The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
In an attempt to keep their Stronghurst Senior Citizens Community room warm and cover high fuel costs, club members offered a hot meal of ham and beans Monday noon. The center was able to bring in around $400 by free will donation, according to Elsie Hartman, President.
The center is used frequently as a gathering place, she said. Several of the men like to play pool for a couple hours in the mornings, and at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, 8 to 20 seniors gather for dominos. On Saturdays, 8 to 12 come at 1 p.m. for Pitch. Those who do, pay to play, Elsie said, by donating a $1. It helps toward the $250 monthly heating bills, Elsie said.
Of course the government subsidizes meal program is at the heart of the senior citizen program. Meals on Wheels encourages seniors to socialize and assures they are getting a balanced meal. Seniors (6 to 14) come five days a week for lunch while 15 to 22 carry-outs are taken to homes in the Raritan, Media and Stronghurst area. The cost is $2 for anyone over 60 with the government paying the balance.
Meals are cooked at the Henderson County Health Department in Gladstone and delivered to Senior sites and to shut-ins around the county.
To eat at noon, guests may pay between $5 and $6 while those 60 and over pay $2 with advance reservations. They can be made by calling in Reservations by 12:15 p.m. the day before, so they can be ordered.
Elsie said they presently have 40 who are members- only a $5 annual fee. All donations received throughout the year are truly appreciated. The Seniors receive several donations of $50 and $100 from businesses to help with their year around upkeep and insurance. The building was left to them by the Brook family.
Officers of the 40 member club are Elsie Hartman President, Pauline Oge Vice Pres., Lois Campbell Secretary, Joann Stamp Treasurer. Bill Towns and Elsie Hartman are site managers.