Plains Paradise Senior Citizens Center perseveres through pandemic

The Plains Paradise Senior Center was challenged by COVID-19 in 2020 to continue serving its senior citizens.

The board applied for grants to supplement the reduced income. The center received a $2,000 COVID-19 relief fund grant from the state to purchase a laptop, printer and QuickBooks financial software.

This will help keep better track of expenses and income and make comparisons between months and/or years easier.

In addition, the Center received a $5,000 grant from Star Peak Foundation for the purchase of a new oven. The current oven is not working properly. The oven will be purchased this month.

The annual elections were held at the Center on Dec. 16. Re-elected to the following positions were President Sherryl Wachob, Vice President Nita Dyches and member-at-large Lynn McAtee. Linda Bursell was elected as Secretary/Treasurer and Ed Barry as member-at-large.

Judy Hulme and John Sheridan’s terms expire at the end of 2021.

Despite the challenges of this year, home-delivered meals continued without interruption. Sit-down meals were discontinued, but grab-and go meals were implemented.

However, income is down considerably, while expenses remain approximately the same. Meals for those 60 and over are $5 and under 60 are $7.

Membership renewals are currently on-going. A board member will be available at the center on Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to noon to renew memberships and to sign up anyone who wishes to join.

Yearly dues remain $5.00. Anyone is eligible to join the senior center.

If you prefer to mail in your membership dues, the address is P.O. Box 935, Plains, MT 59859.

Donations are always accepted. The Plains Paradise Senior Citizens Center is a 501(c)3 organization so all donations are tax deductible and greatly appreciated.