Community Senior Luncheon

Ellis Hall is ready

Senior Community Luncheon and Program

Dick ,Shari and Jim

The program is underway

 For many years the Southern Maine Agency on Aging had sponsored the Meals on Wheels Program with Peoples UMC being the location for preparation and distribution of meals to Senior citizens living in the area. SMAA also prepared once a month for a luncheon in Ellis Hall. In the last year SMAA had retreated to their Scarborough site for the distribution of Meals and the practice of the once a month luncheon also came to an end.

Chef Brad at the grill

Fred Ronco on Medicare

Fred Ronco and Marlene Tordoff

Brad Morrison and other members of Peoples thought that we as a church body should try to restore the luncheons. On Thursday, September 14 at 11 o’clock AM the “new luncheon” was instituted. Long before the day, Brad and Marlene Tordoff began to put together a team of members to call lists of people that had been provided by SMAA and another list from the Commodities Program that the church was already engaged in. SMAA was called to inform them of this activity and to welcome their input. SMAA also provided the source of the first program that was to be presented. Fred Ronco made an oral and visual presentation on Medicare and other insurance programs that held a message for our elder citizens.

Chef Brad prepares the meal

Brad prepared a menu that would include Barbeque Chicken, bread and a combination of rice and beans.  Advertising was also placed in the high rises locally as well as throughout the church. A set up and cleanup committee was developed as well. Many of our own members would be participants in the luncheon. Ruth Doughty was willing to take on the job of decorating for the event. Joanne Kamiliewicz was willing to become the lead caller.

Janice serves Wes and Betty

By the time the event was to take place over 60 members of the church and community had said they would like to come. Most of those who said they would did, in time with a few others that had not indicated they would be there. Chef Brad, however, was prepared with plenty of food for all. The meal was topped off with a dessert of Blueberry Cake with whipped cream.

Ready for luch

Many of those present were taking notes when Fred was speaking. All who were present were provided with a packet of information that was prepared to go with his talk.

The crowd increases

Many of those present voiced their opinions, most of which were favorable. Many loved the meal, thought that the seating arrangement was quite different than in the past, enjoyed being with friends and were grateful for the service provided by waiters and waitresses. Most thought the program was good and helpful. Easy access to Ellis Hall was also a plus for this site. Some felt that they didn’t mind “buffet style” on occasion. Most approved having this kind of function as a monthly endeavor.

Shari, Joanne, Dick and Pastor Tom

Among our own workers we did feel that the event for a first time was very successful. We did learn from this experience how to improve in the coming months. It was great to see so many of our own members bringing about the success of this event. While not all members of “the crew” are mentioned by name in this blog let it be known that all of the work put into this venture was very much appreciated by those that initially brought the first luncheon and program for seniors to fruition.

A meeting of all of you who are interested in continuing this worthwhile endeavor are welcome to attend a meeting of review and planning after church in Ellis Hall this coming Sunday, September 24.