Submitted by Maria Reed, Administrator

Summer is almost here at the Rock Port Senior Center! If only the weather would catch up! We are longing for the laughter of children at the park and splashing sounds from the local pool.

Rock Port Senior Center has a Father’s Day celebration coming this week. Bring Dad in Friday, June 13, for a delicious meal of bar-b-que pulled pork on a bun, baked beans, roasted carrots, cherry crisp, and for those dining in, ice cream. Serving will be from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.   All ages are welcome and there will be a treat for Dad. Celebrate the special fathers in your life at the Center.

There will be a few fundraisers this summer and possibly a few raffles to help raise funds for the Center. Look for them at the 4th of July celebration in the Rock Port City Park, Fairfax Fair the weekend of August 15, and as always, the bake sale at Old Fashioned Saturday Night on Main Street in Rock Port. They appreciate all support from the community. Volunteers, donors and clients all help them continue to serve the senior citizens in and around Rock Port.

Rock Port Senior Center will be having its annual board meeting June 19 at 7:00 a.m. Monthly meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month at 7:00 a.m. Agendas are posted at the Center a week in advance and meetings are open to the public. If you are interested in becoming a board member, reach out to Maria or any of the current board members. A list is also posted publicly at the Center.

The Center’s volunteer roster is currently filled. They appreciate all who have signed up to help with home delivery of meals to clients who are unable to get out to get their meals. If you would still like to volunteer, there may be other opportunities. Fundraising booths always have a sign-up sheet for slots to work. All volunteer hours are matched and needed to continue to secure state and federal funding.

As mentioned before, this program is partially funded by the state. They are under contract and have policies that must be followed. The service provided is free of charge but they must afford clients the right to contribute to the program. They are required to have a posted “suggested contribution.” The amount must match the actual amount it costs the center to provide the meal. That includes all the costs involved: raw food, packaging, overhead, etc. On average it costs the Rock Port Senior Center $10.79 per meal. State funding covers $7.50 of that meal. The unfunded portion is $3.29. Their “suggested contribution” amount has been $4.50 for a number of years. Under the Final Rule of the Older Americans Act of 1965 and new policies at the Area Agency level, they are required to change it. Maria Reed, Administrator, said, “I want everyone to remember that it is just a suggestion. Inability to pay or unwillingness will not result in denial of services. If you feel you must contribute, do so within your budget. We are here to provide a service that no one is obligated to pay for. Please reach out if you have any concerns or questions about the new policy. Postings will change at the center in the near future. Please don’t let pride or misunderstanding prevent you from enjoying social interaction and a nutritious meal with us.”