The Seniors` Lunch
Christ Episcopal Church Parish Hall
Mondays and Fridays, 11:30-12:30 In 2002, Levy County provided transportation from Cedar Key to Chiefland and Gainesville for the county`s senior citizens. When the service was discontinued, the seniors lost more than just transportation, such as socializing on the bus and sharing restaurant meals. Chris and Danith Harkness of Cedar Key called a meeting for interested citizens of Cedar Key to help solve the problem. At the meeting, Barbara Cook of Sewanee River Economic Council, Inc. and Chiefland Senior Center announced that she was interested in expanding her lunch program. She offered to supply lunches to Cedar Key. Next was to find a site, and Christ Episcopal`s Parish Hall was it. On the site`s opening day, Barbara Cook delivered the food, and a crew of volunteers-Chris and Danith Harkness, Grady and Omega McLeod, and Betty Rose Cooke-set up, served, and cleaned up. The Senior Lunch was born. Today, the senior lunches are still served at the Episcopal Parish Hall, Mondays and Fridays, 11:30-12:30. The meals consist of appetizers such as raw fruits and vegetables, dips, cheese and crackers; entrees of meat, cooked veggies, and pasta or potatoes; milk, and lots of coffee. There is no charge for the meals. In addition to the food, there is plenty of time to learn and socialize. For example, twice a year a registered nutritionist presents information on subjects such as what to eat, what not to eat, and why. Entertainment such as a local Barbershop Quartet and a piano player and sing along is quite popular. At the heart of these lunches are the stories-old timers spinning yarns from their youth or answering questions for newcomers. Jokes abound as are enquiries regarding those who are ill. This is a community who cares about all members. The Senior Lunch attracts folks from all walks of life. Some think the meals are charity and therefore do not attend. One of the seniors tells of her own reluctance to come to the lunch. She did not want to accept charity. Folks kept urging her to attend, and when she did, she never looked back. She, like many, now looks at it as fun and a place where she can catch up on all the local news. She, the other seniors, and the volunteers look forward to Mondays and Fridays. You just might find yourself arriving at the Parish Hall at 11:15 for that first cup of coffee and to visit with friends old and new. |
