Empire commented, “It’s fun to come here.”
Les Honey added, “My wife and I look forward to coming here and meeting people in our age group.”
The writer of this article can attest to the quality of the dinners. I would say they range from good to excellent.
Any senior citizens interested in the dinners should call Conley Addington at 334-4922.