Sr. Cub Center not just for senior citizens

The Senior Cub Center is not just for senior citizens. Although the Center is a hub for senior services such as wellness checks, birthday bashes and a $4 lunch, the public is welcome to join the festivities. Mr. Edward Furr invited the Enterprise staff to eat lunch with him and his wife, Sylvia. Unfortunately, the lunch crowd only included the Furrs and Olney Enterprise editor Gina Keating and myself.

Senior Cub Center Executive Director Angela Lockard said the COVID pandemic played a role in the decline.

“Our lunch crowd has suffered a 45 percent decline compared to pre-pandemic trends. Some of our clients have died and some have just never returned to congregate meals since the pandemic. We want to encourage not just seniors but also the public to dine-in with us or to order carryout from us,” Lockard said.

The congregate program serves 15 meals per day, and the home-delivered meal program serves 72.

“Compared to pre-pandemic trends, all together we are serving about the same number of meals per day between congregate and home delivered meals. So, our home delivered meal program has increased its reach in contrast to congregate meals,” Lockard explained.

At the onset of inflation, Lockard said the Senior Cub Center is a good solution. “For most seniors, income is fixed. With rising food and fuel costs, one can hardly afford to eat at home much less eat out. But Olney Senior Cub Center is making it possible for seniors and the public to get a warm, balanced meal that is nutritious and tasty for an affordable price,” Lockard said.

Senior citizens pay $4 for lunch, and everyone under 60 pays $6. If you’re interested in ordering takeout or dining in, call 940.564.2782 by 11 a.m. Lunch is served at noon Monday through Friday. The weekly menu is printed on the calendar page in Olney Enterprise, and you can also view it on the Center’s Facebook page @OlneySeniorCubCenter.

Board member Valorie Mahler, who has been serving on the board since 2011, encourages the community to support the Center by engaging with the seniors by eating lunch and volunteerism.

“I believe in the Senior Cub Center and serving brings me joy. I like volunteering in all facets including small things like washing towels,” Mahler said.