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Senior Center sees changes at mealtime
Nevada Daily Mail
Meals will be served a little bit easier at the Vernon County Senior Center.
Two new appliances -- a refrigerator and steam table -- have been purchased for use in the center's kitchen.
The previous steam table, which was used to keep food warm during mealtime, had developed leaks and become inefficient. With repairs on the table estimated at $1,500, the Senior Center Board decided to replace the appliance instead of repairing the 10-year-old steam table.
And in December bids were solicited to replace the center's refrigerator after a compressor had broken.
Both items were replaced in mid-January for a total cost of $5,000. The old appliances were scrapped out, returning $100 to the senior center.
The Vernon County Senior Center serves around 129 meals per day. Those include meals served in the center and home-delivered. It's estimated that the center will serve more than 32,400 meals in 2014.
But outside of kitchen upgrades, the senior center is facing a new issue: appealing to a new generation of retirees.
Center Coordinator Angie Daniels told Senior Center Board members on Monday that the number of meals served is lower than last year, and that much of the difference can be attributed to changing visitor demographics.
"Senior centers across the country are seeing numbers lower than years past," Daniels said. "Baby Boomers are not flocking in yet," she said.
These changes affect the center's food budget; staff members adjust food purchases month by month to reflect demand.
Senior centers nationwide are working to appeal to those in the 60 to 65 age group.
Board members are looking at fundraisers for this year to bring in additional revenue. A Senior Prom, set for May 3, is one fundraiser in progress. The event, which is open to the community regardless of age, will feature dancing, photography and snacks.
Other upcoming events include a Mardi Gras celebration, featuring lunch and themed activities on March 4.