I think that one of the most critical organizations in Lake County is not getting enough note or credit for its hard work.
That is the Alpine Lucerne Senior Center in Lucerne.
I don”t think most people realize that Matt Nations a Meals-On-Wheels driver, as well as the other drivers are an absolute lifeline for some of these housebound seniors. And I do mean seniors, some past their 80s.
These people rely on these drivers for their meals and wellness checks.
Many times Matt has had to call his supervisor to alert her that a situation is very bad or unfortunately call the authorities in the case of a death.
Also he has, on occasion also notified the veteran service officer in Lakeport when it seemed to be a veteran issue.
It is practical as well as cost effective to keep these seniors in their homes but it takes a village to do this. It takes commitment and maybe doing some laundry twice a week. The center does a remarkable job turning out frozen meals, daily meals at the center and extra grocery items and milk.
They have to scrounge from the local stores that have been very generous for these items. It appears that due to salary constraints, they have great difficulty in retaining a chef. This is a critical element of a place that requires such diet planning, frozen meal setup and delivery everyday and creativity.
If there ever was an organization that has proved it”s absolute need in a remote area, it”s this center.
This center really deserves support and volunteers that are committed to the seniors in our county when they need us the most.
One tour on the Meals-On-Wheels run will break your heart. Anyone who thinks they could never be in this position is very foolish indeed.
Alan Winter
Upper Lake
