December 2006 Vol. 25. No. 12

Published by the Humboldt Senior Resource Center in Eureka, California. HSRC is a non-profit community-based organization offering services for senior citizens, multi-generational families and caregivers.

Silvercrest Dining Center: New site develops an energetic following
Area Agency on Aging meeting names Senior Friends
Think About It: Foul weather driving - getting to your destination safely
Hot fresh lunch, plus: Senior dining centers offer more than a meal
Food safety for the holidays
Ferndale - Join the new slcial evening at the movies

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As Humboldt County residents, we are fortunate to live in an area unique in its values, geography and community spirit. Several years ago, my family moved from Seattle. One of the ironies about big-city living is that one can feel quite anonymous among so many people. It is refreshing to go from feeling anonymous to seeing familiar faces every day and knowing my neighbors again.

These rural qualities also contribute to the success of Senior Dining Center Congregate Programs. In other parts of the state and country, some congregate programs have been forced to close from lack of participation. In Humboldt and Del Norte counties, senior dining centers continue to be an important place for seniors to gather.

The senior dining centers have proven to be more than just a place to eat. The impact of a nutritious meal in the company of others is significant. It not only can lead to improved nutritional status, but it can also help to decrease isolation, loneliness and depression. It is also an opportunity for many to lend a hand by working as volunteers and assisting others. Additionally, it is an access point for a full range of activities and services from line dancing to insurance counseling that are available at senior centers.

In 2005, the Humboldt Senior Resource Center partnered with the Salvation Army to open a new senior dining center at Silvercrest, a Eureka senior residence. This site has been a success from the start, serving 40 to 50 seniors daily. Additionally, The Del Norte Senior Center Congregate Program has grown tremendously. In 2000, it served 18 to 28 seniors daily. Today the program is serving 50 to 80 seniors, with one to five newcomers daily.

The success of these dining centers is no accident - a growing senior population, great food, easy access to multiple dining centers, and donation request only (there is no charge for the meals and no senior will be denied a meal if unable to donate). Most importantly, the sites offer a warm atmosphere, filled with familiar faces and friendly staff. Many who dine at the sites often know one another in other capacities - they are members of the same organizations and churches or they went to high school together.

It is those connections that set the foundation of success for the Senior Dining Center Congregate Programs. We are serving our neighbors.

HSRC's Senior Nutrition Program has four sites: in Eureka are the Senior Resource Center, 1910 California St., and Silvercrest Dining Center, 2141 Tydd St.; the Arcata Community Center, 321 Community Park Way (across from HealthSport); and Mountain View Village, 2130 Smith Lane in Fortuna.

All dining centers are open Monday through Friday and serve a hot meal at lunch time that meets one-third of the recommended dietary allowance for an older adult. We encourage a $3 donation, but no one is denied a meal if unable to contribute. For more information about the dining centers or to make reservations, call 442-1181 in Eureka, 442-6143 at Silvercrest, 825-2027 in Arcata and 725-6245 in Fortuna and ask to speak to the site coordinator. Check out menus and activities on line at www.humsenior.org.

Door Step Lunches

Try our delicious Door Step Lunches, available for all ages and delivered to your home or office. Call before 3 p.m. for the next day delivery in Eureka,707-443-9747 ext. 264.

Tara Sanders, R.D., is the Humboldt Senior Resource Center's nutrition and activities director. Debby Krzesni, Area 1 Agency on Aging dietitian contributed to this article. Go to www.humsenior.org.