LAKEPORT — The Lakeport Senior Center received good news Wednesday when County Supervisor Anthony Farrington brought a check for $7,387 to the center and announced the Board of Supervisors approval Tuesday for the donation of either a car or truck to the center”s Meals on Wheels program.
The donation comes from a grant the county splits between area senior centers. The Lakeport center has a great need for an additional vehicle, Jean Welch said, a four-year volunteer and board member at the center.
“We have one truck and four drivers, three of them take there own cars, so we really need this vehicle. If they didn”t donate it to us, we”d probably have to hold at least four fundraisers to buy one, on top of needing to fundraise for a new roof?it needs to be fixed or replaced,” Welch said.
Lakeport Senior Center Director J.J. Jackson said the grant will be used just for food. The center provides meals to between 80-90 disabled seniors per day in its Meals on Wheels program alone. The center delivers to the Lakeport and Kelseyville area. Jackson said the only funded programs at the center are Meals on Wheels and daily congregate lunches. “Our outreach program is not funded right now. That program gives information and assistance to seniors,” Jackson said.
In a short presentation of an oversized check during lunch-time at the center, Farrington said, “This is a very important senior center, and we”re (Board of Supervisors) doing everything we can to give financial support. The board did approve to grant the vehicle, so that”s great news as well.”
“I”m not going to make a political pitch, but I want to remind you of a number of forums that will be held by Sutter later this month,” Farrington said, in regards to Sutter Lakeside Hospital”s proposal to cut their beds from 69 to 25. “This is about access to care, and it”s important that you attend and let your voice be heard and concerns addressed.” Sutter has yet to announce the forum dates. Contact 262-5049 for more information or to RSVP to the forum.
The Lakeport Senior Center will be holding a Valentine”s Day dinner/dance fundraiser for the Meals on Wheels program from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14. Chinese food will be prepared by Tony Tam, a volunteer who is traveling from Ukiah. Music by Jim Williams. Presale tickets are $12, at the door $15 and dance only $9. There will be door prizes and reservations are required before the 11th. Call 263-4218.
Contact Elizabeth Wilson at ewilson@record-bee.com.
