by ASHLEY MILLER
for the Sequim Gazette
Suncrest Village Retirement Apartments, Olympic Community Action Programs and the larger Sequim community are partnering to keep seniors happy and healthy.
The organizations and others across the Olympic Peninsula are working together to provide high quality, nutritious meals to seniors as well as encouraging social interaction and helping seniors connect with community resources.
In the past, OlyCAP has provided warm meals at six locations throughout Clallam and Jefferson counties five days a week. With recent budget cuts, the frequency has dwindled to only twice a week in some locations, according to Marie Maxted, activity director at Suncrest Village.
To help fill the gap in Sequim, employees at Suncrest and throughout the community are teaming up with OlyCAP to ensure that seniors continue to have access to a healthy, warm dinner at least five days a week.
“It’s all about taking care of the community members and the elderly are a vulnerable group of people,” Maxted said.
“A lot (of seniors) don’t have the support they need to stay healthy.”
To raise additional funds for the program, Suncrest is hosting its second annual Oktoberfest, a benefit for the Sequim Senior Meal Program, Saturday, Oct. 15.
A donation of $10 is suggested, to enjoy a traditional Bavarian buffet, free children’s meals, live entertainment, door prizes, games, a silent auction, and a sale of hand-painted plates.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Maxted promised. “There will be music, dancing and delicious food.”
Senior meals are available at Suncrest Village five days a week starting at 4 p.m. Each evening, Maxted said, it never fails: The room is filled with at least 50 or 60 seniors seeking food and companionship.
The weekly menu at Suncrest Village is published in the Gazette. Additional meal sites include the Forks Community Hospital Café, the Port Angeles Senior Center, the Brinnon Community Center, the Port Townsend Community Center and the Tri-Area Community Center. Reservations are required at all of the sites.
More information about the Senior Nutrition Program is available by calling Janet Anderson at 360-385-2571.
