Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
Hangin' with the Gnomies Fresh out of the kiln, Congregate Meals Gnomes share a cup of joe before heading to their new outdoor garden positions.
SIDNEY- As an addition to the Congregate Meals Summer program, a generous donation by local pottery shop Elston House, added to the summer festivities featuring indoor picnics and root beer float gatherings with a collection of "to-go" traveling gnomes. Representatives of Congregate Meals selected 15 meal clients to receive and then decorate and paint the gnomes which were then fired in the kiln at Elston House. After, they were returned to begin their "gnome place like home" life in local gardens.
The weekday meal program, boasting an impressive number of clients, promotes healthy meals for seniors in a group setting that encourages a sense of community far past the food. Located in the multi-purpose room inside the Cheyenne County Community Center located at 627 Toledo Street in Sidney, meals are served Mon-Friday from 10:30 am until Noon. Sidney's program is overseen by the adept and friendly individuals at the Aging Office of Western Nebraska who work tirelessly to provide a well-structured meal-providing service while offering a community atmosphere.
Samantha Williams, Nutrition Coordinator for the Aging Office of Western Nebraska states, "Our whole mission is to keep people living independently for as long as possible and this is one way of helping them achieve that. It also gives people a sense of belonging for those that don't have any family connections nearby; home delivery is also offered." Residents aged 60+ can eat for a suggested donation of $5.50 per meal.
Although Congregate Meals is partially government-funded, like so many other programs it has suffered devastating cutbacks and is now dependent on donations. Monetary donations are tax-deductible. They also accept donations of produce, should your garden be extra bountiful this year.
Contact Judy Schaefer of Congregate Meals at (308)-250-1517 to make a donation to keep this most worthy cause available to those who need it most. You can also stop by the Community Center at 627 Toledo Street in Sidney.
Cheyenne County native, local business owner.
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